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Stephen Walton
As a photographer, understanding the nuances between electronic and mechanical shutters is essential for mastering your craft. Both types of shutters play crucial roles in capturing images, but they function differently and are suited to various scenarios.
I’ll break down what each type of shutter does, explain rolling and global shutters, and offer guidance on when and why to use each option.
Additionally, I’ll run through some practical tips for finding and adjusting these settings on your camera.
Mechanical shutters have been used in cameras for decards. Essentially, a mechanical shutter consists of two physical curtains or blades that open and close to expose the camera’s sensor to light.
The first curtain opens to allow light through, and the second curtain closes to end the exposure. This process occurs at a precise speed, which we refer to as the shutter speed.
One of the main advantages of a mechanical shutter is its reliability and consistency. It’s been tested and refined over years of photographic development.
Mechanical shutters are particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects and high-contrast scenes without introducing electronic artefacts.
They tend to perform well in various lighting conditions and offer familiar tactile feedback for many photographers.
Electronic shutters work differently from their mechanical counterparts. Instead of physically moving parts, an electronic shutter operates by controlling the sensor electronically.
When the shutter is activated, the sensor’s electronic readout is adjusted to record the image. The exposure is controlled by how long the sensor is active and collecting light.
One of the primary benefits of an electronic shutter is its ability to achieve extremely fast shutter speeds—often beyond what a mechanical shutter can handle.
This makes it ideal for capturing very fast movements without blur.
Additionally, because there are no moving parts involved, electronic shutters are typically quieter and produce less vibration, which can be advantageous in delicate shooting situations or when you need to avoid disturbing your subject.
In the realm of electronic shutters, you’ll often encounter terms like rolling shutter and global shutter. Both refer to how the sensor captures images, but they differ significantly in their operation and the types of distortions they can introduce.
Most common in consumer cameras, a rolling shutter captures images by scanning the scene from top to bottom. The sensor’s rows are read sequentially, which means different parts of the scene are exposed at slightly different times. This can lead to distortion in fast-moving scenes, such as a skewed appearance of rapidly rotating propellers or a bending of straight lines.
On the other hand, a global shutter captures the entire scene simultaneously. This approach eliminates the distortions seen with rolling shutters, making it ideal for high-speed photography and video where accuracy and image integrity are paramount.
However, global shutters are more complex and costly, so they are generally found in higher-end cameras and specialised equipment.
Mechanical shutters are well-suited to various photographic situations, but they truly shine in scenarios where traditional photography techniques are necessary.
For instance, when you’re shooting in bright conditions and need precise control over exposure, mechanical shutters are reliable.
They are also beneficial when photographing moving subjects where electronic artefacts from rolling shutters might be problematic.
Mechanical shutters are often preferred for their consistency and the absence of electronic distortion.
This makes them a good choice for landscape photography, portraiture, and other genres where stability and accuracy are crucial. The tactile feedback and mechanical reliability of these shutters provide a sense of control and familiarity, which many photographers appreciate.
Electronic shutters offer advantages in different scenarios, particularly when you need to achieve very fast shutter speeds or a silent shooting experience.
They excel in low-light conditions or when you need to capture fleeting moments with minimal blur.
For instance, electronic shutters are ideal for sports photography or wildlife photography, where the ability to freeze fast action is crucial.
In addition to their speed, electronic shutters are beneficial for street photography or any situation where you need to avoid drawing attention. The silent operation is less intrusive, allowing you to capture candid moments without disturbing your subjects.
They are also advantageous in scenarios where camera shake or vibration could affect image quality, thanks to the lack of moving parts.
To switch between mechanical and electronic shutters, or to adjust shutter speed, you’ll need to navigate your camera’s menu.
The process can vary depending on your camera model, but here’s a general guide to help you find and adjust these settings:
To modify the shutter speed, locate the ‘Shutter Speed’ setting in the menu. Adjust it using the dial or control wheel on your camera.
After making your changes, ensure you save the settings and exit the menu. Take a few test shots to confirm that the shutter type and speed adjustments are working as expected.
Not all cameras offer both mechanical and electronic shutter options. Typically, higher-end models and mirrorless cameras provide a choice between the two. In contrast, entry-level or older DSLR cameras may be limited to mechanical shutters only.
Understanding the differences between mechanical and electronic shutters is vital for any photographer looking to expand their technical expertise.
Each type of shutter offers unique advantages and is suited to different shooting conditions. By mastering when and how to use each shutter type, you can improve your photographic versatility and capture images with greater precision.
Whether you’re using a mechanical shutter for its reliability or an electronic shutter for its speed and silence, knowing how to adjust these settings and when to employ them will enhance your overall shooting experience.
Take the time to familiarise yourself with your camera’s shutter options, and you’ll find that your photography skills will reach new heights.
With Electronic Front Curtain Shutter (EFCS) the first line of the camera’s shutter is electronic, the rear curtain remains mechanically driven
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