1. What is Exposure Time?

Exposure time (or shutter speed) is the length of time a camera's sensor is exposed to light. It's a critical component of the exposure triangle (along with aperture and ISO) that determines how much light reaches the camera sensor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the exposure time formula:

Where:

• \( aperture \) — The f-number (e.g., f/2.8, f/4, etc.)
• \( ISO \) — The camera's ISO sensitivity
• \( light \) — The light level in lux

Explanation: The equation calculates the required exposure time based on the aperture size, ISO sensitivity, and available light. Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) and lower light levels require longer exposure times.

3. Importance of Exposure Time Calculation

Details: Proper exposure time is essential for achieving correct exposure in photography. It also affects motion blur and the ability to freeze action in photos.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter aperture as an f-number (e.g., 2.8 for f/2.8), ISO value (typically between 100-6400), and light level in lux. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical lux value for daylight?
A: Bright sunlight is about 100,000 lux, overcast daylight about 10,000 lux, and indoor lighting typically 100-1000 lux.

Q2: How does aperture affect exposure time?
A: Each full f-stop (e.g., f/2 to f/2.8) halves the light, requiring double the exposure time to maintain the same exposure.

Q3: What's the relationship between ISO and exposure time?
A: Doubling the ISO allows you to halve the exposure time while maintaining the same exposure.

Q4: What are typical exposure times?
A: In daylight, typical exposure times range from 1/1000s to 1/60s. In low light, exposures can range from 1/30s to several seconds.

Q5: When would I need to calculate exposure time?
A: This is useful for manual photography, night photography, astrophotography, or when using manual flash setups.