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You need to adjust the shutter speed on your camera to take pictures based on different lighting scenarios. For example, a faster speed is preferred when capturing motion while a slower speed helps in low light conditions. If you’re using a Nikon D7000, here’s how to change the shutter speed on a Nikon D7000.
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How to Change the Shutter Speed on a Nikon D7000
You can change the shutter on the Nikon D7000 by using the automatic mode, the aperture mode, or the shutter mode. Each places a certain level of significance on shutter speed and allows you to change it accordingly. Choose each mode according to your preference.
Switch to Automatic Mode
The Nikon D7000 has four main modes: P (programmer auto), A (aperture priority), S (shutter priority), and M (manual mode). You can change these modes through the turn of the dial at the top of the camera.
The automatic mode is simple. When you set your camera to this mode, it chooses the shutter speed on its own. Besides this setting, it chooses other settings too such as aperture and ISO levels. This means that your speed changes according to the camera.
However, you can change your speed yourself too if you are not satisfied in this mode by simply turning the rear dial.
Switch to Aperture Mode
As the name suggests, the camera gives higher priority to aperture. In essence, you set the aperture while the camera sets the shutter speed to provide optimal exposure. Aperture helps control how much light comes into a camera, and a wider aperture gives you a shallow depth of field, helping you capture a Bokeh.
To enable this, follow these steps:
- Turn the mode dial to A.
- Choose an appropriate aperture. This can be done by turning the sub-command dials (which are located on the right towards the front) from minimum to maximum for the camera. Make sure that the exposure meter is turned on when you do this.
Switch to Shutter Mode
This mode gives more priority to shutter speed. You select the shutter speed while the camera chooses the aperture to produce optimal exposure. To enable this, follow these steps:
- Turn the mode dial to S.
- Make sure the exposure meters are switched on. The exposure meter show what exposure settings show what exposure settings your Nikon D7000 is currently on (it is the little linear graphic which you can see in the viewfinder). Theses meters are switched on by default and are activated when you press the shutter halfway and then release it.
- Then turn the main command dial (located on the right towards the back side of the camera) to your desired speed. According to your preference, you can choose between 1/8000 seconds and 30 seconds.
Switch to Manual Mode
The manual mode gives you complete control over all exposure settings including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO levels. First, move the mode dial to M. From there, you can adjust your shutter speed using the dial.
Then rotate the main command dial to change the speed and the sub-command dial for aperture.
Switch to U1 and U2 Modes
The U1 and U2 refer to User 1 and User 2 modes. The Nikon D7000 allows you to say your favorite or preferred mode in certain settings under these modes. For example, if you want to save 1/400 seconds and 200 ISO because you often use it, you can save it by following these steps:
- Turn the mode dial to any of the settings (preferably manual so you have more control).
- Make the required adjustments. You can go over the above steps to change the shutter speed to what you want as well as the other settings accordingly. It will not save settings for some things such as Interval timer shooting and multiple exposures.
- When you have chosen the settings, press the Menu button. Then toggle down to “Save User Settings.”
- Select U1 or U2.
- Whenever you want to change the speed to what you have saved, simply turn the mode dial to U1 or U2 based on your preference.
Importance of Shutter Speed
Shutter speed is the speed at which the shutter of the camera closes. The speed determines how much light enters the camera. If you are using a slow shutter speed, more light can enter the camera. This is ideal in low light situations.
However, a slow setting means that you need to keep a camera still while the shutter goes off. Otherwise, it can lead to a blurry photo. Therefore, when using a very slow shutter speed, it is recommended to use a tripod to hold the camera still.
On the contrary, a fast shutter speed helps you capture moving objects. This is very important if you are taking photos of professional sports or wildlife. It helps you avoid motion blur. Hence, choosing the speed on your camera is an extremely important task.
How Do You Choose a Shutter Speed?
When choosing a shutter speed, you must first know what range comes with your camera. In the Nikon D7000, the shutter speed is 1/8000 seconds to 30 seconds. Then you must keep in mind what kind of picture you want to capture.
Shutter speed relates a lot to exposure. It changes the amount of light that enters the camera. Hence, in low light conditions, it is advisable to have a slower speed and in well lit conditions, it is advisable to have a faster speed.
Now, if you are trying to capture motion, you should use a faster shutter speed. Even the fastest objects will appear frozen if the speed is fast enough. However, you must remember that less light will be entering your camera at a fast speed. Hence, you should find an optimal speed.
Related Questions
What Is the Difference Between ISO and Shutter Speed?
The ISO level refers to the light sensitivity of a camera while the shutter speed relates to how much time the shutter stays open. While both high and low speeds are preferred and used, it is normally preferred to use a low ISO level unless necessary.
High ISO levels lead to a grainy or a low-quality image. ISO levels are digital and virtual in nature while the speeds are more mechanical. However, both these settings impact the exposure of the camera. They are used in conjunction with aperture to get an optimal exposure.
How Do I Find My Shutter Speed?
You can find your shutter speed on the top panel of your Nikon D7000. Here, you can find it written on the top left corner of the screen. Also, you can use the viewfinder. Here, you will find it on the bottom left side.
How Do You Do Long Exposures on a Nikon D7000?
You can do long exposures on s Nikon D7000 by using manual mode. This mode gives you a lot of flexibility as you can change the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
First, turn the mode dial to M or Manual mode. Then use the command dial to adjust the shutter speed. You can increase it up to 30 seconds. Also, use the sub-command dial to adjust the aperture settings. When these two are done, set the ISO levels.
Conclusion
You can change the shutter speed on the Nikon D7000 by switching to the auto mode, manual mode, shutter speed mode, or the aperture mode. Changing the speed is very important because it directly affects exposure and helps avoid motion blur.
