On most DSLRs, you lower the shutter speed by using the main control dial. This dial is usually located on the top-right of the camera body, near the shutter button.
Here's how it typically works:
-
Locate the Control Dial: Find the small, usually textured dial, near the shutter button.
-
Set the Shooting Mode: Ensure your camera is in a mode where you can control the shutter speed. This is typically:
- Shutter Priority (Tv or S): You select the shutter speed, and the camera chooses the aperture. This is often the easiest way to directly control shutter speed.
- Manual (M): You control both shutter speed and aperture.
- Program (P): While the camera mostly controls settings, you can often adjust the shutter speed/aperture combination with the dial.
-
Adjust the Shutter Speed:
- Turn the Dial: Typically, turning the dial to the left will decrease the shutter speed (e.g., from 1/250 to 1/125). A slower shutter speed means the shutter stays open longer, allowing more light to enter the camera.
- Turning the dial to the right will increase the shutter speed (e.g., from 1/125 to 1/250). A faster shutter speed means the shutter stays open for a shorter time, allowing less light to enter the camera.
Example:
Let's say you're in Shutter Priority mode and the current shutter speed displayed is 1/250th of a second. Turning the dial to the left might change it to 1/125th, 1/60th, 1/30th, and so on, progressively slowing down the shutter speed.
Important Considerations:
- Camera Model Variations: While the general principle is the same, the exact location and marking of the dial might vary slightly between different DSLR models. Consult your camera's manual for specific instructions if you're unsure.
- Very Slow Shutter Speeds: When using very slow shutter speeds (e.g., 1 second or longer), you'll likely need a tripod to prevent blurry images caused by camera shake.
- Light Meter: Pay attention to the camera's light meter. If you slow down the shutter speed too much, you might overexpose the image (making it too bright). You'll need to adjust the aperture or ISO accordingly to compensate.
By understanding and using the control dial effectively, you can creatively control motion blur and the amount of light entering your camera to achieve your desired photographic results.
