How to balance aperture and shutter speed?

[TomJ]

Hi. I’m using a Nikon D40 dslr. I’d like to know what “F” stop means. I’m still learning and would like also to ask what’s the importance of adjusting aperture and shutter speed. I’d really appreciate if you can share your own experiences. Thanks.

[alphaben]

Hi Tom. There are two factors that control exposure: aperture and shutter speed. The aperture or sometimes called f-stop is a way to measure the hole in your camera’s lens. It determines how much light passes through. If you change your aperture to a bigger number like f/16, the hole is small therefore less light comes in and more area is focused in front and behind your photo subject. If you change it to a smaller number like f/5.6, the hole is big therefore more light passes through and thinner area is focused in front and behind your photo subject. On the other hand, shutter speed determines how long the sensor is exposed to incoming light. In a way, the shutter speed affects the way movement appears in your photos. It controls the degree of motion either frozen or blurred.

There are different modes available for your dslr. In M, you can set the aperture and shutter speed independently. In A, both are adjusted by your camera suited for the right exposure. In S, you may set the shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture. Generally, the A and M modes are already suitable enough to take good pictures. I hope this helps. Have fun taking your photos!

[Alchemist]

Hi TomJ,

I also have a Nikon D40 camera. I go to this site for more information about the camera. The tutorial is very much detailed.

Here's the site: Nikon Imaging | Global Site | Digitutor

Hope this helps!