All cameras have a shutter mechanism to expose the sensor for exactly the right amount of time. The shutter opens to begin the exposure and then closes again to end it. Most cameras have mechanical shutters, though you can also get electronic shutters, which we’ll come to a little later. Mechanical shutters come in two […]
Mechanical shutter
The traditional form of camera shutter, a physical device which blocks light from the sensor until the moment you press the shutter release, then opens to expose the sensor for the required amount of time before it closes again. Mechanical shutters are either focal plane types, just in front of the sensor, or in-lens 'leaf' types.
Electronic shutters in principle offer shorter shutter speeds on paper, but with current technology they're less effective at capturing fast-moving objects.