What is shutter speed or exposure time?

Shutter speed, also known as exposure time, refers specifically to the length of time the camera's shutter remains open while taking a photograph. This duration plays a crucial role in determining the exposure of the image, which directly affects its brightness and clarity. A longer shutter speed allows more light to hit the sensor, resulting in a brighter image. Conversely, a shorter shutter speed limits the amount of light, which can help capture fast-moving subjects clearly without blur.

Understanding shutter speed is essential for photographers, as it influences motion blur and overall exposure. For example, a fast shutter speed can freeze action, making it ideal for photographing sports, while a slow shutter speed can create a smooth effect on moving water, leading to artistic outcomes.

Other options in the question do not accurately describe shutter speed. For instance, the duration the shutter is closed does not determine exposure; it is the open duration that matters. The frequency of photos taken in a burst refers to shooting speed rather than exposure time, and the time it takes to process an image is unrelated to the mechanical aspect of capturing light during the photograph. Thus, focusing on the time the shutter is open solidifies why the correct understanding of shutter speed is critical for photography.