shutter speed

This term is a technical compound noun used primarily in photography and cinematography. It describes the precise duration of light exposure, which directly dictates how motion is rendered in an image. A fast shutter speed freezes action, while a slow shutter speed allows for the intentional blurring of moving objects.

Because it is a specialized technical term, it is almost always used in a literal sense. It is typically modified by adjectives such as fast, slow, high, or low to describe the specific setting of the camera.