A drone is a powerful tool for photographers and videographers alike, making capturing stunning aerial photography a breeze. But for the best results, it’s essential to make sure you’re using the right camera setting—especially the right rolling shutter speed. In this article, we’ll discuss what a rolling shutter is, its impact on aerial photography, and why choosing the right shutter is crucial for success.
What is a Rolling Shutter?
A rolling shutter is a feature used in digital cameras to capture a photo one row at a time. The camera’s sensor is divided into one or more rows, and as the sensor captures the light and records the image, it moves from one row to the next to produce the full image. This can create some interesting visual effects, but it can also have an impact on the quality of the photo.
The Impact of Rolling Shutter on Aerial Photography
Rolling shutters can create distortions in the image, particularly when the camera is moving. This is because the sensor may not be evenly capturing the light and recording the image, leading to a stretched or warped look. This can be particularly problematic when the camera is moving quickly, such as when using a drone for aerial photography.
Additionally, the rolling shutter can cause props—such as the rotor blades of a drone—to appear bent or curved in the image. This is because the rolling shutter captures each propeller blade at a slightly different angle, creating an interesting optical illusion. This can also create a “jello effect” in the image, where the image appears to wobble and jiggle as the drone moves.
Choosing the Right Shutter Speed for Aerial Photography
Now that you understand what a rolling shutter is and how it can affect aerial photography, let’s talk about how to choose the right shutter speed for capturing stunning photos. A faster shutter speed will result in less distortion in the image, as the sensor can capture the light and record the image in a shorter amount of time. However, using too fast of a shutter speed can make the image too dark, as less light is admitted. A slower shutter speed allows more light in, but can result in increased distortion.
When choosing a shutter speed for aerial photography, it’s important to consider the speed at which the drone is moving, as well as the lighting conditions. In general, a shutter speed of 1/800 sec to 1/1000 sec will be a good starting point for most aerial photography shots. This will help reduce distortion while still allowing enough light in to capture crisp, clear images.
Conclusion
A rolling shutter can have a major impact on the quality of aerial photography. When using a drone, it’s important to choose the right shutter speed to minimize distortion and create stunning results. A shutter speed of 1/800 sec to 1/1000 sec will be a good starting point for most aerial photography shots. With the right camera settings and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to capturing professional-quality aerial photography.