Sports and action photographers are a breed of photographers whose job is to capture fast moments. There are many factors that can help them in this challenging task, including the most recent technological innovations such as electronic shutter. The use of this modern photography technique brings many benefits bluffered with some disadvantages for those who want to take advantage of the latest advancements in photography. With this in mind we will look at the pros and cons of electronic shutter and how it can be utilized in sports and action photography.
What Is Electronic Shutter?
An electronic shutter is essentially a digital version of the traditional mechanical shutter in a camera. When a photo is taken with an electronic shutter, there is no moving part to create noise or any other type of disruption. The electronic shutter basically opens and closes to expose the camera’s sensor to the scene, producing the same effect as the traditional shutter. The big difference is that with an electronic shutter the exposure and shutter speed can be adjusted extremely quickly, allowing photographers to capture fast-moving subjects without any blur.
The Pros of Electronic Shutter
Fast shutter speed: One of the most compelling reasons to use an electronic shutter is the fast shutter speed it offers. Since electronic shutters have no moving parts, the shutter speed can be adjusted extremely quickly, allowing photographers to take photos with very short exposure times so that they can capture the action without any blur. This is especially useful for sports and action photographers, who are often required to capture fast-moving subjects.
No shutter noise: Another big advantage of an electronic shutter is that it doesn’t make the noise that a mechanical shutter does. This makes the electronic shutter perfect for taking photos in quiet environments, where even the smallest noise can be distracting. Electronic shutters also make it easier to take candid shots, as the absence of noise makes it less obvious that the subject is being photographed.
Less wear and tear: One other advantage of an electronic shutter is that it creates less wear and tear on the camera. The electronic shutter doesn’t have any moving parts, so there is less risk of damage being caused to the camera when it is being used. This can help to prolong the life of the camera, improving its value over time.
The Cons of and Electronic Shutter
Reduced dynamic range: One of the biggest disadvantages of an electronic shutter is that it can reduce the camera’s dynamic range. Dynamic range is the difference between the darkest and brightest part of an image that can be recorded without clipping. When using an electronic shutter, the dynamic range can be cut in half, resulting in less detailed and slightly lower quality images.
Rolling shutter effect: Another disadvantage of an electronic shutter is the rolling shutter effect. As the electronic shutter moves across the sensor, the image is recorded in a series of slices of time that can result in unwanted distortion in the image. The rolling shutter effect can be especially obvious if the camera is panned while an image is being taken.
Conclusion
Despite a few drawbacks, the use of electronic shutter in sports and action photography has many benefits. The fast shutter speed and silent operation make it ideal for taking photos of fast-moving subjects in quiet environments, while the less wear and tear on the camera is an added bonus. That being said, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of using an electronic shutter in sports and action photography before investing in new gear.