Shutter speed rule for non-tripod photos

[index2020]

I was told (many, many years ago) by a gentleman who taught me the basics of photography that for hand held shots, the shutter speed should be at least 1/X the focal length to avoid camera shake issues (i.e. when shooting at 70 mm, the shutter speed should be 1/70 of a sec or faster).

So far so good. It worked well for me with 35 mm film cameras. Now I find myself using a Rebel XTi which is a 1.6 crop frame. So, my question -- do I need to adjust the time by 1.6? i.e. when shooting at 70 mm do I need a shutter speed of at least 1/70 sec or at least 1/112 sec? (112 = 70 * 1.6)

Thanks,

 

[Chris Elliott104343]

YES. (But it is only a rule of thumb. You may be able to hand hold at a longer shutter speed.)
--
Chris Elliott

Nikon D Eighty + Fifty - Other equipment in Profile

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[Zadam]

Yes, since the crop factor essentially increases your focal length by 1.6, hence the rule of thumb applies to the new "adjusted" focal length.

If you have a stabilized lens though, you can usually hand hold around 2 stops slower shutter speed, which means an exposure time 4 times as long. So if you were using a 100mm lens, the crop factor would make it essentially a 160mm lens, so the rule of thumb would say you want 1/160 sec. But with a stabilized lens you could hand hold that same lens at 1/40 sec.

 

[NW Charlie]

. . . by finding something nearby against which you can brace the camera (e.g., a wall or a fence post). Also, you can gain some advantage by using a remove shutter release cable, even if the camera is in your hands, especially if you are holding it in an unusual way (such as braced against a wall or a fence post). In a pinch, activate the self-timer, and set the camera down on a horizontal surface.

Oh, and yes, as the others have said, you do have to account for the crop factor, when using that rule of thumb.
--
http://www.pbase.com/cbeck

One does not achieve success by being at the right place at the right time, but rather by being ready when the right place and time present themselves for your inspection.

 

[Craig Gillette]

Everyone is different, you may find you have grip probems with a particular lens and camera body, or you may do particularly well. A lighter lens may not be restrained by inertia so it my be harder to deal with than a heavier one of the same F.L> The best way to tell for sure for you is to some test shots with the gear you have. Also practice and concentrtion will improve your resulta.

 

[ChefZiggy]

That would certainly cover the bases. However, the focal length hasn't changed, just the field of view. 50mm is 50mm. On your Canon it will have the FOV of an 80mm lens on full frame. But the focal length is still 50mm.

So MY rule of thumb is to try and stay well above 1/focal length, but I'm not doing the math. And it is largely because I am notoriously unstable.

And my hands shake a little.
--
Chefziggy
http://www.pbase.com/chefziggy/lecream