These two terms can be easily confused but I will attempt to explain it as best I can.
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Shutter speed: The measure of time of how long it takes for the shutter to open and shut. It is measured in thousandths of seconds (e.g. 1/1000 = one one-thousandth of a second).
F-stop: The amount of light “let in” to the camera during the time the shutter is open. If you wanted low-light, the f-stop is closed, i.e. small like a pinhole. For more like you would literally open it up wider.
How this applies in real-world use:
- The longer the shutter is open, the longer the exposure.
- The wider the f-stop is open, the more light is put to the photograph.
Does any of this apply to digital cameras?
On consumer and prosumer digital cameras, not really. And in some instances the answer is flat-out no. Consumer digital cameras usually have no option to adjust shutter speed or f-stop. Most prosumer cameras don’t have these options either. Why? Because it normally requires a full-bodied camera with a lens that gives the photographer those type of options.
You will only require the use of manual shutter and f-stop adjustments in very specific situations where you absolutely have to have 100% control over the exposure of a shot. In addition, even with the most expensive digital camera, f-stop and shutter speed are still best applied to traditional film as the physical properties do come into play (in a large way) when adjusting settings of this type.
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