What does the shutter speed primarily control?

The primary function of shutter speed is to control the duration of time that the camera's shutter remains open, which in turn governs how long light is allowed to hit the camera's sensor. A faster shutter speed allows less light to enter for a shorter period, which is useful in bright conditions or for freezing motion. Conversely, a slower shutter speed lets in more light for a longer duration, which can create effects such as motion blur or allow for better exposure in low-light situations.

While factors such as the depth of field or image resolution are influenced by other camera settings—like aperture and sensor size—shutter speed distinctly focuses on timing rather than the amount of light entering the lens or how sharp the image appears. Understanding this aspect of shutter speed is crucial for photographers aiming to master exposure and achieve desired creative effects in their images.