Nikon D40X - Manual (Page 53)

Reference: P, S, A, and M Modes/Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) 41
Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)
In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed from values between 30s and ¼
,000
s
while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure.
Use slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving subjects, high shutter
speeds to “freeze” motion.
To take photographs in shutter-priority auto:
1 Rotate the mode dial to S.
2 Rotate the command dial until the desired shutter speed is
displayed in the viewfinder (shutter speed can also be dis-
played in the monitor by pressing the
button).
3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
Shutter Speed and Camera Shake
To prevent blur caused by camera shake, the shutter speed should be faster than the inverse of the
focal length of the lens, in seconds (for example, when using a lens with a focal length of 300mm,
choose a shutter speed faster than
1 /
300
s). A tripod is recommended when shooting at slower shutter
speeds. To prevent blur, try increasing ISO sensitivity ( 37), using the built-in flash ( 34) or an
optional Speedlight ( 99), mounting the camera on a tripod, or using a vibration reduction (VR) lens.