Where to find shutter speed on a Canon

On most Canon cameras, you control shutter speed using the dial or wheel on the top of the camera body, or through the camera's menu screen. The exact location depends on which Canon model you own — entry-level DSLRs like the Rebel series and mirrorless cameras like the EOS M50 work slightly differently from professional models.

The fastest way is usually the physical dial. On a Canon Rebel or EOS 90D, you'll see a dial on the top left with letters and numbers: P, Tv, Av, M, and sometimes C1 or C2. The "Tv" mode stands for "Time value" and is Canon's name for shutter speed priority — this is where you set the shutter speed yourself and let the camera choose the aperture.

If your camera has an LCD screen on the back, you can also see your current shutter speed displayed there. On most models it appears as a fraction like 1/1000 or a whole number like 2" (meaning 2 seconds). This display updates as you change the setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the top dial to "Tv" mode to enter shutter speed priority, where you control shutter speed and the camera adjusts aperture automatically.
  • Use the main dial (usually on the back right of the camera) to scroll through shutter speed options once you're in Tv mode.
  • Shutter speeds range from fractions of a second (1/4000, 1/1000) for fast motion to several seconds (1", 2", 15") for low light or intentional blur.
  • The LCD screen on the back shows your current shutter speed in real time, so you can see the change as you adjust the dial.
  • Manual mode (M) lets you set both shutter speed and aperture yourself, giving you complete control but requiring more decisions.

Using Tv mode to set shutter speed

Once you've turned the dial to "Tv", the camera is ready for you to choose a shutter speed. Look at the back of the camera — you'll see a dial or wheel, usually on the right side near your thumb. This is the main dial. Rotate it forward or backward to scroll through the available shutter speeds.

As you turn the dial, watch the LCD screen on the back. You'll see the shutter speed number change — it might jump from 1/500 to 1/1000 to 1/2000, or from 1" to 2" to 4", depending on which direction you're turning. Stop when you reach the speed you want. The camera will automatically adjust the aperture (f-stop) to get a properly exposed photo at that shutter speed.

Tv mode is useful when motion is your main concern. If you're photographing a running dog and want to freeze the action, you pick a fast shutter speed like 1/1000 and let the camera handle the rest. If you're shooting a waterfall and want the water to look silky and blurred, you pick a slow speed like 2 seconds.

Manual mode for complete control

If you want to set both shutter speed and aperture yourself, turn the top dial to "M" for Manual mode. In this mode, you'll use the main dial to change shutter speed just like in Tv mode, but you'll also need to set the aperture separately — usually with a second dial or by holding a button while turning the main dial.

The trade-off is control versus simplicity. Manual mode gives you the most precise control over how your photo looks, but you have to make two decisions instead of one. If you're new to cameras, Tv mode is usually easier because the camera helps you avoid photos that are too dark or too bright.

Check your camera's manual or the quick-start guide that came with it to find which button controls aperture in Manual mode — it varies between Canon models. On many Rebels, you hold the Av button (marked with an aperture symbol) while turning the main dial to change aperture.

Understanding the shutter speed numbers

Canon displays shutter speeds as fractions or whole numbers. A speed shown as "1/1000" means one one-thousandth of a second — the shutter opens and closes very quickly, letting in a small amount of light. A speed shown as "2"" means 2 full seconds — the shutter stays open much longer, letting in a lot of light.

The faster the shutter speed (like 1/4000), the less light reaches the sensor and the more motion freezes. The slower the shutter speed (like 4 seconds), the more light reaches the sensor and the more motion blurs. This is why fast shutter speeds work well outdoors in bright sun, and slow speeds work in dim rooms or at night.

Your Canon will only offer shutter speeds that make sense for the lens and aperture you're using. If you're in bright sunlight and pick a very slow shutter speed, the camera may refuse it or warn you that the photo will be overexposed (too bright). This is a safety feature, not a malfunction.

Checking your shutter speed before you shoot

Before you press the shutter button, glance at the LCD screen on the back to confirm your shutter speed is set correctly. The number appears in the display along with other settings like ISO and aperture. On some Canon models, you can also see it in the viewfinder if you look through the lens.

If the number doesn't look right, use the main dial to adjust it. You can change it as many times as you want before you take the photo — there's no penalty for changing your mind. Many photographers adjust shutter speed between shots depending on the light or the subject.

If you're in Tv or Manual mode and the camera beeps or shows a warning symbol, it usually means the exposure won't work at your current settings — either the photo will be too dark or too bright. Adjust the shutter speed up (faster) or down (slower) until the warning goes away.

Common shutter speeds and when to use them

For photographing people indoors without a tripod, try 1/60 to 1/125. This is slow enough to let in decent light but fast enough that slight hand movement won't blur the photo. For sports or wildlife, use 1/1000 or faster to freeze motion. For landscapes in daylight, 1/250 to 1/500 works well and gives you flexibility with aperture.

For intentional motion blur — like a flowing stream or car lights at night — try 1 to 4 seconds. You'll need a tripod for anything slower than about 1/30, because your hands will shake and ruin the photo. For very long exposures at night, some Canons offer a "Bulb" mode where the shutter stays open as long as you hold the button, but this requires a remote trigger or self-timer to avoid camera shake.

These are starting points, not rules. The right shutter speed depends on your lens, the light available, how much motion is in the scene, and what you want the final photo to look like. Experiment with different speeds and look at the results on your camera's screen to learn what works for your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Tv mode and Manual mode?

In Tv mode, you set the shutter speed and the camera automatically chooses the aperture to expose the photo correctly. In Manual mode, you set both shutter speed and aperture yourself. Tv mode is faster for situations where shutter speed is your main concern; Manual mode gives you complete control but requires more decisions.

Why does my camera refuse to let me use a certain shutter speed?

Your camera prevents shutter speeds that would result in a photo that's too dark or too bright given your current aperture and ISO. If you want to use a slower shutter speed in bright light, try closing the aperture (raising the f-number) or lowering the ISO. If you want a faster speed in dim light, try opening the aperture or raising the ISO.

Do I need a tripod to use slow shutter speeds?

Yes, for anything slower than about 1/30 of a second. Below that speed, the tiny movements of your hands will blur the photo. A tripod holds the camera perfectly still so the blur you see is only from moving subjects, not from camera shake. For faster speeds, you can usually hand-hold the camera.

Can I change shutter speed while recording video?

On most Canon DSLRs, no — you set shutter speed before you start recording and it stays fixed. On newer mirrorless models like the EOS R series, you can change it during recording, but it may cause flickering or exposure jumps. Check your camera's manual for video-specific shutter speed rules.

What happens if I set the shutter speed to "Bulb"?

Bulb mode keeps the shutter open as long as you hold down the shutter button, letting you take exposures longer than your camera's maximum shutter speed setting. It's useful for night sky photography or other long exposures, but you need a tripod and a remote trigger or self-timer to avoid shaking the camera while holding the button.