Shutter Angle Converter
Convert between cinema shutter angle and photography shutter speed. Understand the 180-degree rule and achieve the perfect cinematic motion blur for your videos.
Shutter Angle Converter
Convert between shutter angle (cinema) and shutter speed (photography)
Cinema Look Presets
Standard Cinematic
The classic 180-degree rule for natural motion blur
Smooth/Dreamy
Increased motion blur for a dreamy, ethereal look
Action/Sharp
Reduced motion blur for sharper action
Saving Private Ryan
Very sharp, staccato effect used in war films
The 180° Rule:
For natural-looking motion blur, set shutter angle to 180° (shutter speed = 1/(2×fps)). At 24fps, this means 1/48 second.
Formula
Shutter Speed = (Angle / 360) × (1 / Frame Rate)Shutter angle is used in cinema to describe exposure time relative to frame rate
How to Use
- 1Choose conversion mode — Select whether to convert from angle to speed or vice versa.
- 2Enter your value — Input shutter angle (degrees) or shutter speed (seconds).
- 3Select frame rate — Choose your video frame rate (24fps is cinema standard).
- 4View results — See the converted value and motion blur description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 180-degree rule?
The 180-degree rule states that shutter speed should be approximately double the frame rate for natural motion blur. At 24fps, use 1/48 second (180° shutter angle). This creates the motion blur we associate with cinema.
Why do cinema cameras use shutter angle instead of shutter speed?
Shutter angle originated from film cameras with rotating disc shutters. It describes what fraction of the frame time the sensor is exposed. 180° means exposed for half the frame time, regardless of frame rate.
When should I break the 180-degree rule?
Use lower angles (90°, 45°) for sharper action with less motion blur, like in "Saving Private Ryan." Use higher angles (270°, 360°) for dreamier, smoother footage. Breaking the rule is a creative choice.
How does frame rate affect shutter angle?
The same shutter angle produces different shutter speeds at different frame rates. 180° at 24fps = 1/48s, but 180° at 60fps = 1/120s. The motion blur look remains consistent relative to the frame rate.
What shutter angle do most digital cameras use?
Many digital cinema cameras default to 172.8° or 180°. Consumer cameras often use 1/50 or 1/60 second, which is close to 180° at 25fps or 30fps respectively.