Interactive lesson · Free pilot

The Exposure Triangle

Change the camera controls. Watch how brightness, motion, focus, and image noise respond.

See the shot

Illustration only: real cameras and lenses respond differently. The red cross is a tracking detail.

Image brightnessBalanced

Motion blurNatural

NoiseLow

A useful starting point for 24 fps is near 1/50 second. Choose aperture and ISO for the scene.

Adjust the settings

Aperture f/5.6

Lower f-number = wider opening, more light, usually less depth in focus.

Shutter speed 1/50 sec

Slower shutter = more light and more motion blur.

ISO 400

Higher ISO can brighten the image, with a possible increase in visible noise.

Frame rate 24 fps

A common natural-motion starting guide is shutter near double the frame rate.

VFX Supervisor's Note: Keep exposure and motion treatment consistent between the main plate and clean plate. Confirm frame rate and shutter with the camera team, and record settings when required.

Remember the three controls

Aperture changes light and depth of field. Shutter changes light and motion blur. ISO changes image brightness and can affect noise. There is no single correct setting for every shot; choose for the story and the work the shot must do.

Quick check

At 24 fps, which is the more natural-motion starting point: 1/50 or 1/200? Usually 1/50. Which setting gives more motion blur: 1/25 or 1/200? 1/25.