SHUTTER OPTIONS
There are multiple mirrorless shutter modes, which is the right one to use?
The image sensor of a mirrorless camera provides a live feed to allow composition, focus and exposure to happen before the shutter is released. This necessitates the sensor to be uncovered much of the time, so how does the shutter work?
There are three different shutter modes found in mirrorless cameras; electronic first curtain, electronic and mechanical.
The majority of models are factory configured to use electronic first curtain mode. EOS R3 with a special back side illuminated high-speed sensor employs electronic shutter as it’s default.
With electronic first curtain shutter, the exposure time is started by electronically switching on the sensor readout and ended by the physical closure of the second shutter curtain. This minimizes the lag between shutter press and the start of the exposure. However it does result in slightly less attractive bokeh when shooting wide open with fast aperture lenses.
Electronic shutter mode completely bypasses the use of a traditional shutter mechanism with both the start and the end of the exposure determined electronically by switching the sensor on and off. It allows the fastest continuous shooting speed and there is no sound from the shutter making it quieter. With the exception of the EOS R3, flash photography is not possible but faster shutter speeds are available for action-stopping results.
