Balance aperture, shutter, and ISO
Use this for still-photo exposure planning. It does not model lens transmission, stabilization, dynamic range, or camera-specific metering.
Equivalent exposure candidates
Rows keep the same EV100 and ISO while changing aperture. The exact shutter comes from the formula; the nearest standard column rounds to common camera steps.
| Setting | Exact shutter | Nearest standard | Note |
|---|
Formula
Setting EV = log2(N² / t), where N is f-number and t is shutter time in seconds. EV100 = setting EV - log2(ISO / 100). A positive exposure compensation value means the chosen setting is brighter than the metered-neutral setting by that many stops.
Scope
The calculator does not recommend artistic exposure, hand-hold limits, camera profiles, lens T-stop, sensor dynamic range, or stabilization. Use it as a numeric planning aid before checking the real image.
Nearby photography tools
Depth of Field Calculator estimates focus limits from lens settings. Print DPI Calculator checks photo print resolution. Aspect Ratio Calculator helps plan frame proportions.
FAQ
What is EV100?
EV100 is the exposure value normalized to ISO 100. This calculator uses EV100 = log2(N² / t) - log2(ISO / 100), where N is f-number and t is shutter time in seconds.
Does exposure compensation change EV100?
The chosen camera setting has one EV100 value. Exposure compensation describes how many stops brighter or darker that setting is compared with the metered-neutral value.
Are the equivalent exposure rows exact camera settings?
The exact shutter is calculated from the EV formula. The nearest standard shutter column rounds it to common camera shutter steps.
Does this replace testing the shot?
No. The result is a planning aid. Real brightness and motion blur still depend on lighting, lens transmission, metering mode, stabilization, subject movement, and post-processing.