Compare calculators
Both calculators run independently — change the inputs on either side to compare results.
Long Exposure Time Calculator
Calculates the correct long-exposure shutter speed when stacking ND filters, accounting for reciprocity failure. Use it when shooting waterfalls, light trails, or seascapes with neutral density filters.
Required Exposure Time
17.41 seconds
1-30 seconds is the in-camera range most bodies meter and time automatically; 30s is the typical maximum before you must switch to Bulb mode.
Each ND stop doubles exposure time per the 2^stops rule; the 8192-second result is base 1s pushed 13 stops. Bands flag practical capture limits.
Exposure Equivalents Calculator
Find equivalent camera settings that produce the same exposure value when you change aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. Useful any time you want to swap depth-of-field or motion blur without altering overall image brightness.
Equivalent Shutter Speed
0.4 s
At 0.1 s and longer, motion blur is unavoidable handheld. Use a tripod and remote release; subjects moving during a 0.4 s exposure will streak.
The equivalent shutter speed comes from the reciprocity formula; these bands reflect the photographic rule that handholding usually requires faster than about 1/60 s (0.0167 s).
Key differences
| Long Exposure Time Calculator | Exposure Equivalents Calculator | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Photography | Photography |
| Inputs required | 4 | 4 |
| Result | Required Exposure Time (seconds) | Equivalent Shutter Speed (s) |
| What it does | Calculates the correct long-exposure shutter speed when stacking ND filters, accounting for reciprocity failure. Use it when shooting waterfalls, light trails, or seascapes with neutral density filters. | Find equivalent camera settings that produce the same exposure value when you change aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. Useful any time you want to swap depth-of-field or motion blur without altering overall image brightness. |