Sunny 16 rule
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In photography, the sunny 16 rule (also known as the sunny <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16 rule) is a method of estimating correct daylight exposures without a light meter. Apart from the advantage of independence from a light meter, the sunny 16 rule can also aid in achieving correct exposure of difficult subjects. As the rule is based on incident light, rather than reflected light as with most camera light meters, very bright or very dark subjects are compensated for. The rule serves as a mnemonic for the camera settings obtained on a sunny day using the exposure value (EV) system.
Using the rule
The basic rule is, "On a sunny day set aperture to <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16 and shutter speed to the [reciprocal of the] ISO film speed [or ISO setting] for a subject in direct sunlight."[1] In simplest terms, bright sun = f:16 @ 1/film-speed-number (aperture and shutter speed, respectively).
For example:
- On a sunny day at ISO 100 ("100 speed film"), the aperture is set to <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16 and the shutter speed (i.e. exposure time) to Template:Sfrac or Template:Sfrac[2] seconds (on some cameras Template:Sfrac second is the closest available setting to Template:Sfrac second).
- On a sunny day at ISO 200 and aperture at <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16, set shutter speed to Template:Sfrac or Template:Sfrac.
- On a sunny day at ISO 400 and aperture at <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16, set shutter speed to Template:Sfrac or Template:Sfrac.
Shutter speeds can be changed as long as the f-number is adjusted accordingly, e.g. Template:Sfrac second at <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/11 gives equivalent exposure to Template:Sfrac second at <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16. Exposure adjustments are done in a manner that retains the EV. As the aperture is opened (f:11, f:8, f:5.6, f:4, etc.) the shutter-speed/exposure-time is reduced by a factor of approximately one-half (1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, etc.) This follows the mathematical relationship between aperture and shutter speed where exposure is inversely proportional to the square of the aperture ratio and proportional to exposure time; thus, to maintain a constant level of exposure, a change in aperture by a factor c requires a change in exposure time by a factor Template:Sfrac and vice versa. A change in the aperture of 1 stop always corresponds to a factor close to the square root of 2, thus the above rule.
Alternative rule
The sunny 16 rule can be used in varying light by setting the shutter speed nearest to the ISO film speed and f-number according to a generalized exposure table, as:[3][4]
Aperture Lighting conditions Shadow detail <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/22 Snow/sand Dark with sharp edges <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/16 Sunny Distinct <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/11 Slight overcast Soft around edges <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/8 Overcast Barely visible <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/5.6 Heavy overcast No shadows <templatestyles src="F//styles.css" />f/4 Open shade/sunset No shadows Add one stop Backlighting n/a
See also
References
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External links
- Guide to Photography Sunny 16 and film exposure guide.