Sunny 16 rule
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For the EP by Ben Folds, see Sunny 16 (EP)
In photography, the sunny 16 rule (or, less often, the "sunny f/16 rule") is a method to estimate correct daylight exposures without using a light meter.
The basic sunny 16 rule, applicable on a sunny day, is this:
- Set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed (reciprocal seconds) to ISO film speed.[1]
For example, for ISO 100 film, choose shutter speed of 1/100 second (or 1/125 second[2])
The elaborated form of the sunny 16 rule for more general situations is:
- Set the shutter speed to the setting nearest to the ISO film speed
- Set the f-number according to the table below:
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Aperture Lighting Conditions Shadow Detail f/16 Sunny Distinct f/11 Slight Overcast Soft around edges f/8 Overcast Barely visible f/5.6 Heavy Overcast No shadows f/4 Sunset
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For example, to shoot ISO 100 film in sunny conditions, set the shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/125 and the f-stop to f/16. With ISO 200 film, set the speed to 1/200 or 1/250. For ISO 400 film, 1/400 or 1/500. As with other light readings, the shutter speed can be changed, as long as the f-number is compensated. For example, 1/250th of a second at f/11 would be equivalent to 1/125th at f/16.
[edit] External links
- Rules of thumb for moonlit exposures
- Ultimate Exposure Computer Fred Parker's page on exposure.
