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How do I make a propeller look like it's spinning?
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<blockquote data-quote="PhotoAV8R" data-source="post: 88068" data-attributes="member: 939"><p>The answer to your thread title question is, "It depends." Lets do the math...</p><p></p><p>You're ahead by realizing that the more esthetically pleasing photos of propeller-driven airplanes show the prop as a complete disk. At a typical cruise speed, the prop is turning at about 2,400 RPM. (It might be higher or lower, but 2,400 makes the math easy.) 2,400 revolutions per minute is 40 revolutions per second. So, to get the shot with the complete prop disk - i.e., each blade making one revolution during the shutter exposure - you'd need to have the shutter set for less than or equal to 1/40 second.</p><p></p><p>Can you see why the pros shooting air-to-air use the expensive stabilization gyro attachments?</p><p></p><p>However, you can get a shot that's almost as good if the prop blades together make up one full rotation while the shutter is open. A two-bladed prop will cover the full disk of motion in half the time it takes each blade to make a full revolution. Now, we're up to 1/80 second. A three-bladed prop = 1/120 second.</p><p></p><p>Finally, if the airplane is landing, the prop may only be turning 1,200 RPM. A full disk for each blade = 1/20 second; 2-blade = 1/40 and 3-blade = 1/60.</p><p></p><p>The bottom line is set shutter-priority and you may have to use an ND filter on a bright, sunny day.</p><p></p><p>Good luck and stay out of the prop arc - it's a killer.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="PhotoAV8R, post: 88068, member: 939"] The answer to your thread title question is, "It depends." Lets do the math... You're ahead by realizing that the more esthetically pleasing photos of propeller-driven airplanes show the prop as a complete disk. At a typical cruise speed, the prop is turning at about 2,400 RPM. (It might be higher or lower, but 2,400 makes the math easy.) 2,400 revolutions per minute is 40 revolutions per second. So, to get the shot with the complete prop disk - i.e., each blade making one revolution during the shutter exposure - you'd need to have the shutter set for less than or equal to 1/40 second. Can you see why the pros shooting air-to-air use the expensive stabilization gyro attachments? However, you can get a shot that's almost as good if the prop blades together make up one full rotation while the shutter is open. A two-bladed prop will cover the full disk of motion in half the time it takes each blade to make a full revolution. Now, we're up to 1/80 second. A three-bladed prop = 1/120 second. Finally, if the airplane is landing, the prop may only be turning 1,200 RPM. A full disk for each blade = 1/20 second; 2-blade = 1/40 and 3-blade = 1/60. The bottom line is set shutter-priority and you may have to use an ND filter on a bright, sunny day. Good luck and stay out of the prop arc - it's a killer. [/QUOTE]
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How do I make a propeller look like it's spinning?
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