Need help deciphering shutter speed settings!

[OutdoorCanvas]

Wasn't sure where to post this question. I've looked at shutter speed charts online but they don't really match up with how my camera's shutter speed settings are noted.

My shutter speeds go from 4000 down to 10 as listed on my camera's shutter priority mode. Then they count down as follows:

8
6
5
4
3
2.5
2
1.6
1.3
1"
1.3"
1.5"
2"
2.5"
3"
4"

What do these numbers mean? Why do they change to include this " symbol? If I want a shutter speed of 1/2 second which setting is that? Is there a chart somewhere that will tell you what each number means with regards to the timing of the shutter?

Sorry if these are stupid questions but I can't seem to find the answers on my own and the camera owners manual doesn't shed any light on it either.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR

[Biomech]

It's actually easier than you might think.

If there is a " mark, it means seconds. so 3" is three seconds.

If there is no " mark, then it's a fraction of a second. So 8 is 1/8th of a second, 250 is 1/250th of a second.

Working with shutter speeds when hand holding, a good guide is to make sure the speed isn't slower than the focal length of the camera. For example, if you have "zoomed" to 70mm on you lens, then you want your shutter speed to be at least 1/70th or faster (1/100th, 1/250th etc)

HTH

[ceremus]

Yeah, those are your shutter speeds in 1/3rd stop increments. Look over this chart, makes it a little easier to read.

[OutdoorCanvas]

Awesome guys! Thanks so much! I knew it couldn't be rocket science. I get it now. Thanks again!!!!

[NathanFranke]

Depending on the camera model, you can change the increments (1/3 stop, 1/2 stop, full stop). I find 1/2 stop or full stop to be easier to work with, just because of the math.