Shutter Speed

The shutter speed determines for how much time the film is exposed. You need to select a fast enough shutter speed not only to freeze moving subjects, but also to avoid camera shake.

If the camera is being handheld, you shouldn't use a slow shutter speed to avoid camera shake. Usually pictures shot by hand with a shutter speed less than 1/30 sec get blurred. A rule of thumb says that the minimum shutter speed in seconds should be the reciprocal of the focal length in millimeters.

In other cases or if you want to take pictures at night you have to use a tripod. Anyway, if you stand still, grip your camera firmly and support it with your second hand you'll get sharper shots.