Does the shutter speed and focal length rule of thumb apply to cropped sensor cameras?

Question

So, the rule of thumb for shutter speed is that it shouldn't be less than 1 / focal length. Well, that's straight forward on full frame cameras, but what about cropped sensor cameras? Is it going to be 1 / equivalent focal length? By equivalent focal length, I mean original focal length × crop factor.

My guess is: no, it's just 1 / focal length, cause the lens's focal length didn't physically change.

Asked by Akram Mellice

Answer

According to this Wikipedia article on the secondary effects of crop sensors:

The old rule of thumb that shutter speed should be at least equal to focal length for hand-holding will work equivalently if the actual focal length is multiplied by the FLM [focal length multiplier] first before applying the rule.

So, yes, use the 35mm equivalent focal length as your reference for minimum shutter speed.

Answered by John Rygielski

Check more discussion of this question.