Estimate correct exposure without a light meter using the Sunny 16 rule, or convert between EV and camera settings.
Sunny 16: On a sunny day, set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed to 1/ISO. EV = log₂(f² / t) at ISO 100.
| EV | Lighting Condition |
|---|---|
| 15-16 | Bright sun on snow/sand |
| 14-15 | Bright/hazy sun, clear shadows |
| 13-14 | Bright sun, typical scene |
| 12-13 | Hazy sun, soft shadows |
| 11-12 | Cloudy bright, no shadows |
| 10-11 | Heavy overcast |
| 8-9 | Sunset/sunrise |
| 5-7 | Deep shade, indoor near window |
| 2-4 | Indoor, artificial light |
| -2 to 1 | Night street scenes |
What is the Sunny 16 rule? On a sunny day with hard shadows, set your aperture to f/16 and your shutter speed to 1/ISO (e.g., ISO 100 = 1/100s). Adjust aperture for different lighting.
What is EV? Exposure Value is a number representing a combination of aperture and shutter speed. Each EV step doubles or halves the light. EV is usually referenced to ISO 100.
Why learn this? Understanding EV helps you estimate exposure without a meter, work faster, and better understand your camera's light meter readings.