A focal plane shutter is a type of camera shutter located just in front of the focal plane, where the film or digital sensor sits. Light-sensitive material at the focal plane is exposed progressively as the shutter curtains or blades move across it, controlling the duration and timing of the exposure.
Focal plane shutters are commonly found in SLR and mirrorless cameras and are capable of very fast shutter speeds, making them suitable for capturing motion or achieving precise exposures in bright conditions. Understanding how a focal plane shutter works is important for photographers who need to manage motion blur, synchronization with flash, and overall image sharpness.