Camera flash
A camera flash is a brief, intense burst of light used to illuminate a scene for photography.
How big is it?
1 ms · time
Time · reference interval
A little perspective
Camera flash vs Blink of an eye: duration comparison
A blink of an eye lasts about 150 times as long as a camera flash.
ELAPSED TIME
A camera flash is a brief, intense burst of light used to illuminate a scene for photography.
A blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Camera flash
Time: 1 ms; reference interval.
A chosen 1 ms flash duration; equipment varies.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Blink of an eye
Time: 150 ms; reference interval.
A chosen 150 ms interval, not a universal blink duration.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 ms
We compare the duration of a camera flash. The measurement is labelled reference interval. Check the source notes for its basis.
A chosen 1 ms flash duration; equipment varies.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ms | Not recorded | reference interval |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTime and durationMuon lifetime2.197 µsMean lifetimeMuon lifetime is the average time a free muon exists before decaying into other particles, such as an electron and neutrinos.
Nearest higher valueTime and durationCinema frame at 24 frames per second41.67 msFrame intervalA cinema frame at 24 frames per second is the time interval between consecutive images in standard film projection.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TimeBlink of an eye150 msA blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.TimeHuman lifetime80 yearsA human lifetime is the span from a person's birth to their death.
TimeAge of Earth4.54 GyrThe age of Earth is the time that has passed since the planet formed from the solar nebula.TimeAge of the universe13.8 GyrThe age of the universe is the time since the Big Bang, marking the beginning of cosmic expansion.TimeCinema frame at 24 frames per second41.67 msA cinema frame at 24 frames per second is the time interval between consecutive images in standard film projection.TimeHeartbeat1 sA heartbeat is the regular contraction of the heart that pumps blood through the body.TimeMuon lifetime2.197 µsMuon lifetime is the average time a free muon exists before decaying into other particles, such as an electron and neutrinos.
GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.