Disclosed are methods and devices for solid state electronically switched optical shutters of cameras and other devices. The disclosed non-mechanical camera shutter includes an electronically controlled material that provides optical density variation, to transition the shutter from being open to being closed. The layer of electronically controlled material is configured to change from substantially to transparent to substantially opaque, without scattering, by changing the state of the material. The transmittance period is the period of time that the layer changes transmittance from approximately 100% to approximately 0%. Electronic circuitry is in communication with a timing control module that is configured to provide a signal output to a transparent conductive layer proximal to the layer of electronically controlled material to initiate a change in its transmissivity. The described electronically switched optical component would add little or no additional bulk to a small camera.