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Burst mode (photography)
Burst mode (photography)
from Wikipedia
Sequence of continuous high-speed images of an eruption of Strokkur.
Firing Zelzal 3 in the Great Prophet VI military exercise by IRGC
Burst mode over 25 FPS makes movie

Burst mode, also called continuous shooting mode, sports mode, continuous mode, or burst shot, is a shooting mode in still cameras where several photos are captured in quick succession by either pressing the shutter button or holding it down.[1] This is used mainly when the subject is in successive motion, such as sports photography. The photographer can then select the best image of the group or arrange them in a sequence to study the transitions in detail.

Details

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The speed at which successive photographs can be captured depends on several factors, but mainly on the processing power of the camera.[2] Disabling certain features such as post processing which the camera applies automatically after capturing each image will usually allow a faster rate of capture. While some cheaper point and shoot cameras may have a multi-image burst function which allows them to capture a number of frames within a second with a single shutter button press, most film and digital SLR cameras will continue to actuate the shutter for as long as the button is held down, until the memory card fills or the battery runs out, although the rate of capture may significantly slow when the camera's data buffer becomes full.

Burst rate

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Frames per second (FPS) tells the rate at which a camera is taking photos. Burst rate tells how many frames can be taken in quick succession, before the frame rate slows down.

Use

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Video created from 20 photographs taken from a mobile phone camera in burst mode.

Cameras capable of high continuous shooting rates are much desired when the subjects are in motion, as in sports photography, or where the opportunities are brief. Rather than anticipate the action precisely, photographers can simply start shooting from right before they believe the action will occur, giving a high chance of at least one frame being acceptable. Most modern digital SLR cameras have continuous shooting rates of between 3 and 8 frames per second, although very high end cameras such as the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II are capable of 14 frames per second with full autofocus, or 16 frames per second when in mirror lock-up mode. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is capable of recording 40 still images per second in burst mode, at a slightly reduced resolution. In March 2014, Nikon claims its Nikon 1 V3 mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera has the world's fastest burst mode of 20fps Auto Focus tracking and 60fps at the first shot autofocus, both in 18.4MP full resolution. The claim is among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses, including (its) DSLR.[3]

Most high-end camera phones and some mid-range phones, and a few low end ones, provide burst shooting. For example, the Samsung Galaxy SIII Mini can capture 20 photos continuously at 3.3 fps by tapping and holding the shutter button. Other examples include: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 at 4-5 fps, Apple iPhone 5S at 10 fps, or up to 30 fps with special software,[2] and the ASUS Padfone Mini at 16fps.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Burst mode, also known as continuous shooting mode, is a feature available on most digital cameras and smartphones that allows the to capture a rapid series of photographs by holding down the shutter-release button. This mode operates by temporarily storing images in the camera's internal buffer before writing them to the , enabling frame rates typically ranging from 5 to 30 frames per second or more in modern consumer models and up to 40 or higher in professional ones, as of 2025. The primary advantage of burst mode lies in its ability to freeze fast-moving subjects, making it indispensable for genres such as , , and event photography, where timing is critical to capturing the peak action or expression. During operation, focus and exposure are generally locked after the initial half-press of the shutter, though advanced systems in modern cameras can track subjects continuously throughout the burst. Limitations include buffer capacity, which determines the maximum burst length before shooting slows, as well as factors like battery life, speed, and ambient conditions that may reduce the effective . Variations of burst mode include low-speed and high-speed options on many cameras, allowing users to balance file volume with capture speed, as well as specialized implementations like RAW burst for unprocessed high-quality sequences or pre-burst modes that begin recording before the shutter is fully pressed. In smartphones, such as the , burst mode facilitates quick sequences for selecting the sharpest image from motion-heavy scenes like children's activities or pet movements. Overall, this mode enhances the photographer's ability to document dynamic events without missing key moments, though it generates large numbers of files requiring post-processing selection.

Introduction

Definition and Basics

Burst mode is a feature in still cameras that allows the capture of a sequence of photographs in rapid succession, typically initiated by pressing and holding the shutter-release button. This mode operates by repeatedly activating the camera's shutter mechanism to expose the image sensor or film multiple times in quick intervals, producing a series of images that can be reviewed to select the optimal frame or to study motion. The performance of burst mode is commonly quantified in frames per second (fps), indicating the rate at which these exposures occur. Activation of burst mode generally involves selecting it via the camera's drive mode settings and then fully depressing the , which triggers continuous exposures until the button is released or a limit is reached. The resulting series of images provides photographers with multiple options from a single action, facilitating the capture of fleeting moments without needing precise timing for each shot. Terminology for this function varies across manufacturers and contexts, often referred to as continuous shooting mode, high-speed drive mode, or sequential shooting. Importantly, burst mode pertains exclusively to still photography, distinguishing it from video recording modes that capture moving images at similar frame rates. At its core, burst mode relies on the camera's shutter mechanism, which functions as a that precisely controls the duration of light exposure to the or by opening and closing in rapid succession. This mechanism evolved from mechanical motor drives in early cameras, enabling digital SLRs to replicate and enhance the ability to produce sequences of images.

History and Evolution

Burst mode in photography traces its roots to the , when motor drives were developed as accessories for 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras to enable continuous shooting, primarily for and action photography. These devices automated film advancement, allowing rates of 2 to 5 frames per second depending on the model, though they added significant bulk and required multiple batteries. For instance, the XD-11, released in 1977, incorporated an optional Autowinder D that supported motor-driven sequences at up to 2 frames per second, marking an early integration of such technology into a compact SLR body. By the late and into the , motor drives transitioned from external attachments to built-in features in professional cameras, enhancing reliability for photojournalists and shooters. The shift to in the 1990s brought electronic burst capabilities, eliminating mechanical film transport limitations. Kodak's DCS 100, introduced in 1991 as the first commercially available digital SLR based on a body, enabled motor-driven bursts at 2.5 frames per second for up to 24 images, depending on memory capacity, revolutionizing professional workflows by allowing immediate image review. This paved the way for broader adoption in the , as digital SLRs became more affordable for consumers, with models like the in 1999 offering 4.5 frames per second for up to 21 shots, setting a benchmark for speed and establishing Nikon as a digital leader. The , launched in 2001, further advanced professional standards with 8 frames per second bursts, catering to high-demand fields like through its robust build and fast processing. The 2010s saw the rise of mirrorless cameras, which leveraged electronic viewfinders and faster sensors to push burst rates higher without mechanical mirrors. Sony's Alpha A9, released in 2017, achieved 20 frames per second with continuous autofocus and no viewfinder blackout, thanks to its stacked sensor design, transforming action capture for professionals. By 2025, advancements like AI integration have refined burst mode, with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II enabling up to 30 frames per second and predictive autofocus that anticipates subject movement using machine learning for more precise sequences. In smartphones, burst mode debuted with the iPhone 5s in 2013 at 10 frames per second, allowing users to capture rapid sequences for selecting the best shot; modern flagships like the iPhone 17 series continue to support burst mode at 10 frames per second, with enhanced computational photography tools for improved image selection and processing from the sequence, democratizing high-speed photography.

Technical Operation

Mechanism of Burst Shooting

Burst shooting begins when the photographer presses and holds the shutter release button in continuous drive mode, signaling the camera to initiate a sequence of exposures. The process involves the camera cycling through multiple frames rapidly: for each frame, the shutter mechanism exposes the image sensor to light, the sensor captures the incoming photons as electrical charges, and the data is then read out and processed before the next exposure cycle starts. In digital cameras, this workflow allows for a series of images to be captured in quick succession without requiring the photographer to release and repress the shutter button for each shot. The plays a central role by converting into for every frame in the burst, with its readout speed determining how quickly the charges from each are transferred to the camera's processor. The processor then handles essential tasks such as analog-to-digital conversion, initial , and compression of the raw into a usable , all while managing the to minimize delays between frames. This coordination ensures that the can begin exposing the next frame almost immediately after the previous one's is offloaded, enabling the high-speed cycling characteristic of burst mode. Electronic shutters facilitate faster operation compared to mechanical ones, as they eliminate physical movement, allowing the to reset and expose electronically without the limitations of mechanical components. Shutter types significantly influence the burst mechanism, particularly in terms of speed and image fidelity. Mechanical shutters physically open and close curtains to expose the sensor, which introduces a cycle time constraint due to the inertia and vibration of moving parts, limiting burst rates in some cameras. In contrast, electronic shutters operate without mechanical action by electronically timing the sensor's exposure, enabling quicker frame intervals and higher burst capacities, though they may introduce artifacts depending on the readout method. Rolling shutters, common in many electronic implementations, scan the sensor line by line from top to bottom, which can cause distortion (known as the jello effect) in high-speed bursts involving fast-moving subjects, as different parts of the frame are exposed at slightly different times. Global shutters, which expose the entire sensor simultaneously, avoid such distortions by capturing all pixels at once, making them preferable for burst shooting of rapid motion; while less common in consumer cameras due to higher costs, recent models like the Sony α9 III (2023) incorporate global shutters to achieve 120 fps bursts without rolling shutter artifacts. The choice of file format further shapes the burst mechanism by affecting processing demands per frame. RAW files preserve the unprocessed data, requiring more time for readout and handling due to their larger size and lack of in-camera compression, which can extend the interval between frames and shorten the overall burst length before the camera slows. files, however, undergo immediate compression and processing in the camera, resulting in smaller files that clear the internal faster, allowing for more efficient cycling and longer bursts without interruption. This difference arises because generation involves algorithms that reduce data volume , whereas RAW defers such optimizations to post-processing software.

Burst Rate and Factors Affecting It

Burst rate refers to the maximum number of frames per second (fps) at which a camera can capture images in continuous burst mode, representing the initial sustainable shooting speed before limitations like buffer capacity intervene. Entry-level cameras generally achieve 3-5 fps, suitable for basic action capture, while professional mirrorless models reach 30 fps or higher; for instance, the delivers 30 fps with full and autoexposure using its electronic shutter, and the R1 (2024) achieves 40 fps with similar tracking. The Nikon Z9, a full-frame camera, supports 20 fps for full-resolution RAW files and up to 120 fps for 11-megapixel JPEGs in electronic shutter mode. Several technical factors influence burst rate. Sensor readout speed is critical, as it governs how quickly transfers to the , directly capping the fps in electronic shutter operation; slower readouts, common in non- , limit rates to avoid excessive distortion. Full-frame often exhibit slower readout speeds than due to larger arrays and higher volumes, though advanced designs in models like the enable rates exceeding 30 fps. The system also plays a key role, with phase-detection (PDAF) supporting higher continuous rates during subject tracking compared to contrast-detection (CDAF), which can reduce speeds in dynamic scenarios. Lens compatibility further affects , as slower-focusing lenses or those with limited electronic control may throttle burst speeds to maintain accuracy. Burst rate typically degrades after the initial phase once the internal buffer fills with image data, dropping to a slower pace dictated by write speeds, which can extend to seconds or minutes depending on and storage type. This sustained rate is often 1-5 fps lower than the peak, emphasizing the need for fast or UHS-II cards in high-end cameras. Testing standards for burst rate involve controlled conditions, such as fixed focus, exposure, and , to measure maximum fps; however, real-world evaluations incorporate tracking and subject motion, revealing drops of 20-50% in challenging environments like low light or erratic movement. Organizations like DPReview and Imaging Resource standardize tests using high-speed subjects and RAW formats to ensure comparable results across models.

Buffer Memory and Storage Considerations

In burst photography, the buffer serves as a temporary high-speed cache, typically implemented using DRAM, that holds captured image data before it is transferred to the camera's slower permanent storage, such as cards, allowing uninterrupted high-speed shooting. This buffer acts as an intermediary to manage the disparity between the rapid data generation from the and the comparatively slower write speeds of storage media. Buffer capacity, measured in the number of it can hold, varies by camera model and is generally larger in professional-grade cameras, ranging from 50 to over 200 for RAW files in high-end models. For instance, the can buffer up to 150 RAW during 30 fps shooting, while the Nikon Z9 supports over 1,000 RAW at 20 fps, and the Canon EOS R1 (2024) handles 230 RAW at 40 fps, reflecting advancements in for sustained performance. Capacity is influenced by factors such as image file size, with uncompressed RAW files typically around 50 MB per for 24-megapixel full-frame sensors, compared to files at about 10 MB, allowing more before overflow. When the buffer reaches capacity, it overflows, causing the camera to slow its capture rate to match the storage write speed, often dropping to 1-2 fps until the buffer clears, which can interrupt critical action sequences. To mitigate this, photographers use high-speed storage solutions like Type B cards, which offer write speeds up to 1,700 MB/s, enabling longer sustained bursts compared to standard SD cards limited to around 300 MB/s, thus reducing frequency. Many professional cameras feature dual-card slots supporting different formats, such as one and one SD, which can be configured for by simultaneously writing identical data to both cards, ensuring during extended bursts and minimizing risk without significantly impacting buffer performance.

Applications and Uses

Common Scenarios

Burst mode is particularly valuable in action and , where it enables photographers to capture unpredictable peak moments such as a soccer player scoring a or an crossing the finish line in a track sprint. By firing multiple frames per second, this mode increases the likelihood of obtaining the decisive shot amid fast-paced and erratic movements, allowing shooters to select the optimal image from a sequence later. In wildlife and , burst mode excels at documenting dynamic behaviors like birds in flight or elusive animal interactions that demand rapid sequence capture for analysis or . For instance, photographers targeting avian often rely on continuous to freeze positions and trajectories, providing a series of images that reveal patterns in motion otherwise impossible to isolate in single exposures. This approach is essential for studying natural sequences, such as a predator's pounce or a flock's evasion, where timing hinges on split-second opportunities. For event and , burst mode proves indispensable during weddings and children's activities, where it facilitates the selection of the most expressive facial reactions from fleeting, spontaneous moments. At weddings, it captures the subtle shifts in a couple's embrace or guests' joyful outbursts, yielding a range of options to choose the one with the perfect emotional peak. Similarly, when photographing active children—such as during or family gatherings—holding the shutter down produces a burst that ensures at least one sharp, engaging shot amid constant motion and varied expressions. Creative applications of burst mode extend to techniques like panning shots and abstract motion studies, where sequences of images can be composited to visualize speed or fluidity in innovative ways. Photographers use bursts to track moving subjects against blurred backgrounds in panning, creating dynamic compositions that emphasize velocity without relying solely on single-frame precision. Additionally, in smartphone photography, features akin to burst mode—such as Apple's Live Photos or Samsung's continuous shooting—allow users to generate short animated clips or GIFs from rapid captures, enabling artistic explorations of everyday motion like water splashes or urban bustle.

Advantages and Limitations

Burst mode significantly enhances the ability to capture fleeting moments in by allowing cameras to take multiple frames in rapid succession, thereby increasing the hit rate for fast-moving subjects that might otherwise be missed in single-shot mode. This is particularly valuable for action-oriented where precise timing is critical, such as or , ensuring photographers obtain at least one sharp image from the sequence. Another key advantage is the opportunity for post-capture selection, where photographers can review a series of similar shots and choose the optimal one based on factors like expression, composition, or focus sharpness, reducing the pressure to nail the perfect exposure on the first try. Additionally, burst mode facilitates motion analysis in fields like and scientific visualization; for instance, sequences can be composited to demonstrate dynamic physics phenomena, such as projectile trajectories, aiding educational and analytical purposes. Despite these benefits, burst mode has notable limitations, including high battery drain due to the continuous operation of the and mechanical components during extended sequences. It also generates large volumes of files, which demand substantial storage capacity and considerable time for organization and editing in workflows. Prolonged use can lead to heat buildup in the camera body, potentially causing temporary shutdowns or reduced performance in modern mirrorless models. Workflow impacts are significant, as photographers must sift through dozens or hundreds of nearly identical images to identify keepers, which can be time-consuming and detract from the creative process. Furthermore, burst mode is not ideal for low-light conditions, as the faster shutter speeds required to freeze motion often result in underexposure unless compensated by wider apertures or higher ISOs, which may introduce noise. Modern software mitigations, such as AI-assisted in (introduced in the October 2025 update), help alleviate these burdens by automatically identifying and rejecting out-of-focus or poorly exposed images from burst sequences, streamlining the selection process. Related to buffer considerations, effective file management with high-speed cards can prevent interruptions during .

Comparisons and Variations

With Single-Shot Mode

Single-shot mode, the default drive setting on most digital cameras, captures a single image each time the is fully pressed, allowing the to deliberate and control each exposure precisely. This mode prioritizes accuracy in composition and focus, enabling the camera to complete all in-camera steps—such as confirmation and initial —for one frame before the next shot can be taken. In contrast to burst mode, which excels at capturing sequences of unpredictable action like or by producing multiple frames rapidly to increase the odds of nailing a decisive moment, single-shot mode offers greater control and intentionality, making it ideal for static or carefully composed scenes such as studio portraits or . The key difference lies in timing and volume: burst mode delegates shot intervals to the camera's mechanics for volume and chance, while single-shot empowers the to time each capture manually, reducing the risk of extraneous frames that dilute focus during . A primary is in processing efficiency; mode permits the camera to allocate full resources to enhancing each individual , including thorough and exposure optimization, without the urgency of successive shots that can limit such features in burst mode to sustain speed. Consequently, photographers often switch to for controlled environments where quality per frame outweighs quantity, conserving buffer memory and storage while minimizing workload from reviewing dozens of similar images. For dynamic subjects, however, reverting to burst ensures no fleeting opportunity is missed, balancing the modes based on the scene's predictability.

In Different Camera Types

Burst mode performance varies significantly across camera types due to differences in hardware design, sensor technology, and processing capabilities. In digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, the mechanical mirror mechanism imposes limitations on burst rates, typically capping them at around 10-14 frames per second (fps) in professional models. For instance, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III achieves up to 16 fps through the optical viewfinder using a mechanical shutter, though this can increase to 20 fps in live view mode. During bursts, the flipping of the mirror causes a brief blackout in the optical viewfinder, interrupting the photographer's view of the subject and potentially hindering tracking of fast-moving action. Mirrorless cameras overcome these constraints with electronic viewfinders (EVFs) and electronic shutters, enabling higher burst rates without mechanical interruptions. Models like the deliver up to 40 fps in blackout-free electronic shutter mode, allowing continuous subject visibility and improved (AF) tracking through advanced algorithms and phase-detection systems. This design supports rates from 20-120 fps in high-end variants, facilitating superior performance for sports and where real-time monitoring is essential. In smartphones and compact cameras, burst mode relies primarily on software processing rather than advanced mechanical systems, resulting in rates up to 30 fps, though often limited to 10-20 fps for full-resolution images due to smaller sensors and computational demands. Devices like the 9 incorporate AI-driven features such as image stacking and Best Take, which analyze bursts to select or composite optimal frames, enhancing accessibility for casual users despite sensor size constraints. Consumer point-and-shoot cameras generally offer modest burst rates of 5-10 fps to balance portability and affordability, as seen in models like the DC-ZS99 with 10 fps capabilities augmented by 4K photo extraction. In contrast, professional and hybrid variants, such as action cameras like the HERO13 Black, integrate burst modes with video at up to 30 fps for stills, enabling seamless capture of dynamic scenes in rugged environments.

References

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