How often do you use your camera's burst mode? Are you comfortable working with it? Are you maximizing its potential?

Sometimes photographers overlook burst mode as a handy tool that can transform their work. More experienced photographers typically know about burst mode but might not be leveraging its capacity. So, let's take a closer look at burst mode.

What is the burst mode?

Burst mode is a feature on your camera that shoots multiple images rapidly in sequence. It's sometimes called continuous mode.) It's available on mirrorless, DSLR, and most smartphone cameras.

Shooting rapidly in sequence can be ideal for capturing action shots - whether you want one perfect image - like a basketball jump shot at the hoop - or several sequential photos to demonstrate movement - like safari animals crossing a river.

While burst mode is typically associated with sports photography, it's also useful for other genres like portrait photography. Some of the best portraits involve shooting candids. To ensure you don't miss that perfect moment, some of those images are best taken in burst mode. 

How it works

When using the feature, the camera continues to take pictures rapidly until you release the burst mode button - or until the camera's memory buffer fills. Cameras have a burst mode capacity. Basically, this means that the camera can continuously shoot a certain number of images at a time. Higher-end cameras might be able to shoot hundreds of photos in burst mode. In contrast, less expensive cameras might only shoot continuously for a second or two. You would need to release the button and press again.

You might be wondering why burst-mode capacity matters as long as you have burst mode? It's critical to know how long your camera can shoot continuously because you could end up missing the action shot you were trying to capture. You'll need to time when you trigger burst mode. 

Burst mode capability

Digital cameras allow a photographer to shoot as many images as they want. Film cameras meant you were paying for the film, so every picture you took cost you money. Digital cameras, however, free you to shoot as much as you want, and burst mode makes it easier than ever to fire rapidly. The only downside is that it can fill up your memory card (and computer hard drive) pretty darn quickly. Understanding your camera's burst mode capabilities is critical. 

Be sure to read your camera's manual to better understand any limitations when using burst mode. Here are several important things regarding burst mode capabilities.

• You need to know the speed of your camera's burst mode. Some cameras can shoot up to 20 images in one second (20fps), while others can only shoot 6.

• You should understand your camera's buffer. The buffer is the camera's capacity for the number of images it can shoot before it stops entirely or slows down its burst mode.

• Your digital camera can process (and record) a certain amount of information at any given moment.

• As you'd expect, RAW files fill up the buffer far more quickly than JPEG. The difference can be ten times between them, meaning the camera might burst shoot 300 JPEGs or 30 RAW files.

• Some cameras limit the use of certain other features when burst mode is being used. For example, you might not be able to shoot at full-speed burst mode if you're using continuous autofocus mode.

How to Use Burst Mode

To use burst mode, you'll need to find it on your camera. Typically, it's on the mode dial or nearby. Keep in mind that some manufacturers refer to burst mode as continuous shooting or something similar. The abbreviations are indicating it might say CL, CH (continuous low or continuous high), or Drive. On some cameras, it's indicated by an icon that has several rectangles overlapping. Lastly, there might be a setting for burst mode in the camera's menu.

• Set your camera from single to burst or continuous. Continuous low won't fill up your camera's memory card, while continuous high might. This is why it's essential to understand your camera's capabilities and limitations before you use burst mode.

• Use a fast memory card. Certain memory cards will prevent you from shooting at your camera's highest speed. You'll want to use a fast memory card to avoid this problem if you are shooting burst modes with RAW or using an advanced camera. We suggest using one of these three: a Class 10 (has a circled number 10 on the front) or a UHS Class 1 or 3 card (indicated by the number written as a U rather than a circle).

• Remember to adjust your focus mode. You'll probably want to set your camera to continuous autofocus when shooting in burst mode so that all the images shot continuously come out focused. To do this, put the camera's dial to AF or select in the menu continuous autofocus, AF-C, or Al Servo. There is a possible exception to continuous autofocus. Suppose you know that your subject will remain at the same distance from the camera throughout the burst. In that case, you can leave the setting on single autofocus (AF-S or One-shot AF).

• Start shooting. Once you're ready to shoot - your memory card is the correct one, and your autofocus is set - then aim, half-press to focus, press down, and shoot. Continue to hold the shutter release throughout your burst until you're done with the shot.

When to use burst mode

As we said above, burst mode is ideal for capturing action, as you'd do with sports photography. But there are other uses for it.

• Burst mode is useful for shooting portraits. Shooting a lot of frames quickly can help avoid capturing a subject's blink and closed eyes.

• It can help capture subjects during more candid moments of a photoshoot.

• It can be handy to shoot in burst mode at events such as a wedding. You can shoot pictures quickly, capturing subjects when they least expect it and are at their most natural selves.

• Burst mode is handy for children's pictures, whether at a photo session or at an event like a party when children are constantly in motion. You have a better chance of capturing great pictures if you can shoot more quickly.

Don't forget

Remember to take a moment and adjust your composition between bursts, especially with portrait photography. Don't become so dependent on shooting continuously that you forget to stop and review things like overall composition and ensure shots are in focus.