Have you ever tried capturing the perfect action shot, only to find that your subject moved too quickly for you to react? Maybe you’ve attempted to photograph your dog mid-leap or capture the split-second joy of a child’s laughter, only to end up with blurry or mistimed shots.
This is where burst mode can be a game-changer for beginner photographers! It allows you to take multiple photos in rapid succession, increasing your chances of capturing that one perfect moment.
Burst mode isn’t just for sports photographers or wildlife enthusiasts, either—it’s a versatile tool that can enhance all types of photography, from portraits to street scenes. In this guide, we’ll break down what burst mode is, when and how to use it, and how you can master it to improve your photography. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, understanding burst mode will help you take sharper, more dynamic images. So, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- What is Burst Mode?
- When Should You Use Burst Mode?
- How to Use Burst Mode Effectively
- Pros and Cons of Burst Mode
- Use Burst Mode to Elevate Your Photography Game
What is Burst Mode?
As Oli Haukur Valtysson discusses in the video above, burst mode is a camera setting that allows you to take a series of photographs in rapid succession with just one press of the shutter button. Instead of capturing a single shot, your camera continues shooting as long as you hold down the button (or until the buffer fills up).
The speed of burst mode varies depending on the camera model. Some entry-level DSLRs and smartphones may shoot at 3-5 frames per second (fps), while professional mirrorless cameras can reach 20 fps or more. Regardless of your camera’s speed, burst mode gives you a much higher chance of capturing the perfect frame, especially when photographing fast-moving subjects.
Burst mode is available on most cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless systems, and even smartphones. It’s often called continuous shooting mode, and on many cameras, you can adjust how fast it shoots within the settings menu.
When Should You Use Burst Mode?
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There are many different use cases for burst mode. Below is a quick summary of some of the most popular applications.
Action and Sports Photography
Capturing high-speed action is one of the most common uses for burst mode. Whether you’re photographing a soccer player kicking a ball, a skateboarder performing a trick, or a race car speeding around a track, burst mode ensures you don’t miss the crucial moment.
When shooting action photography, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze motion. Pairing burst mode with continuous autofocus (AF-C or AI-Servo mode) helps keep your subject sharp, even as they move.
A great example of burst mode in action is capturing a basketball player taking a jump shot. Instead of guessing the perfect moment to press the shutter, burst mode allows you to capture the entire sequence and select the best frame afterward.
Wildlife and Pet Photography
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Wildlife and pets are unpredictable, making burst mode a must-have tool. Whether you’re photographing a bird in flight or a dog mid-run, burst mode increases your chances of getting a sharp, well-timed shot.
When using burst mode for wildlife, set your autofocus to tracking mode so the camera continually adjusts focus as your subject moves. If your camera has silent shooting mode, enable it to avoid startling animals.
For pet photography, burst mode is fantastic for capturing expressions and movements that happen in an instant. A playful dog shaking off water or a cat pouncing on a toy are both perfect scenarios for burst mode.
Portraits and Candid Moments
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Most people think of burst mode as a tool for action shots, but it’s equally valuable for portraits—especially candid photography. People blink, change expressions, and move slightly between shots, which can make it tricky to capture a natural, flattering pose.
Using burst mode during a portrait session helps you catch the best expressions while minimizing blinks. It’s especially useful for group shots where someone is bound to close their eyes at the wrong moment.
For more authentic images, try using burst mode when photographing laughter, movement, or spontaneous reactions. It ensures you don’t miss a split-second smile or an emotional moment.
Street and Event Photography
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Street photography thrives on capturing fleeting, unposed moments. A street performer mid-trick or a passerby caught in the perfect light are both perfect subjects for burst mode. Similarly, at events like weddings or concerts, where moments unfold quickly, burst mode helps ensure you capture the peak of the action. From a bride’s joyful reaction to a singer’s dynamic performance, burst mode gives you more options to choose from.
Keep Reading: How to Use a Kit Lens to Its Full Potential
How to Use Burst Mode Effectively
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Follow these key tips to get the most out of burst mode:
- Adjust Your Camera Settings: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. A speed of 1/500s or higher is recommended for action shots.
- Use Continuous Autofocus: This keeps moving subjects sharp throughout the burst.
- Monitor Your Storage: Burst mode generates a lot of images quickly, so use a high-speed memory card with a large capacity.
Furthermore, instead of keeping hundreds of images, go through your burst sequences and pick the sharpest, most compelling frames. Culling the collection of images ensures you have a solid group of photos to work with, plus it saves storage space on your memory card and hard drive!
Pros and Cons of Burst Mode
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As with anything, there are tradeoffs to using burst mode. Consider the following pros and cons as you get ready to use this helpful mode for capturing photos.
Pros
- Increases the chances of capturing the perfect moment.
- Useful for fast-moving subjects and unpredictable scenarios.
- Helps eliminate blinks or awkward expressions in portraits.
- Can improve sharpness in handheld low-light shooting.
Cons
- Can quickly fill up memory cards and hard drives.
- Uses more battery life due to continuous shooting.
- Requires more time to sort and edit images.
- Can lead to over-reliance—sometimes a well-timed single shot is better.
Use Burst Mode to Elevate Your Photography Game
Photo by Michael Y.F. Yuen via Shutterstock
Mastering burst mode is an essential skill for beginner photographers looking to capture fleeting moments with precision. Whether you’re shooting fast action, candid portraits, or even handheld low-light shots, burst mode can significantly improve your photography.
While it has its downsides—like increased storage use and the need to sort through multiple images—the benefits outweigh the drawbacks when used wisely. With practice, you’ll learn when to rely on burst mode and when a single shot is the better choice. Now, grab your camera, turn on burst mode, and start capturing those perfect moments!
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