User:Joshe523/Burst mode (photography)

Burst mode (also known as Continuous mode) is a setting found in many digital cameras that allows the photographer to capture several images by holding down the shutter button. Burst mode is used in sports photography, photojournalism, and any other form of photography where the subject is constantly changing position or expression. After capturing a set of images, the photographer is able to either choose the best image from the sequence, combine them into one image using software (see right), or put the sequence of images next to each other as a set. Burst mode can also be used for capturing a set of images for High dynamic range imaging (HDR).

History
Burst mode is a digital term that finds its roots in the innovation of the motor drive. Nikon introduced the first "practical application of a motor drive in the SLR camera" in 1959 with the Nikon F at 3 frames per second, and since then, the technology has evolved to the 60 frames per second of the Nikon 1 series non-SLR digital cameras and the 12 frames per second of the upcoming Canon EOS-1D X.

Speed Limitations
The speed of burst imagery originally had its limits in how quickly a motor could physically position the film. This was the time it took between images while the camera was preparing to record another image. This time shortened as motor drives became more efficient, but there were always physical limitations to the frames per second. In digital cameras, the limitation is still based on how quickly the camera is able to record a new image, but the limitation is now based in the processor and storage device rather than the motor.

Processing Limitation
The processing speed of a digital camera determines its maximum frame capture rate. The processor is the part of the camera that converts the information gathered by the digital sensor into a file for recording and writes the file to the camera's storage device. Processors are constantly improving over time, allowing for faster and faster maximum speeds. For example, the Canon EOS-1D, released in 2002, recorded 4.1 megapixel images at 8 frames per second while the Canon EOS-1D X, announced in 2011 for release in 2012, will record 18.1 megapixel images at 14 frames per second.

Writing Limitation
The write speed (based on both processor and storage device) of a digital camera determines its sustained frame capture rate. It also may limit the camera's maximum frame rate if a storage device is slower than recommended for the camera. Storage devices such as SD cards or CF cards have limitations on how quickly data can be written. Better cameras and better cards can record uncompressed image data at the camera's maximum speed for longer, but most digital cameras can only record a certain amount of data before slowing down or stopping completely.

Uses
Burst mode is useful in any situation where the photographer needs to capture many images in a short amount of time whether they are trying to capture a specific moment or a sequence of moments. Continuous shooting helps photographers to capture those moments that only happen once.

Photojournalism
Burst mode allows photojournalists to capture events as they unfold. As with any photographer using burst mode, their goal is to capture a good image of a moment that will only happen once. Sports photography is a big category of photojournalism where burst mode is used to help capture key plays or bursts of action. Professional DSLRs have the ability to continuously auto-focus while still maintaining around 10 frames per second (12 in the upcoming Canon 1Dx), giving the photographer 10 images to choose from in a one-second burst of action.

Commercial Photography
Burst mode in commercial photography is more limited than photojournalism, but it is not entirely useless to commercial photographers.


 * Portrait and studio photographers do not use burst mode very much because the subject is usually not unpredictable. Lighting equipment might also limit photographers' use of burst mode. However, burst mode is still useful if photographers desire to capture some sort of motion of their subject, allowing them to shoot two or three images in quick succession.


 * Wedding photographers often use burst mode to capture multiple images of key events (such as the first kiss) or moments of action (such as a bouquet toss) throughout the wedding to ensure they capture the moment well.


 * Advertising photographers will sometimes use burst mode to capture images of athletes in action.

Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photographers use burst mode similarly to sports photographers to capture animals in action.

HDR Photography
Another use for burst mode is in capturing a set of images for HDR photography, allowing many images with different exposures to be captured for later processing.

"Spray 'n Pray"
The use of burst mode is sometimes negatively referred to "spray and pray" or "spraying and praying" with the idea that relying on burst mode or simply hoping ("praying") at least one image will be good demonstrates a lack of skill.

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Category:Photographic techniques

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