Burst

The Burst (or 'continuous shooting') is a shooting mode available on cameras, smartphones, and camcorders that allows for the capture of a rapid sequence of images in succession with a single press of the shutter button. This feature is essential for avoiding missing fleeting moments, dynamic actions, or rapidly changing expressions.

What it's for / Why it's important

Burst mode is crucial for maximising the probability of getting the perfect image in situations where the action is unpredictable or too fast for human reaction. It ensures that, even if the framing isn't optimal on every shot, at least one within the sequence captures the peak of the action or the desired moment.

When to use it / When it's useful

It is mainly used in sports photography, wildlife photography (especially with moving animals), street photography, or at events where subjects are moving quickly (for instance, a child playing or an artist performing). In video making, using high frame rates to then slow down the action is conceptually similar, but Burst mode is specific to acquiring still images.

Practical example

A sports photographer is shooting an athlete jumping over a hurdle. Instead of attempting a single shot at the exact moment of the jump, they activate Burst mode. The camera takes 10 photos in one second. Subsequently, the photographer can select the photo in which the athlete is perfectly suspended mid-air, discarding those where they are still taking off or already landing.