Nikon Continuous Burst Mode

[nettie0376]

hi, i was wondering if anyone could help me with a question i have about my camera's continuous burst mode. i have a nikon d40, and i just recently changed the setting to the continous burst mode to take pictures, but i have only gotten it to work ONCE. the first time i tried it, i was at home and it was in the evening with the lights on in the house, and when i pressed the shutter release button, it only took one shot. then i retried it in the morning and it worked great. but i was trying it out this morning again, and it would only take one shot. does the contiuous burst mode require a ton of light for it to work? or what am i doing wrong? thank you for all your help in advance

[Drkranger]

You may want to look at the autofocus setting for shutter release. I have mine set to only take a photo if the camera has locked in focus. There's no point in taking an out of focus shot. I can't tell you where that setting might be, but it's something to look at.

[dcclark]

Yep, sounds like an autofocus problem. The default setting is something like this: focus, and then only if the camera could focus, take a shot. Then, repeat. The focusing step often takes a long time -- and in low light, all autofocus systems can have trouble.

There are modes which let you take a shot as soon as you press the button, depending on what you want. Also, there are modes that track moving subjects better. Look up "autofocus modes" in your manual.

[nettie0376]

thank you guys so much i guess it's best to leave it the way it is LOL, i agree, why take a picture if it's not in focus.

[DannyF1966]

This may sound like a daft question, but are you keeping your finger on the shutter release? I keep my camera in continuous burst mode all the time, and only keep my finger on the button when I want to use it.

[nettie0376]

danny-LOL i have to chuckle at your question! b/c that would be something that i would do LOL! but yes i'm holding down the shutter release button. i actually took the advice of the pp'er about going to the manual (go figure LOL) and it said that the camera will only take ONE shot if the flash goes off! so you either have to be in good light or turn the flash off to take continuous shots. man, that manual is good for something

[utfans05]

Originally Posted by nettie0376

danny-LOL i have to chuckle at your question! b/c that would be something that i would do LOL! but yes i'm holding down the shutter release button. i actually took the advice of the pp'er about going to the manual (go figure LOL) and it said that the camera will only take ONE shot if the flash goes off! so you either have to be in good light or turn the flash off to take continuous shots. man, that manual is good for something

ok the next question is are you shooting in manual mode or auto... cause if your in auto it might not let you go past the first 2 frames cause of the flash wanting to pop up.... but def learn to shoot on manual so that you dont have to worry about the flash coming up when you dont want it too.

[sk66]

I don't use "focus" for burst mode ( and c focus). I use "focus" for S focus mode (single vs continuous). This is because I want the lens to continuously focus (as on moving subject) I also want it to "take chances" on focus. If I want definite "in focus" I use single focus mode and "focus release". It will burst in either setting. based upon focus preference.

[feliciahong]

hi all .. i am newbie to this forum ... so does that mean i should set it to manual focus when i want to take a continous shot rather than auto focus ??

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by feliciahong

hi all .. i am newbie to this forum ... so does that mean i should set it to manual focus when i want to take a continous shot rather than auto focus ??

No, it just means that you need to select the correct type of autofocus. Each brand of camera has slightly different options, but generally there are modes which do things like:

- Take the photo as soon as you press the button and something is in focus,
- Take the photo as soon as something enters the focus area you've selected,
- Take the photo immediately when you press the button, whether in focus or not,
- Track a moving object and keep it in focus for you

You'll have to decide which type is correct for your situation. As with most things related to cameras, there is no one "correct" answer.

There are several articles around here about selecting the appropriate type of focus mode. Only if none of them work for you, do you have to go to manual focus. (But of course, you can use manual focus if you really want anyhow.)