Tech talk: Fast burst rates always sound impressive, but that number only ever tells part of the story

Along with its sensor and video specs, one of a camera's main features that's guaranteed to grab attention is its maximum continuous shooting rate. Commonly known as its burst rate, this tells you how many frames per second the camera can capture at a constant rate.  

We typically now see 7-8fps on enthusiast-level models and 14-16fps for pro-grade DSLRs, and even faster burst rates on cameras that employ an electronic shutter. The recent Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, for example, can fire full-resolution images at an astonishing 60fps thanks to the use of this kind of shutter. 

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Matt Golowczynski

The former editor of Digital Camera World, "Matt G" has spent the bulk of his career working in or reporting on the photographic industry. For two and a half years he worked in the trade side of the business with Jessops and Wex, serving as content marketing manager for the latter. 


Switching streams he also spent five years as a journalist, where he served as technical writer and technical editor for What Digital Camera before joining DCW, taking on assignments as a freelance writer and photographer in his own right. He currently works for SmartFrame, a specialist in image-streaming technology and protection.