Choosing a Release Mode

To choose a release mode, press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial so that the pointer aligns with the desired setting.

Pointer

S: Single frame: Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed.
Cl: Continuous low speed: While shutter-release button is held down, camera records 1–7 frames per second.^* Frame rate can be chosen using Custom Setting d1 (CL mode shooting speed, 0 CL Mode Shooting Speed).
Ch: Continuous high speed: While shutter-release button is held down, camera records up to 8 frames per second.^* Use for active subjects.
Q: Quiet shutter-release: As for single frame, except that mirror does not click back into place while shutter-release button is fully pressed, allowing user to control timing of click made by mirror, which is also quieter than in single frame mode. In addition, beep does not sound regardless of setting selected for Beep options in the setup menu (0 Beep Options).
Qc: Qc (quiet continuous) shutter-release: While shutter-release button is held down, camera records up to 3 frames per second.^* Camera noise is reduced.
E: Self-timer: Take pictures with the self-timer (0 Self-Timer Mode (E)).
Mup: Mirror up: Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs (0 Mirror up Mode (Mup)).

Average frame rate with an EN-EL15a battery, continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, remaining settings (or in the case of Cl, remaining settings other than Custom Setting d1) at default values, and memory remaining in memory buffer. The stated rates may not be available under some conditions. Frame rates may drop at high ISO sensitivities (Hi 0.3–Hi 5) or at extremely small apertures (high f-numbers) or slow shutter speeds, when vibration reduction (available with VR lenses) or auto ISO sensitivity control (0 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control) is on, when certain lenses are used, or if the battery is low or flicker is detected when flicker reduction is enabled in the photo shooting menu (0 Flicker Reduction). Only one picture will be taken if the flash fires.

The Memory Buffer

The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. The frame rate will drop when the buffer is full (tAA).

The approximate number of images that can be stored in the buffer at current settings is shown in the exposure-count displays while the shutter-release button is pressed.

While photographs are being recorded to the memory card, the memory card access lamp will light. Depending on shooting conditions and memory card performance, recording may take from a few seconds to a few minutes. Do not remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the access lamp has gone out. If the camera is switched off while data remain in the buffer, the power will not turn off until all images in the buffer have been recorded. If the battery is exhausted while images remain in the buffer, the shutter release will be disabled and the images transferred to the memory card.

Live View

If a continuous release mode is used during live view, photographs will be displayed in place of the view through the lens while the shutter-release button is pressed.