Last Updated on August 26, 2021 by PixelPluck
Most modern cameras can shoot over 5 frames per second. Advance DSLR cameras can shoot above 10 frames per second. The number of frames that can be shot by a camera depends upon how fast it can process the raw data. The raw data is processed by the internal processor of the camera. What happens is that all the images are stored in buffer memory and are processed gradually. The buffer memory limits or slows the response time of the camera as it gets filled with data. Modern Mirrorless like the Nikon Z6 can shoot up to 12fps. Although many digital cameras offer shutter speeds high enough to capture just about any moving subject, some other camera functions like autofocusing, can slow it down. In this article, you will find the best Tips to Improve the Camera Performance.
These simple and easy-to-follow tips will not only reduce the camera lag but also improve the overall shooting experience.
Turn Off Image Review
Turn off instant picture review in the camera display settings. Instant review displays an image briefly on the camera
monitor after each shot. Most cameras prevent you from taking the next shot
during the picture review period. In any case, it takes a moment before you can take the next photograph. It is best to bypass the image review function on the camera when shooting action photos for faster camera performance.
Image Size Optimization
For cameras with very high megapixels, you must wait for the camera to write the current image to the memory card before you can take a second picture. Even when this lag time is brief, it can cause you to miss a great shot when you’re shooting action. High-end cameras come with buffer space that lets the photographer continue with the shots. But even with buffer capacity, there is a limit. Imagine hitting the buffer limit and some action happening that you may miss. To keep the lag time as short as possible, use the reduced resolution setting that will produce the quality and picture size that you need. If you need images just for social media then there is no point in shooting a 48-megapixel shot. The more pixels the camera captures, the longer it takes to process and write the picture to the camera’s memory card.
Shutter Speed and Subject Pace
A slower shutter speed may result in a blurry image when you are shooting a fast-moving subject. Match shutter speed to the pace of your subject. This will help the camera perform fast as it does not have to process the additional movements. For example; when you match the shutter speed with the rotor blades of a helicopter, it looks suspended in the air. The same goes for bird wings. It is difficult to match the exact frame rate but it’s a useful trick. Check how the bird looks suspended in the air with frame rates and rate of flapping of wings are matching.
Reduce Auto-Adjustments
To reduce the response time of the camera, turn off specialty image-processing functions. Additional in-camera functions such as noise reduction and other color effects increase the camera lag. It is better to process them separately on your computer.
Use External Flash
The pop-up flash on the entry-level cameras is for beginners. It flattens the image. When you use an inbuilt flash it reduces the power performance and in turn slows down the camera functioning. If you can get by without it, turn off your camera’s flash. The best way to improve response time and infuse creativity is to use an external flash with your camera. Speedlites are not expensive anymore and it costs less than your cheapest lens in most cases.
Check the best value for money external flash here.
Use Original Batteries
Make sure that your batteries are fresh and original. Third-party low-powered batteries can make a camera behave sluggishly. Alkaline Batteries are poor performers. So if you are using a battery grip then use Nickel Aluminium Hydride batteries or original cells for best performance and reliability.
Half Shutter for Focus Lock
Auto focus and auto exposure are denoted by AF and AE on the camera. When using autofocus and auto-exposure, frame the image and set the exposure and focus (by pressing the shutter button halfway down) in advance of the action. That way, you don’t have to wait for the auto-exposure / focus mechanism to do its thing when the moment you want to capture happens. Just keep the shutter button pressed halfway down and then press it the rest of the way when the action occurs. If your subject isn’t already in the frame at the time, set the focus and exposure by pointing the camera at something that’s at the same distance and in similar lighting as your subject will be.
Using Movie Mode for Burst Photos
If you just can’t get the timing of the shutter right, you may want to consider switching to movie mode, if your camera offers one. This mode records a brief digital video segment, just like a digital camcorder. You can then pull a single frame from the video clip to use as a still photo. Unfortunately, most cameras limit you to low-resolution images and don’t permit the use of flash in this mode. Movie mode also creates large image files, so make sure you have a high-capacity storage card in your camera.
Using a Prime Lens
Prime Lenses offer faster focusing and better performance under low light. They also offer sharper photographs compared to your kit lens. Check the best lenses to upgrade from your kit lens. Prime lens will improve camera performance and will also give you better photographs. But in the end it is you who should have skills to get the best out of any lens.
These tips to improve the camera performance should be combined with better skills and basics.