The Buyers guide to...Which cameras have the highest fps in burst mode?

The Panasonic G9 II is equipped with a 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor, paired with a newly developed processing engine. This combination is touted to produce high-resolution images characterized by remarkable color depth. Furthermore, this duo enables the camera to achieve a rapid continuous shooting speed of up to 60 frames per second (fps) in AFC (continuous autofocus) mode with the use of its electronic shutter, and 10fps when using the mechanical shutter. These speeds are reportedly sustainable for over 160 combined raw and Jpeg images, 170 raw images, or more than 200 Jpeg images.

Adding to its capabilities, the G9 II features the SH Pre-burst recording mode. This innovative feature allows the camera to start capturing images up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter release is fully pressed, ensuring that approximately 113 consecutive shots are taken in one sequence. This is particularly useful for capturing fleeting moments and actions that occur in the blink of an eye.

The Canon R6 II, when utilising its electronic shutter, boasts a remarkable continuous shooting speed of 40fps, supported by its advanced processor and sensor. This mode allows for the capture of up to 75 raw images or 190 Large Jpegs, all with autofocus and tracking capabilities. If less speed is required, the rate can be adjusted to 20fps or 5fps. Switching to the mechanical shutter, the maximum shooting rate is 12fps, but this increases the burst capacity significantly, allowing for over 1000 Jpegs, 110 raw files, or 1000 CRAW files.

Mirroring the capabilities of the APS-C format Canon EOS R7, the R6 II features a Raw Burst mode. In this mode, it can capture up to 191 raw images at 30fps, complete with autofocus tracking. Uniquely, this mode includes a pre-capture function that begins 0.5 seconds before the shutter button is fully pressed, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of unpredictable action. However, it’s important to note that to use these images individually, they must be extracted from the captured sequence. This can be done using Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software or directly in the camera, and the images can be saved as separate Jpeg, HEIF, or raw files.

Read our Canon EOS R6 Review

The Nikon Z9 stands out with its impressive shooting capabilities, delivering 20fps in full-resolution for raw files, 30fps for Jpegs, and a remarkable 120fps at 11Mp. This performance is complemented by an exceptional autofocus system, featuring highly effective Eye-detection.

When using the right memory card, such as the ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress as recommended by Nikon, the Z9 can shoot full-resolution raw (high efficiency) files at up to 20fps, with a burst depth exceeding 1000 images. For those who prefer shooting in Jpeg, the camera’s new C+ mode allows pushing the rate to 30fps for full-resolution normal-quality Jpegs. In a different setup, the Z9 can achieve 120fps for 11Mp normal-quality Jpeg images, maintaining full autofocus and exposure metering, and these high shooting speeds can be utilized with shutter speeds up to 1/3200 second.

A unique aspect of the Nikon Z9 is its lack of a mechanical shutter, relying solely on an electronic shutter. Nikon asserts that the sensor boasts the world’s fastest scan rate for chips over 30Mp, significantly reducing rolling-shutter distortion, also known as the jello effect, to nearly negligible levels.

Read our Nikon Z9 Review

Like the Nikon Z9, the Z8’s advanced sensor and processor combo empowers it to shoot full-resolution raw files at a rapid pace of 20 frames per second (fps), maintaining this speed for over 1000 shots with a suitable CFexpress card.

In C+ mode, the Z8 can accelerate its shooting speed to 30fps, capturing full-resolution, normal-quality Jpegs. For even higher speeds, reducing the resolution to 19MP with a DX crop allows for shooting at an impressive 60fps. Furthermore, lowering the resolution to 11Mp enables the camera to reach a remarkable continuous shooting rate of 120fps, all while maintaining full autofocus and exposure metering functions.

Beyond Jpeg and NEF raw files, the Nikon Z8 offers the option to record HEIF files, which boast 10-bit color depth and a broader dynamic range compared to the traditional 8-bit Jpegs. However, a notable consideration is the limited current support for HEIF images in various software and platforms.

Read our Nikon Z8 Review

The 50.1Mp Sony A1 is particularly noteworthy for this list, blending its high-resolution capabilities with rapid shooting speeds in a way that sets it apart. While some cameras can achieve up to 60fps under specific conditions, the A1’s balance of resolution and speed is commendable.

For photographers requiring full-resolution uncompressed raw files, the A1 is capable of shooting at speeds up to 20fps. However, for those who prefer compressed raw files, or Jpegs or HEIF files, the A1 steps up its game, offering a maximum continuous shooting rate of 30fps when using its electronic shutter. This rate is accompanied by continuous autofocus and exposure measurement, ensuring accuracy in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

In practical terms, the A1 can capture up to 155 full-frame compressed raw images or 165 full-frame Jpeg images at a speed of 30fps. This rate translates to just over 5 seconds to shoot 155 files, which in real-world photography feels like an extensive and continuous burst of images, capturing every detail of the action.

Read our Sony A1 Review

For an in-depth understanding of the Canon EOS R3 and its extensive features, our full review offers a comprehensive breakdown. However, for those specifically interested in action photography, the EOS R3 stands out for its remarkable speed.

When using the mechanical shutter, the EOS R3 allows shooting at speeds ranging from 30 seconds to 1/8,000 of a second. Switching to the electronic shutter further extends this range to 30 seconds to 1/64,000 of a second, making it exceptionally adept at capturing fast-moving subjects. Many of Canon’s recent mirrorless models have been designed with action photography in mind, and the EOS R3, although on the higher end of the price spectrum, ranks as one of the best Canon cameras for this purpose.

Equipped with a 24MP sensor and the Digic X processor, the EOS R3 is capable of shooting raw or Jpeg files at up to 30fps, complete with full exposure metering and autofocus (AF) tracking, when using the electronic shutter. This feature is especially beneficial for sports photographers who need to capture fleeting moments without making a sound. For less intense action, the shooting rate can be adjusted to 15fps or 3fps, accommodating a range of photographic needs.

The R3’s design also emphasizes attention to detail. Canon has incorporated features like Flicker detection and a High Frequency anti-flicker shooting mode in the R3. These features are instrumental in identifying and compensating for flickering light sources, thereby preventing banding or inconsistencies in color and exposure in images taken indoors under artificial lighting conditions.

Read our Canon EOS R3 Review

The Canon EOS R7, Canon’s premier APS-C format camera, is designed as the successor to the EOS 7D series of DSLRs, with the most recent model being the EOS 7D Mark II. These DSLR models have been favored by sports and wildlife photographers due to their impressive burst rates.

The EOS R7 combines a 32.5MP sensor with Canon’s advanced Digic X series processing engines. This powerful pairing allows for a maximum continuous shooting rate of 15 frames per second (fps) using the mechanical shutter and an impressive 30fps with the electronic shutter. These high rates are achievable at full resolution, complete with full autofocus and metering capabilities.

Additionally, the EOS R7 boasts the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology found in the EOS R3 and R5. It features intelligent subject detection and tracking, utilizing deep learning algorithms to enable precise detection and focusing on people, animals, and vehicles.

The EOS R7, along with the EOS R3, ranks as one of the fastest cameras available from Canon. Though the EOS R6 Mark II holds the title for Canon’s fastest.

Read our Canon EOS R7 Review

Introduced alongside the 20Mp Canon EOS R6, the Canon EOS R5, with its 45Mp resolution, closely rivals the Sony A1 in terms of image detail. It boasts the capability to shoot at speeds of up to 20 frames per second (fps), complete with full autofocus (AF) and exposure functionality.

The EOS R5 shares a feature with both the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R6: an advanced Eye detection system. This system is adept at identifying human or animal eyes within the frame, even at high speeds. This functionality is particularly useful when shooting at 20fps, allowing photographers to focus more on composition and framing while being assured of sharp, precise focus on the subject’s eyes.

Read our Canon EOS R5 Review

As one of the successors to the Fujifilm X-H1, the Fujifilm X-H2S targets sport and wildlife photographers, as well as anyone enthusiastic about capturing moving subjects. This camera boasts a new 26.1MP stacked sensor, representing the fifth generation of Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS technology. It notably broadens the range of subjects that can be automatically detected, including animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles, airplanes, and trains.

This cutting-edge sensor is coupled with the fifth generation X Processor (X-Processor 5), which offers double the processing speed of its predecessor. Such advancements empower the X-H2S to reach a maximum continuous shooting rate of 40 frames per second (fps) at full resolution, while maintaining comprehensive autofocus (AF) capabilities.

Earning a five-star rating from us, the X-H2S stands out as a truly remarkable camera. Its capability to shoot bursts at 40fps positions it as one of the fastest mirrorless cameras currently available on the market.

Read our Fujifilm X-H2S Review

The OM System OM-1 ushers in the new TruePic X image processor, boasting a processing speed three times faster than its predecessor. Coupled with an innovative sensor, this combination enables the OM-1 to achieve a remarkable maximum continuous shooting rate of 120 frames per second (fps) in Sequential Shooting SH1 or Pro Capture SH1 mode. In these modes, focus and exposure are set at the beginning of the sequence, and this high rate can be maintained for up to 92 raw or Large Fine Jpeg files. Additionally, the camera offers Sequential Shooting SH2 and Pro Capture SH2 modes, which support shooting speeds of up to 50fps with continuous autofocus (C-AF) for up to 96 raw files or 97 Large Fine Jpegs – a speed that is sure to appeal to those capturing fast-moving scenes.

However, achieving the 50fps rate with full metering and autofocus functionality is exclusive to the use of OM System’s Pro lenses, which include models like the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO, and several others in the Pro range.

Both the Sequential Shooting SH1 and SH2 modes, as well as the Pro Capture modes, utilize the electronic shutter. OM Systems asserts that the quick readout speed of the new sensor effectively mitigates any rolling shutter effect. For those preferring to use the mechanical shutter, the maximum continuous shooting rate is 10fps.

For photographers prioritizing speed, the OM-1 stands out not only as one of the fastest mirrorless cameras available but also as one of the leading cameras in terms of fps rate. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing extremely rapid and transient moments.

Read our OM System OM-1 Review

The Nikon Z6 II, with its 24.5Mp resolution, shares many features with its higher resolution sibling, the 45.7Mp Nikon Z7 II. However, the Z6 II’s lower resolution, when combined with the formidable processing capability of its dual Expeed 6 engines, allows it to achieve a faster shooting speed of up to 14 frames per second (fps). This camera can sustain this rate for a significant burst of up to 200 Jpegs or 124 12-bit uncompressed raw files.

In contrast, the Z7 II, while sharing a similar build, can reach a maximum shooting rate of 10fps. Despite its higher resolution, this rate is somewhat slower than the Z6 II, but it can still maintain this speed for up to 200 Jpegs or 77 12-bit uncompressed raw files. This difference highlights how the Z6 II is optimized for scenarios demanding higher speed, while the Z7 II focuses on delivering higher resolution images.

Read our Nikon Z6 II Review

The OM-D E-M1X is a doubled-gripped mirrorless camera. It uses Olympus’s Pro Capture mode for shooting stills of very fast action. Thanks to the dual processors, there’s also no blackout in the viewfinder when this is in action.

In Pro Capture High mode, the shooting rate is 60fps, but the focusing is fixed at the start of the sequence. Switch to Pro Capture Low, and you can shoot at 18fps with continuous focusing.

Pro Capture mode is designed to help you record fleeting moments that are easily missed. To that end, when it’s activated the camera starts writing images to the buffer as soon as the shutter release is half-pressed. Once the shutter button is pressed fully, the 35 images that were buffered immediately before it was pressed are recorded along with 100 from immediately after.

There’s also a standard sequential shooting mode that uses the mechanical shutter. When this is in action, the maximum shooting rate in single AF mode is 15fps for 143 raw files. In continuous autofocus mode, the maximum is 10fps for 283 raw files.

A High Res Shot mode also delivers larger and more detailed images. The 50Mp Handheld mode captures the images quickly but then takes a little longer to render the final shot than the Tripod mode. Comparing the results with standard images reveals a nice jump in the level of detail.

Similarly, the 80Mp tripod mode delivers impressive results. It gives a significant boost to the size of print that you can make. That compositing also has a beneficial effect on the dynamic range as there’s more detail visible (and extractable) from the shadows.

Read our Olympus OM-D E-M1X Review

The Sony A9’s 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor’s integral memory works in tandem with the Bionz X processor to enable faster data readout. As a consequence the Sony A9 has a full resolution maximum continuous shooting rate of 20fps (frames per second), that’s with continuous autofocus and metering.

That blistering pace can be maintained for up to 241 raw files or 362 jpegs – equating to roughly 12 seconds shooting continuously in raw format or 18 seconds in jpeg format.

So you should able to capture every fleeting expression on a top-class 100m sprinter’s face from the gun firing to the finish line and still have some capacity for the winner’s celebration.

In continuous AF mode the A9 is quick to latch onto moving subjects and it follows them with apparent ease. Angela, our reviews editor, normally shies away from settings that give a camera free rein to determine the AF point to use, but the A9 performed superbly in Wide AF mode even when there was a cluttered background such as cliffs or rocks behind the moving birds.

When she was using continuous AF mode to photograph my dog on the beach, She noticed that if he was still the camera sometimes focused on a point a little closer to her than he was, but as soon as he started moving it snapped onto him. If he ran towards her his head got the AF system’s attention; if he ran away it was his backside.

Find the latest deals on the Sony A9 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Read our Sony A9 review

The Nikon D6, while not a radical departure from its predecessor, the D5, does offer notable improvements in its continuous shooting capabilities and the practical usability of this feature.

Both the D6 and the D5 have a peak shooting rate of 14 frames per second (fps). However, the D6 introduces a significant enhancement by maintaining full autofocus and exposure functionality at this 14fps rate. In contrast, achieving 14fps on the D5 requires locking up the mirror, with focus and exposure settings being fixed at the start of the sequence.

For photographers using the D5 who require a fast shooting rate along with continuous autofocusing and exposure measurement, the only option is to reduce the speed to 12fps.

Although the increase of 2fps in the D6 might seem minor, it can be quite significant for capturing very fast action and transient moments, especially in sports photography. This improvement in the D6 makes it a more versatile and efficient tool for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Read our Nikon D6 Review

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III excels in Live View mode, where it can achieve shooting speeds of up to 20 frames per second (fps) with continuous focusing. When using the viewfinder, the camera is still impressively fast, capable of shooting at up to 16fps.

One of the most remarkable features of the 1D X Mark III is its ability to maintain these high shooting rates. It can shoot over 1000 raw files consecutively or fill the memory card with Jpegs without slowing down.

Additionally, the 1D X Mark III is equipped with Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. This feature ensures that the camera’s focusing is both quick and effective, particularly in Live View mode. Its capability to track and maintain focus on fast-moving subjects makes it an excellent choice for action and sports photography.

Read our Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Review