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Pre-release capture

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Pre-release capture (Nikon's name; also called Pre-continuous shooting (Canon), Pro capture (OM System), Pre-Capture (Sony), Pre-Shot ES (Fujifilm), and Pre-Burst (Panasonic)) is an option on digital cameras. It allows pre-recording of a number of images before the shutter button is fully depressed, along with a number of images after.[1] This aids in capturing a picture of a fast-moving, unpredictable subject, such as a snake's tongue, a baby's smile, or a lightning bolt.

How it operates

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When the feature is active (which varies among camera manufacturers), the recording of potential shots begins with the shutter button being half-pressed. The camera begins capturing images at the selected fps rate for the selected pre-capture interval. This is commonly 15-30 fps for a period of 0.5-1.0 seconds. These images are kept in the camera's memory buffer, and not initially written to the memory card. Once the shots for the first interval have been taken, they are cyclically overwritten with newer images replacing the oldest until the photographer fully depresses the shutter button. At that time, the previous group of photos is written to the memory card. Depending on camera settings, while the shutter button remains depressed, additional images continue to be captured and saved for a pre-specified duration.[2][3]

Advantages of using the technique

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Advantages of using the pre-release capture technique include:

  • It beats human reflexes in capturing sudden, unpredictable moments.[2]
  • Rather than fully holding down the shutter button constantly and filling up the memory card waiting for an event to happen, the photographer can wait for the event to occur and fully press the shutter button when the action occurs.
  • The number of images to be buffered is customizable, with most cameras allowing a choice of the rate the pictures are taken and the time interval to capture.[2]

Disadvantages of using the technique

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Disadvantages of using the pre-release capture technique include:

  • Based on the camera, the images are usually restricted to JPEG. On a professional workflow, this can mean losing the dynamic range and shadow recovery flexibility that RAW files offer. Some top-of-the-line cameras with the feature allow for capturing RAW or JPEG, although most only capture JPEG.[1][2]
  • Based on the camera, there may be reductions in the resolution of the saved JPEG files.[1]
  • File management can be cumbersome, as the photographer must potentially cull through hundreds or thousands of almost identical images.[4]
  • Batteries can be quickly drained, as the camera’s sensor, processor, and autofocus system are constantly running to maintain the rolling buffer.

Cameras with the feature

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Cameras that include the pre-release capture technique include:

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Pre-Release Capture Explained: Photographing the Past". Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dale, Nick. "How to use Pre-release Capture". Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "Canon R5 Mark II Pre-Capture: How to Never Miss a Shot Again". 4 June 2026. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "Are you Taking too Many Photos?". Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Clark, Mitchell. "Nikon Z5II review in progress: what's beauty worth?". Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  6. ↑ "Z5II". Nikon. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  7. ↑ "Z6III - Tech Specs". Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "Nikon Z f with 24.5MP Sensor and 4K Video Recording | Iconic Design". www.nikonusa.com. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  9. ↑ Hogan, Thom. "Nikon Z50II Camera Review". Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  10. ↑ "Z50II". Nikon. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  11. ↑ Clark, Mitchell (17 April 2025). "Canon EOS R1 shooting experience: let's see it in action". Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Ferociously fast, at 15 fps and beyond". Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  13. ↑ Harmsen, Nando. "We Review the Amazing Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera". FStoppers. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  14. ↑ Butler, Richard; Clark, Mitchell (19 November 2024). "Sony a1 II initial review: is Sony's flagship camera another game changer?". Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  15. ↑ "How To Set Up Pre-Capture On Your Alpha Camera". Sony. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  16. ↑ Butler, Richard; Clark, Mitchell (16 June 2026). "Sony a7R VI review: impressive IQ from the not-quite all-rounder". DPReview. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  17. ↑ "The New Sony Alpha 9 III Just Changed The Game Forever!!!". 21 February 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  18. 1 2 "OM-1 Settings: Pro Capture". Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  19. ↑ "Pro Capture Mode". Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  20. ↑ Keller, Jeff. "Olympus TG-6 review: the best waterproof camera on the market". DPReview. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  21. ↑ Keller, Jeff. "OM System announces Tough TG-7 rugged camera". DPReview. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  22. ↑ Baumgarten, Peter. "The Olympus OMD E-M1 Mark II". Retrieved 13 July 2026.
  23. ↑ "Panasonic G9 offers pro-level features, 20 fps bursts, huge EVF and class-leading image stabilization". DPReview. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  24. 1 2 Gray, Jeremy (April 10, 2024). "Panasonic S5II and S5IIX Get Camera to Cloud, Better AF and IS, and More". PetaPixel.
  25. ↑ Hogan, Thom. "Fujifilm X-E5 Camera Specifications". SansMirror. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
  26. ↑ "Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review". Retrieved 14 July 2026.
  27. ↑ "How to Use the PRE-SHOT ES Setting on the Fujifilm X-T3". Retrieved 14 July 2026.
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