Which shutter release option?

There are a number of release modes for shooting in a variety of situations to ensure that you get the best possible images

SINGLE SHOT

This is the default release mode and takes a single image every time you trigger the shutter. This is best used for subjects that aren’t moving, like portraits or landscapes. You have to release the shutter and then press it again to shoot again.

CONTINUOUS

The camera shoots for as long as you hold down the shutter button or until the buffer fills up (the bottom right of the viewfinder displays the remaining shots). Some Nikon cameras offer both High- (Ch) and Low- (Cl) speed Continuous modes.

SELF-TIMER

This has a default delay of 10 seconds between pressing the shutter button and the image being taken. It can be used as a delayed trigger for tripod shots to ensure any vibrations from pressing the shutter have died down before the image is taken.

Q OR Qc MODE

This can be used when camera noise would be a distraction. When using this, the mirror stays up until you release the shutter. While the shutter opens and closes as usual, the drop of the mirror is a big part of the noise made, and this gives you time to move away before releasing it.

Mup

On DSLRS with this mode, the first press of the shutter release flips up the mirror, but doesn’t take the picture. You can then release the shutter button and wait a few seconds to allow any vibrations to dissipate. You then press the shutter release again to open the shutter and shoot the image. This reduces the risk of vibration causing unwanted blur with long exposures. It is best used with a remote cable release for obvious reasons!

INTERVAL TIMER

Interval timer shooting can be found in the Photo Shooting or Video menu. You can use this to set up the camera to take an automated sequence of shots over an extended period of time, and this can be used for shooting frames for a time-lapse. An example could be to shoot one image every minute over a two-hour time period. Higher-end cameras also allow for the start time to be programmed in.

ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL?

You may have the option to choose an electronic or mechanical shutter release from the menu. Electronic shutter release is best used for slow exposures and when you are on a tripod. Mechanical release is ideal for action and fast-moving images.