Initial continuous burst - number of continuous frames before shooting rate drops
Average continuous shooting rate (fps) sustained after initial burst
Initial continuous burst - number of continuous frames before shooting rate drops
Average continuous shooting rate (fps) sustained after initial burst
RAW+JPEG
Canon EOS-40D
16 at 6.5fps
0.9
16 at 6.5fps
0.9
RAW+JPEG
Olympus E-3
15 at 5fps
1.2
17 at 5fps
2.0
RAW+JPEG (*)
Sony Alpha A700
11 at 5fps
0.5
14 at 5fps
1.9
RAW
Canon EOS-40D
21 at 6.5fps
1.3
21 at 6.5fps
1.3
RAW
Olympus E-3
19 at 5fps
1.9
24 at 5fps
2.7
RAW (*)
Sony Alpha A700
14 at 5fps
0.6
18 at 5fps
2.2
JPEG
Canon EOS-40D
291 at 6.5fps
3.2
281 at 6.5fps
3.0
JPEG (**)
Olympus E-3
41 at 5fps
4.0
41 at 5fps
4.0
JPEG
Sony Alpha A700
Unlimited at 5fps
5.0
Unlimited at 5fps
5.0
(*) We've been advised that using Sony's cRAW (compressed RAW) mode improves continuous shooting performance significantly. Unfortunately, we no longer have the test camera to confirm this, but will seek to re-test as soon as possible.
(**) The Olympus E-3 does actually shoot indefinitely at 5fps when using the next quality mode down from 'Large Fine' which is what we tested. So if you need the extra speed, use 'Large Normal' instead.
