Most photographers obsess over megapixels, autofocus points, and dynamic range when shopping for new gear. But while you're comparing sensor specs and lens sharpness charts, you're probably overlooking the features that could actually revolutionize how you shoot.
1. Pre-Burst Buffer: The Time Machine in Your Camera
Picture this: you're photographing a hummingbird approaching a flower, finger poised over the shutter button. The moment you see it start to feed, you press down, but by then it's already moved on. Sound familiar? This scenario plays out thousands of times daily across wildlife preserves, sports fields, and family gatherings worldwide.
Enter the pre-burst buffer, possibly the most underappreciated feature in modern cameras. This technology continuously records frames to a temporary memory buffer before you fully depress the shutter button. When you finally commit to the shot, the camera retroactively includes several frames from before your reaction time kicked in. The magic normally happens in the half-press zone. While you're tracking your subject with a half-pressed shutter, your camera is already silently capturing and storing images in its buffer memory. These aren't just thrown away when nothing happens; they become part of your final burst sequence when you do press all the way down. It's like having a tiny time machine that lets you capture the split second before you realized the perfect moment was happening.
Different manufacturers implement this feature with varying approaches and limitations. OM System (formerly Olympus) pioneered the concept with Pro Capture mode, while Canon offers pre-capture in specific models like the R6 Mark II and R7, typically limited to electronic shutter modes. Panasonic's Pre-Burst function works similarly but may not be available with all autofocus modes. Sony's buffer behavior in certain burst modes provides similar benefits.
What separates good pre-burst implementations from great ones comes down to several key factors. Buffer duration matters, but so does the type of files being cached. Some cameras only offer pre-capture for JPEG files, severely limiting post-processing flexibility. The best implementations support full raw capture with the same bit depth and color space as regular shooting. Autofocus tracking during pre-capture represents another crucial distinction. Basic versions simply store frames without updating focus, making them useless for approaching subjects. Advanced systems continue running continuous autofocus throughout the buffer period, ensuring sharp results even when subjects are moving toward or away from the camera. The electronic viewfinder experience during pre-capture varies wildly between models. Some cameras introduce significant lag or blackout periods while buffering, making composition and timing actually more difficult. The smoothest implementations maintain real-time EVF performance with minimal indication that buffering is even occurring.
Perhaps most importantly, pre-capture should work across different shooting modes and frame rates. Many cameras restrict the feature to their highest burst speeds, limiting its usefulness for subjects that don't require 20 frames per second. The most practical implementations offer pre-capture at moderate burst rates, where you'd actually want to use it for everyday photography.
2. In-Camera Automation: Your Built-In Photo Assistant
Modern cameras pack computational power that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago, yet most photographers barely scratch the surface of their camera's automated capabilities. Beyond basic exposure modes lies a suite of intelligent features that can produce professional-quality results with minimal effort: focus bracketing, pixel shift technology, and exposure ramping for timelapses.
Focus bracketing transforms any lens into a powerhouse by automatically capturing a series of images at different focus distances. While some advanced cameras can calculate the optimal number of shots needed to cover your desired depth range, many implementations still require you to manually set the number of frames and focus step size. The camera then fires them in rapid succession, and higher-end models can even merge them into a single, impossibly sharp composite image. This technique, once requiring expensive focus rails and manual calculation, now happens at the press of a button.
The applications extend far beyond traditional macro work. Product photographers use focus bracketing to ensure every detail of their subject remains tack sharp, from the closest edge to the furthest corner. Landscape photographers employ it for extreme foreground-to-background sharpness that would be impossible even at f/16. Architecture and real estate photographers rely on it to keep both immediate foreground elements and distant backgrounds in perfect focus.
What makes modern focus bracketing truly impressive is its intelligence. Rather than blindly firing a preset number of shots, sophisticated implementations analyze the scene and adjust accordingly. Close subjects might require 20 or 30 shots to achieve complete coverage, while distant landscapes might need only five or six. The camera handles these calculations automatically, optimizing both shooting time and storage space.
Pixel shift technology represents another quantum leap in automated image quality. By physically moving the sensor between exposures, the camera can capture multiple versions of the same scene with slightly offset sampling patterns. When combined in post-processing, these create images with dramatically improved resolution and color accuracy.
Pixel shift works best with static subjects, but modern implementations include motion detection and correction algorithms. These can identify moving elements in the frame and blend them appropriately, preventing the ghosting effects that plagued early pixel shift implementations. Some cameras even offer handheld pixel shift modes, though these typically prioritize color accuracy and moiré reduction over the full resolution gains achievable with tripod-mounted shooting.
Timelapse exposure ramping might be the most underutilized feature in modern cameras. Traditional timelapses struggle with changing light conditions. For example, sunset sequences often start properly exposed but end up completely black, or dawn shoots begin underexposed and finish blown out. Automatic exposure ramping solves this by gradually adjusting exposure settings throughout the sequence, maintaining consistent brightness despite changing ambient light.
The technical challenge lies in making these adjustments invisible in the final video. Sudden exposure changes create obvious flicker, while inconsistent ramping produces unnatural-looking brightness fluctuations. The best in-camera implementations use algorithms to predict light changes and apply smooth adjustments, though they may not yet match the sophistication of dedicated external timelapse tools for complex day-to-night transitions.
Advanced ramping systems can handle multiple variables simultaneously. As daylight fades, the camera might gradually open the aperture, extend shutter speed, and raise ISO sensitivity in carefully calculated increments. Some systems even adjust white balance to maintain natural color temperature transitions from daylight to artificial lighting.
The key specifications to evaluate when comparing these automated features vary by function. For focus bracketing, look for adjustable step sizes that let you fine-tune the focus increment between shots. Some cameras offer only coarse steps suitable for macro work, while others provide micro adjustments perfect for product photography. The ability to preview the focus range before shooting can save significant time and storage space.
In-camera merging capabilities determine workflow efficiency. Cameras that can combine focus-bracketed images internally eliminate the need for specialized software and save processing time. However, this convenience often comes with reduced control over the final result compared to manual merging in dedicated applications.
For pixel shift, motion correction algorithms separate professional-grade implementations from basic versions. The ability to handle slight subject movement, wind-blown vegetation, or water motion makes the feature practical for real-world use rather than just studio applications.
Timelapse ramping benefits from extensive customization options. Look for cameras that let you set ramping curves, preview exposure changes, and adjust sensitivity to light variations. The ability to combine exposure ramping with other timelapse features like focus pulling or zoom changes opens up creative possibilities that would be nearly impossible to execute manually.
I'll tell you plainly: while a lot of manufacturers have at least one of these systems in their cameras, if you're a computational photography nerd and innovative in-camera solutions are your thing, OM System cameras are where you want to look.
3. Anti-Flicker Technology: Taming Artificial Light
Artificial lighting has become the hidden nemesis of modern photography. LEDs, fluorescents, and other electronic light sources pulse at frequencies that create bands, flicker, and color shifts in both still images and video. While these effects are often invisible to the naked eye, cameras capture them with frustrating regularity, creating images that require extensive post-processing or complete re-shooting.
Anti-flicker technology addresses this problem through intelligent timing and analysis. For still photography, anti-flicker shot timing monitors the light source's pulse pattern and automatically fires the shutter during the bright phase of the cycle. This ensures consistent exposure and color across multiple shots, eliminating the random variations that plague photographers working under artificial lighting.
The technology becomes critical in environments dominated by LED lighting. Modern LEDs can pulse at various frequencies, with problematic flicker most commonly occurring in the 100 to 240 Hz range, creating exposure variations that change from frame to frame. In a sports venue with LED floodlights, consecutive shots of the same scene might show dramatically different brightness levels without anti-flicker timing. Wedding photographers face similar challenges, with seemingly identical shots showing different color casts and exposure levels.
For video recording, high-frequency flicker scanning takes a different approach. Instead of timing individual exposures, this technology analyzes the sensor readout speed and synchronizes it with the lighting frequency. Cinema-oriented cameras often offer adjustable shutter angles for precise control, while most still cameras provide fine-tuned Hz settings or shutter speed adjustments that let videographers dial in the exact setting needed to eliminate banding in their specific lighting environment.
The practical benefits extend beyond just eliminating obvious flicker. Consistent exposure and color across image sequences makes post-processing significantly more efficient. Wedding photographers no longer need to individually adjust dozens of reception photos to match. Sports photographers can apply the same color grading to entire sequences without worrying about frame-to-frame variations.
Different lighting types require different approaches. Fluorescent lights typically pulse at 100 or 120 Hz, depending on your electrical system, making them relatively predictable. LEDs vary wildly based on their driver circuitry, with some high-end fixtures maintaining very stable output while others pulse dramatically. Sodium vapor and mercury vapor lights follow their own patterns.
Mixed lighting scenarios present the greatest challenge. A gymnasium might combine older fluorescent fixtures with newer LED panels, each operating at different frequencies. The anti-flicker system needs to identify the dominant frequency or find timing windows that work reasonably well for both sources. Some advanced implementations can detect multiple frequencies and optimize for the most problematic ones.
The effectiveness of anti-flicker technology depends heavily on implementation quality. Basic systems simply delay the shutter release slightly to hit better timing windows. While this helps, it doesn’t guarantee perfect results and can introduce noticeable lag in responsive shooting situations. Advanced systems continuously monitor light patterns and predict optimal timing windows, minimizing delay while maximizing consistency. Event photographers should test their camera's anti-flicker responsiveness before critical shoots, as some implementations introduce enough shutter lag to affect timing for fast-moving subjects.
Real-time feedback capabilities separate professional-grade anti-flicker systems from basic implementations. The best systems show live flicker detection in the viewfinder or on the rear LCD through indicator lights or warning symbols, letting you see exactly when the feature is active and how effectively it's working. This feedback proves invaluable when working in challenging mixed-lighting environments where manual adjustment might be necessary.
For electronic shutters, anti-flicker becomes even more complex. The rolling readout pattern of most sensors means different parts of the frame are exposed at different times, potentially capturing different phases of the lighting cycle within a single image. Advanced anti-flicker systems account for this by analyzing the interaction between readout speed and lighting frequency, sometimes recommending specific electronic shutter speeds that minimize banding.
The feature set to prioritize varies by shooting style and typical environments. Event photographers, for example, benefit most from systems that work reliably across a wide range of lighting frequencies without requiring manual adjustment. Compatibility with different shutter types expands the feature's usefulness. Some cameras limit anti-flicker to mechanical shutters only, reducing its value for silent shooting situations. The most versatile implementations work with both mechanical and electronic shutters, automatically adjusting their approach based on the selected shutter type.
Video-specific features like adjustable shutter angles provide more precise control than simple frequency detection. Being able to set a 172.8-degree shutter angle, for example, might eliminate banding that persists at standard 180-degree settings. This level of control becomes essential when working in environments with complex lighting setups or when delivering content that will be heavily scrutinized.
4. Intelligent Auto ISO: Your Invisible Assistant
Auto ISO has evolved from a last resort to a sophisticated exposure management system, but most photographers still use it like a basic safety net. Modern implementations offer nuanced control that can intelligently adapt to your shooting style and lens selection, particularly through focal-length-aware minimum shutter speed settings. The traditional approach to Auto ISO sets a single minimum shutter speed regardless of the lens in use. This creates a problematic compromise: set it too fast and you waste ISO headroom with wide angle lenses that can easily handle slower speeds; set it too slow and you get camera shake with longer telephoto lenses that need faster speeds to maintain sharpness.
Focal-length-aware Auto ISO solves this by automatically adjusting the minimum shutter speed based on your current focal length. Available in higher-end models from manufacturers like Nikon, Canon, and Sony, this feature applies the classic rule of thumb suggesting a shutter speed roughly equivalent to the reciprocal of your focal length: 1/50th second for a 50mm lens, 1/200th for a 200mm lens, etc. These advanced Auto ISO systems can apply this rule automatically, with customizable settings to match your steadiness and image stabilization capabilities.
The intelligence goes beyond simple mathematical calculations. Advanced systems account for lens-based image stabilization, applying different rules when IS is active versus disabled. They can recognize different shooting modes and adjust accordingly – perhaps allowing slower speeds in single-shot mode while maintaining faster minimums for continuous shooting where precise timing matters more than ultimate low-light performance.
Wildlife photographers benefit enormously from this intelligence, particularly when using a zoom lens. Following birds with a 600mm lens requires much faster shutter speeds than landscape work with the same camera and Auto ISO settings. Focal-length-aware systems handle this transition seamlessly, maintaining sharp images while preserving the lowest possible ISO settings for optimal image quality.
The customization options separate professional implementations from basic versions. Some manufacturers like offer precise multiplier factors (such as 0.5x, 1x, or 2x) that let you fine-tune the relationship between focal length and minimum shutter speed, while others provide broader preset options like "slower," "normal," and "faster" settings. Conservative photographers might choose more aggressive settings for extra shake protection, while those with excellent technique or superior image stabilization might prefer more lenient thresholds for better low-light performance.
Exposure compensation integration ensures that Auto ISO works predictably with your exposure preferences. When you dial in +1 stop of compensation, the system should maintain that bias consistently across different focal lengths and lighting conditions, rather than fighting your artistic intent. Real-time feedback in the viewfinder or on rear displays helps you understand what the system is doing. Seeing the current minimum shutter speed and watching it change as you zoom helps build confidence in the automation while teaching you about the relationship between focal length and camera shake.
Almost all cameras have an Auto ISO mode, but the best ones have intelligent implementations.
5. Blackout-Free EVF: The Window That Never Closes
Electronic viewfinders have revolutionized camera design, but early implementations came with a significant drawback: they went black during image capture, especially in burst mode. This blackout effect made tracking moving subjects nearly impossible and turned rapid-fire photography into a guessing game. Modern blackout-free EVF technology has eliminated this limitation, creating an uninterrupted window into your scene that maintains live view even during the fastest burst rates.
The technical achievement behind truly blackout-free operation involves sophisticated coordination between high-speed stacked sensors, image processors, and display systems. Flagship cameras with advanced sensors (like the Sony a9 series, Canon R3, and Nikon Z9) can achieve completely blackout-free viewing, while many mid-range models marketed as "blackout-free" use near-real-time replay frames or interpolated feeds that may still show perceptible lag or brief interruptions.
The impact cannot be overstated. Wildlife photographers can now track erratically moving subjects through entire burst sequences, adjusting composition in real-time as the action unfolds. Sports photographers maintain perfect framing on fast-moving athletes without losing sight of their subjects between frames. The continuous visual feedback transforms burst photography from spray-and-pray into precisely controlled capture.
The quality of the blackout-free experience varies significantly between cameras. Basic implementations might maintain a live view but introduce lag, stuttering, or reduced resolution that makes precise tracking difficult. Professional-grade systems maintain full resolution, high refresh rates, and minimal lag that create an almost transparent viewing experience.
Frame rate consistency during burst mode reveals the sophistication of different EVF systems. Lower-end implementations might maintain 30 fps viewfinder updates during slow continuous shooting but drop to 15 fps or lower during high-speed bursts. The best systems maintain consistent, high refresh rates regardless of capture speed, ensuring smooth subject tracking even during 20+ fps burst modes.
Low-light performance becomes crucial for blackout-free systems. Maintaining a clear, noise-free viewfinder image while simultaneously capturing photos requires sophisticated noise reduction and gain control algorithms. Some systems excel in daylight but become less smooth in dim conditions, while flagship models maintain excellent performance across a wider range of lighting situations, though even these may show reduced refresh rates or increased lag in very challenging low-light scenarios.
The customization options available with blackout-free EVF systems affect their usefulness for different photography styles. Adjustable refresh rates let you balance smoothness against battery life. Customizable overlays ensure that critical information remains visible without cluttering the view. Some systems even offer different EVF modes optimized for specific shooting scenarios.
The physical EVF specifications interact with blackout-free technology to determine overall usability. Higher resolution displays show finer detail and smoother motion. Larger viewfinders make it easier to see small subjects and precise focus points. Faster refresh rates reduce motion blur and improve tracking accuracy.
The reliability of blackout-free systems under stress conditions separates professional tools from consumer features. Extended burst sequences and challenging lighting should not cause the system to fail or degrade. The best implementations maintain consistent performance regardless of shooting demands.
Seems it would depend more on style or preference for shooting ? Some photographers would never use these features by choice. Evidenced by the continued or renewed popularity of the DSLR shooter.
All the features mentioned are available on my Olympus em1m2)