Pre-Capture Explained: Secrets Most Wildlife Photographers Miss!

Steve Perry December 17, 2025
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Steve Perry

@backcountrygallery

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The best wildlife photography tips and techniques on YouTube! Subscribe today: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChUi5Gm8w-S_d6dS31cFCnQ?sub_confirmation=1

Video Description

Pre-Capture might be the most misunderstood feature in modern wildlife photography. Many photographers turn it on, use it once for birds taking off, and never touch it again. That’s a huge mistake. In this in-depth, brand-agnostic guide, I break down exactly how Pre-Capture works, when to use it, when to turn it off, and how to set it up so it actually helps instead of wrecking your buffer and filling your cards with junk frames. We’ll cover: What Pre-Capture really is and how it works in the buffer When Pre-Capture makes sense for wildlife photography Why you should NOT leave Pre-Capture on all the time Pre-Capture recording time and why 0.3 seconds is the sweet spot Autofocus modes and AF areas that work best with Pre-Capture Subject Detection pros and cons for fast action Real-world field techniques for birds, mammals, and unpredictable wildlife behavior Battery life, buffer limits, and memory card considerations Common Pre-Capture FAQs photographers always ask If you’re only using Pre-Capture for birds taking off, you’re missing most of its power. From fish tosses and wing stretches to split-second animal behavior, this feature can completely change how you approach fast wildlife moments. This video applies to Sony, Nikon, Canon, OM System, and other mirrorless cameras that offer Pre-Capture or Pre-Shutter Capture features. If you found this helpful, hit like, subscribe, and check out my wildlife photography books and setup guides designed to help you get more keepers in the field. More info, books, and videos: https://backcountrygallery.com/linktree/ Select Animations by Brandon Harwood

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