In a method and digital camera, an initial set of evaluation images are captured. A plurality of characteristics of the initial set of evaluation images are assessed to provide a first assessment. The characteristics include subject motion between the initial set of evaluation images. When the subject motion is in excess of a predetermined threshold, a final capture state of the camera is set responsive to the first assessment. When the subject motion is less than the predetermined threshold, the evaluation images are analyzed to provide analysis results and the final capture state of the camera is set responsive to the first assessment and the analysis results.