A method is presented for making an automatic selection of a media file type. The method comprises receiving a sequence of digital images of a scene; performing object classification in at least one of the received digital images to determine the presence and class of an object in the scene. The method also comprises performing motion detection in the received sequence of digital images to determine the presence and salience of motion in the scene. A media file type is automatically selected on the basis of the above analysis, and is selected from a still image and a cinemagraph. In some embodiments, the selection also includes a living image. A media file of the selected type is then created.