P&S-shutter lag-what to look for

[Michele]

Ok, I'm trying to narrow down my search for a P&S. I currently use a digital Rebel but I am in need of a pocket size P&S. There are just times I can't carry my DSLR.

I'm comparing specs at dpreview.com, which factor should I look at to gauge shutter lag. Will any of this information tell me how the camera will react? I know I will have to expect some but how can I be sure I get one with the least.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

You might want to take a look at The Imaging Resource site ... they do a very nice breakdown of all shutter-lag issues for the cameras they test.

For example, here's the Performance tab for the Canon SD850. From their testing, you can find that the full autofocus is about .5 sec (slight difference between wide and tele) and the prefocused lag is only 0.08 sec....

You can also compare two models at the same time, IIRC.

I find Imaging Resource's results easier to read than DPreviews....

 

[pjacobi]

I use a Canon 30D and A620. I don't notice any significant shutter lag with the A620.

I tested even the low-end A560 and didn't notice any significant shutter lag. Flash re-cycle time was much slower due to the 2 vs. 4 AA cells on the A620. This flash behavior can appear to be shutter lag.

I've always used a SLR camera and am used to manual focus or acquiring autofocus by half-depressing the shutter. This type of operation seems quite foreign to those used to fixed-focus instamatic cameras, who then complain about shutter lag.

Older digital P&S cameras did have a noticeable shutter lag, but that is almost gone in current models.


-Paul

 

[Michele]

Thanks Paul-

Does the A620 have manual controls?

 

[pjacobi]

Thanks Paul-

Does the A620 have manual controls?

Yes, the A620 does have full manual control. That's one of the reason I bought it. The A5xx series has only limited manual control.

My A620 is about 1 1/2 years old, so it's now been replaced with A630 or A650. I'd also look at A700 series with Image Stabilization.


-Paul