Recommendation--but neeed quick shutter...

[momonlongisland]

Hi, I've been looking and looking (or reading I should say) for a small P & S digital that will take quick pictures. I'm really frustrated with my Sony Cybershot (very slow to snap and inbetween pics). A friend mentioned the Nikon 500/600 series, and I've been trying to read other recommendations of cameras out there, but any input on something to try. I love taking pics....not ready or desire to go into the DSLR's....just want my P&S ready to go for quality pics! Thanks to all that have ideas.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I don't want you to think your thread is being ignored. This type of question is asked a lot here.

It's just that that's a tall order for the type of camera you want. Many people go to dSLRs for that reason.

With whatever camera you use, it always helps to learn more about both the camera and the concept of exposure. Sometimes during the lag time, the camera (any camera) is trying to search for a good focus or exposure. If you can improve that aspect of your picture taking, you might have better times with the camera you already have (which generally gets good reviews here).

In other words, you could potentially get a new camera but have the same problem, so try working it from another angle first.

Two books to help you get started are Kodak's Most Basic Book of Digital Photography and Understanding Exposure.

Good luck.

 

[AlienBrain]

If you want a P&S that has good responsiveness (i.e. small amount of time between pressing the shutter button and the shutter opening), I would suggest the Canon SX20 IS or SX10 IS. My friend has one and I have used it a few times. It's the closes I have seen to a DSLR in a P&S.

 

[momonlongisland]

Thanks...I'll check into the Canon. I've been reading about the Nikon -- new one coming out shortly the s640 and they "claim" to have the quickest speed. I'd like to buy it somewhere where return policy is good - just in case.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

If you want a P&S that has good responsiveness (i.e. small amount of time between pressing the shutter button and the shutter opening), I would suggest the Canon SX20 IS or SX10 IS. My friend has one and I have used it a few times. It's the closes I have seen to a DSLR in a P&S.

Not everyone's happy with those, either. Even Canon loyalists...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2267186&referrerid=70088

But it goes back to the same issue I mentioned above...

 

[AlienBrain]

Not everyone's happy with those, either. Even Canon loyalists...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2267186&referrerid=70088

But it goes back to the same issue I mentioned above...

Very true! I guess that's the give and take with P&S and DSLR. You get the advantage of portability with P&S, but worse IQ and responsiveness.

It really comes down to your personal preference. If it were me, I would go to a camera shop and try out all the different brands for the similar model to figure out what feels best for you.

 

[Frantasmic]

I am copying this from another publication. These cameras are out there right now and might interest you.

We're looking at two models: the Casio EX-FC100 and the EX-FS10. The EX-FC100 will retail for $400 and has a 9-megapixel sensor. It'll be able to shoot 30 fps of 6-megapixel pictures, 720p HD video and high speed movies at up to 1,000 frames per second. You get a 5x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD with that.

The cheaper EX-FS10 will run you $350, and it has the same sensor and slo-mo specs as the FC100. The $50 you save knocks the optical zoom down to 3x and the LCD down to 2.5 inches.

Both of these cameras aren't rated highly in low-light, so indoor type stuff isn't that good. However, outdoors and in good light, they are supposed to be pretty decent.

 

[GabbyMom]

I asked Will Crockett, a professional photographer and Camera tester the exact same question this is what he recommended for me. I wanted a pocket sized p&s with no shutter lag. He sent me fujifilm f100fd. Check it out.
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/f/finepix_f100fd/product_views/