Best Point and Shoot Camera?

[Shakenbake158]

I was thinking about getting an entry level DSLR, but bow I'm looking at some point and shoots. What camera would have the fastest shutter delay? That's the one thing I really dislike about point and shoots. What camera would you guys recommend?

[tmwag]

Shutter delay /lag is something you have to expect with any P&S...If fast response and action shooting is your style...a DSLR is what you need...

Good P&S..imo would include most SD/ELPH, G series AND of course the S90/95...

[Shakenbake158]

Shutter delay /lag is something you have to expect with any P&S...If fast response and action shooting is your style...a DSLR is what you need...

Good P&S..imo would include most SD/ELPH, G series AND of course the S90/95...


Hmm maybe I should get a DSLR instead...so many choices

[tkbslc]

The shutter lag is just as fast on a compact if you prefocus - something you'd have to do on a DSLR too. People complaining about slow shutter lag on compacts are not using them properly. Hold the camera up, half press to focus and then full click to take the picture. Shutter lag is imperceptible.

[tvphotog]

If you have a chance to try an S95 Powershot, I think youll be pretty impressed.

[eyalg]

From my experience with the S90 - its shutter lag is horrible.
If I were to consider any point & shoot as a replacement for a DSLR,
I would take the G12 any day of the week (and twice on Sunday).

-eyalg

[tkbslc]

shutter lag on the S90, SD1400 and even my kids A490 is about the same as my 30D when prefocused.

According to imaging resource, the only one I know who tests this sort of thing:

pre-focused lag:
1Dmk4 = .05 seconds
G12 = .07 seconds
S95 = .09 seconds

All fast enough that the time you take to push the shutter button will be the bulk of the lag.

[vipergts831]

S95 is my vote.

[eyalg]

I wasn't talking prefocused.
That's why I vote for the G12 - its shutter lag (no prefocus) is much shorter.
Besides, it's much closer to a DSLR in essence than any other compact I know.

-eyalg

[tkbslc]

Then you are talking AF speed, not shutter lag. AF speed can be influenced by any number of variables. Why wouldn't you want to pre-focus on your subject anyway? You like the camera to decide what should be in focus AFTER you push the shutter button?

[tmwag]

Actually I prefocus on most if not all shots....even with the DSLR...but not many P&S's can keep up with a DSLR in continuous shooting...They're just easier to use for fast action

[tkbslc]

..but not many P&S's can keep up with a DSLR in continuous shooting...They're just easier to use for fast action

Definitely agree there, although some compacts actually have insane burst rates. The whole LCD (your only viewfinder) going black makes it hard to follow the subject and the AF is not always peppy enough.

[PaulRivers]

The shutter lag is just as fast on a compact if you prefocus - something you'd have to do on a DSLR too. People complaining about slow shutter lag on compacts are not using them properly. Hold the camera up, half press to focus and then full click to take the picture. Shutter lag is imperceptible.

I think you're just getting a little overtechnical - clearly when the OP says "shutter lag", they actually mean "autofocus lag". The fact that that's what it's commonly referred to is misleading and annoying, but it's also very common.

The Panasonic LX5 has near-dslr autofocus speeds - but it's shot-to-shot time is still pretty slow. There's some m43rds cameras, the gh2 I think that have dslr-speed autofocus, but they're practically the size and cost of a dslr.

There are also some compacts that have a very fast burst mode, like the Nikon p300 where you hold down the shutter and it will take 7 pics at 10fps (so in under a second).

However - I don't know of any compacts that have *both* fast autofocus, and also fast shot-to-shot times. A dslr does both.

A lot of people buy both a dslr - for it's better low light performance (with a kit lens), snappier autofocus, faster shot-to-shot times, etc. And also buy a Canon s95 as a "jeans pocketable" camera that's about the best you can get while fitting in a jeans pocket. While it's autofocus is not terribly slow, it's also "compact" speed, not as snappy as a dslr.

I definitely appreciate the desire for instant autofocus - trying to prefocus is often just one more hassle I'd rather not deal with if I can avoid it.

[tvphotog]

If you shoot RAW, just remember to get a very fast SD card. I have one with my S95, and can download a 10MB file to it in less than a second. Very important besides the discussion of shutter lag, on which I agree on what's been said before about focus speed vs shutter lag. It's focus speed that may be the issue.

[tkbslc]

I think you're just getting a little overtechnical - clearly when the OP says "shutter lag", they actually mean "autofocus lag". The fact that that's what it's commonly referred to is misleading and annoying, but it's also very common.
.

I am just trying to tell people that if they properly use their camera, there is no shutter lag. Call it technical if you want, but indiscriminate clicking without regards to AF is not the way to use a camera and it is not the way people properly use a DSLR either. If you just mash the button on a DSLR in auto mode, it has to AF too and shutter lag is noticeable.

[PaulRivers]

If you shoot RAW, just remember to get a very fast SD card. I have one with my S95, and can download a 10MB file to it in less than a second. Very important besides the discussion of shutter lag, on which I agree on what's been said before about focus speed vs shutter lag. It's focus speed that may be the issue.

...you're not going to see a difference in speed between a Class 6 card and a Class 10 card on the camera itself. Downloading from the card to the computer, probably, but no difference in speed on the camera.

[srgriff]

I was thinking about getting an entry level DSLR, but bow I'm looking at some point and shoots. What camera would have the fastest shutter delay? That's the one thing I really dislike about point and shoots. What camera would you guys recommend?

Take a look at this thread...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=926669&page=80

I had a D60 with 24mm - 105mm L lens and sold it because I barely used it after purchasing the S95. S95 can be brought with you everywhere.

[Shakenbake158]

Take a look at this thread...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=926669&page=80

I had a D60 with 24mm - 105mm L lens and sold it because I barely used it after purchasing the S95. S95 can be brought with you everywhere.

What about the S90, does it take just as good pics?

[tmwag]

The S90 takes excellent pic's. The primary difference between it and the S95 ...the S95 has HD video

[hnikesch]

I agree with ikbslc, pre-focus is something you should get used to always doing. I have gotten some great action shots with my SD series P&S cameras. I also have several DSLR's but find the P&S is always with me while the DSLR is at home. some examples the first shot with a SD P&S and the 2nd with a DSLR. Shutter lag is controllable

Hans

[newporthomie]

This one

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=926669

[Shakenbake158]

I agree with ikbslc, pre-focus is something you should get used to always doing. I have gotten some great action shots with my SD series P&S cameras. I also have several DSLR's but find the P&S is always with me while the DSLR is at home. some examples the first shot with a SD P&S and the 2nd with a DSLR. Shutter lag is controllable

Hans


Nice pics, what SD camera are you using?

[PaulRivers]

The S90 takes excellent pic's. The primary difference between it and the S95 ...the S95 has HD video

I would say the primary difference between the 2 is that the rear wheel is no longer extremely easy to hit accidentally and change settings, and that the s95 is easier to hold onto (though now only "ok" but not great).

[tmwag]

I would say the primary difference between the 2 is that the rear wheel is no longer extremely easy to hit accidentally and change settings, and that the s95 is easier to hold onto (though now only "ok" but not great).

Not IMO

[PaulRivers]

Not IMO

So you're saying the change in video is the biggest difference??

I actually meant that all 3 were the big differences.

And actually, for me the ability to set the max iso is a big difference, not being able to go above iso800 in tv and av modes automatically (though you could in P mode) on the s90 was always really irritating for the shooting I was doing. That was actually the biggest improvement for me personally (though I find it irritating that you can only go up to iso1600 in the settings for max iso - that's a good default, but it's annoying they arbitrarily restrict it what I can set myself).

[tmwag]

So you're saying the change in video is the biggest difference??


Yes, They have the same sensor, same lens, same image quality. I never found the rear dial an issue on my S90 to be honest. As far as limiting ISO I limited myself to ISO400. I didn't rely on the camera to do it.

[PaulRivers]

Yes, They have the same sensor, same lens, same image quality. I never found the rear dial an issue on my S90 to be honest. As far as limiting ISO I limited myself to ISO400. I didn't rely on the camera to do it.

...

Anyways, like I said - video, rear control ring, and grippier to hold onto. It doesn't matter whether you had a problem with it - I didn't have a problem with it either after I got used to it, but a bunch of other people did. And I didn't say that the sensor, lens, or overall image quality changed.

If you prefer to spend valuable time that could be spent taking the shot instead setting the iso, that's your call. I prefer to let computers do what computers do best - automate highly repetitive tasks.

[tmwag]

...

Anyways, like I said - video, rear control ring, and grippier to hold onto. It doesn't matter whether you had a problem with it - I didn't have a problem with it either after I got used to it, but a bunch of other people did. And I didn't say that the sensor, lens, or overall image quality changed.

If you prefer to spend valuable time that could be spent taking the shot instead setting the iso, that's your call. I prefer to let computers do what computers do best - automate highly repetitive tasks.

Anyway, like I said HD Video is the primary difference ...IMO

[Shakenbake158]

What would be the best compact camera under $250?

[tmwag]

Under $250...I'll go with the SD4000 for a bit over $200. Compact P&S can mean different things to different people. Compact to me means "pocket-able" ....fit in a pants pocket.

If you want lower cost go refurb. I just picked up a SD980IS for $140 and it's a jewel. Wide 24mm lens 720p HD video.

[Shakenbake158]

Under $250...I'll go with the SD4000 for a bit over $200. Compact P&S can mean different things to different people. Compact to me means "pocket-able" ....fit in a pants pocket.

If you want lower cost go refurb. I just picked up a SD980IS for $140 and it's a jewel. Wide 24mm lens 720p HD video.

I could get a refurbished S90 for $270 from the Canon store, is it worth it? Also what about the Nikon S8100? Also I dont care if it is compact or not.

[tmwag]

I could get a refurbished S90 for $270 from the Canon store, is it worth it? Also what about the Nikon S8100? Also I dont care if it is compact or not.
Good deal on the S90 but keep an eye out for Adorama.com refurb's too ..they offer a longer warranty

[Shakenbake158]

Good deal on the S90 but keep an eye out for Adorama.com refurb's too ..they offer a longer warranty

Hmm well I think the SD4000 is the best deal at the price point.

[hnikesch]

Nice pics, what SD camera are you using?

That shot was with a SD990 is, it uses the same larger size sensor (1/1.7) as the S90-95 but older, the reason I have not replaced it is because it has an optical finder.

Hans