Which point and shoot (any brand) has the quickest autofocus?

Which point and shoots (any brand) have the fastest autofocus for action shots of kids running around, etc.?

I already have a satisfying DSLR system with a couple lenses, but for a vacation coming up (cruise) I'll want to have a point and shoot that I can throw in my pocket and not worry about a camera bag.

I don't mind spending the money on something nice.

My thoughts are on the S100/110, the Sony RX100, and other similar models. I want it to be pocketable (so no G15 kind of gear), and I'm not that concerned with low light performance. I mostly want blur-free photos for around the various ports and on the deck of the ship. My Iphone 4s takes great pics, but not if there's movement of the camera or the subject.


Thanks

Hmmm. Tough crowd.

I have/use a Canon S90 for those times that carrying the 50D was difficult or impractical. It shoots RAW which has been handy on several occasions plus it does OK video clips (later versions S95, S100 do this better I think). It is very pocketable and it makes sense to always have it available when I think there might be a photo I don't want to miss.

I took most of my 50D kit plus the S90 on an Alaskan cruise ... I used the 50D for most photos but the S90 was absolutely essential for several photos and I was glad that I had it. I've also traveled to Korea and to Europe and chose to carry only the S90 rather than lug a larger kit around with all the walking & public transportation that would be required.

I can't really comment on other similar P&S cameras since I haven't personally used them but I do like the S90 (or later models) for its capabilities and its size. Hope this helps.

You might want to check out the Panasonic LX7 as well. I don't own it, but will probably pick one up soon. It looks pretty impressive. The price on it seems pretty reasonable as well.

There are no compacts with fast AF. Or maybe a better way to say it is that anything half decent is all going to be about the same speed. Really you want to prefocus with any of these and then the shutter lag is pretty good if focused already.

Keeping the shutter speed up is going to prevent blur, and for that you need fast lens and a good sensor so you can bump the ISO. Unfortunately the more you go after those traits, the less pocketable it becomes.

tkbslc wrote in post #15971071
There are no compacts with fast AF.

Indeed.
The RX100 is the best you can do, especially if you want you camera to fit in your pocket.
My experience with Canon's S line was all in all positive, but I don't consider it to have quick AF.
The P330 could be better at that than the S110, but then again - it all comes down to what you
expect your camera to be able to do. I take photos of my kids with the LX7 and it's quick enough,
for my needs, at least. I know not to try and focus on a child swinging on a swing.
I prefocus on a planned focus point using the half-press and take the photo at the right moment.

-eyalg

Fuji FinePix F900EXR.

Fuji claims the phase detect af will lock on in .05 seconds (worlds fastest for pns af, according to fuji).

imjason wrote in post #15971115
Fuji FinePix F900EXR.

Fuji claims the phase detect af will lock on in .05 seconds (worlds fastest for pns af, according to fuji).

According to I-R preview, the PD AF will only work in certain situations.

"So... why is the Fuji F900EXR so fast-focusing? That speed comes thanks to the inclusion of phase detection pixels on the image sensor. Fujifilm claims a focus time of just 0.05 seconds to CIPA testing standards in the F900EXR's fastest focus mode, as compared to a full 0.21 seconds for the closely-related F850EXR, which has the same processor but lacks on-chip phase detect. Of course, we've yet to confirm these numbers in our lab, but they make for impressive reading nonetheless. And these figures will apply only when the camera is able to use phase detection AF; when it reverts to contrast-detection AF we'd expect speeds similar to those of the F850EXR."
http://www.imaging-resource.com …f900exr/fuji-f900exrA.HTM

Dennis

I have an RX100 and would not consider the AF fast at all. Though my perception might be skewed as my main camera is the 1Dx!

The Sony is a nice camera though and does take really high quality raw stills along with 1080 60p video!
Battery life sucks though. Have multiple extras!
And the variable aperture lens drives me nuts. And it is REALLY small! I've almost dropped it a couple of times hunting for a button. Get a wrist strap!

Nikon 1

I wonder if anyone makes a pocket friendly waterproof that has TV/AV controls and shoots raw. Like I said before, I don't want to lug my dslr on the cruise. I'll bring it but it won't leave the room much.

Olympus TG-1 and TG-2.

They have f2.0-f4.9 lenses, too, so you might have a shot at some good low light at wide angle.

also look at the waterproof compacts, that could be a lot of fun to have in (!) the pool with kids if there is a pool, and all kinds of other things. I have a Pentax WG-II with gps built in, maybe not the fastest around but I've had no problems. Takes video, has macro and even "microscope" and macro lights around the lens. Not the smallest but easy to pack and I have no problems giving it to the kids, it's drop proof.

Other brands make these too. Fun under water, fun to hold half under water for a lake surface shot, etc.

Thanks.

The two Olympus cameras mentioned look great, but of all the things I need in a waterproof camera (or any point and shoot), shutter priority is most important for me. I can't go without that. I'd go crazy.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #15975776
Thanks.

The two Olympus cameras mentioned look great, but of all the things I need in a waterproof camera (or any point and shoot), shutter priority is most important for me. I can't go without that. I'd go crazy.

I just use ISO to control shutter speed on my wife's compact. The camera is always going pick the fastest shutter speed the ISO and aperture allow.

I did think those had manual control, however, so I apologize for the poor recommendation.