Can anyone recommend a digital camera that does not have a delay when you take a picture?

Question

I'm looking to buy a new one. I currently have a Sony from about two years ago. It has that annoying delay (and everyone else I know has the same problem with their cameras). I have a two year old, so it makes it very difficult to capture a quick picture (say cheese for twenty seconds, kid!).

I don't want to go to a camera shop and have them tell me I need an $800 camera or Best Buy and have some kid reading the box to me!

I'm hoping to spend under $300. Thank you!

Answer 1

I don't think you can get there for that price. You need to get a digital SLR to get the picture to be completed in a short time. The point and shoot ones are inherently too slow in making the image after the shutter is triggered. You need to spend at least twice that and $800 is not unreasonable (pricey but not unreasonable).

The good news is that the prices keep dropping so hang in there and the digital SLR will end up in that price range.

Answer 2

My family has few cameras of different spec's. I personally have a Canon PowerShot A710 IS. I think it's great! I've used it on nights out, for landscapes, action shot's...the list goes on. -Easy to use -AA batteries so can be replace anywhere -picture quality is fantastic. -build quality is spot on. -Lasted 1 weeks of heavy use at -40oC in Canada. Got to say something lol I’m sure there will be a new model out now but i think Canon have really done a good job. So happy with it i bought a second one the same. It was £200 1 year ago. If you are looking for a proper camera than the SLI Canon D5 is..........just woooow. Great for everything. Probably expect that from a £2000 camera with lens lol. Is hard to use tho you get used to it. Cant say much about it as I’ve not had chance to use it. edit...... i didnt see the £500 budget. Sorry. And don’t be fooled by a mega pixel number!!!! You could have a 12 Mp camera which is worse then a 5 mp good camera

Answer 3

Many compact digital cameras used to have this annoying problem (shutter lag) It's the auto focus system that causes the delay. But cameras have come a long way in two years and many perform faster.
The best way to stop or lessen shutter lag...is to pre-focus first (by half pressing the shutter button) and then recomposing your shot...or waiting for the right moment...and then pressing the button all the way.

Answer 4

You definitely need a digital SLR. Its the only way to get the speed you need. That is probably the $800 camera you are talking about!

Generaly the cheapest you can find one in a store is around $600. They move out the older models and just stop selling them when the new ones come out.

The good news is that if you look on eBay you can get an older digital SLR for around $300. A lens will cost another $50 to $100. Canon is the brand I would recommend. They are more innovative than Nikon.

Here are some recommendations of the best camera for the money:

Canon D60 6.3 Mega pixel ($300-$400)
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2046286&mpre=http%3A//search.ebay.com/search/search.dll%3Fsofocus%3Dbs%26sbrftog%3D1%26from%3DR10%26satitle%3Dcanon+d60+body%26sacat%3D-1%2526catref%253DC6%26sargn%3D-1%2526saslc%253D2%26sadis%3D200%26fpos%3D06905%26sacqyop%3Dge%26sacqy%3D%26ftrt%3D1%26ftrv%3D1%26saprclo%3D%26saprchi%3D%26sass%3D%26fsop%3D1%2526fsoo%253D1%26coaction%3Dcompare%26copagenum%3D1%26coentrypage%3Dsearch%26fgtp%3D

Canon Digital Rebel (First Model)
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2046286&mpre=http%3A//search.ebay.com/search/search.dll%3Fsofocus%3Dbs%26sbrftog%3D1%26catref%3DC6%26from%3DR10%26satitle%3Dcanon+300d+body%26sacat%3D-1%2526catref%253DC6%26sargn%3D-1%2526saslc%253D2%26sadis%3D200%26fpos%3D06905%26sacqyop%3Dge%26sacqy%3D%26ftrt%3D1%26ftrv%3D1%26saprclo%3D%26saprchi%3D%26sass%3D%26fsop%3D1%2526fsoo%253D1%26coaction%3Dcompare%26copagenum%3D1%26coentrypage%3Dsearch

Just make sure you read the description carefully and you buy from someone with good feedback. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I have a little model from Hewlett Packard that I am just getting to know and it is constantly surprising me with additional features.
It can take a stream of photos in nothing flat, very much like my older SLR cameras. I think as fast as the digital cameras have grown in their abilities you won't have any problem finding a fast shutter speed with no delay. Heck they have 10+ mega pixels now, so their technology is constantly improving. Sorta like, you buy it, get it home and there is a newer model available !
The one I have is Photosmart R607, and altho I don't know the cost, I did just go to their site and found a Model HP Photosmart R927--8.2 mega pixels for $269 !

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/welcome.html

Answer 6

All cameras will have some lag, but the newer ones are noticibly faster. Check out the canon sd700

1. it is small, light, thin, which make it more likely you bring it with you
2. extremely user friendly, has electronic stabilization which corrects for hand jitter.
3. big lcd
4. CHEAP, you should get it for $300, get the SD900 or SD500 if you want to spend less or more

http://www.modoshi.com/showcase.htm?ct=340&cs=Verified

Answer 7

Of course, the answer to your problem is to buy a DSLR. Not cheap.

Barring that, if you keep the monitor turned off, it speeds up many digital cameras. Or, select the sport mode on the mode dial, which is faster.

Answer 8

Compact cameras from Panasonic and Cannon are available with least shutter delay. Try Panasonic FZ20.
VR

Answer 9

Not for $300
a digital slr is what you need and $800.
If you want to minimize the lag time, set your camera to the "action" setting. And shoot ahead of them when they are moving, that should help some.