Capturing the moment

[cfg500]

Hi,

I am interested in finding a point and shoot ultra compact digital camera that can capture the moment when it happens. By this summer I will have a new baby and don't want a picture after his/her first smile, crawl, step, etc.
I just got a Sumsung Digimax i5 and love it except for the fact that it takes the picture after the event. I want to sell this one and buy one that has fast shot to shot shooting and fast turn on.
In the ultra compact family, does anyone have any suggestions of what camera I should replace mine with?
I appreciate your help.
Clint

[Photo-John]

Clint-
The truth is, they all shoot slightly after the event. It's called "shutter-lag," and it's an ongoing problem with compact digital cameras. You'll get the least shutter-lag with a digital SLR, but your investment will be a lot more. And even then, you need to learn to anticipate. The camera won't do it for you. Of course, some are better than others. As far as compact cameras go, I've been very impressed with the Casio compact digitals and we just did a pro review for the Olympus Stylus 800 Digital. That camera has pretty minimal shutter-lag and based on my experience with it I expect other Olympus compacts are pretty quick, too.

Here are some resources that might help you make a decision.

Digital Camera Buyer's Guide: http://www.photographyreview.com/dig...rguidecrx.aspx

Pro Reviews: http://www.photographyreview.com/proreviewscrx.aspx

Let us know if you have more questions. And don't wait to get the camera! Get it soon and start shooting! That way you'll be ready when that first smile comes

[cfg500]

John,
Thanks so much for your reply and your help. I am not sure of what I will do, but I think that I may keep my Samsung compact camera and use a traditional 35mm camera for baby moments, etc.
Thanks again,
Clint

Clint-
The truth is, they all shoot slightly after the event. It's called "shutter-lag," and it's an ongoing problem with compact digital cameras. You'll get the least shutter-lag with a digital SLR, but your investment will be a lot more. And even then, you need to learn to anticipate. The camera won't do it for you. Of course, some are better than others. As far as compact cameras go, I've been very impressed with the Casio compact digitals and we just did a pro review for the Olympus Stylus 800 Digital. That camera has pretty minimal shutter-lag and based on my experience with it I expect other Olympus compacts are pretty quick, too.

Here are some resources that might help you make a decision.

Digital Camera Buyer's Guide: http://www.photographyreview.com/dig...rguidecrx.aspx

Pro Reviews: http://www.photographyreview.com/proreviewscrx.aspx

Let us know if you have more questions. And don't wait to get the camera! Get it soon and start shooting! That way you'll be ready when that first smile comes

[Photo-John]

Clint-
Don't think that the shutter-lag issue is a digital-only problem. The same problem exists in most point-and-shoot film cameras. It happens because of the exposure and autofocus calculations the camera processor has to make before it can take a picture. You won't have any problem with a 35mm SLR, though. And just to make sure you know, there are compact digital camerras that should work for you. I shoot a lot of mountain bike photography and I've had very good results from some compact digital cameras. So if you really wanted digital, don't be afraid. Just shop carefully.