Which Digital Camera to buy?

[G.Menendez]

My use will be for children: Lack of Shutter Lag!
Large Zoom Ratio Like: Nikon Coolpix 8800 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20K
I also like to take macro images.
Manual Zoom and Manual focus in addtion to auto.
My previous cameras were Nikon F4's (Film-based)
My current Digital camera is a (small) Nikon Coolpix 2 Megapixels.

The main problem is taking pictures of my granddaughter by the time I press the shutter release (face) she turns and I take tha back of the head!

So shutter lag is my main concern.

There you are if you have any recommendations other than the two, please let me know.

Many thanks in advanced.

[Michael Fanelli]

My use will be for children: Lack of Shutter Lag!
Large Zoom Ratio Like: Nikon Coolpix 8800 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20K
I also like to take macro images.
Manual Zoom and Manual focus in addtion to auto.
My previous cameras were Nikon F4's (Film-based)
My current Digital camera is a (small) Nikon Coolpix 2 Megapixels.

The main problem is taking pictures of my granddaughter by the time I press the shutter release (face) she turns and I take tha back of the head!

So shutter lag is my main concern.

There you are if you have any recommendations other than the two, please let me know.

Many thanks in advanced.

Although shutter response has gotten better, it still isn't all that fast for P&S cameras. If lack of discernable shutter lag is important to you, look at a DSLR.

[John Masson]

If you are looking for speed, avoid the Nikon 8800. It is deathly slow.....

[Liz]

It depends on your budget..........but

I think with your priority being your grandchildren - and portraits, etc. - along with wanting no shutter lag, your best option is a DSLR.

Now that the Digital Rebel XT 350 is such a big seller, you could probably get a new Digital Rebel 300D for $600-$700. Also, many people are selling their Rebel 300D's so you could probably get one for a little over $500.

You could also get a great portrait/all around lens Canon 50mm/f1.8 for $69 new. It's Canon's least expensive really sharp lens.

You could easily pay that much for a good P&S. But you will get shutter lag...

Liz