What Spec should I be looking at - Immediate Pic Taken with Flash?

[tennisbumbishop]

My wife wants a simple camera for Christmas that takes a picture as soon as you press the shutter release button when using a flash.

Is there a spec I should be looking at when searching cameras that would let me know a camera is quick when taking such a picture?

I have a Sony DSC-H2 which seems to have about a second delay between shutter press and picture took...my wife wants a camera that immediately takes the picture.

Thanks for any help.

tennisbumbishop

[Anbesol]

Flash recharge rate.

However, that will only tell you how quickly the built in stock flash does. If you have a speedlite attached, the recharge rate can be much quicker, and will be variable depending on the power output of the flash, 1/32 will recharge much quicker than 1/2. Though, in any event, its much quicker than the H2.

Also, considering you have as fast of a lens as the 50mm f/1.8, plus the much higher ISO afforded by a digital slr (800-1600 with good grain), you may find yourself needing a flash much less frequently.

[tennisbumbishop]

Flash recharge rate.

However, that will only tell you how quickly the built in stock flash does. If you have a speedlite attached, the recharge rate can be much quicker, and will be variable depending on the power output of the flash, 1/32 will recharge much quicker than 1/2. Though, in any event, its much quicker than the H2.

Also, considering you have as fast of a lens as the 50mm f/1.8, plus the much higher ISO afforded by a digital slr (800-1600 with good grain), you may find yourself needing a flash much less frequently.

She doesn't want anything fancy enough where the 50mm Canon lens I have will work. She wants a simple $100 point and shoot that takes quick pics with a flash.

I'm the one who wants the Canon DSLR ;)

Thanks for the input.

tennisbumbishop

[Anbesol]

oh, then you are outta luck, can't really do any better/faster than H2 at $100..

[Greg McCary]

Yeah, Anbesol is right. You call that shutter lag. If you want faster than that you are going to have to get a DSLR. You might get a used m4/3rd camera but there is still a slight shutter lag to those. Not much of one but noticeable. But they are more than $100.00