Speed

[cbaur88]

Hi folks, my apologies in advance for my lack of knowledge and if this question has been asked already. I am your average camera user who owns your typical point and shoot camera. I have a 2 1/2 year daughter and bought this camera about 3 years ago for when she was born. Not long after I bought it I began to struggled with it. Very slow start up, extremely slow between shots, etc.. As my daughter got older it got worse because she was more mobile and pics became fuzzy, blurry, etc... Trying to capture quickly a 2yr old posing the right way has gotta be a little tricky with any level camera so imagine the frustration using mine. I've narrowed it down to nothing wrong with my camera just it don't posses the speed and features I am looking for.

Anyways here's my main question. Without going to the DSLR level camera which I find extremely huge, bulky, heavy, expensive etc... are their any smaller camera's in the point and shoot size range or even a tad bigger that can give me the speed I am looking for? I don't know what you want to call it shutter lag, auto-focus lag, etc... I am looking for something that I can press the button and the split second I press that button the picture is captured with little downtime between shots. Are their any high end point and shoots that have this type of speed. I've looked the "Advanced Point and Shoots" but they are just as big as the DSLR's and not that much cheaper. From doing my research I know a DSLR would fulfill what I am looking for but I know that I'll never take that giant thing with me anywhere and I know the type of person I am it would be more a hassel then anything to lug that around on vacation, store it, and keep watchful eye on it. Any advice on a particular brand or feature I should be looking for to have a fast camera I greatly appreciate it. Thanks or your time and help in advance

 

[tegeltka]

If the size is an issue yet you want quality photos, I'd suggest you check Micro Four Thirds cameras. They're hybrid third gen cameras with interchangeable lenses and some of them don't differ in size or weight from regular point-and-shoots.
First link from google: Best Micro Four Thirds/Mirrorless Cameras | Digital Trends Reviews

You get less shutter lag and cycle time with those compared to point-and-shoot cameras, as well.
Shutter lag = time between you pressing the button and camera actually taking the photo
Cycle time = minimum time between shots

Just curious, what point-and-shoot camera do you have, exactly?

 

[tegeltka]

Now, to actually help you, I did a quick google search and Canon PowerShot SX230 can do 3.2 full resolution photos per second in burst mode. Would that be enough? It'll set you back 200 bucks.

 

[Derrel]

Watch this video and one big tip will emerge: David Pogue: 10 top time-saving tech tips | Video on TED.com

 

[Designer]

Got a budget in mind?

 

[cbaur88]

Now, to actually help you, I did a quick google search and Canon PowerShot SX230 can do 3.2 full resolution photos per second in burst mode. Would that be enough? It'll set you back 200 bucks.

Tegeltka, thanks so much for the great info, I really appreciate it and will check it out. The exact camera I have is the Nikon Coolpix S8000. It does have a burst mode but when I use I get blurry pic's. I just want a fast responsive camera and I know the DSLR is what I am looking for I've used one and its everything I want but I just can't bring myself to buy because of the size.

Derrel, thank you as well. I will be sure to watch that video.

 

[KmH]

Thanks Derrel! Cool tips. I learned a couple new things.
Smartphone - hit the space bar twice at the end of a sentence.
Triple click selects an entire paragraph.

 

[cbaur88]

Got a budget in mind?

Good question because I am willing to spend what some of the low end DSLR's go for which I see for approx $400 - $500. However I guess I wouldn't spend that much on a smaller camera if it didn't hae the features or speed of the DSLR. Maybe I am just looking for something that isn't there and heed the advice and have both? I just feel I'll never take the DSLR out and it would be a waste of $$. I know so many people who sold theirs and I go on craigslist now in my area and there are plenty to choose from. Some upgrading and some just don't use it enough.

 

[cbaur88]

Here's an example: Looking at the Canon T3 (DSLR), Amazon Price $450. Then I see the Panasonic DMC FZ48, great speed reviews, fast shutter speeds. Approx same size at the T3 and I seen one on Ebay (New) for $379. Why go the Non-DSLR route? There is no camera size different or much price difference. Might as well spend the extra $70 and get a DSLR.

 

[tegeltka]

They have similar prices because they are comparable.

One is on the upper end of super zoom cameras, the other is on the lower end of DSLR's.
While T3 is a DSLR it's not a very good DSLR and you'll likely grow out of it pretty soon. Its features are very basic and it offers little compared to mid-level prosumer DSLR's. Compared to a super zoom it has a larger sensor of course and interchangeable lenses. On the other hand FZ48 has 1080p HD movie mode and an excellent lens.

You'll probably need a new one either way in a couple of years, DSLR has an added bonus that you can keep all the crap you've bought like lenses and accessories.

It's like buying a small and mean car vs buying a big and dull one (that you can upgrade, for money).

 

[cbaur88]

After weeks of doing research and visiting my local Best Buy store I settled on the Sony NEX-F3. After seeing it in Best Buy, picking it up and using it I simply fell in love with it. I love it's grip and how it feels in your hand and the location of the shutter button. I feel like I am holding a real camera but not a brick like a DSLR. It's got very nice manual controls but have found Sony's Superior Auto to be more then adequate for most situations. What immediately impressed me in the store was the speed and performance. It's shot to shot time is exactly what I was looking for and more then adequate for my needs currently. Image quality has been impressive as well but I just love it's quickness. I am capturing so many great pic's of my daughter that I would have otherwise missed with my P&S. Not as compact as a P&S but not as big as a DSLR somewhere in between and easy to take with you. I am really impressed and love this camera so far.

There is a newer model of this camera out called the Sony NEX-3N, which was equally impressive in the store and very nice with power zoom. However I chose the F3 over it for a few reasons. 1.) F3 is a tad faster then it's newer 3N 2.) Cost, I got this about $80 cheaper then the 3N 3.) LCD has higher resolution/Dots allowing for better view in bight conditions and tilts more 4.) Grip and shutter button location felt more natural to my hands.

Thanks for all your help and info