Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

small, fast, & good

Jul 26, 2004 9:37AM PDT

I have found that I rarely carry my digital camera anymore because it's too bulky and the shutter lag is too long. Can anyone recommend a new digital camera that is ultra-compact, has little or no shutter lag, and makes good quality photos? It will mostly be used for snapshots.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 27, 2004 12:19AM PDT

If by "ultra compact" you mean one of those cameras that are less than an inch thick, you may have to wait longer.

So far, none have been stellar performers.

There are two that you might keep you eye out for reviews. These two have potential but there is little real world information available yet, because they are new on the market.

The Konica-Minolta X31 and the X50.

...

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 30, 2004 3:35AM PDT

I am also shopping for a new camera, a replacement for the early Canon S110. Despite my frustrations with its shutter lag, which Dave Etchells of Imaging Resource reports as .64 seconds (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S110/S11A7.HTM), it seems that is relatively fast compared to the hundreds of other compact and ultra-compact digicams that have hit the market in the years since it appeared. Anyone have recommendations on a compact camera with equivalent image quality that is at least as fast as that old Canon?

Jonathan Heuer

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 30, 2004 10:32AM PDT

I am also shopping for a new camera, a replacement for the early Canon S110. Despite my frustrations with its shutter lag, which Dave Etchells of Imaging Resource reports as .64 seconds (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S110/S11A7.HTM), it seems that is relatively fast compared to the hundreds of other compact and ultra-compact digicams that have hit the market in the years since it appeared. Anyone have recommendations on a compact camera with equivalent image quality that is at least as fast as that old Canon?

Jonathan Heuer

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 30, 2004 11:40AM PDT

Canon is still one of the best for a sharp image.

Since the S110 is a point-and-shoot, are you still looking for a point-and-shoot or something with a few more manual over-ride controls?

For Canon point-and-shoot, I suggest you look at the S410 or S500.

For an intermediate camera with more manual control ability, take a look at the A70 (A75) or the A80.

...

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 31, 2004 1:18AM PDT

Point-and-shoot with some manual overrides is basically what I'm after. The S410 and S500 look a little slow, I was thinking about the S45, S50, or even the S60. The latter's lens is 28mm, a pretty attractive lure for me (mostly photographic my small, fast-moving, uncooperative children). I've seen one or two negative comments about its sliding cover, but most reviews seem quite positive. Considered the Sony W1 for awhile, but many people seem to hate it, particularly for its lousy image quality.

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 31, 2004 4:17AM PDT

The S60 should be a good choice.

It has most of the attributes of the Canon G5.

I was reading the stats for the new Kodak DX7440 and they claim a total delay time of 0.2 seconds. That is focus lock and shutter delay.

That is excellent time, but I would like to know more about the lens quality. Kodak finally went outside their labs and are using a lens from Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon (4X and 33mm focal length). That sounds like a good move.

But I've not found any reviews for the 7440. If it has good sharp photos, it will be a real sleeper for under $300.

...

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Jul 30, 2004 6:11AM PDT

I recently purchased a 5200...and its AWESOME!

Very comfortable in the hand-even can be used with just one.

Very well thought out design and placement of buttons, and a very easy to use menu system.

It takes the guesswork out of taking pictures with its 15 preset scenes and scene assist.

Can take 30 fps video at 640x480 with sound for as much memory as you have available! This is A LOT of fun!

While the LCD is smaller than some at 1.5" the screen is bright and easy to read outdoors and in the sunlight. Plus bigger screens eat up batteries!

Battery life is good-rated about 150 pictures with flash used for half and screen on all the time. Personally I'd recommend having a spare battery for whatever camera you get so you won't be on empty and miss great shots.

Includes a quick charger in the package-2 hours to fully charge an empty battery!

Starts up in under 2 seconds and can take a picture in just over 1 sec. w/o the flash and about 2 seconds if you need the flash.

It has fast zoom and fits wonderfully in the pocket and light-with battery and SD card its just over 7oz. Barely noticeable in your pocket unless you tight pants/small pockets.

If the 5200 is out of your budget then check out the 4200-same camera in 4MP and has a slightly limited video capability.

I hope this helps!

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Aug 12, 2004 12:06PM PDT

johnt78,
You posted all about your 5200, but failed to say which camera this is....Canon? Sony? Kodak? Nikon?
I think you may be referring to the Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200, but I am not sure. I am about to replace my first digital camera, an Olympus Camedia C-2020 Z. I am going on a hiking trip to the Rocky Mts., so I want a camera that takes excellent large view scenes, as well as great close people pictures. I would like to spend no more than $300, if possible. Can you please tell me which camera you have and anyone reading this can offer me suggestions for what I should buy. Thanks.

- Collapse -
Re: small, fast, & good
Aug 29, 2004 3:30AM PDT

I'd like the same thing as you smogey (close ups of people and able to take view pics are a must), but am willing to spend up to 400$.

I want good image quality (enough that it can fill a 19" moniter and be entirely clear.

My brother has a Cannon S400 elph, and I've used it and love it; is the S410 just an upgraded model? I was able to take great view pictures with his S400, as well as well as good close ups of people. Will the S410 be able to do both of those things?