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General discussion

what model to use for mtn biking?

Jun 28, 2005 5:03AM PDT

Hello, this is all very new to me. I'm looking for a compact or ultra compact camera to take with me when I go mountain biking.

The number one concern for me is shutter speed. It seems most of my friends who have digi cam's have very slow shutter speed. Which in turn, causes us to have "after the fact" shots.

Any and all advice/input is greatly apprectiated.
Thank you,
mtb-tep

Discussion is locked

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Shutter Lag is the Culprit
Jun 28, 2005 6:27AM PDT

Shutter speed is not your problem. What you are referring to is called "shutter lag" -the length of time from depressing the shutter release button to when the picture is actually recorded. This shutter lag time is inherent to all digital cameras to some degree. When you shop for a new camera, look for one that has minimal lag and your problems will be solved.

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Shutter Lag
Jun 28, 2005 7:03AM PDT

Casio seems to have found the secret for short shutter lag.

They have several cameras that testing shows to have only a 0.1 second shutter lag. That is awsome by digital camera standards.

I would assume you want something small enough to fit into a shirt pocket.

Check out the Z55....

Here is a review:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/ex-z55.html

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Shutter lag can be overcome
Jun 29, 2005 1:23AM PDT

to some extent by practice and taking lots of pictures...that is the great thing about digital cameras.

Some of the pictures are bound to be good.

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Shutter Lag
Jun 29, 2005 7:53AM PDT

can be (effectively) reduced by using the two step method of taking a photo.

1. Frame the shot and press the shutter button half way down.
2. Reframe the shot and press the shutter the rest of the way down.

Step one gives the autofocus mechanism time to lock, which is the greatest amount of time. (from 0.2 to 0.6 second)

Step two takes the photo and stores it. This usually takes only 0.1 second.

The reported shutter lag for the Casio Z55 is:
Step one - 0.1 second
Step two - 0.01 second

By digital camera standards....that is ''smokin'''.

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