What is the best digital camera with no delay for under $200?

Question

I am looking for a new digital camera that will not break the bank. I have a small child and for those of you with small children you understand that if you have a camera with a delay between button pushing and picture taking (very technical terms) you miss some cute pictures. I am also looking to not have the camera break the bank, although I am flexible with price a little bit. It must also take good-quality pictures. It does not have to be the newest model or anything, just has to be good with no delay. I know it is possible because my mom has an older version of a Nikon Coolpix that she did not spend too much on and takes high-quality, no delay photos. Problem is there are so many cameras out there, I don't know whether to look for that exact camera, go with a newer model, or a different brand altogether. Just looking for some opinions as I am overwhelmed by the quantity I found looking up cameras on Amazon and I am electronics-impaired for the most part.

Answer 1

Of the 3 classes of digital cameras, the consumer class selling for under $300 all have a shutter lag problem for reasons that I"m not going to go into here. The 3rd or professional class costing over $1000 is way out of the question. The second class is the pro-sumer SLR class that cost $1000 or less, in some cases for $500 or less with mail in rebates.

The SLR digital cameras use a mirror viewing system just like their film counterparts and therefor allow rapid fire multi-frame shooting. There is a pro-sumer sub class DSLR camera type that uses a TV like viewing system (like the older VCR cameras) and they too have an inherent shutter lag so you don't want that. Stay away from the big priced brands like Cannon or Nikon and see what the current market is for brands like Konika, Pentax or Olympus for example. Around this time of year they come out with new models in June and so you may find a discounted sale (with a rebate) on the older models. Also try the big "O" as they quite often have an over-stock deal for as much as 45 to 50% off the market prices. As an X-Commercial now semi-retired photographer I purchased a Pentax system over a year ago for less than $700 and have since added all kinds of goodies to it and I'll put it (and my work) up against a Cannon or Nikon any day of the week.

Answer 2

ALL cameras have a delay.  In fact according to recent studies when you see something from your own eyes there is actually a delay in what you see.  I bought my wife a NIkkon and it was the cheapest piece of junk I had ever bought her.   This was a new model,  We returned the camera and I bought a Sony cyber shot.  The camera has a function that will take multiple photos with just one press of the button.  But it has a delay just like all cameras do.  The camera has to be able to focus, this is part of the delay.  Anyway the best way to choose a camera is to go to best buy or walmart and buy one you think is good, take it home and take a few pictures.  If you dont like it return it, make sure you tell them that the camera wasnt working properly, it was broke!! if not especially best buy, they will charge a 15% restocking fee.  So make sure you tell them it was broken.  This is the best way for you to see if the camera meets your standards.  Because reviews and peoples opinions will always vary.  Good luck.

Answer 3

All low price camera has delay; I had Pantex years ago, they have shortest delay.  I think if u want to take pict of kids, u can go for dSLR and shoot it under "sports" mode, so they take many shots continuously, and than u can pick the one u like the best.  I did that with my dog :)

Answer 4

I own a Canon Powershot SD750. I've never noticed any delay. It's an awesome little camera.

Answer 5

Look at the Canon A-590. It is about $170. After you buy a 1GB card and rechargeable batteries,it is still around $200.

Takes nice pictures but when using the flash there is a delay between shots.Without the flash very little delay.

This Camera uses AA batteries so you will never get stuck with a discharged camera,you can buy batteries everywhere.

Also it has a view finder and a LCD screen. If the LCD breaks you still have a working camera.

It takes nice pictures,not as nice as my other camera but at $900 less I wouldn't think it could.