Digi SLR - help me choose (oh no not another of these threads)

[tigersaw]

Inspired by the digi SLR threads I've read, I took a look round the shops this morning. No deals out there at the moment that I can see.

I like the positive reviews both on this forum and on the net re the Nikon D40, and had a hold of one today. I also very much liked the 'feel' of the Olympus E400, which is a tad cheaper. The only other I've held is Canon EOS 350(?), which from memory felt quite a lump.

My main main most main desire is something thats ready to go in an instant. Turn on and click click click. No shutter lag, no focusing, just do it and worry about the shot later, since working at an airport many times a photo opportunity comes then dissappears within seconds.

I gues then what I want is a camera that when fired up, and correctly preset, will instantly be ready and with the lens set at infinity focus, or whatever I pre-set.

Maybe I dont need a SLR at all, there is an alternative? Any advice?

I went into the camera shop with your very question and added tell me why I need an SLR camera. Within about 20 minutes I was walking out with a Panasonic DMC TZ3 which is a compact in a metal case, auto everything, 10x zoom and 7.2 megapixels. It has a 3 '' screen and came with Scart Leads, USB cables and software for the PC.

If I sound like I know what Im talking about, I apologise, I took it to Donington and took 180 pictures and saved about 150 decent ones.

It does everything, has just won some award (TIPA 2007) and cost me £249

[tigersaw]

Originally Posted by wheelnut

I went into the camera shop with your very question and added tell me why I need an SLR camera. Within about 20 minutes I was walking out with a Panasonic DMC TZ3 ...

How fast is it from turning on to taking the first picture? - ideally I'm looking for something thats ready instantly, and no shutter lag.

(Must admit to liking panasonic digi cameras, got a 12x zoom 3mpix one, its still fantastic 2 years later)

Edit - just read a few reviews, looks a bit slow in that department, though it has some redeeming features. 30fps 1280x720 video for instance...

[fizzwheel]

If I want to take quick pics, I use my D40 in "Auto" mode camera does everything all you have to do is point and click. There is a short manual aspect of twiddling the zoom ring on the lens to get what you want reasonably in focus.

The big benefit of the DSLR for me is that when you press the shutter button it takes the shot instantly, Its the one thing that narks me about my compact is the shutter lag.

[the_lone_wolf]

if all you want is fast pictures i'd recommend the Fuji f31fd, i bought it because of the short startup time. have just timed it, less than 3 seconds from pressing the on button to the shutter going and the first picture being taken, there is no shutter lag at all, i managed to capture the cannons going off at the palio in siena this year. has a big bright LCD screen, 6MP is enough for most applications and i'm very pleased with the results i've got so far, all the shots of my bikes on this forum were taken with this camera and downsized to 900x675 pixels

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...nepixf31fd.asp

[tigersaw]

Even 3 seconds might be a long time.. as an example, on pushback on a cold morning, you sometimes see a puff what looks like steam from the rear of the jet engine, and you know most prob its gonna ignite - its looks cool. You usually have a second or two warning, though I guess reaction time might be longer than that.

Question for the D40 folk - I read there is a sleep mode, where it can awaken and take a picture in less than a blink of an eye - this true?

In fact - do an experiment for me - turn it off on the desk, leave the lens cap off, and focus at infinity, (is that poss?) - now pick it up and turn it on and take a pic - dont even wait for the display or try and frame your shot, just grab and shoot.
How quick, and whats the pic like?

Lone wolf - some of your pics have been stunning, must admit

I have a Canon EOS400D. It will do everything you ask above - and more. The key is not shutter lag but having a fast memory card. The cheap ones just won't recycle quickly enough so you need a Sandisk Gold or better.

Originally Posted by Ed

I have a Canon EOS400D. It will do everything you ask above - and more. The key is not shutter lag but having a fast memory card. The cheap ones just won't recycle quickly enough so you need a Sandisk Gold or better.

Agree with Ed, 400D is a great camera, and just tried a little experiment. Let the camera go into standy by then picked it up and took a shot. Instant, before the screen had even come on the pic had been taken. So should do what you want it to do.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by tigersaw

In fact - do an experiment for me - turn it off on the desk, leave the lens cap off, and focus at infinity, (is that poss?) - now pick it up and turn it on and take a pic - dont even wait for the display or try and frame your shot, just grab and shoot.
How quick, and whats the pic like?

Just tried I'm indoors so that pics not that interesting, but its definatly in focus and it even worked out it needed the flash and popped that up to. All in Auto mode. I didnt wait for the screen to come on I just pointed and shot.

Response from the camera was pretty instant, certainly quicker than the shutter delay on my compact. I reckon probably .25 of a second, you'd definatly not miss those "I wish I had my camera moments" IMHO. Its difficult to time the response as its that fast.

HTH

remember you have to take the lens cap off must add a second or 2