What's a fast camera?

[JTsyo]

I guess what I'll looking for is the focus speed. My current Canon point an shoot camera takes about 1-2 sec to focus and take a picture. This makes it much harder to get pictures of the kids. Are there point and shoots with fast response or do I have to go to a DSLR?

 

[ElFenix]

with as good as panasonic's and olympus's contrast focus algorithms for 4/3 have gotten, i'd probably start my search with one of those. problem is, a high spec compact camera is going to cost more than an entry SLR and still be slower. plus, with the SLR you have the option of pre-focusing or using hyperfocal settings that you won't get in many compacts.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

I guess what I'll looking for is the focus speed. My current Canon point an shoot camera takes about 1-2 sec to focus and take a picture. This makes it much harder to get pictures of the kids. Are there point and shoots with fast response or do I have to go to a DSLR?

Do you require the camera to be pants-pocketable? If not, the Nikon 1 series would make you very happy.

 

[CuriousMike]

I guess what I'll looking for is the focus speed. My current Canon point an shoot camera takes about 1-2 sec to focus and take a picture. This makes it much harder to get pictures of the kids. Are there point and shoots with fast response or do I have to go to a DSLR?

Look to see if you have the option with your camera for "continuous auto-focus".

 

[JTsyo]

What spec can I look at to see how fast the picture would be taken after pressing the button? Not sure how to compare between models. I guess if it's going to be above $200, might as well go for a DSLR.

 

[CuriousMike]

Even the fastest DSLR's can take a second to focus in low light.

 

[JTsyo]

How would this do?

 

[CuriousMike]

How would this do?

That uses a 1/1.6" sensor which is larger than the typical 1/2.3" size so... on paper, it should give you better images than typical P&S - particularly in low-light.

"Blazing" autofocus speed ... unlikely. But it might do what you want. Just be sure to learn how to use "continuous auto-focus" if you're concerned with getting photos of your kids in motion. In good light. Good light on this camera means outdoors in bright sunlight - your well-lit living room is not good light to a camera.

 

[iGas]

The Sony a5000 mirrorless AF is quite quick at $298 for body and 16-50mm lens.