Need camera for taking pics of kids...A95?...HELP!

[DanoCam]

Hi everyone.
I am new to the digital-camera world, and I am in the market for a camera! I am currently using my brother's Olympus digital camera (probaby 2-3 years old), and it is driving me crazy! :eek: Even with the red-eye feature turned off, this camera still takes about 3 seconds to actually take the picture (3 seconds from the time I press the button). By that time, my toddler has moved/is looking somewhere else, and the picture is worthless.
I am in the market for a new digital camera, however I want to make sure I get a camera that does not have this delay! Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there a camera out there that actually lets you point and shoot...without any delay? I thought I was set on purchasing the Canon A95, however I read a thread below from someone who said that their A95 takes almost 3 seconds to take a picture (in auto-focus mode). Here is what I am looking for:
Fast camera (low shutter lag ???? - - Don't know the proper terminology)
Price tag limit of $500
I will be using the camera primarily for taking pictures of my toddler, my nephews/nieces, and on vacation. Nothing more.
3x optical zoom (or more!)
At least 3 MP, preferably 4 or 5.

I would really appreciate any advice someone may have to offer.

[sherlock]

The best idea for you is to read some of Jeff's reviews. They are in categories of resolution, zoom and other features. I'm sure you'll find what your looking for on this website. Also, most of Nikon's Coolpix cameras have very low shutter lag, so you might want to start there.

[DanoCam]

Thanks for your advice.
I have read some of Jeff's reviews (which are definitely the best reviews I have found on the internet), and it is because of his reviews that I had initially decided on the A95. However, most of the reviews do not say much in regards to shutter lag times (because it would be very difficult to test). Although I did notice that some reviews will comment on whether or not the shutter lag time was good or poor, I don't believe the actual timing is provided for all reviews.

Regarding the posts that I referred to earlier, two individuals mentioned that their A95's had extremely slow lag time (both posts are located within the Canon topic posts), which I would like to avoid. I will read the reviews on the Nikon Cool Pix cameras, and see if one of those would be better for me.
Thanks again.
Please let me know if you have any additional advice.

[PhilR.]

Canon's are not known for being the quickest when it comes to shutter lag times, but they aren't the slowest either. There are reviews that include times, and the A95 comes out to be average - about .1 sec pre-focused, and .6 sec autofocus. I would imagine that your friend's times are when using flash. It doesn't take much time for a flash to charge, but it is a physical process that does take time to happen. Any camera will need a few extra seconds if you are using flash.

It is not possible for there to be "no delay". However, if you pre-focus (not always possible, especially w/kids) you will cut down lag times to around 0.1 sec.. If you want to use autofocus, then you have to realize that the camera needs time to actually do the focusing. You cannot get around that. It is the price you pay for having the camera do the work for you.

You might look at the reviews that include shutter lag times and choose accordingly. Don't worry about the particular brand - as long as you stay with a major manufacturer, you won't have any problems.....

PhilR.