Help finding FAST Camera

[jbddbj]

Hi. I am a real beginner and would love your help finding the right camera for me. I currently own a Canon A710IS and absolutely hate it. Taking pictures outside is decent, but the flash recycle time is abomidable. It can take upwards of 15 seconds to reload and be ready for another picture. I am primarily using the camera to capture my very fast moving toddler. Even a 5 second delay can miss the moment.

My number one criteria is fast response. I want to stay away from a DSLR because I think its too much camera for me. I've heard good things about the Canon S5 (I like the zoom too) but would love your thoughts on what camera would be best.

Here are other criteria to help
Budget: Less than $500
Size: Not important
Megapixels: Greater than 6
Optical zoom: Standard = 3x-4x or Ultrazoom = 10x-12x
Iimage quality importance: 8
Manual controls: Not that important

General Usage
Primarily will be used for family snapshots
Mostly printing 8 x 10 and less prints
Lots of indoor shots
Lots of shooting sports and/or action photos
Open to all brands
Like the idea of Image Stabilization

Thanks so much!

[David Metsky]

If you want flash refresh time, get a camera with a hotshoe and put an external flash. The S5 has a hotshoe, but there are others.

Here's the list of all non-DSLRs with a hotshoe: Link (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php?search=1&manSearch=0&resSearch=0&lcdSearch=0&storageSearch=0&priceSearch=0&cameraTypeSearch=1&zoomSearch=0&lcdTypeSearch=0&batterySearch=0&flashSearch=Y&submit.x=33&submit.y=9)

Of these, I'd look at the S5, G9, SP-570 and FZ50. I'll let others recommend a good flash.

[jbddbj]

That's a good idea, but are there any cameras that are known to have a fast flash recharge without having to add an external flash? I'm just don't know how likely I am to add an external flash for family snapshots. I was reading reviews and someone mentioned that the s5 isn't good in low light situations. Are any P&S cameras? Thanks!

[Beowulff]

The Canon A710 IS is actually a very good camera for the type of shots you want, but it (and its replacement, the 720 IS) were always noted for their slow flash recycle time.

Having said that though, upwards of 15 seconds sounds horribly wrong to me, as even at full flash power, the camera should recycle in 8.5 seconds at its worst. At best, you should be looking at 3 to 5 seconds.

A couple of questions before you bin it:

What type and capacity batteries are you using? (can make a huge difference)
Do you have the LCD turned OFF when taking flash pics? (does use a bit of battery power)

Incidentally, your main selection criteria — for a fast flash recycle time and good low-light capabilities — "only" narrows your choice down to about 200 cameras!

Your best bet is probably to read through some of the reviews here under Reviews & Info (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php) to get a better (and quicker) idea of the sort of camera that might suit you better.

Hope this helps. Cheers :)

[cdifoto]

1D III is pretty snappy I hear. It's a little over budget tho.


More seriously, I think you should check out the G9 or similar. Another A series won't satisfy your needs and I don't think the S5 is actually very snappy. Can't say I'm an expert on the G though either, but many dSLR owners use one as their pocketable (term used loosely) go-lite camera.