Looking for a camera with a fast high burst mode

[Rango]

Hi,
I'm looking for a camera to shoot high speed action, mostly snowboard jumps. I would like a high burst mode with at least 4fps, with over 10 frames in a burst. Also important is a short Half to Full-press Lag - less than 0.1 sec.

I don't want an oversized, expensive, professional camera. And I'd prefer a simple to operate camera. I'd like to spend up to 500$, but will pay more if necessary.

I've overlooked a lot of cameras, mainly superzooms. The highest burst mode I found is 4 pfs, in the old model - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3. Surprisingly, the latest models (FZ5, FZ7) have slower burst modes.

Please recommend cameras that answer my specifications.

[TampaJim]

Since you are wanting to capture motion - I strongly suggest a dSLR. The Pentax *ist DL is a very inexpensive, but nice, choice at $549 including an 18-55 lens. At 6.1MP and 2.8FPS you should find it satisfactory - it will do a MUCH better job than any Point and Shoot for what you want to do. It is a very small and lightweight camera - it isn't your everyday dSLR in size.

Ciao!!

[Rango]

Thanks for the replay,
The *ist DL, looks nice and realy cheap for a SLR, but with less than 3 fps, that's not the burst mode I'm looking for.
Please recommend other cameras you think might answer my expectations.

[TampaJim]

OK ... now you are about to learn why I recommended the Pentax *ist DL.

Canon EOS 20D with 18-55 lens = $1,229.00
5FPS, 23 continous frames in burst mode.

Now, go take a look at the Pentax before they run out of them ...

[capedeci]

High speed burst modes are expensive.

Canon 20D/30D is the only choice. I don't know about the shutter lag of 20D, and cant remamber exactly, but some of the entry level dSLRs typically have around 0.1 second lag.



But for $500 and 4fps, I'll get a video camera for $400, with 30fps and unlimited burst j/k

[jcon]

Yes, I used to own this camera I am about to suggest. I got rid of it for the Nikon D50 because I needed low light capabilities. If you are primarily shooting outdoor snowboarding, I think the Panasonic FZ20 would be perfect for you. I believe its got the burst mode youre looking for and its an EXCELLENT outdoor camera! Go to Pbase and check out sample shots! I believe it sells for under $400 nowadays.