drkeene Loc: Florida Gulf Coast

Need advice. Am looking to replace a point and shoot camera (Canon Powershot SX210 that is no longer suitable due to a new family member: a one-year old who is so speedy and wriggly that by the time I compose and focus, the photo op is gone!

What pocketable camera would members recommend that shoots decent photos, but can respond nearly instantaneously to the shutter?

Incidentally, I realize that some bridge cameras, and all larger DSLR cameras have this capability - but I need a camera small enough that my wife can drop it in her purse, or I in my pocket!

Much obliged for any advice members of this forum can offer...

EstherP

I have, and carry with me ALL the time a Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1
It takes less than a second to turn it on, time needed to compose the image depends on the user, and there is NO shutter-lag. I bought it especially to take photos of our grand-kids and the farm animals, when I don't have my "big black box" with me.
I am very happy with the photos coming out of that little camera as well.
EstherP

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a tough one because all digitals have some lag, even DSLRs. Reviews will often list the shutter delay in the stats, but it's extremely short.

I would read reviews for the cameras on your list and see if they mention shutter delay. Find a site that lists the delay and then compare the cameras using that site.

Camera Reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

FX vs DX
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/full-frame-advantage.htm
http://www.google.com/search?q=fx+vs+dx

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 that I carry either in pocket or belt pack at all times, very quick to turn on and fast capture time. Gives great colors, excellent focus, etc.

LRH Loc: Peosta IA.

Check out the Sony RX-100. Great little camera that will fit into your shirt pocket. I have it and I love it. A bit overpriced but I think it was worth it.

twitcher32 Loc: North Carolina/Costa Rica

My Lumix LX2 has a Leica lens and a large LCD screen and recovers in a matter of a few seconds. Fits in the pocket too. It is probably twice as fast as the Olympus Stylus Tough.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Look at the new canon g15. see the dp review.

Chrishy Loc: New Orleans

Just got the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and it is fast, plus allows manual prefocus for fast moving subjects like children. No lag time and the Leica lens f1.4 24:90mm is superfast and sharp. Has Intelligent Auto along with PASM functionalilty when I am not carrying around my heavy Nikon.

Bwright Loc: Pittsburgh PA

I just purchased the Sony rx100

so far -- great

very fast

look at dpreview.com for good advice

GWR100 Loc: England

I agree with the last comment. The LUMIX top on the range pockets have given me some of my best shots when i have not got my Canon with me. I always carry one and quite a lot on the pics on my site have been the the Lumix. Bet you won't spot the difference?

photoninja1 Loc: Tampa Florida

If you liked the sx210, why not get the latest of the series, SX260? It has 20 times zoom, fast response, quick and accurate focusing, a good burst shot and GPS.

LRH Loc: Peosta IA.

Glad to see someone else thinks the RX100 is a great little camera. I think that Sony cameras are greatly underated. I have the Sony a77 and love it. Had the a33 that I gave to my grandaughter and she liked it so well that she sold her Canon Rebel.

drkeene Loc: Florida Gulf Coast

I'm getting some great suggestions. A couple of them are in the big bucks range: the Sony RX100, the Lumix LX7 and the Canon G15. These cameras are almost too good for my purposes; I would be over achieving. At this point I am inclined toward the "good enough" end of the scale - the Lumix SZ7, which is being sold now at the bargain basement price of $150. As I see it, this is a good step up from shooting with my iPhone - exactly what I want.

Am also strongly tempted by the suggestion that I look at the follow on to my current small camera - the Canon SX260, since this costs only a bill more than the Lumix SZ7, and gives me all those wonderful Features and controls. Speaking of which... I can't help but wonder if it is all those features that are slowing down the target acquisition and next shot speed of our photography. The GPS, for example. On a full feature camera like the Canon SX260, what should we turn off in order to speed up the first shot, as well as the shot to shot speed? Is it best to operate in Auto mode, and simply turn off the photo review? Or in some other mode and turn off the auto focus feature.

Any comments or advice?

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

When I'm around my grandkids, composing and focusing are never of concern to me. I just keep it on auto and shoot as fast as I can to get all kinds of action shots; although I do compose quickly, by instinct. But I do agree with you about the need for a small camera that can easily fit a into a pocket. I use an older model Canon that suits me well.

Have fun!

Robbie7 Loc: Northampton. England

I recently bought the Sony RX100, my advice would be check it out before buying anything else :-)