Bob55 Loc: Valhalla NY

I always enjoy reading the opinions of my fellow Hogs. However, I am always bemused that none of you refer to shutter lag or body weight when discussing the pros and cons of the cameras under discussion. Personally, I think shutter lag is very important when taking pictures of grandchildren or at sporting events when everything in the photo is in flux. Also, isn't body weight an important factor, especially as we get older? I am interested in your opinions as to whether or not I have my priorities right. Thanks in advance for your input.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Bob, I too have wondered about those two factors. In the case of shutter lag I have noticed that my Nikon D7200 responds quicker to the shutter button being pressed than my D5100 does. I also notice that my Olympus OM-D E-M Markii responds very quickly when in electronic shutter mode, not so much in standard shutter mode. As to your question about weight: the weight of my Nikon D7200 with the 200-500mm f5.6 lens attached I am finding is becoming more than what I want to handhold on walking safari or hiking in our local mountains. That was the main reason I decided to buy the Olympus and along with the savings in weight I discovered that the 5 axis in body image stabilization capability of the Olympus camera to be a real advantage over the conventional 2 axis lens stabilization of the Nikon kit. So, in summation, I think it is two issues that do not get sufficient attention when a person begins the process of investigating their next camera purchase. Just my 2 cents worth.
Garth

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

We talk about it all the time. Weight is one reason why there's so much talk about mirrorless cameras. They weigh much less. As far as shutter lag, many of the point and shoots have much shutter lag and this is just one reason why a DSLR is better. I made my decision to purchase a GoPro camera for my underwater photos when I went to the Galapagos Islands because it doesn't have shutter lag. Most of the point and shoots that are water proof have a lot of shutter lag and that is unacceptable when it comes to getting a picture of a moving fish or seal.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Size and weight is often discussed in threads about equipment choices, but it's generally brought up only if the OP indicates that size and weight is a factor in the decision making process. As for lag, there are few quality cameras out there today with a lag so poor that it won't meet the needs of most shooters. Very few thread discussions encompass every aspect of every camera. To get that level of detail, prospective buyers would be better served by reading and comparing multiple online reviews and develop a consensus.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

As far as body (camera) weight goes I notice people talking about it all the time in qualitative terms (say Mirrorless, DSLR, Point & Shoot, etc.), but not so often in Quantitative terms, in grams or ounces if that is what you mean. Some will point out you can look that up. Many feel unless you are asking a specific question about a specific lens or camera that you should do your own research. A few UHH'ers have even been rude or nasty to others about it. (Not me, I'm only pointing the issue out).

When you say "shutter lag" do you really mean the time between pressing the shutter release and the shutter actually opening (full)? Or are you also figuring in the lag between focus lock and the "exposure" taking place. Newer DSLRs seem to lock quickly after you press the shutter button or back-focus green button and then the shutter quickly opens. Older cameras, especially P&S and Bridge cameras are often much slower. I have no experience with MILC. I know my old Pentax K100D is really slow to focus and I'll miss action shots with it, including my dogs walking around. But then that is not an issue for me as it is converted for IR landscape use anyway, and I can use my K-5 for sports if needed (not a major interest). My SmartPhone camera often is slow to act as are older P&S and Bridge cameras.

From my reading on the Hog, if you want the best for Sports Action to get a Nikon D5 or D500, or Canon 7D. I'm sure you'll get direct answers to your question. Peace,

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Weight can cut 2 ways. If you have trouble supporting the camera, that's a big problem (no pun intended). But what professional Nikon F owners knew from the start was that the additional weight helped stabilize the camera and allowed them to shoot at slower shutter speeds in low light conditions.

Per the issue of shutter lag, I assume that many newer DSLRs have the same feature as my Sony Alpha 300. You push the shutter release down halfway, which focuses and takes care of the other settings. Then, when you press it down all the way, the shutter lag is close to zero. >>>Alan

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

There has been many discussions on weight, camera size and shutter lag.
Micro Four Thirds cameras are small and light.
DSLRs have no shutter lag that I have ever experienced.
DX cameras are generally smaller and lighter than FX cameras.
The Nikon Df is a FX camera that is thinner and lighter than other FX cameras.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I had a Canon SX60HS as my designated doggie cam but the shutter lag was so bad I was missing a lot of good shots. I now use a EOS SL1 as my designated doggie cam. The SL1 has slightly better resolution than the SX60 and it is far more responsive. My designated doggie cam consists of the EOS SL1 with a EF 24-105 f/4.0L lens and a 380EX speedlite. It's purpose is to record the growth and antics of our two Coton De Tulear puppies. I chose the SL1 for this task because it's small and light and easy to use, has almost no shutter lag (.075ms) and has the functionality of a full size DSLR.

I read in thread, the best sports action camera to get is a D5 or D500 or 7D. I have a D500 and a 7D II, both great cameras; the D500 being newer than the 7D II gives it a technological advantage. But, the DSLR rated best for sports and action is the 1DX II.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The better ($$) the camera, the less shutter lag. Reviews generally tell the shutter lag. Except for an old compact Canon, I don't notice any shutter lag.

Many members have stopped using their DSLRs in favor of smaller, lighter cameras.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Shutter lag is a huge factor in my choices...I want the minimal shutter lag I can get in my DSLR. This is especially true when shooting fast moving sports and drag racing. When a drag car leaves the line I am watching for the first sign of the rear tire sidewall wrinkling and listening to the cars sound. When I see that wrinkle I start shooting. It happens quickly as the cars cover the first 60' to the tree in less than a second.

Weight is not much of an issue to me at this point. I carry my large carcass around all day so what is a few more pounds for camera and lens. I use a BlackRapid Sport to support the weight when not holding the camera to my eye. If I don't need the full strap for shooting I use their wrist strap. The one thing I can't deal with is that weight hanging on my neck. That is very bad and I won't do it at all.

Best,
Todd Ferguson
Harrisburg, NC

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Part of the "lag" is actually auto focus doing it's thing. First get the focus right. Then you can click the shutter. That's were BBF comes in handy.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Shutter lag is the reason that I use BBF and have the 1/2 press feature shut off. Lag is the reason for the high burst rate in "sports" cameras such as the canon 7d2 and the nikon d500. There is another thing to consider- The human lag. From the time that you see something to the time that you press the shutter is about 1/3 of a second. To sum it all up--Anticipation.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Shutter lag has always been a concern for me with point and shoots and bridge cameras. For example, the Canon SX40 was terrible and Canon greatly reduced the shutter lag on the SX50 and SX60. The stutter lag is still there but it is workable.

On my DSLRs, shutter lag is not an issue.

When it comes to weight, I prefer a camera with a little mass to it. The weight helps me to keep it steady for lower exposure times. The real issue for me is not weight but balance. A large lens on my 1Dx usually balances better than the same lens on my 5D MK IV. Even with a battery grip on the 5D MK IV, the balance is not as nice as with the 1Dx.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

While camera weight is something to think about when looking at new cameras, I don't think it is as important as a good camera and good glass. I have a D70s (my wife's), a D7100 and a D610 and all are extremely manageable as to weight. I also have a Tamron 10-24mm (crop only) lens, a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens (extremely nice for wide aperture and general photography and on a crop sensor camera such as the D70s and D7100 has about the same angel of view as a 75mm lens but with much greater light acceptance), a Nikkor 18-70mm lens (slower f/stops but okay) a Nikkor 70-300mm lens (slower f/stop but decent reach) and a Nikkor 80-400mm full frame lens (very sharp but since it is the older model requiring the focus motor built into the camera considerably slower focusing). Of these lenses, my favorite for medium to long shooting is the 80-400 on either the D610 (makes it really an 80-400) or on my D7100 (makes it similar to a 120-600mm) however the lens (not the camera bodies) is very heavy compared to the others. However the images are extremely sharp (when I shoot with a higher shutter speed or on a tripod) and worth the extra weight. Image are head and shoulders above the 70-300. The 10-24mm Tamron is light weight (comparatively) and has slight fisheye distortion at 10mm. My point is that body weight is only part of the problem and a light body plus a heavy lens is like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Pick a camera body (and lens or lenses) that you like and learn to deal with the weight. If necessary, use a monopod or tripod. If the weight is too much then have a couple of kids or your wife pack your gear around for you as you shoot. If you do that, then you probably won't care so much about the camera weight the next time you carry them for your self. The quiet and peace of your hike will be worth the weight.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Shutter lag was the most objectionable aspect of one of my old Sony digital cameras. The two Nikon DXXX series are very similar to my SLRs in shutter response. Weight on the other hand has never been something I've given much attention. Another UHH member crossed paths with me, though we did not discuss anything related to photography, but they did take a photo of my wandering around with my 4x5 view camera. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-post-list?usernum=52888

I've never given weight an issue. If one wants to take quality photos, one needs to have their equipment with them. The going rate for porters is more than I wish to pay.
--Bob