Expert: John Oliverio - 12/10/2006

Question
I am looking for a digital camera under $200. Something I can fit in my pocket and the lins won't get scrathed. Obviously, I would like good pictures (reduced read eye, good colors, etc.) but I realize you get what you pay for. What I am looking for most is something that starts up fast and can take pictures fast. Meaning if I need to pull out the camera fast and take a couple of pictures of something funny so I don't miss it. What is this "speed" called? Shutter speed? How can I determine which cameras are fast by looking at their specs? Or do I have to read reviews to see this?  I also want something with good batter life. Do you recommend AA batteries? I notice that most of the small, cheaper cameras run off AA batteries.  If you have any suggestions, that would be great thanks!

Ryan  

Answer
The speed you are talking about is "start up" time and "shutter lag".  Generally, cameras that use AA batteries are slower than ones that have dedicated re-chargeable batteries.  You are unlikely to find start-up time and shutter lag in the specs of a $200 camera.  Sometimes you don't even find it in $1000 cameras.  Reviews may help.
John