Expert: John Oliverio - 1/28/2006

Question
I am in the market for a new digital camera.  Whats important to me is a fast camera, little to no delay between shots and taking the shot.  It needs to be easy to use for my wife and I.  90% of our photos will involve our small kids, so we need to move fast.  I am not sure I need to go the DSLR route because of price and complexity in taking a photo.
Can you recommend a few cameras for me?  Do I need to step up and buy a DSLR.  I would like to purchase a Sony because we have a Sony PC and Camcorder.  I like that they work well together.

Camera's I am considering
Sony - DSC-V3
Sony - DSC-S90
or the DSLR Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

Any insight is appreciated.

Answer
Jason,

Well....  well, hmm.  A DSLR is the fastest type of camera, period.  That doesn't mean that the V3 or S90 aren't fast enough for you.  And only you can be the judge of that.

I'm usually quick to suggest an SLR because the picture quality is much better than a point and shoot.  But you may have to consider portability.  An SLR is more to carry around...  and if you don't have it with you, you've wasted your money.

Don't worry about ease of use because todays DSLRs are just as easy to use as a point and shoot.  The REBEL for example has an automatic mode that will focus, set exposure and fire the flash if necessary, just like a point and shoot.  

If you are going to narrow it down to just the two Sony offerings, I'd have to suggest the V3.  It is a little faster.  And it offers more pixels.  Besides, the S90 didn't review as well for image sharpness and I've heard of some close focus problems.  

John