Understanding Capture Delays in Digital Camera
By far the biggest problem with consumer-level digital cameras is the delay. Unlike most film cameras, some consumer digital cameras have a significant delay when you depress the shutter. When you take a picture with fixed-focus 35mm film cameras, the picture is taken immediately. This isn't always the case with digital cameras. It may take several seconds before the camera can capture the image because the camera must perform the following actions:
- Autofocus on the subject.
- Open the shutter when autofocus is finished to expose the sensor to light.
- Accumulate enough charge on the sensor.
- Close the shutter.
At this point the image is captured, but processing must occur before the image will appear on the built-in camera screen-which creates a significant (and insanely annoying) delay before you can take your next shot. For this reason, you really cannot use consumer-level digital cameras for any type of sports photography or photography involving uncontrollable or moving subjects. This, of course, includes children and pets. If you already own a camera with significant delays, determine how long it actually takes to take a photo. Chances are it takes less than two seconds, but even this small delay makes action photography impossible.
The camera should be an extension of you. It should feel as effortless as riding a bike. This is currently only possible with digital SLRs, which fortunately are as fast as film SLRs. But any delays will affect your photography. Your pictures will not be the same. Your goal should be to find a camera that has no delay, or at least a delay you don't notice. With no delay, you will be able to use the camera much more often.