So something with a quick auto focus is what i need then. Presumably some must be better than others?

Yes, but if you can navigate your way 'round the specs to work out which is best, you're a better man than me. I tried to understand it & got as far as realising it's not just about headline focus speeds as these are based on well-lit / high-contrast subjects - trying to work out which was 'best' in a low-light, indoors situation went way above my intellect (not difficult).

In the end, I went for the TZ30 based on a mixture of expert & user reviews & have been absolutely delighted (but, then again, I think technology has moved so fast, I would have been equally as delighted with any of its peers). Only had it a few days but, playing around indoors with dim light, I can barely detect any focus delay, even in quite challenging conditions, as the AF light seems to do its job so well.

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about the speed of the card as this normally determines how fast the camer transfers the data from it's buffer to the card after you've taken the photo and will only be an issue when you're trying to upload data faster than the camera or card will allow e.g. on HD video as you won't have the frames per second performance a DSLR will have. Poor performance on compacts is usually down to auto focus shortcomings and shutter delay, which is part of the inbuilt cameras performance and nothing to do with what card you put in it after.

Have to disagree. Put a quick SDHC card in a compact and you'll notice a difference. As it determines how quickly the data is copied from the buffer/cache to the card. With a lower Class card, and lower transfer rates, it'll take longer to copy even a single 3Mb image.

As I say, I have a lower-spec backup card and it's noticeable how much longer the camera takes to be ready for the next shot, whether it's my Canon DSLR or the Lumix TZ10 compact. And that's just normal use, not burst/multiple frame, or video.

Have to disagree. Put a quick SDHC card in a compact and you'll notice a difference. As it determines how quickly the data is copied from the buffer/cache to the card. With a lower Class card, and lower transfer rates, it'll take longer to copy even a single 3Mb image.

As I say, I have a lower-spec backup card and it's noticeable how much longer the camera takes to be ready for the next shot, whether it's my Canon DSLR or the Lumix TZ10 compact. And that's just normal use, not burst/multiple frame, or video.

Let's just agree there's truth in both sides of the argument. Let's not forget, though, that the OP was concerned in not missing the initial shot - not shooting 'burst' mode.

Having said that, it seems to me that cameras are being built with much bigger buffer space now (seems odd that it doesn't seem to feature in the spec sheets - though I probably don't know what I should be looking at). Playing around with my new TZ30 (claims up to 10fps burst for full size image & even 5fps if continuous focus used) I haven't been able to force any sort of buffering message yet (though I am using a class 10 card). Anybody actually know how much buffer typical compact cameras have now?

Oh, & a couple of things to add to my previous previous post:

Just read the specs for mine & the claimed focus time is <0.1s. It just seems instant to me!

Noticed your comment above re

".....I do this but it still seems slow. I can hold the button half down but when i do this there is a red / orange light that stays on and it distracts the wee one. Not sure what this light is, im presuming its something to do with a sensor for the flash or something. She ends up transfixed on this orange light and then stops whats shes doing...."

That'll be the AF light and/or red eye reduction light. My panasonic has an AF light but 1) It only comes on in quite low light, & 2) Can be switched off via the menu (manual available from link I posted earlier).

Hope this helps - not trying to pretend I know anything about photography, just sharing my experiences of my recent (very happy) purchase.

Edited 11 March, 201313 yr by Skoda Al Coda

I have bought the odd compact over the years and have always found the same problem. The read/write time takes too long :( I currently have a Canon 220sx (or something like that) but it is too slow for many applications. I did look at some faster models (in lens terms and in read/write) from Canon, Panasonic and Fuji, but they all seemed to border on the price of an entry level DSLR or more! Fingers crossed that the boffins eventually produce one though Not tried any mirrorless solutions yet, apart from a few brief plays, but they do seem pretty quick.

Just to put a fly int ointment, I used a canon 40d for a few years and eventually got fed up of lugging a massive bag full of equipment and lenses about. SWMBO authorised a new purchase and after lots of research and a friends recommendation we got a Sony NEX 5n.

Got a good deal too as the newer NEX 5r was due out.

This camera does almost everything that the canon did and still has a full size DSLR sensor shoe horned in. The picture quality is amazing. Of course being a geek I ordered two lenses with the camera but I reckon you could easily get by with the stock zoom lens that comes with the standard package.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/sony-nex-5n-review_Digital-Camera_review

I replaced my canon sx20is with the lumix tz30for size reasons, but if it's to live in a handbag with no case get a waterproof - that should survive the dust that will destroy the mechanics of the extending lens on the other compacts

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Have to disagree. Put a quick SDHC card in a compact and you'll notice a difference. As it determines how quickly the data is copied from the buffer/cache to the card. With a lower Class card, and lower transfer rates, it'll take longer to copy even a single 3Mb image.

As I say, I have a lower-spec backup card and it's noticeable how much longer the camera takes to be ready for the next shot, whether it's my Canon DSLR or the Lumix TZ10 compact. And that's just normal use, not burst/multiple frame, or video.

Let's just agree there's truth in both sides of the argument. Let's not forget, though, that the OP was concerned in not missing the initial shot - not shooting 'burst' mode.

Having said that, it seems to me that cameras are being built with much bigger buffer space now (seems odd that it doesn't seem to feature in the spec sheets - though I probably don't know what I should be looking at). Playing around with my new TZ30 (claims up to 10fps burst for full size image & even 5fps if continuous focus used) I haven't been able to force any sort of buffering message yet (though I am using a class 10 card). Anybody actually know how much buffer typical compact cameras have now?

I'm not disputing what wardy says in that a quicker card will transfer the data from the buffer to the card faster but for at least the first shot the card's spec won't make any difference because until the shutter is pressed no data will be transferred so the write time won't affect how quickly the camera takes that intitial picture if you get my drift? Though if he wants to do HD video he'll need the correct high spec card- just don't buy one off ebay!

Even after the first the TZ30 spec states it'll do 10fps burst max 10 images at full res which is an awful lot for a compact and more than many DSLRs!

Have a look as the spec- It's quite impressive for a compact and has the equivelent of a 24mm wide angle at the short end of it's zoom which is very useful.

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/Superzoom+Cameras/DMC-TZ30/Specification/8616263/index.html?trackInfo=true

As Carl has actually got a TZ30 his comments on what it'll do are probably the most releveant.

Cheers

Ade

I'm no expert but IMHO the TZ30 is an astonishing camera & it suits your requirements in a way that couldn't have even been imagined but a few years ago.

It is incredibly fast focusing & has fantastic low-light capability. Sure it has stacks of stuff that most of us never use but, then again, you can walk into Currys & walk out with one for £199.99 - not bad considering its £341.99 price tag from the Panasonic shop:

http://www.panasonic...?trackInfo=true

Its low-light capability is anything but fantastic, the downside of the long zoom range is the tiny sensor and slow lens which as always makes low light capability one of the achilles heels of the TZ series and generally any type of camera in this range but the TZ30 even at base iso has visible noise.

John

Just to put a fly int ointment, I used a canon 40d for a few years and eventually got fed up of lugging a massive bag full of equipment and lenses about. SWMBO authorised a new purchase and after lots of research and a friends recommendation we got a Sony NEX 5n.

Got a good deal too as the newer NEX 5r was due out.

This camera does almost everything that the canon did and still has a full size DSLR sensor shoe horned in. The picture quality is amazing. Of course being a geek I ordered two lenses with the camera but I reckon you could easily get by with the stock zoom lens that comes with the standard package.

http://www.trustedre...l-Camera_review

I agree, it's a choice well worth considering particularly as the NEX-3 can frequently had for a good price although the 18-55mm lens is a bit bulky so will depend on personal use whether it's suitable or not. As you say the image quality is superb both for high iso and the dynamic range plus they're quick cameras to use. I'd also say their RX100 is a remarkable compact as it's small enough to fit in a trouser pocket but its 1in sensor is far larger than any of its rivals and combined with its fast lens can produce surprisingly good images in low light, its AF speed and shutter response are also very quick although it's not cheap.

I'd also consider the enthusiast compacts such as the Panasonic LX series or the Canon Series (S110, S100), the new ones tend to be pricey but the older ones which are usually not far behind can be had for much less. These cameras sacrifice long zoom ranges for bright lenses and slightly larger sensors, this improves their low light capability and also helps their autofocus speed and shutter response as the brighter lens lets in more light making it easier for the AF system to work quickly.

John

The Powershot G-range also come with CMOS and processing capabilities that are as near to an SLR as you're going to get in a compact.

Here's some info on the current model, although anything from a G9 upwards would probably suit you, if you can find ex-display stock:

http://www.canon.co..../PowerShot_G15/

That would have been the case a few years ago but it isn't any more, the G15's sensor is a 1/1.7in which while slightly bigger than the 1/2.3in size the compact superzooms use it's no bigger than the enthusiast compacts (including Canon's own S range) and it's far smaller than the numerous large sensor compacts there are on the market now which are much closer to DSLRs.

John

I agree, it's a choice well worth considering particularly as the NEX-3 can frequently had for a good price although the 18-55mm lens is a bit bulky so will depend on personal use whether it's suitable or not. As you say the image quality is superb both for high iso and the dynamic range plus they're quick cameras to use. I'd also say their RX100 is a remarkable compact as it's small enough to fit in a trouser pocket but its 1in sensor is far larger than any of its rivals and combined with its fast lens can produce surprisingly good images in low light, its AF speed and shutter response are also very quick although it's not cheap.

I'd also consider the enthusiast compacts such as the Panasonic LX series or the Canon Series (S110, S100), the new ones tend to be pricey but the older ones which are usually not far behind can be had for much less. These cameras sacrifice long zoom ranges for bright lenses and slightly larger sensors, this improves their low light capability and also helps their autofocus speed and shutter response as the brighter lens lets in more light making it easier for the AF system to work quickly.

John

Some interesting advice here. I am not bothered about long zooms so a bigger sensor seema to be a critical factor. Will have a look at these panasonics and canons. Might be easier trying to convince SWMBO to sacrfice a little vanity so we can get a better camera than the tiny wee neat and tidy compacts.

Cheers for all the help so far.

Its low-light capability is anything but fantastic, the downside of the long zoom range is the tiny sensor and slow lens

Guilty as charged your honour - it's a fair cop!

I must learn to choose my words more carefully - this was a subjective opinion from an amateur who can't be without his super zoom / last bought a camera approx 5 years ago / & had never experienced MOS before. There sure are plenty of alternatives that will blow it out of the water for anyone that doesn't want/need the zoom

but the TZ30 even at base iso has visible noise

Bit OTT with that one, though!

Need to separate criticisms of old TZ range with the MOS equipped 30. Either that, or I need to make an appt with Specsavers!

Another vote for the G series Canons. Used a G12 for the last 2 years. Brilliant piece of kit. Quite fast and totally customisable. They were what the pros used when they left the DSLR at home. They aren't too big, but there are a lot of buttons on them compared to the lower end compacts. I really like mine. It does all I need and more.

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Sony RX100, huge sensor for a compact and my go-to camera. I have a really nice SLR (Sony SLT actually) but with 2 small children it never leaves the house as usually carrying too much stuff anyway so the RX100 fits in a coat pocket and does pretty much what the SLR can do (apart from extreme shallow DOF stuff). ISO 1600 - 3200 very very usable.

Not cheap though.

I just picked up Fuji X10 for when I don't want to carry a dslr around. It is not super fast, but you can put it in auto and use the face recognition for catching those fleeing moments.

Chris

Nikon 1 series are quick - very quick for a compact with interchangeable lens'

Or the new Nikon CoolPix A camera should be fab - Compact camera with a DX sized (cropped Dslr sized) sensor - never used one yet tho... (altho it is a grand...!)

Al.

Edited 20 March, 201313 yr by ukcruiser

Nikon 1 series are quick - very quick for a compact with interchangeable lens'

Or the new Nikon CoolPix A camera should be fab - Compact camera with a DX sized (cropped Dslr sized) sensor - never used one yet tho... (altho it is a grand...!)

Al.

They looked quite good untill i read they cost a grand.