Originally Posted by MarkS
I checked the two web sites you suggested. There are a lot of spec.s, and I like the look-up database at dpreview. But I didn't see boot-up or shutter lag listed in the database. I looked up an interesting camera, and then read reviews on it at the 2nd site (FinePix A350). But I didn't see boot-up or shutter time mentioned. Maybe if I dug through the user's forums?
Look at the full review in DPReview. There is usually a page called "Timings" or something similar,
for example You might have to dig around each review to get all the info you need.
The ISO range of a digital camera should be listed on the specs sheet, check the manufacturer's site. Both of the review sites I mentioned will list that in the specs as well. More importantly, they will have tested the higher ISO ranges... it doesn't do you much good that the camera can reach ISO1600 if the image is so bad you would never want to use it!
Originally Posted by MarkS
Only got a couple pictures of that, the camera was so ornery. That's when I started wondering about going back to film.
For anything where timing is crucial, I wouldn't dream of using a digital point-and-shoot. A good film camera, or a digital SLR, is your best bet. In particular the "live preview" function on smaller digitals - what lets you see the image on the back display before you take the photo - is responsible for much of the shutter lag.
Originally Posted by MarkS
But I bet its max-your-visa-card expensive.
Good bet! The 16.7mp Canon 1Ds Mark II retails for $7150USD, and that doesn't even include a lens. I use a Canon 20D, which is find for most professional/advanced consumer applications, that's only $1200USD currently. Not bad considering it essentially includes a "lifetime supply" of film. Mind you, I paid a heck of lot more when I bought mine a year ago!
Originally Posted by MarkS
I didn't see any specs in the dpreview for optics quality. Or is there a code term I should be looking for?
You won't find much other than vague comments. Only on SLRs can you remove the lens and test it separately, and even then you need special equipment. On a point-and-shoot you need to evaluate lens quality indirectly - for example its reflected in how sharp the images are, etc. Even without knowing the brand names, the reviewers will usually clue you in when they describe the camera.