Pentax is so slow... is this normal..??

I own a Pentax 550. I am having a lot of trouble taking photos. Mostly, because it takes so long for the camera to focus and snap the shot. It is such a long delay. Is this normal? I am seriously considering selling this very new camera to get a canon which my inlaws have and I have used. It seemed a lot faster. Any advice? I have always had Pentax and really love them...


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Animals are not ours to wear

I don't know specifically about your camera, but quite a few digital cameras are quite slow compared to the almost instantaneous operation of a film camera.

First there is the switch on time as the camera initialises. When the shutter is part depressed the lens focuses and the exposure is set. Finally, the shutter relases on a full pressure. If you "snatch" straight into the full travel of the shutter release, this process will seem to take quite a while.

Having said that, apart from action shots, the delay can be coped with and, as users of large format cameras will tell you, slowing down is no bad thing!

The Optio 550 (indeed most of the Pentax range) have one of the best (shortest) shutter lags on the compact digital market. I doubt the Cannon is much better.

What can effect this is light. The lag is low in good conditions, but in low light conditions the shutter lag seems to be worse.

You can use the pre-focus by holding the shutter release half way, and this will significantly reduce the time taken to capture. As always, have a good play and experiment in a variety of conditions before parting with your hard earned dosh!!