Capture Delays
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 (see Figure 2.1). 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.CHAPTER 2 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL CAMERAS 13FIGURE 2.1
Any type of fast
action is almost
impossible to
capture with a
consumer-level
digital camera.
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 signifi-
cant 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.