Photo Madness

This post has little if anything to do with bike, racing, or cycling. Which is most likely why I'll get more readers than ever today.

Took Sunday off the bike, and took Monday off the bike to get a bunch of sh*t done. Figured I'd put in a few hours today. Well it pissed down rain most of the a.m.. So I putzed around the house muttering obscenities aloud like an insane old hobo. AND I delved further into my pursuit of a new point and shoot digital camera.

I have the WORST luck with digital cameras! I currently own one ancient Cannon Digital Elph that has no button so can't be used, and even though it took great pics they only get about 500 pixels wide. Then I have/had a Kodak EasyShare that had 10+ MP, but must have a truly suck sensor, because the images sucked. And on top of that it had an ON/OFF button that was so small that I could barely turn it on with my bare fingers let alone riding with gloves on. On top of all that the LCD screen imploded last week. Leaving me with JUST a Kodak EasyShare CX7430 that I got on eBay for $50 a year or so ago. And truth be told, it's the best camera I've owned! More on that later.

I like snapping pics on and off the bike, nothing PRO, just something to get me where I want to be in PhotoShop. So I started looking for a point and shoot that would fit my needs. Cheapish, decent pics and an easy ON/OFF button where my main requirements. Based on reviews I narrowed it down to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25. and the Cannon PowerShot A1100. The Cannon won out because no one had the FS25 in stock local, and I liked that the Cannon uses AA batteries (since I have rechargeable ones) and the same sort of memory cards that I already have. So today I went to BestBuy to get it.

Made sure I read the return policy, got a replacement program (since I brake a lot of shit), and came home to test it on out. The test shots I took were damn nice. And the macro was ssooo much better than my Kodak. BUT the freaking shutter lag is UNexcetable! Dear God! Press the button and then 5 days later the camera fires. Since I'm generally moving while I'm taking photos this just won't do. I putzed and futzed with differing settings, etc., but what it comes down to is that I want a camera that can be used while I'm moving. If I was just using the camera to take snap shots of people, it would be fine, but all this auto focus crap is killing my mojo for the photos.

OMG! I'm moving while taking a photo!

So I will just suck up the 15% restocking fee and take this camera back. The Panasonic was about $100 more, and I had buyers remorse for not getting it, but then I re-read the review and it has some serious shutter lag due to auto focus crapola. For now I guess I'll just stick with my $50 Kodak. In fact I may buy up another one on FleaBay before they're all gone. The images are pretty good, I like to monkey with my shots in PhotoShop anyway, it just that this one already has a couple cracks and dings, and since I spilled water on it a month ago doesn't seem to want to come on ALL the time. But I can make due.

If you have any recommendations for a digital camera that takes good shots, with little or now shutter lag in the $0 to $275 range, but all means give me a shout.

EDIT: Took the camera on my ride today and it preformed MUCH better than expected. For what I do, I think I will keep it. I still might look into for cheap-o P&S for MTB rides.