Out of all of the Casio Exilim models, and the Pentax Optio models
between 3-4 megapixels, which one has the shortest time between
pushing the take-picture button and the actual picture being captured?
For normal pictures and night pictures. And out of all of them, please
make a suggestion (followed with reasoning) for a 3 megapixel model to
picture and for a 4 megapixel model to purchase. The camera
suggestions must have some amount of optical zoom (no digital zoom
only) and must have a quick picture capture speed - as described in
the question above. Camera should be an ultra-slim model (very
pocketable). Would prefer someone with lots of knowledge about this
who can research the right sites to determine excellent picture
quality (of course a requirement of the camera). Thanks

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Clarification of Question by justwannaknow-ga on 21 Nov 2004 00:50 PST

Also, something great would be to point out a place where I could try
these models out (in my hands).

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Clarification of Question by justwannaknow-ga on 21 Nov 2004 02:34 PST

Also, low-light performance is important. I'm basically more
interested in a better picture, 3 or 4 megapixel doesn't always
separate it as well as one would think. So, I'd appreciate a
suggestion btw. the final 2 cameras (one 3 and one 4) as well. Also,
please add the Canon sd300 to the mix.

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Clarification of Question by justwannaknow-ga on 25 Nov 2004 04:35 PST

Ok, I've narrowed it down to either the Pentax Optio S4i, the Canon
SD300, or the Casio Exilim Z40 - the main sites I've been looking at
are www.imaging-resource.com and www.steves-digicams.com and these
cameras all look solid. Any suggestions between the three?

Out of the cameras in the 3 to 4 megapixel range, I have found three
that suit your requirements: the Canon SD300 (also known as the Canon
Digital IXUS 40), the Canon A85, and the Pentax Optio 450. The Casio
Elixims seemed to be inferior to both the Canon and Pentax models.
I'll run through some of their features and such with you then give my
suggestion for which one to purchase.

First of all the prices. The recommended retail praices for each
camera are as follows (US$): Canon A85 - $299, Canon SD300 - $399,
Pentax Optio 450 - $499.

The time that elapses from when you push the shutter button to when it
takes the picture is known as shutter lag. This often is made up of
two factors -

1. the time it takes for the camera to focus 
2. the actual "thinking" time for the camera to function. 

The SD300 is fastest, the Optio 450 next, with the A85 coming in
third. Times are about 0.6 seconds for the SD300 compared to 0.87 for
the Pentax.

Both the SD300 and the Optio 450 can handle low-light photography
well. They will focus easily in most dark conditions. The SD300 will
allow you to take shots of up to 15 seconds exposure time though,
compared to the 4 seconds of Pentax's Optio. That's only going to be a
concern if you want to use the camera on a tripod for shots in
near-total darkness though. For any other photos it won't make any
difference. The Canon A85 didn't focus in low light as well as the
other two.

Battery life: the A85 is best, with a battery life of about 229
minutes. The Pentax is just ahead of the Canon SD300 here coming in at
up to 126 minutes to the SD300's 99 minutes.

Image quality: the SD300 and Optio 450 are comparable. The A85 is
definitely in third place here.

General use: I have several Canon and Pentax cameras myself and have
taken photos all around the world. Pentax cameras are always easier to
use than Canon.

Bottom line: unless you find the price of the A85 very attractive, I'd
be thinking about the other two cameras. As for which one I'd
recommend, well, they're quite close overall, each coming slightly
ahead in different areas, so it's up to you to decide which points are
higher priorities for you and then select the camer that does those
things best. Good luck.

One more thing - I forgot to mention the zooms.

The Optio 450 sports a 5x, 7.8-39mm SMC Pentax lens, the equivalent of
a 37.5-187.5mm lens on a 35mm camera. The Canon SD300 features a 3x,
5.8-17.4mm zoom lens, equivalent to a 35-105mm zoom on a 35mm camera.
And the A85 has a 5.4-16.2mm lens, equivalent to a 35mm 35-105mm lens.
So, they are all about the same for up-close wide-angle shots, but
because the Pentax is nearly 80% longer than the Canon's lenses it
will zoom out further for your distance shots.

If you have not made a decision yet, you may want to check out this
site that is by a professional photographer. He addresses other issues
which I believe are also extrememly important. Site is:
http://www.best-family-photography-tips.com/index.html.

Good luck