I have checked what many people are complaining about. The way I did may not be flawless, but it gives me some indications anyway. Here are my figures:
Time is measured by waiting until pointer is at 0 then shoot at least 10 pics with each settings. ISO 1600 (don't care about noise), flash turned off.
Manual focus, release button halfway pressed: 0.05s (yes, 50 millisecond). I guess here it mostly depends on reaction speed. Focusing time is not checked.
Autofocus: first point and focus at an object about 5 meters from the cam, then point at the screen and shoot when pointer passes 0. This gave me 0.25s. Lens used is the 14-45mm.
First shot from powered off camera with autofocus gave me 3.15s. Camera is set to reset lens, so focus was far out every time I powered on.
I think these values definitely beat many cameras and proofs that the Oly is definitely OK even for paparazzis, especially compared to non-digital cameras. It is mostly up to your reaction time when it comes to first case anyway. Lens autofocus speed is important for the second case. The third case is the case when the photographer has the camera in the bag. Turn the camera on while lifting the camera if in hurry. This would take quite long time anyway with any camera, especially with the lens protection on. This way the supersonic cleaner has time to clean on the way up to your eyes. So, for all those people who complain about the shutter lag, well, don't complain. Fast CF, good reaction time, and if you are prepared, you won't miss the pic of your life.
This is the site to visit if you want to repeat my not so scientific tests.
http://www.shooting-digital.com/columns/schwartz/shutter_release_test/default.asp
Time is measured by waiting until pointer is at 0 then shoot at least 10 pics with each settings. ISO 1600 (don't care about noise), flash turned off.
Manual focus, release button halfway pressed: 0.05s (yes, 50 millisecond). I guess here it mostly depends on reaction speed. Focusing time is not checked.
Autofocus: first point and focus at an object about 5 meters from the cam, then point at the screen and shoot when pointer passes 0. This gave me 0.25s. Lens used is the 14-45mm.
First shot from powered off camera with autofocus gave me 3.15s. Camera is set to reset lens, so focus was far out every time I powered on.
I think these values definitely beat many cameras and proofs that the Oly is definitely OK even for paparazzis, especially compared to non-digital cameras. It is mostly up to your reaction time when it comes to first case anyway. Lens autofocus speed is important for the second case. The third case is the case when the photographer has the camera in the bag. Turn the camera on while lifting the camera if in hurry. This would take quite long time anyway with any camera, especially with the lens protection on. This way the supersonic cleaner has time to clean on the way up to your eyes. So, for all those people who complain about the shutter lag, well, don't complain. Fast CF, good reaction time, and if you are prepared, you won't miss the pic of your life.
This is the site to visit if you want to repeat my not so scientific tests.
http://www.shooting-digital.com/columns/schwartz/shutter_release_test/default.asp
Last edited: