What is an acceptable shutter lag time for a digital camera?

What is an acceptable shutter lag time for a digital camera?

Mark Comon (Vice President, Paul's Photo, Torrance, CA) gives expert video advice on: Why would I use the "image stabilizer" feature?; How do various image stabilizers differ?; What shutter speed range do I need for my digital camera? and more...

One that doesn't frost your bacon! That's the right shutter lag. All digital cameras have shutter lag. The SLRs have practically none, the pocket cameras can be excruciatingly slow. You need to look at that and test the camera in bright light, in low light, and with moving subjects, because lower light and moving subjects will cause longer shutter lag, and that's generally where you want to shoot instantly--birthday parties, sporting events. You want to push the button and have it go now. The best secret again: SLR cameras are going to do a better job than the pocket cameras.