Fast action digital camera

[Racer^]

I've been looking around for a good digital camera (3-5 Mpx) for a while. However, every time I test one out, the time delay between pressing the shutter button and the picture being taken is too long. For action shots, a delay of 0.5 seconds or more just doesn't cut it. Some cameras support lightly holding down the shutter button to "prep" for a shot, but this is annoying and takes time itself to do.

Any product suggestions?

Other features I am looking for that don't necessarily have to be present:
- at least 3x optical zoom
- auto & manual focus with macro mode support
- auto-sequence shooting (taking a picture approx. 0.5 seconds for as long as the shutter butting is being pressed)
- LCD display
- rechargable battery

[EnterTheSwamp]

The shutter lag is a problem with current digital cameras. from what I know you have to start spending a good amount of $$$ before you get the speed of a 35mm. I just bought a Sony dsc-v1 which goes for about $550 and the shutter lag is a hell of a lot better than my old HP camera. It is in my opinion an acceptable speed. Its the fastest "budget" camera I have messed around with so far. Sony also makes a P10 model that is 5mp that goes for around 450 that is 3 optical and very optical which has a much faster shutter speed. Check it out. Check out dpreview.com for some great info and reviews on cameras.

[rock]

Check out the Canon G3. Or the G5 if you have a bigger budget.