8-10 MP digital cameras...which has the fastest shutter speed?

I just bought a Kodak V1003 10MP and I am disappointed with the time it takes to capture the photo after I press the button AND, I really thought it would reset inbetween photos quicker. Just wondering if this is as good as it gets for this price range, or should I return this camera and get something different. My budget is $300 or less. Thanks!

The issue is not shutter speed itself, but the time it takes to focus and measure the exposure. This is a problem for any highly automated camera, but seems to worst with smaller digitals.

The time is a result of a series of design compromises between things like the power of the little motor that adjusts lens focus, battery life and camera size. A faster motor will place greater demands on the battery. Both the motor and battery will be bigger as a result, increasing the size of the camera.

You can overcome some of the time delay by setting your camera to 'monitor' or a similar setting. This continues to adjust the focus as you are framing the shot. Downside is shorter battery life.

The other technique is to start the autofocus sequence by pressing the shutter button half-way down. On most cameras, this will set focus and exposure. Once you are satisfied with the composition of the shot, you can then press the shutter button the rest of the way to take the shot. Downside is this still takes some time, and you might miss that candid moment you were aiming to capture.