Its very frustrating. I guess its because the cameras too clever. It wants to take the best possible picture, so it takes the half second to work it all out.

I find for action shots on our Canon A70 that if you push the button half way it beeps and a green box appears where the camera has focused. I do this so the box is where I know the subject will be. Then I hold it like that until the things in the shot and then fully press the button.

Like this



However occasionally the you can get fuzzy shots where the focus is not exactly right. Ie. not on the thing I intended.



Its not ideal and until a manufacturer can reduce shutter lag (as its called) its still hit and miss. 35mm is still the best for that. Even pro photographers just set to rapid fire. You can see them panning with the subject and hear the camera banging away. Guarantees them a shot, but its not an option most amateurs have got.