I like the fuji's personally. High image quality, low noise, great color, ect..
The only bad thing about a superzoom is you eventually will upgrade to a dslr. I've been there. There are some nice cameras but from the first time you pick up a dslr and fall in love with it after using your superzoom camera you'll know what I mean..
Whatever you do remember to enjoy it...
Yes, it is the case that one quickly falls 'in love' with a DSLR after starting to get the better image qulaity. The love affair may not last forever though and you could end up like myself with a love/hate relationship. To find out why please read the intro to my 'Back To The Bridge Camera" gallery below..
I can make the Fuji 9100 do most things a DSLR can do, and the same would be true of the other bridge cameras. But there is no escaping the fact that a DSLR is way faster at almost everything including pop-up flash recycling. In fact it requires an acessory flash in order to keep up with normal shooting situations indoors..
Noise will always be a pain with bridge cameras too so if low light shots feature heavily in your schedule then seriously consider an entry level DSLR..
The Fuji you mentioned is arguably better for noise than the others, but not much better..
John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..
....It really looks like the best value right now for that type of super zoom, DSLR like digicam. I'm planning to get one for my daughter and will no doubt be road testing it myself for a little while. The DPR review is a good read for those who want learn more about it...
Does anyone have any experience or advise concidering the new Olympus SP 510 UZ? It seems to be on par with the Fuji S6500fd.....
JiggyNL wrote:.
Next I like to take pictures of my girlfriend at her dancingcompetitions. Those are always inside, mostly under dimly litcircumstances..
The Fuji S6000/S6500 would probably be the camera of choice for this and certainly serviceable for the other applications...
Canon S3/S5 - read the Canon Forum. With terrific movie mode to boot..
Basically the S6500 has the best small sensor you can get, a lovely manual zoom ring and a semi-manual focus ring. I don't think anyone has been disappointed with it who had realistic expectations..
One thing - it's heavy. At least compared to some most other bridge cameras. It's basically heading for consumer DSLR weights..
I would also say that the S9100 is closer to an SLR. That's not so much in terms of image quality. The S6500 is actually equipped with a better, albeit smaller resolution, sensor. I'd prefer if my S9100 had the S6500 sensor. The S9100 has, however, a few things which make it a little more flexible. That said I don't think you'd miss them on the S6500 unless you really need/want them.
Compare specs ( ignore resolution ) and see if anything looks more interesting on the S9100, if not the S6500 will be fine..
But if you want image quality and/or performance first, don't need a movie mode and can swing the budget, even second-hand, I'd look very closely at an SLR. It's just a different level. So why a bridge camera ? No dust issue. Does movies. Equivalent lens cover will cost you twice ( or perhaps a tad more ) the cost of the bridge camera. If that's not a deterrent with you go for a DSLR.
StephenG.
Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..
I agree stephen. you can't have this discussion without including the S9100/9600. Its a great camera for someone looking for the closest thing to a DSLR experience in a non-DSLR camera. Some things like the hot shoe, and flip out screen not available on the S6000 have been extremely usefull at times. Fuji also seems to have an edge in my oppinion when it comes to image quality comapred to other bridge cams, but thats just my personal oppinion..
All the images in my gallery are from my S9000 ( the S9100 predecessor - not much different). It only gives you a very narrow spectrum of what this camera can do since they are all macro shots, but look around at some of the other samples on these boards and you will see it's a very capable camera..
Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.
Mike.
Http://www.liquidartgallery.com.
'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes..
Sjgcit wrote:.
So why abridge camera ? No dust issue. Does movies. Equivalent lenscover will cost you twice ( or perhaps a tad more ) the cost of thebridge camera. If that's not a deterrent with you go for a DSLR.Any DSLR..
........The real beauty of the S6500 is that you can buy it online for about $250. An equivalent DSLR with the extra lenses to cover the same focal range would be more than FOUR TIMES that amount...
JiggyNL wrote:.
Recently I decided to get rid of my currecnt compact (SonyDSC-W100) and replace it with something slightly better. I don'twant to go and spend alot on a dSLR for around 800 dollars so Idecided to opt for a SLR-like superzoom, or "bridge" camera. Ihave read reviews all over the place for all sorts and models, allbeing rather in contrast with the other..
Hmmm...entry-level dSLRs are around $500..
So I was hoping to get some advice on which one to choose. Mypersonal preference, purely based on reviews, would be the FujiS6500fd, also known as the Fuji S6000fd..
I think that's a great choice! But, just for fun, I'll contend that it's not a "bridge" camera..
My old Nikon CP 5700 is a "prosumer". My Sony R1 is a "bridge"..
The confusion is widespread. I've started a blog hopefully to serve this market segment. I list the 7 "bridge" cameras there....
Http://www.here-ugo.com/BridgeBlog.
Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1CATS #25PAS Scribe @ http://www.here-ugo.com/PAS_List.htmHomePage: http://www.1derful.info'I brake for pixels...'..
Twice the cost refers to an S9100/9600, not an S6500/6000, although DSLR prices and second hand DSLR prices are falling..
The S6500 is a great bridge camera, but it is no SLR, and less so than the S9100, IMO..
A DSLR proper is worth the money if you want the performance. It's that simple. I outlined issues I have with making that leap, but people all over the place own DSLRs and they don't seem terribly unhappy, do they ? .
A basic DSLR or a second hand DSLR from a reliable source is worth investigating. Thanks to the megapixel race an older 6 Mp DSLR second hand is now quite attractive. If you can pick up an 18-200mm lens with it you have something like a bridge camera that's far more capable. Dust is not really an issue in such a setup. Weight maybe, but not dust..
These things are personal choices and we are here to provide options for the original poster, so there they are..
You pay your money and you makes your choice..
StephenG.
Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..
SOC wrote:.
Canon S3/S5 - read the Canon Forum. With terrific movie mode to boot.
I'll second that. Since Canon added the hot shoe on the S5, the only thing it's really missing is an IR remote shutter release. I've had an S3 for about a year and love it..
There's definitely a lot to choose from out there, though...
I won't comment on your complete list of "bridge" cameras but the Canon 1D Mark lll is Canon's top of the line pro digital camera..
The only thing it might bridge is the space between a point & shoot and a medium format camera...
Your idea of a bridge camera includes what would be regarded as some of the finest professional SLRs available, not to mention the near-professional SLRs you list..
The fact that you have what I will politely refer to as a unique definition of the term bridge camera, quite at odds with accepted common usage, really makes it inappropriate in the extreme to post this on a beginners forum. It will simply confuse people who are already bewildered by the array of choices..
In common usage the term is simply used as a deliberately vague category for cameras more sophisticated than typical P&S with super-zoom capability. DSLRs are not covered by the term. No-one actually needs a more precise definition of it..
You are doing the equivalent of trying to define the term "people carrier" or "family car", and then including a Formula One car as a family car. Radical is too small a word for it..
I would suggest you post your list on the pro forum for discussion and see what reaction it gets..
StephenG.
Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..
Chuxter wrote:.
JiggyNL wrote:.
Recently I decided to get rid of my currecnt compact (SonyDSC-W100) and replace it with something slightly better. I don'twant to go and spend alot on a dSLR for around 800 dollars so Idecided to opt for a SLR-like superzoom, or "bridge" camera. Ihave read reviews all over the place for all sorts and models, allbeing rather in contrast with the other..
Hmmm...entry-level dSLRs are around $500..
So I was hoping to get some advice on which one to choose. Mypersonal preference, purely based on reviews, would be the FujiS6500fd, also known as the Fuji S6000fd..
I think that's a great choice! But, just for fun, I'll contend thatit's not a "bridge" camera..
My old Nikon CP 5700 is a "prosumer". My Sony R1 is a "bridge"..
The confusion is widespread. I've started a blog hopefully to servethis market segment. I list the 7 "bridge" cameras there....
Http://www.here-ugo.com/BridgeBlog.
I think a definition of your definition of "bridge camera" is a must because these type of terms, they mean different things to different people..
I wish there was a way to come up with new non-film-related universally agreed upon terms, but I don't think that is feasible..
Personally I am not a fan of terms such as "P&S", "prosumer", "bridge" etc, but I use them all the time since there are no alternatives that I can think of..
The reason I dont like "P&S" is because every camera works in a P&S fashion. You point and shoot .
The reason I dont like the "bridge" term it's because it sort of has negative connotations to those cameras, as if they are temporary in-betweens.
Prosumer I don't object to as much, although I prefer RAWsumer, but not all prosumer type cameras have RAW nowadays, so that is not the same either .
Maybe we can have a forum convention to iron out all those terms .
New blog: http://1001noisycameras.blogspot.comCurrent blog: http://photographyetc.livejournal.com..
Sjgcit wrote:.
Twice the cost refers to an S9100/9600, not an S6500/6000, althoughDSLR prices and second hand DSLR prices are falling..
The S6500 is a great bridge camera, but it is no SLR, and less sothan the S9100, IMO..
A DSLR proper is worth the money if you want the performance. It'sthat simple. I outlined issues I have with making that leap, butpeople all over the place own DSLRs and they don't seem terriblyunhappy, do they ? .
A basic DSLR or a second hand DSLR from a reliable source is worthinvestigating. Thanks to the megapixel race an older 6 Mp DSLRsecond hand is now quite attractive. If you can pick up an18-200mm lens with it you have something like a bridge camerathat's far more capable. Dust is not really an issue in such asetup. Weight maybe, but not dust..
These things are personal choices and we are here to provideoptions for the original poster, so there they are..
..........The OP stated that the S6500fd was within his price range ($300?). If that's what he wants to spend, you have to forget about anything else doing what that camera can do at that price. I'm a DSLR user myself but think that a smaller and less expensive alternative to an entry level DSLR is exactly what this OP is looking for. The S6500fd is clearly the best choice right now for him...
Maybe we can have a forum convention to iron out all those terms .
In the pro forum, please. It really won't help beginners to see that debate, and the pros are the only ones really experienced enough to make a categorization. They have experience of a far wider range of equipment and technologies..
If you're very serious about defining terms, I'd suggest you contact a standards body, like ISO and ask them to kick something off. You could also try writing a formal paper to a technical journal to promote that idea..
But not the beginner's forum. .
StephenG.
Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..
SOC wrote:.
Canon S3/S5 - read the Canon Forum. With terrific movie mode to boot.
The Canon S3, Sony H5, Kodak Z612, Kodak Z712 will all work for indoor (outdoors is easy) car exibitions. I've done this with my Z612. They will also work for daylight car races. It's the dance competion that tilts your choice to the FinePix s6000fd (s6500fd). None of the others will match the high ISO performance of th Fuji and that is what's required for dance competition...
Tim in upstate NY wrote:.
..........The OP stated that the S6500fd was within his price range($300?). If that's what he wants to spend, you have to forget aboutanything else doing what that camera can do at that price. I'm aDSLR user myself but think that a smaller and less expensivealternative to an entry level DSLR is exactly what this OP islooking for. The S6500fd is clearly the best choice right now forhim..
Exactly. I have thought about entry level dSLR but it simply is too expensive. A 'budget' dSLR like the EOS400D, D40x or Alpha-100 are around 900 dollars if I want the same zoomrange as the Fuji, because of the extra lenses. It's not just a body you know. Happy to here the Fuji would be a good choice..
Although I still have not gotten any response to my previous question about the new Olympus 510 UltraZoom. Probably cannot match the ISO performance of the Fuji but I would like to hear others confirm that...
Sjgcit wrote:.
Maybe we can have a forum convention to iron out all those terms .
In the pro forum, please. It really won't help beginners to seethat debate, and the pros are the only ones really experiencedenough to make a categorization. They have experience of a farwider range of equipment and technologies..
If you're very serious about defining terms, I'd suggest youcontact a standards body, like ISO and ask them to kick somethingoff. You could also try writing a formal paper to a technicaljournal to promote that idea..
But not the beginner's forum. .
Dear Self-Appointed Forum Police Member,.
Here is my defense prepared by my law firm, 1001 Crazy Lawyers:1) I was merely replying to the previous post..
2) Furthermore I edited the title to make sure people did not have to read this post unless they were interested in my response.
3) The forum convention was simply half-joke/half-idea for an almost impossible thing to do. And that was a forward-looking statement, it was not an invitation to start debating specific terms right here right now..
4) You made the assumption that that one silly line I wrote intended to turn the Beginners forum into a constitutional convention of photography terminology. This clearly is not the case This type of assumptions/extrapolations can start unnecessary flame wars..
New blog: http://1001noisycameras.blogspot.comCurrent blog: http://photographyetc.livejournal.com..
JiggyNL wrote:.
Although I still have not gotten any response to my previousquestion about the new Olympus 510 UltraZoom. Probably cannot matchthe ISO performance of the Fuji but I would like to hear othersconfirm that..
Here are a few reviews you may or may have already read:.
Http://reviews.cnet.com/...ameras/olympus-sp-510-uz/4505-6501_7-31965098.html.
Http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SP510/SP510A.HTM.
Http://www.cameras.co.uk/camera-reviews/olympus-sp-510.cfm.
Http://www.dphotojournal.com/...ympus-sp-510-uz-review-roundup-sample-photos/.
Http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/sp510.html.
Http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/...ewsID=2966&review=olympus+sp-510+uzGood Day,Roonal.
'Money doesn't buy happiness, but it makes for an extravagant depression' by golf tournament sportscaster..
Thanks for the review links. Couple of them I knew, some I didn't. But as it seems, the Fuji S6500fd (S6000fd) would be the best choice for under 300 dollars? At least, I don't see anything that gets better reviews and still supports RAW...
I'm well aware that "bridge" is undefined. But so are all the other types of cameras, except perhaps SLR. I think the OP is perhaps confused by these terms. I was trying to help him..
The issue with many of these terms is that, in addition to being undefined, they are confusing and often insulting..
No, I won't take the discussion to the Pro Forum, since, being "experts", they already have their minds set. Besides, Pro's really don't keep up with things not intended for professional use..
A "bridge", as I see it used, is a camera "above" the prosumer and below the several types of SLRs. It specifically has characteristics of both the prosumer class and the SLR class. The OP was correct to call them "SLR-like", which is Phil's description. However, it's just a correct to all them "Prosumer-like"..
In that sense, the 1D Mk. III is a "Prosumer-like" SLR. This should NOT be taken as a derogatory description. The various Prosumers have nan advanced and superior method of preview. The Mk. III is clearly showing that the true advancedprofessional photographer wants the option to use live-preview.
III has some of the (good) characteristics of a Prosumer. That does NOT diminish the Mk. III!.
In fact, most of the cameras that share features in this way are LSLRs that bridged "down" to pick up live-preview. Only the Sony R1 went the other way...it's just a Prosumer with the sensor from a SLR..
My goal is to clarify camera types, both for the OP and others. Specifically, I see the "Bridge" camera as the camera of the future, but it lacks a good definition..
Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1CATS #25PAS Scribe @ http://www.here-ugo.com/PAS_List.htmHomePage: http://www.1derful.info'I brake for pixels...'..
Mmelgar wrote:.
I agree stephen. you can't have this discussion without includingthe S9100/9600. Its a great camera for someone looking for theclosest thing to a DSLR experience in a non-DSLR camera. Somethings like the hot shoe, and flip out screen not available on theS6000 have been extremely usefull at times. Fuji also seems tohave an edge in my oppinion when it comes to image quality comapredto other bridge cams, but thats just my personal oppinion..
Mike,.
If the S9100 took photos of the quality of the S6000, I'd buy it in an minute. But I have been looking hard at the Canon S3 and the S6000. From what I can tell. the S3 can't hold a candle to the s6000 in IQ, in a controlled setting, at least. This was borne out in a side by side comparison...when I looked at the images at:.
Http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM.
This is a page that allows you to compare the two cameras side by side. You choose one camera then the other for comparison. And you can click on the images and they'll enlarge to fill your screen..
Look especially at the still lifes and most especially at the still lifes at iso 100 for each camera. And then again at 200. Check out the salt and pepper shakers. The handles on top of them and the details of the peppercorns in the pepper shaker and even the salt grains in the salt shaker. Even at iso100 the Fuji wins hands down for sharpness. With the Fuji I can even see a faint white on white "leaf" pattern on the white napkin above the salt and pepper shaker.
When I saw your post, I did the same comparisons with the s6000 and the s9100. Again the s6000 looks better at all iso setting. In fact, the S3 looks better than the s9100 at lower iso's. Now, look to the right of each image and you'll see some sort of calibrated dial. Check out the sharpness on these three cameras..
I'm no expert and it's possible I'm missing something or misinterpreting something.. And I post this response as much to elicit an informed response (so that I may learn something) as for any other reason. But from what these old eyes tell me...it's pretty hard to beat the s6000 at the price point..
I just hope I'm not disappointed when I get mine...
Basically the S6000 is indeed less noisy than the S9100 sensor at a given ISO setting in equal conditions. The advantages of the S9100 relate to it's other features and this is a typical trade-off of one feature against another bridge cameras in that sense..
Having said that the performance of the S9100 is still better at any given ISO than other non-DSLR cameras, IMO. Final image quality is a product of a number of factors and for some purposes the extra flexibility of the S9100 will make a better image..
StephenG.
Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..
One of the problems with comparing pixel peeping shots at the site you listed is that the images do not necessarily display side by side at the same size and can have different contrasts. Whilst the 6500 is generally cleaner than the 9100 at it is still going to disappoint when compared to a DSLR. If ISO is the sole consideration then get the 6500 only if you feel that a few weeks down the line you'll not be suffering a case of buyer's remorse; a DSLR being WAY better for IQ in challenging conditions..
If you want more of a general photographers camera then the 9100 can offer you more. It's a shame the 9100 doesn't have that better noise control, however software can help put that right on really important shots. The way I'd look at is that as Photoshop is going to be needed on certain shots anyway, then a noise control program is hardly much more to do..
John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..
I was in a recent situation recently deciding what camera to buy. I like th idea of a DSLR but did not want to spend money on different lenses plus carry them around. The bridge/superzoom camera appeared to have it all for me, Cheaper, good flexible lense excellent quality pictures. Remember I am new so to me a superzoom camera has offered a lot better quality that a compact camera..
I have been using the Panasonic FZ50 for 3 months now and have been so happy with it. I feel it's a great camera. But I would go with your own instincts as it is your money you are spending. Like I said I am new to photography and some people who are well wishers get a bit excited and try to steer you to DSLRs, which are great......but remember your needs and budget. I have never looked back..
Good Luck.
Andrew..
Stephen,.
But this is what this forum and this thread is about...(and it's the reason I pursue the subject)...I want to know why image quality doesn't supercede all. ?!.
I am looking hard at the Canon S3, for instance. I like the size, I really, really like the swivel LCD, I like the programmable settings feature...I don't like the fact that the image quality suffers at even such low iso settings..
I don't like the bulk of the S6000, I don't like the the "seriousness" of the S6000 (relative, I know)I'm not sure I'm up to it. I'd like **some** ability to just point and shoot, once and awhile. But ultimately, the IQ seems to trump all the other cameras in that price range. As I mentioned in another thread...results (photos) are the whole point, aren't they?.
Sjgcit wrote:.
Basically the S6000 is indeed less noisy than the S9100 sensor at agiven ISO setting in equal conditions. The advantages of the S9100relate to it's other features and this is a typical trade-off ofone feature against another bridge cameras in that sense..
Having said that the performance of the S9100 is still better atany given ISO than other non-DSLR cameras, IMO. Final imagequality is a product of a number of factors and for some purposesthe extra flexibility of the S9100 will make a better image...
I would say another great one to consider is the Panny FZ-50. I'll quote Simon in his review "offering true SLR-like handling and operation and an amazingly versatile 35-420mm equivalent 12x optical zoom (with fluid-damped mechanical zoom mechanism).".
"new features (TTL hot shoe, custom modes, function menu). It also retains all that put the FZ30 head and shoulders above the rest of the super zoom pack and made it the nearest thing you could get to a DSLR without actually using one.".
Don't let any of the image quailty or noise hype about Panny get to you. It's not even mentionable until you go above ISO 400 and even then, again, quoting Simon.
"Is this a problem? Probably not - by the time the huge files have been shrunk down for printing or viewing on-screen they look fantastic, and the handling and features are quite simply peerless.".
"And so, to sum up; for the serious user the FZ50 is without doubt the best equipped, best specified and best handling 'bridge camera' on the market today,".
TimColumbus, Ohiohttp://www.pbase.com/pdqgp..
While not truly SLR-like, I guess, since you cannot manually zoom/focus, you might look at the Panasonic FZ8. I was originally considering the Fujifilm 6000fd but after reading review after review about it, and countless other cameras, I decided I just couldn't live with the very low res EVF. That is when I dusted off the reviews I had read about the FZ8. I have only owned it for two weeks but I believe it is a wonderful camera. I had to compromise on the manual zoom/focus that I thought I really needed but I have since found not really a show stopper. Again, you might want to look at reviews of the FZ8 because it is one "power-packed" camera...
Sony R1. Best kept secret on the planet! Other than that, the Panasonic DMC-FZ50..
Markhttp://www.airports2go.co.uk..