For $100 less, can the Fuji 6500 match a DSLR?Unfortunately the answer is 'sometimes'. That's because it is a compromise..

DSLR image quality can be way better with some enthusiasts describing it as "like night and day." On the other hand people like myself will often say the utility and convenience of a bridge camera often makes using a DSLR feel like a clunky old dinosaur..

I use a DSLR and also a Fuji 9100, the bigger brother of the 6500 which is more like a DSLR in terms of handling and features. You have to remember that the imaging sensors on these non DSLR cameras are a LOT smaller than on a DSLR and as a result are very tightly crammed with photo sites resulting in, amongst other things, greater electronic noise potential. Take a look at the introduction to my "Back to the Bridge camera" link below to see some of the issues and how a 9100 fares against a DSLR. (IQ on the 6500 will be a little better at higher ISOs)..

I can honestly say I don't notice the 'lag' on the Fuji 9100 and hardly anything gets missed. The manual zoom and pre-focusing and metering also helps in that regard. Lag on the DSLR isn't an issue, other than when you have a lens that hunts for a while to get focus. DSLRs are also generally very much quicker at recycling from shot to shot..

If image quality were your sole consideration or if you wanted to use your camera often commercially then you'd need a DSLR. Also if low light shots indoors were your thing. Otherwise you still have a choice of the all-in one option without losing live preview in the EVF by getting one of the bridge cameras..

And if you don't like an EVF? - Then that will settle it - you're an ideal DSLR customer..

John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..

The Pentax is a bargain but the Fuji S6000 deserves a look for it's general IQ and zoom range..

The K100D is a little better at high ISO but the Fuji S6000 has sharper images. But don't just take my word for it check out the 'comparometer' at 'Imaging resource' and check out the 'Still-life 800' shot..

Http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM.

And again you have the zoom range of the Fuji - you would have to spend big bucks to get that range for the Pentax. On the flip side, you can buy the Pentax with the (mediocre) kit lens and upgrade later..

The Pentax shot to shot times are much quicker although the Fuji is comparable in continuous burst mode and much quicker in pre-focussed shutter lag..

The Pentax has 'shake-reduction' where the Fuji does not..

So really the two cameras are quite different in what they offer. If you need zoom range and, believe me, you will use it a lot more than you think then choose the Fuji but for most other reasons go for the Pentax..

Cheers..

I read with great interest your BackToBridge article earlier. I hadn't looked at the S9100 before, or for that matter, the S9000. How do those "compare" to the 6000fs and the K100D? The s9000 can still be had for <$300, which seems to put it in that bargain-esque category...

The reality is:.

No bridge cam will ever come near to low light (indoor) capabilities of a DSLRs. The reson is that these cameras (as of now) have around 1/10th sized sensors to that of DSLRs. So don't be fooled by exaggerated reviews/opinions etc. Even the cheapest DSLR will be better on focusing, low-light ability. Your K100D choice is Bang for the Bucks. Go for it..

JohnKirksey wrote:.

I read with great interest your BackToBridge article earlier. Ihadn't looked at the S9100 before, or for that matter, the S9000. Howdo those "compare" to the 6000fs and the K100D? The s9000 can stillbe had for <$300, which seems to put it in that bargain-esquecategory..

Keep smiling, Ajayhttp://picasaweb.google.com/ajay0612(Thanks for your precious time & invaluable comments)..

What you're up against here is the need to know what you're doing with a bridge camera and how to work around any limitations it may have. Beware of the over-egged epiphanies of those who have recently discovered DSLRS. Anyone can take good IQ pictures with a prosumer entry level DSLR, but whether their pictures will be interesting or well shot is moot. Certainly the image quality from any DSLR will be better in low light conditions because of the larger sensor, so if you put technical digital image quality above convenience and live preview composition then go direct to a DSLR. You'll be in an aspirational peer group so any problems will be 'your fault' and nothing to do with the type of camera. Just remember that many of us with DSLRs also have other types of camera..

Ideally you should choose the type of camera that is best for your particular style of usage. Frankly it is unecessary to encumber oneself with heavy and expensive DSLR kit if you never sell or exhibit your pictures. Of course it's all part of the aspirational game and devious marketing hype that one day, perhaps, you might..

If you want a bridge camera then enjoy it for what it is - a compromise that works with a modern lifestyle as well as permitting creativity to flourish. If you want a prosumer DSLR then enjoy it for what it is - a device for ensuring your images have potential to be as good as they can be on an expensive camera system base..

John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..

Hi John,.

Usually conserning IQ you're better of with a DSLR, it looks like the pentax is only $100 cheaper but do consider that you will have to invest in an extra zoom lens if you would like to cover the same zoom as on a bridge camera. Quality lenses are not cheap...

The verdict is in: I ordered the Fuji S6000fd and it will be here tomorrow..

Ultimately, this camera needed to be an all-around family cam and my wife wanted to, in her words, "I just want to click, click, click and get a great picture". I think the Pentax would have required too much manual intervention for her, especially if I wasn't around to do it. I think the Fuji will far exceed our Elph in auto mode for her, and at the same time allow me to manually explore it's capabilities while learning this fine art..

By Christmas, I should be ready to upgrade to a DSLR .

Thanks for the help!..

Sounds like a wise decision. Explore some of your manual controls, and get yourself a DSLR later on if you find yourself playing with that a lot. No problem with having two cameras eventually. Many folks recommend having a second compact camera for times when the DSLR is too cumbersome, or your wife is not in the mood to fiddle around with it..

AndrewFort Worth, Texashttp://www.flickr.com/photos/ahightower..

JohnKirksey wrote:.

The verdict is in: I ordered the Fuji S6000fd and it will be heretomorrow..

Congratulations..

Well here's my 2 cents on the matter -.

I have both DSLRs and a couple non-DSLRs..

For low-light non-flash situations requiring high ISO, a DSLR (especially when equipped with a large aperture lens) will generally do much much better than a non-DSLR..

But in situations where one can use flash and shoot at 100 ISO (or maybe even up to 400 ISO depending on the camera), then the image quality gap is much less..

So since you want to take pics indoors I would argue that it's less about the camera (and it's expense or type and assuming the shutter lag isn't too terrible) and more about bringing additional light to the scene and the quality/direction of that light..

Therefore I suggest you look into getting a fairly powerful external flash - one that would allow you to bounce the flash off a ceiling instead of being limited to using the direct (thus harsh) on-board flash..

Couple of relatively in-expensive options that should work with both your new Fuji as well as your future Pentax:.

Sunpak 383 Super.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...2799-REG/Sunpak_0383_383_Super_Auto_Flash.html.

Vivitar 285HV.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...61441-REG/Vivitar_233965_285HV_Auto_Flash.html.

Good Day,Roonal.

'Money doesn't buy happiness, but it makes for an extravagant depression' by golf tournament sportscaster..