New camera, advice needed please!

[Hagar]

The only negative point to me, is the noiselevel... I never post shots without post-processing... nothing big, and perhaps you won't even mind. especially as it's mostly visible in air shots... close ups etc don't suffer as much from it...

Fuji also had a reputation for noise. My S5000 certainly suffered from it but that's only 3Mp. I can't speak for the later models.

[Omag 2.0]

Well, bridgecamera's like the Panasonic and Fuji do have smaller sensors than the dSLR's... so no big surprise there...  :)

I would like to point out to Charlottesdad, that the fuji doesn't have image stabilisation, wich the Panasonic does have... I'd like to think that is a big deal, certainly when working at high zoom...

[Woodlouse2002]

I would like to point out to Charlottesdad, that the fuji doesn't have image stabilisation, wich the Panasonic does have... I'd like to think that is a big deal, certainly when working at high zoom...

But the latest Fuji's apparently have a much more light sensetive sensor that allows for faster shutterspeeds in lower light and high zoom. Fuji say's it's more effective than image stabilisation. But then, they're the ones selling it.

[Tweek]

Fuji also had a reputation for noise. My S5000 certainly suffered from it but that's only 3Mp. I can't speak for the later models.

In fact, the S5600 (and probably later models) are renowned for their low noise levels. They certainly perform better than many comparable cameras.

There is still noise at every ISO level, but it can easily be removed with NeatImage (as it's not too severe), and you could probably use ISO 64, 100 and 200 comfortably. At ISO 400 it starts to deteriorate, but as long as you don't have to crop the picture too much, it's very much useable.

But the latest Fuji's apparently have a much more light sensetive sensor that allows for faster shutterspeeds in lower light and high zoom. Fuji say's it's more effective than image stabilisation. But then, they're the ones selling it.

It is very effective, in fact I've even managed to take a sharp handheld shot at 1/10th, at the wide angle end. That was tricky business on my old camera (KM Dimage Z5) which did have IS.

[Hagar]

In fact, the S5600 (and probably later models) are renowned for their low noise levels. They certainly perform better than many comparable cameras.

There is still noise at every ISO level, but it can easily be removed with NeatImage (as it's not too severe), and you could probably use ISO 64, 100 and 200 comfortably. At ISO 400 it starts to deteriorate, but as long as you don't have to crop the picture too much, it's very much useable.

I didn't say it was a problem. I've taken a lot of good shots with my S5000 & they print out extremely well without any post-processing at all.  The same goes for my old faithful 2Mp F401. It really depends what you want the photos for.

[MWISimmer]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm still drawn toward the Fuji, but then again I'm yet to try the Panasonic.
Do you think it would be rude to take my SD card and a friend's

[61_OTU]

[quote]
Do you think it would be rude to take my SD card and a friend's

[Rifleman]

[quote]Thanks for all the replies, Do you think it would be rude to take my SD card and a friend's

[Omag 2.0]

Man, I could just amuse myself for weeks trying out all sorts of camera's... but I don't think the salespeople would be happy with that.

Anyhow, testing them is the only way to find out what camera you like. What works for one person isn't for the other... happy hunting Charlottesdad...  ;D

[MWISimmer]

Sorry to drag up old threads, but I thought I'd take the time to thank you all for your advice.... a bit delayed after my pay dramas before Xmas, a lovely Fuji S9600 dropped through my door today, from Amazon.
First impressions are good, my wife is disabled (hand problems) and can use it, so that's a bonus (I can now sell the old one, maybe get enough for a bigger XD card