Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000?

BRH, exact dilemma I'm in. I could get any D slr, but don't like the bulk,
changing lenses, etc. Right now I have an Olympus 5050, and 5mp is not the
problem, the lack of quality zoom is. Let me know if you hear any more on
the Fuji or other "near slr" cameras or if you know of any other forums I
could get feedback, thanks
Scott

<mark.thomas.7 DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1153011070.499326.295120@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
BRH wrote:
> ... after doing a bit of research, I see that there are a number of
> "near-SLR" digital cameras with good zoom capabilities that would be a
> bit simpler to operate and would probably better meet my needs (mostly
> travel and nature photography with a little sports photography thrown in).

While I do a bit of high end stuff with DSLR's and mf, I'm like you and
just carry a prosumer when i 'go places'.. The only things I really
miss are fast AF, and the ability to use high ISO's without suffering
noise.

> So now, I'm trying to decide between the following cameras -- Sony
> DSC-H5 and Fuji S9000. Both get generally good reviews from both
> customers and website reviews. I like the manual zooming (twist the
> lens barrel) on the Fuji, as well as the fact I could re-use my existing
> CF cards with it.

Seem to be good choices, although I would probably throw in the
Panasonic FZ30 as a contender if the slightly lower resolution/
slightly higher noise are not issues. It has the best lens in class, I
think..

> But I also REALLY like the very large LCD on the Sony
> and the option to add a number of lens extensions, etc.

Yes, big LCD's are nice.. You *can* also add-on lenses (carefully) to
the Fuji - it has a 58mm filter thread. Note that add-ons for these
sort of lenses are often big and heavy, so they may need support.
Thankfully the Fuji has a mechanical zoom, so at least you won't be
loading up an electric motor if you unwisely decide to zoom...

> The range of the Fuji lens is slightly more versatile on the wide-angle
end

To me, that is a very good thing - wide angle converters are a pain in
the neck, and almost always introduce nasty quality issues. About the
only decent one I've found is the Olympus 0.7x - it's big, heavy and
has very good, if not great, optical quality.

> I'm not
> sure whether the lack of true image-stabilization on the Fuji is that
> big a drawback or not.

If you are going to shoot a lot of stuff at the tele end, and don't
want to lug a tripod, then yes, it is a big drawback.

> If you're still reading this, I'd appreciate feedback on the relative
> merits of these two cameras (and I'm still open to any other similar
> models that someone might recommend).

If it's any help, I currently own an Olympus C8080 for this side of my
photography. But every now and then I hanker for just a tiny bit more
lens range, and bit extra resolution and enlargability.. My very close
examination of samples from the Fuji indicate it has a small but
significant edge over my Oly's 8Mp images, and the nature of the Fuji
images is such that they sharpen exceptionally well, with minimal
haloing - they are very 'DSLR' like. See:
http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_s9000_crops3.html
(comparison of 20D (!) to S9000 - try sharpening the Fuji side and try
to spot the difference..)

>From imaging-resource.. "..the S9000's default sharpening only extends
about a pixel from the edge on the light side of the tone curve, a good
level, not producing excessive artifacts in the images. (This is why
the S9000's images take unsharp masking on the computer as well as they
do.) While not shown here, the S9000's low sharpening setting pretty
completely removes all sharpening artifacts, making images shot in that
mode particularly well suited for post-capture sharpening on the
computer. Very nice..."
The imaging-resource Imatest results are also very interesting,
indicating that the Fuji does manage to outperform 8Mp DSLR's in terms
of resolution. Yes, I know that isn't all the story, but given the
Fuji chip gives very good low-noise performance, and that it's dynamic
range is also at the top of the heap... One problem with the Fuji -
raw shooting is slow, and the supplied raw software support is poor
(although there are good, and free, third party solutions). Sony has
no raw, strangely..

And I also like the idea of having 300mm instead of my Oly's 140mm.
Being from the old school, I always lug a big tripod, or at least have
my trusty beanbag.. so IS isn't a deal breaker for me. So I'm
currently thinking about moving to the Fuji. The olympus is a fine
camera, but I really like the look and colour of the Fuji images.

Note that the Fuji has only a simple hotshoe, but the H5 has no hotshoe
at all.

Hope that helps in a small way.. As you can see, I'm leaning in a Fuji
direction, but everyone is different. (O:
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

SJ -- I just returned from my local Circuit City to see some of these
cameras for myself. Here's what I found --

Sony DSC-H5 just wasn't comfortable in my hands. It was a bit small and
I especially didn't like the rocker controls (nor the location of them)
for the zoom. The LCD was real nice, but if the controls aren't
comfortable, that's the end of the story.

Panasonic (can't recall whether it was the FZ7 or FZ30 that I looked at
----sorry). Lots of nice features, comfortable in my hands, but the LCD
resolution was quite poor. It also uses a proprietary battery (I prefer
AA's), but that's something that I could live with. I may go to another
CC store to take another look at this one -- perhaps the LCD on the
floor model at the first store was defective.....

Fuji -- CC didn't carry these.

In terms of other forums, I always looks at epinions.com before making
major purchases. Nothing but customer reviews, which I find to be very
helpful. Circuit City's webpage also has customer reviews of products
they carry. So does Amazon.com.



SJ wrote:
> BRH, exact dilemma I'm in. I could get any D slr, but don't like the bulk,
> changing lenses, etc. Right now I have an Olympus 5050, and 5mp is not the
> problem, the lack of quality zoom is. Let me know if you hear any more on
> the Fuji or other "near slr" cameras or if you know of any other forums I
> could get feedback, thanks
> Scott
>
> <mark.thomas.7.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1153011070.499326.295120@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
> BRH wrote:
>
>>... after doing a bit of research, I see that there are a number of
>>"near-SLR" digital cameras with good zoom capabilities that would be a
>>bit simpler to operate and would probably better meet my needs (mostly
>>travel and nature photography with a little sports photography thrown in).
>
>
> While I do a bit of high end stuff with DSLR's and mf, I'm like you and
> just carry a prosumer when i 'go places'.. The only things I really
> miss are fast AF, and the ability to use high ISO's without suffering
> noise.
>
>
>>So now, I'm trying to decide between the following cameras -- Sony
>>DSC-H5 and Fuji S9000. Both get generally good reviews from both
>>customers and website reviews. I like the manual zooming (twist the
>>lens barrel) on the Fuji, as well as the fact I could re-use my existing
>>CF cards with it.
>
>
> Seem to be good choices, although I would probably throw in the
> Panasonic FZ30 as a contender if the slightly lower resolution/
> slightly higher noise are not issues. It has the best lens in class, I
> think..
>
>
>> But I also REALLY like the very large LCD on the Sony
>>and the option to add a number of lens extensions, etc.
>
>
> Yes, big LCD's are nice.. You *can* also add-on lenses (carefully) to
> the Fuji - it has a 58mm filter thread. Note that add-ons for these
> sort of lenses are often big and heavy, so they may need support.
> Thankfully the Fuji has a mechanical zoom, so at least you won't be
> loading up an electric motor if you unwisely decide to zoom...
>
>
>>The range of the Fuji lens is slightly more versatile on the wide-angle
>
> end
>
> To me, that is a very good thing - wide angle converters are a pain in
> the neck, and almost always introduce nasty quality issues. About the
> only decent one I've found is the Olympus 0.7x - it's big, heavy and
> has very good, if not great, optical quality.
>
>
>>I'm not
>>sure whether the lack of true image-stabilization on the Fuji is that
>>big a drawback or not.
>
>
> If you are going to shoot a lot of stuff at the tele end, and don't
> want to lug a tripod, then yes, it is a big drawback.
>
>
>>If you're still reading this, I'd appreciate feedback on the relative
>>merits of these two cameras (and I'm still open to any other similar
>>models that someone might recommend).
>
>
> If it's any help, I currently own an Olympus C8080 for this side of my
> photography. But every now and then I hanker for just a tiny bit more
> lens range, and bit extra resolution and enlargability.. My very close
> examination of samples from the Fuji indicate it has a small but
> significant edge over my Oly's 8Mp images, and the nature of the Fuji
> images is such that they sharpen exceptionally well, with minimal
> haloing - they are very 'DSLR' like. See:
> http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_s9000_crops3.html
> (comparison of 20D (!) to S9000 - try sharpening the Fuji side and try
> to spot the difference..)
>
>>From imaging-resource.. "..the S9000's default sharpening only extends
> about a pixel from the edge on the light side of the tone curve, a good
> level, not producing excessive artifacts in the images. (This is why
> the S9000's images take unsharp masking on the computer as well as they
> do.) While not shown here, the S9000's low sharpening setting pretty
> completely removes all sharpening artifacts, making images shot in that
> mode particularly well suited for post-capture sharpening on the
> computer. Very nice..."
> The imaging-resource Imatest results are also very interesting,
> indicating that the Fuji does manage to outperform 8Mp DSLR's in terms
> of resolution. Yes, I know that isn't all the story, but given the
> Fuji chip gives very good low-noise performance, and that it's dynamic
> range is also at the top of the heap... One problem with the Fuji -
> raw shooting is slow, and the supplied raw software support is poor
> (although there are good, and free, third party solutions). Sony has
> no raw, strangely..
>
> And I also like the idea of having 300mm instead of my Oly's 140mm.
> Being from the old school, I always lug a big tripod, or at least have
> my trusty beanbag.. so IS isn't a deal breaker for me. So I'm
> currently thinking about moving to the Fuji. The olympus is a fine
> camera, but I really like the look and colour of the Fuji images.
>
> Note that the Fuji has only a simple hotshoe, but the H5 has no hotshoe
> at all.
>
> Hope that helps in a small way.. As you can see, I'm leaning in a Fuji
> direction, but everyone is different. (O:
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

FYI -- I went back to CC to play around with the FZ7 a bit more. It
turned out that the exposure setting was at +2.0, and the screen
brightness setting (a separate control) was also turned way up. No
wonder the LCD screen looked so washed out. After adjusting the
settings it looked fine.



BRH wrote:
>
>
> SJ -- I just returned from my local Circuit City to see some of these
> cameras for myself. Here's what I found --
>
> Sony DSC-H5 just wasn't comfortable in my hands. It was a bit small and
> I especially didn't like the rocker controls (nor the location of them)
> for the zoom. The LCD was real nice, but if the controls aren't
> comfortable, that's the end of the story.
>
> Panasonic (can't recall whether it was the FZ7 or FZ30 that I looked at
> ----sorry). Lots of nice features, comfortable in my hands, but the LCD
> resolution was quite poor. It also uses a proprietary battery (I prefer
> AA's), but that's something that I could live with. I may go to another
> CC store to take another look at this one -- perhaps the LCD on the
> floor model at the first store was defective.....
>
> Fuji -- CC didn't carry these.
>
> In terms of other forums, I always looks at epinions.com before making
> major purchases. Nothing but customer reviews, which I find to be very
> helpful. Circuit City's webpage also has customer reviews of products
> they carry. So does Amazon.com.
>
>
>
> SJ wrote:
>
>> BRH, exact dilemma I'm in. I could get any D slr, but don't like the
>> bulk,
>> changing lenses, etc. Right now I have an Olympus 5050, and 5mp is
>> not the
>> problem, the lack of quality zoom is. Let me know if you hear any
>> more on
>> the Fuji or other "near slr" cameras or if you know of any other forums I
>> could get feedback, thanks
>> Scott
>>
>> <mark.thomas.7 RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1153011070.499326.295120@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
>> BRH wrote:
>>
>>> ... after doing a bit of research, I see that there are a number of
>>> "near-SLR" digital cameras with good zoom capabilities that would be a
>>> bit simpler to operate and would probably better meet my needs (mostly
>>> travel and nature photography with a little sports photography thrown
>>> in).
>>
>>
>>
>> While I do a bit of high end stuff with DSLR's and mf, I'm like you and
>> just carry a prosumer when i 'go places'.. The only things I really
>> miss are fast AF, and the ability to use high ISO's without suffering
>> noise.
>>
>>
>>> So now, I'm trying to decide between the following cameras -- Sony
>>> DSC-H5 and Fuji S9000. Both get generally good reviews from both
>>> customers and website reviews. I like the manual zooming (twist the
>>> lens barrel) on the Fuji, as well as the fact I could re-use my existing
>>> CF cards with it.
>>
>>
>>
>> Seem to be good choices, although I would probably throw in the
>> Panasonic FZ30 as a contender if the slightly lower resolution/
>> slightly higher noise are not issues. It has the best lens in class, I
>> think..
>>
>>
>>> But I also REALLY like the very large LCD on the Sony
>>> and the option to add a number of lens extensions, etc.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, big LCD's are nice.. You *can* also add-on lenses (carefully) to
>> the Fuji - it has a 58mm filter thread. Note that add-ons for these
>> sort of lenses are often big and heavy, so they may need support.
>> Thankfully the Fuji has a mechanical zoom, so at least you won't be
>> loading up an electric motor if you unwisely decide to zoom...
>>
>>
>>> The range of the Fuji lens is slightly more versatile on the wide-angle
>>
>>
>> end
>>
>> To me, that is a very good thing - wide angle converters are a pain in
>> the neck, and almost always introduce nasty quality issues. About the
>> only decent one I've found is the Olympus 0.7x - it's big, heavy and
>> has very good, if not great, optical quality.
>>
>>
>>> I'm not
>>> sure whether the lack of true image-stabilization on the Fuji is that
>>> big a drawback or not.
>>
>>
>>
>> If you are going to shoot a lot of stuff at the tele end, and don't
>> want to lug a tripod, then yes, it is a big drawback.
>>
>>
>>> If you're still reading this, I'd appreciate feedback on the relative
>>> merits of these two cameras (and I'm still open to any other similar
>>> models that someone might recommend).
>>
>>
>>
>> If it's any help, I currently own an Olympus C8080 for this side of my
>> photography. But every now and then I hanker for just a tiny bit more
>> lens range, and bit extra resolution and enlargability.. My very close
>> examination of samples from the Fuji indicate it has a small but
>> significant edge over my Oly's 8Mp images, and the nature of the Fuji
>> images is such that they sharpen exceptionally well, with minimal
>> haloing - they are very 'DSLR' like. See:
>> http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_s9000_crops3.html
>> (comparison of 20D (!) to S9000 - try sharpening the Fuji side and try
>> to spot the difference..)
>>
>>> From imaging-resource.. "..the S9000's default sharpening only extends
>>
>> about a pixel from the edge on the light side of the tone curve, a good
>> level, not producing excessive artifacts in the images. (This is why
>> the S9000's images take unsharp masking on the computer as well as they
>> do.) While not shown here, the S9000's low sharpening setting pretty
>> completely removes all sharpening artifacts, making images shot in that
>> mode particularly well suited for post-capture sharpening on the
>> computer. Very nice..."
>> The imaging-resource Imatest results are also very interesting,
>> indicating that the Fuji does manage to outperform 8Mp DSLR's in terms
>> of resolution. Yes, I know that isn't all the story, but given the
>> Fuji chip gives very good low-noise performance, and that it's dynamic
>> range is also at the top of the heap... One problem with the Fuji -
>> raw shooting is slow, and the supplied raw software support is poor
>> (although there are good, and free, third party solutions). Sony has
>> no raw, strangely..
>>
>> And I also like the idea of having 300mm instead of my Oly's 140mm.
>> Being from the old school, I always lug a big tripod, or at least have
>> my trusty beanbag.. so IS isn't a deal breaker for me. So I'm
>> currently thinking about moving to the Fuji. The olympus is a fine
>> camera, but I really like the look and colour of the Fuji images.
>>
>> Note that the Fuji has only a simple hotshoe, but the H5 has no hotshoe
>> at all.
>>
>> Hope that helps in a small way.. As you can see, I'm leaning in a Fuji
>> direction, but everyone is different. (O:
>>
>>
>>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

Thanks for the info BRH, I hear the Panasonic FZ30 is nice too. Did you
happen to see that?



<BRH> wrote in message news:bICdnZbDaaL4WifZnZ2dnUVZ_rydnZ2d@comcast.com...
FYI -- I went back to CC to play around with the FZ7 a bit more. It
turned out that the exposure setting was at +2.0, and the screen
brightness setting (a separate control) was also turned way up. No
wonder the LCD screen looked so washed out. After adjusting the
settings it looked fine.



BRH wrote:
>
>
> SJ -- I just returned from my local Circuit City to see some of these
> cameras for myself. Here's what I found --
>
> Sony DSC-H5 just wasn't comfortable in my hands. It was a bit small and
> I especially didn't like the rocker controls (nor the location of them)
> for the zoom. The LCD was real nice, but if the controls aren't
> comfortable, that's the end of the story.
>
> Panasonic (can't recall whether it was the FZ7 or FZ30 that I looked at
> ----sorry). Lots of nice features, comfortable in my hands, but the LCD
> resolution was quite poor. It also uses a proprietary battery (I prefer
> AA's), but that's something that I could live with. I may go to another
> CC store to take another look at this one -- perhaps the LCD on the
> floor model at the first store was defective.....
>
> Fuji -- CC didn't carry these.
>
> In terms of other forums, I always looks at epinions.com before making
> major purchases. Nothing but customer reviews, which I find to be very
> helpful. Circuit City's webpage also has customer reviews of products
> they carry. So does Amazon.com.
>
>
>
> SJ wrote:
>
>> BRH, exact dilemma I'm in. I could get any D slr, but don't like the
>> bulk,
>> changing lenses, etc. Right now I have an Olympus 5050, and 5mp is
>> not the
>> problem, the lack of quality zoom is. Let me know if you hear any
>> more on
>> the Fuji or other "near slr" cameras or if you know of any other forums I
>> could get feedback, thanks
>> Scott
>>
>> <mark.thomas.7.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1153011070.499326.295120@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
>> BRH wrote:
>>
>>> ... after doing a bit of research, I see that there are a number of
>>> "near-SLR" digital cameras with good zoom capabilities that would be a
>>> bit simpler to operate and would probably better meet my needs (mostly
>>> travel and nature photography with a little sports photography thrown
>>> in).
>>
>>
>>
>> While I do a bit of high end stuff with DSLR's and mf, I'm like you and
>> just carry a prosumer when i 'go places'.. The only things I really
>> miss are fast AF, and the ability to use high ISO's without suffering
>> noise.
>>
>>
>>> So now, I'm trying to decide between the following cameras -- Sony
>>> DSC-H5 and Fuji S9000. Both get generally good reviews from both
>>> customers and website reviews. I like the manual zooming (twist the
>>> lens barrel) on the Fuji, as well as the fact I could re-use my existing
>>> CF cards with it.
>>
>>
>>
>> Seem to be good choices, although I would probably throw in the
>> Panasonic FZ30 as a contender if the slightly lower resolution/
>> slightly higher noise are not issues. It has the best lens in class, I
>> think..
>>
>>
>>> But I also REALLY like the very large LCD on the Sony
>>> and the option to add a number of lens extensions, etc.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, big LCD's are nice.. You *can* also add-on lenses (carefully) to
>> the Fuji - it has a 58mm filter thread. Note that add-ons for these
>> sort of lenses are often big and heavy, so they may need support.
>> Thankfully the Fuji has a mechanical zoom, so at least you won't be
>> loading up an electric motor if you unwisely decide to zoom...
>>
>>
>>> The range of the Fuji lens is slightly more versatile on the wide-angle
>>
>>
>> end
>>
>> To me, that is a very good thing - wide angle converters are a pain in
>> the neck, and almost always introduce nasty quality issues. About the
>> only decent one I've found is the Olympus 0.7x - it's big, heavy and
>> has very good, if not great, optical quality.
>>
>>
>>> I'm not
>>> sure whether the lack of true image-stabilization on the Fuji is that
>>> big a drawback or not.
>>
>>
>>
>> If you are going to shoot a lot of stuff at the tele end, and don't
>> want to lug a tripod, then yes, it is a big drawback.
>>
>>
>>> If you're still reading this, I'd appreciate feedback on the relative
>>> merits of these two cameras (and I'm still open to any other similar
>>> models that someone might recommend).
>>
>>
>>
>> If it's any help, I currently own an Olympus C8080 for this side of my
>> photography. But every now and then I hanker for just a tiny bit more
>> lens range, and bit extra resolution and enlargability.. My very close
>> examination of samples from the Fuji indicate it has a small but
>> significant edge over my Oly's 8Mp images, and the nature of the Fuji
>> images is such that they sharpen exceptionally well, with minimal
>> haloing - they are very 'DSLR' like. See:
>> http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_s9000_crops3.html
>> (comparison of 20D (!) to S9000 - try sharpening the Fuji side and try
>> to spot the difference..)
>>
>>> From imaging-resource.. "..the S9000's default sharpening only extends
>>
>> about a pixel from the edge on the light side of the tone curve, a good
>> level, not producing excessive artifacts in the images. (This is why
>> the S9000's images take unsharp masking on the computer as well as they
>> do.) While not shown here, the S9000's low sharpening setting pretty
>> completely removes all sharpening artifacts, making images shot in that
>> mode particularly well suited for post-capture sharpening on the
>> computer. Very nice..."
>> The imaging-resource Imatest results are also very interesting,
>> indicating that the Fuji does manage to outperform 8Mp DSLR's in terms
>> of resolution. Yes, I know that isn't all the story, but given the
>> Fuji chip gives very good low-noise performance, and that it's dynamic
>> range is also at the top of the heap... One problem with the Fuji -
>> raw shooting is slow, and the supplied raw software support is poor
>> (although there are good, and free, third party solutions). Sony has
>> no raw, strangely..
>>
>> And I also like the idea of having 300mm instead of my Oly's 140mm.
>> Being from the old school, I always lug a big tripod, or at least have
>> my trusty beanbag.. so IS isn't a deal breaker for me. So I'm
>> currently thinking about moving to the Fuji. The olympus is a fine
>> camera, but I really like the look and colour of the Fuji images.
>>
>> Note that the Fuji has only a simple hotshoe, but the H5 has no hotshoe
>> at all.
>>
>> Hope that helps in a small way.. As you can see, I'm leaning in a Fuji
>> direction, but everyone is different. (O:
>>
>>
>>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

The Fuji doesnt have image stabilisation, with a long zoom you need it.
Check out reviews dpreview puts the H2-H5 at the top. You should also
consider Canon S3is, but the H5 is sharper, less noise, 7 mp, and a
better Lcd. The fuji realy cant compare without IS
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

No -- Unfortunately CC Stores don't carry it (although they do offer it
on their website).

SJ wrote:

> Thanks for the info BRH, I hear the Panasonic FZ30 is nice too. Did you
> happen to see that?
>
>
>
> <BRH> wrote in message news:bICdnZbDaaL4WifZnZ2dnUVZ_rydnZ2d@comcast.com...
> FYI -- I went back to CC to play around with the FZ7 a bit more. It
> turned out that the exposure setting was at +2.0, and the screen
> brightness setting (a separate control) was also turned way up. No
> wonder the LCD screen looked so washed out. After adjusting the
> settings it looked fine.
>
>
>
> BRH wrote:
>
>>
>>SJ -- I just returned from my local Circuit City to see some of these
>>cameras for myself. Here's what I found --
>>
>>Sony DSC-H5 just wasn't comfortable in my hands. It was a bit small and
>>I especially didn't like the rocker controls (nor the location of them)
>>for the zoom. The LCD was real nice, but if the controls aren't
>>comfortable, that's the end of the story.
>>
>>Panasonic (can't recall whether it was the FZ7 or FZ30 that I looked at
>>----sorry). Lots of nice features, comfortable in my hands, but the LCD
>>resolution was quite poor. It also uses a proprietary battery (I prefer
>>AA's), but that's something that I could live with. I may go to another
>>CC store to take another look at this one -- perhaps the LCD on the
>>floor model at the first store was defective.....
>>
>>Fuji -- CC didn't carry these.
>>
>>In terms of other forums, I always looks at epinions.com before making
>>major purchases. Nothing but customer reviews, which I find to be very
>>helpful. Circuit City's webpage also has customer reviews of products
>>they carry. So does Amazon.com.
>>
>>
>>
>>SJ wrote:
>>
>>
>>>BRH, exact dilemma I'm in. I could get any D slr, but don't like the
>>>bulk,
>>>changing lenses, etc. Right now I have an Olympus 5050, and 5mp is
>>>not the
>>>problem, the lack of quality zoom is. Let me know if you hear any
>>>more on
>>>the Fuji or other "near slr" cameras or if you know of any other forums I
>>>could get feedback, thanks
>>>Scott
>>>
>>><mark.thomas.7.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>>news:1153011070.499326.295120@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
>>>BRH wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>... after doing a bit of research, I see that there are a number of
>>>>"near-SLR" digital cameras with good zoom capabilities that would be a
>>>>bit simpler to operate and would probably better meet my needs (mostly
>>>>travel and nature photography with a little sports photography thrown
>>>>in).
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>While I do a bit of high end stuff with DSLR's and mf, I'm like you and
>>>just carry a prosumer when i 'go places'.. The only things I really
>>>miss are fast AF, and the ability to use high ISO's without suffering
>>>noise.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>So now, I'm trying to decide between the following cameras -- Sony
>>>>DSC-H5 and Fuji S9000. Both get generally good reviews from both
>>>>customers and website reviews. I like the manual zooming (twist the
>>>>lens barrel) on the Fuji, as well as the fact I could re-use my existing
>>>>CF cards with it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Seem to be good choices, although I would probably throw in the
>>>Panasonic FZ30 as a contender if the slightly lower resolution/
>>>slightly higher noise are not issues. It has the best lens in class, I
>>>think..
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>But I also REALLY like the very large LCD on the Sony
>>>>and the option to add a number of lens extensions, etc.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Yes, big LCD's are nice.. You *can* also add-on lenses (carefully) to
>>>the Fuji - it has a 58mm filter thread. Note that add-ons for these
>>>sort of lenses are often big and heavy, so they may need support.
>>>Thankfully the Fuji has a mechanical zoom, so at least you won't be
>>>loading up an electric motor if you unwisely decide to zoom...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>The range of the Fuji lens is slightly more versatile on the wide-angle
>>>
>>>
>>>end
>>>
>>>To me, that is a very good thing - wide angle converters are a pain in
>>>the neck, and almost always introduce nasty quality issues. About the
>>>only decent one I've found is the Olympus 0.7x - it's big, heavy and
>>>has very good, if not great, optical quality.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>I'm not
>>>>sure whether the lack of true image-stabilization on the Fuji is that
>>>>big a drawback or not.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>If you are going to shoot a lot of stuff at the tele end, and don't
>>>want to lug a tripod, then yes, it is a big drawback.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>If you're still reading this, I'd appreciate feedback on the relative
>>>>merits of these two cameras (and I'm still open to any other similar
>>>>models that someone might recommend).
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>If it's any help, I currently own an Olympus C8080 for this side of my
>>>photography. But every now and then I hanker for just a tiny bit more
>>>lens range, and bit extra resolution and enlargability.. My very close
>>>examination of samples from the Fuji indicate it has a small but
>>>significant edge over my Oly's 8Mp images, and the nature of the Fuji
>>>images is such that they sharpen exceptionally well, with minimal
>>>haloing - they are very 'DSLR' like. See:
>>>http://www.neocamera.com/review_fuji_s9000_crops3.html
>>>(comparison of 20D (!) to S9000 - try sharpening the Fuji side and try
>>>to spot the difference..)
>>>
>>>
>>>>From imaging-resource.. "..the S9000's default sharpening only extends
>>>
>>>about a pixel from the edge on the light side of the tone curve, a good
>>>level, not producing excessive artifacts in the images. (This is why
>>>the S9000's images take unsharp masking on the computer as well as they
>>>do.) While not shown here, the S9000's low sharpening setting pretty
>>>completely removes all sharpening artifacts, making images shot in that
>>>mode particularly well suited for post-capture sharpening on the
>>>computer. Very nice..."
>>>The imaging-resource Imatest results are also very interesting,
>>>indicating that the Fuji does manage to outperform 8Mp DSLR's in terms
>>>of resolution. Yes, I know that isn't all the story, but given the
>>>Fuji chip gives very good low-noise performance, and that it's dynamic
>>>range is also at the top of the heap... One problem with the Fuji -
>>>raw shooting is slow, and the supplied raw software support is poor
>>>(although there are good, and free, third party solutions). Sony has
>>>no raw, strangely..
>>>
>>>And I also like the idea of having 300mm instead of my Oly's 140mm.
>>>Being from the old school, I always lug a big tripod, or at least have
>>>my trusty beanbag.. so IS isn't a deal breaker for me. So I'm
>>>currently thinking about moving to the Fuji. The olympus is a fine
>>>camera, but I really like the look and colour of the Fuji images.
>>>
>>>Note that the Fuji has only a simple hotshoe, but the H5 has no hotshoe
>>>at all.
>>>
>>>Hope that helps in a small way.. As you can see, I'm leaning in a Fuji
>>>direction, but everyone is different. (O:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

m Ransley wrote:
> The Fuji doesnt have image stabilisation, with a long zoom you need it.
> Check out reviews dpreview puts the H2-H5 at the top. You should also
> consider Canon S3is, but the H5 is sharper, less noise, 7 mp, and a
> better Lcd. The fuji realy cant compare without IS
>

I really liked the H5, except for the location/accessibility of the zoom
controls. I've got a bad thumb and have trouble accessing the zoom
controls when aiming that camera. I also want an LCD that's at least
2.5", so the Canon is out. I agree with you that IS is mandatory with
these high zoom levels, so the Fujis are out.

So, it looks like the Panasonic FZ7 is the best compromise for my situation.

I'm presently searching the web for the best deal. I'm leaning towards
Amazon - $310 after $30 discount for signing up for an Amazon CC, and
free shipping too.

If anyone knows of a better price from a reputable vendor, I'm interested.
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

I have just ordered the S9000 from Dell, and it will be here either
tomorrow or Thursday -- I hope!

I did a side by side between the Fuji and the SONY DSC-R1, and finally
settled on the Fuji. One of the selling points for me is the Fuji has a
cable release socket, and I like to take deep slow shots from a tripod
at 40 ASA.

Deciding where to buy the camera was easy. Dell has the MSRP at US$699,
with a US$139 discount. There is also a US$100 mail in rebate on their
website, with free S & H, so they are selling the camera for US$460,
after rebate.

I'm not a great photographer, and a lot of the finer points still elude
me, but I will be glad to post my first observations after I have had
the camera for a couple of days.

In article <PNqdnVUy64RdNCbZnZ2dnUVZ_q-dnZ2d.DeleteThis@comcast.com>, BRH <BRH>
says...
> m Ransley wrote:
> > The Fuji doesnt have image stabilisation, with a long zoom you need it.
> > Check out reviews dpreview puts the H2-H5 at the top. You should also
> > consider Canon S3is, but the H5 is sharper, less noise, 7 mp, and a
> > better Lcd. The fuji realy cant compare without IS
> >
>
> I really liked the H5, except for the location/accessibility of the zoom
> controls. I've got a bad thumb and have trouble accessing the zoom
> controls when aiming that camera. I also want an LCD that's at least
> 2.5", so the Canon is out. I agree with you that IS is mandatory with
> these high zoom levels, so the Fujis are out.
>
> So, it looks like the Panasonic FZ7 is the best compromise for my situation.
>
> I'm presently searching the web for the best deal. I'm leaning towards
> Amazon - $310 after $30 discount for signing up for an Amazon CC, and
> free shipping too.
>
> If anyone knows of a better price from a reputable vendor, I'm interested.
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

Perry, I was "ready to go" with the Fuji, when all I read was "no image
stabilization", over and over in different columns. I will need to shoot at
full or near full zoom and from what I'm reading, (of course, remember,
there're only opinions), is that you really need the image stabilizer with
this length of zoom. Please let me know how it works. I like the Sony's,
but hate the fact you have to buy their memory stick only,( unless I'm wrong
on that point). I'm really looking into the panasonic FZ30 or the Canon S3.
I'm really doing the research.
good luck. Please keep me posted on the Fuji, it was my initial first
choice.
Scott


"perry lee" <perryhlee.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f2750e8d8f37e41989682@news.giganews.com...
I have just ordered the S9000 from Dell, and it will be here either
tomorrow or Thursday -- I hope!

I did a side by side between the Fuji and the SONY DSC-R1, and finally
settled on the Fuji. One of the selling points for me is the Fuji has a
cable release socket, and I like to take deep slow shots from a tripod
at 40 ASA.

Deciding where to buy the camera was easy. Dell has the MSRP at US$699,
with a US$139 discount. There is also a US$100 mail in rebate on their
website, with free S & H, so they are selling the camera for US$460,
after rebate.

I'm not a great photographer, and a lot of the finer points still elude
me, but I will be glad to post my first observations after I have had
the camera for a couple of days.

In article <PNqdnVUy64RdNCbZnZ2dnUVZ_q-dnZ2d.TakeThisOut@comcast.com>, BRH <BRH>
says...
> m Ransley wrote:
> > The Fuji doesnt have image stabilisation, with a long zoom you need it.
> > Check out reviews dpreview puts the H2-H5 at the top. You should also
> > consider Canon S3is, but the H5 is sharper, less noise, 7 mp, and a
> > better Lcd. The fuji realy cant compare without IS
> >
>
> I really liked the H5, except for the location/accessibility of the zoom
> controls. I've got a bad thumb and have trouble accessing the zoom
> controls when aiming that camera. I also want an LCD that's at least
> 2.5", so the Canon is out. I agree with you that IS is mandatory with
> these high zoom levels, so the Fujis are out.
>
> So, it looks like the Panasonic FZ7 is the best compromise for my
situation.
>
> I'm presently searching the web for the best deal. I'm leaning towards
> Amazon - $310 after $30 discount for signing up for an Amazon CC, and
> free shipping too.
>
> If anyone knows of a better price from a reputable vendor, I'm interested.
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

SJ wrote:
> Perry, I was "ready to go" with the Fuji, when all I read was "no image
> stabilization", over and over in different columns. I will need to shoot at
> full or near full zoom..

If that's true, and your priority is long shooting without lugging a
big tripod, then the Fuji would be a bad choice, imo. Go with the H5
or FZ30, or think hard about a DSLR.. or if you are not in a hurry,
maybe the 10Mp FZ50 might be of interest:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0607/06071905panasonicfz50.asp

...but I would be waiting for the reviews, first..
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

The only reason I did not buy Fuji was no I.S. the H5 was my choise, no
reviews put the fuji long zoom in the same league as Canon, Sony,
Panasonic or Kodak only because of the lack of I.S. Before you decide
its a keeper go to any store selling long zooms , try one and turn the
I.S. off, then on. The difference is so dramatic , you can actualy use
them without a tripod , increasing your value in all situations, you do
gain 2-4 stops. Dell will exchange it. Now if Panasonic only used fujis
sensor and Fuji used Panasonics I.S. they would have winners. Canon uses
Sony sensors, Sony just keeps the 1mp better for themselves first.
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000? 

Dell was good to their word: the camera was here on Wednesday.

First of all I am astounded by the lightness, but then I am comparing to
a 35 mm Mamiya, and I need to remember that there is no film transport,
mirror, shutter mechanism etc. I am in awe of the super macro, that
lets me put the camera right next to a flower and get images in perfect
focus, then print them out in full letter with no loss. I have also
done some shots using shutter priority and I have also tried aperture
priority.

The controls are very straightforward, and all of the shooting settings
are only a click or two away. There is a command dial next to the mode
dial that controls whatever setting you have chosen on the mode dial.
Choose Aperture, and the command dial changes the f setting. Choose
shutter speed, and the command dial clicks through all of the shutter
speeds.

The zoom lens is a 10.7 zoom, and it is very smooth, and marked on the
barrel! The focus ring is right behind the zoom, and it too is very
smooth.

So far, the lack of image stabilisation has not been a problem, but as I
said before, I am very careful in my shot composition, preferring to set
up a tripod with a cable release. We have company coming in this
weekend, and I will be able to do more "shooting from the hip," but so
far, I LOVE it! A real steal at $460.00


In article <MPG.1f2750e8d8f37e41989682.DeleteThis@news.giganews.com>,
perryhlee.DeleteThis@yahoo.com says...
> I have just ordered the S9000 from Dell, and it will be here either
> tomorrow or Thursday -- I hope!
>
> I did a side by side between the Fuji and the SONY DSC-R1, and finally
> settled on the Fuji. One of the selling points for me is the Fuji has a
> cable release socket, and I like to take deep slow shots from a tripod
> at 40 ASA.
>
> Deciding where to buy the camera was easy. Dell has the MSRP at US$699,
> with a US$139 discount. There is also a US$100 mail in rebate on their
> website, with free S & H, so they are selling the camera for US$460,
> after rebate.
>
> I'm not a great photographer, and a lot of the finer points still elude
> me, but I will be glad to post my first observations after I have had
> the camera for a couple of days.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Sony DSC-H5 or Fuji S9000?