Fujifilm F30 vs Casio EX-Z850

In article <Xns979E862C7C01AmgSaKh1s DeleteThis @194.134.69.69>,
Justus Lipsius <justuslipsius DeleteThis @wanadoonot.nl> wrote:

> Michael Stroh bedacht in news:Xns979DDE2FCDC00medic@news-
> server1.tampabay.rr.com:
>
> > Not much activity in r.p.d.point&shoot so I thought I would try here.
> >
> > I have been researching the purchase of a digital camera for my wife's
> > birthday in May and have come down to these two. I am sure there are
> > others to consider also.
> >
> > I was set on the Casio until I saw some pics taken with the F30 showing
> > the benefits of the higher ISO. I don't know if that feature is hype and
> > the Casio can do the same or if the Fujifilm actually has an advantage.
> >
> > I am also concerned with the negative comments I have seen about a flaw
> > in the Casio video capabilities. I haven't actually seen an example and
> > don't really know if video matters. I just am leary about buying a
> > camera that I know is flawed.
> >
> > My wife wants a camera to carry with her to use as the opportunity
> > arises. Indoor pictures will be frequent so poor lighting capabilities
> > are a big plus. I like the scene modes of the Casio but wonder if that
> > is just a gimmick that would be cool to play with at first and then go
> > unused later.
> >
> > For myself, I would like the camera to have manual features that I can
> > learn to use.
> >
> > Any suggestions one way or another? Any other camera's that I might
> > consider in this class and price range.
> >
> >
> > Michael
> >
>
> I don't really know about the Casio, but I've been doing some research
> myself for an extra P&S. And I have decided to wait for the F30. The high
> ISO is real; it has a larger CCD than most (almost all) P&S cameras. And it
> has metered flash, so you should be able to avoid washed-out foreheads.
> The only downside (and it is a real one) is the absence of a viewfinder.
> But I'm sure I'll like it.

I agree. From my perspective there are other issues of varying
seriousness, such as:
- no optical image stabilization. If the camera is as hard to hold
steady as many tiny cameras, this is potentially a problem.
- possibly mediocre focus speed (if the same as the F10/F11); the F10/11
have a fast focus mode, but it can only focus as close as 1m (according
to dpreview) which seems pretty restrictive
- you need to use the cradle to charge the battery (if like the
F10/F11), making travel a hassle (unless you buy an optional charger)
- xD cards
but no camera is perfect, and the F10/F11 (and hopefully F30) do have
the edge for low-light performance amongst compact cameras.

Getting back to the original poster's questions:

Regarding the Casio Z850, you might consider the Z750 instead. Its
sensor is probably better and it certainly doesn't have the bug Z850
movie mode problem (though that might get fixed in a firmware update).

Personally I feel that a decent movie mode is important for a snapshot
camera. I don't take very many movies, but the occasional video clip can
be really handy.

As far as scene modes: my opinion is that a few well chosen scene modes
are handy (for instance an indoor mode for low-light handheld shots).
Too many modes or poorly chosen modes are just clutter.

-- Russell
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