Pro-Consumer Digital Camera - Any suggestions?

[GoLowDrew]

I think something like this make more sense for me, since I already have a 35mm film SLR.http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm...r=8-1What I really like is the manual zoom by turning the lens barrel. Any other recommendations?

[millster]

A lot of people swear by the Fuji cams. I've not had a lot of experience with them, myself except for the very high-end SuperCCD SLRs. Those are VERY nice.I guess it would really help to know more about what you need in a camera. We have some basics from your SLR thread but the prosumer lines are so varied, more specific needs would help a lot.

[n2ho]

Panasonic FZ50 - 12x optical (35-420mm equivalent) stabilized beautiful Leica zoom lens, 10 mp, non-retractable lens (which gives almost instantaneous turn-on), fluid-damped mechanical zoom mechanism is faster and more accurate than using buttons and motors, 'tilt and swivel' LCD, manual focus ring and many other features - look it up: Full review is here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/ Regards,George

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by GoLowDrew »I think something like this Fujifilm S6000 makes more sense for me, since I already have a 35mm film SLR.What I really like is the manual zoom by turning the lens barrel. Any other recommendations?This does seem like a nice camera, but since you are familiar with an actual SLR, do you realize that this Fuji does not have an optical viewfinder? The Picture Stabilization is just an increase of ISO and shutter speed settings. No flash hotshoe. The lack of removable lenses doesn't seem too bad with its 28-300 range, unless you want fisheye or extreme telephoto shots. The price ~$300 seems fair.http://www.imaging-resource.co...A.HTM

[GoLowDrew]

Quote, originally posted by millster »A lot of people swear by the Fuji cams. I've not had a lot of experience with them, myself except for the very high-end SuperCCD SLRs. Those are VERY nice.I guess it would really help to know more about what you need in a camera. We have some basics from your SLR thread but the prosumer lines are so varied, more specific needs would help a lot.I tend to use my 35mm SLR on special occasions or if I have "an assignment" to shoot something. I don't normally play around with 35mm film. And each shot is sort of plan and deliberate.I plan to use this camera for random shots of my baby son, be small enough to carry on trips, wide angle to capture a good view, and tele zoom of my friend's son playing baseball. Yes, a nice DSLR would be nice, but it'll be expensive and I'll have to carry extra gear. I like to fire away, and by odds, I'll get a good shot. And not worry if I took too many pictures on an event I don't care about - other than "check this out" kind of pic.My current P&S is fine. But the optical zoom is only a 3X, and I don't have "manual" features to play around with.

[millster]

Ahh. Well the reason I asked is I wondered how the Canon S3-IS might suit you and it sounds as if it would.I had a Canon S1 prior to my E500 and it was a fantastic little camera. The S3 is essentially the same but has a better zoom range and better image quality. All of the manual features are there as well. It is an electric zoom lens unlike the Fuji or the Panasonic but it's also a good bit smaller than either of those as well.

[GoLowDrew]

Do you guys think optical image stabilization is really necessary?The reviews said it's a "Con" against the product. But from a user point of view, is it really necessary since optical image stabilization only became popular about a year ago.

[millster]

Well, I haven't had it on my film cameras, ever and it's not on my Evolt either. Honestly I don't really think it IS necessary if you take the precaution of using a tripod or bracing yourself against a stabilizing object. Thats just my personal opinion. There are times when it would be nice, I suppose but not really necessary.

[Baltovibe]

Image stabilization can be very useful, especially when taking telephoto shots.The reviews knock the Fuji because of the way they handle the stabilization. Most cameras stabilize the image by mechanically moving the image sensor or lens element, whereas the Fuji raises the ISO setting or shutter speed to reduce the effects of camera shake. This of course results in a grainier or under-exposed picture.

[GoLowDrew]

Quote, originally posted by millster »Well, I haven't had it on my film cameras, ever and it's not on my Evolt either. I have not noticed it on film in my cases. Are digital sensors more sensitive to movement compare to film?

[millster]

No. They're no more sensitive to it. I think in general you just get a different crowd of photographers on digital then you did on film. That and film won't really allow for image stabilization. You might be able to do it in the lens, I suppose on a film SLR but certainly not in the camera. At any rate, it's just a modern convenience thing. Kind of like ABS or traction control on a car. Sure it's nice and it helps in a lot of ways but it is possible to live without it.

[lexicon]

I have a Canon S1 and just picked up an "almost" new($200) S2. Significantly better than the S1.There are only small differences between the S2 and Canon S3. In fact, most magazine reviewers indicated that if you own the S2, its not worth it to spend for the S3.Image stabilization is a definite plus and at high zoom is a must.Check outdpreview.comhttp://www.steves-digicams.comhttp://www.dcresource.com/Most megazoom digicams dont have comparable performance to dSLRs in the area of low light situations and super fast focusing for sports shots, but, if you know your camera, you can do quite well.I dont want a dSLR (had several 35mm SLRs in the past) due to BULK.Who wants to be hauling around dual lenses for zoom and wide angle. The megazoom cameras are a good trade off.My recommendation is the Canon S3Pentax makes a good similar camera, Panasonic does also, many prefer Canon.The above websites should provide TONS of info and too many hours of reading. Guess you wont be back to this site for a while : )Let us know what you decide after your purchase.