Comments on: Fujifilm Finepix S9600/S9100

By: Harilal K

Harilal K — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:25:46 +0000

Thank You Russ for your nice comment. I was looking at Fuji s9600,Canon S5is and Panasonic FZ50 with a little bit inclination towards the Fuji even though it lacked IS and SD memory. I finally concluded my findings in favor of Fuji because of Super CCD,28mm low end range,low noise level,AA batteries,very good in low light without flash etc. Your comments also helped me reach the conclusion faster.

By: RussB

RussB — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 02:04:44 +0000

Padro:

The shutter lag is very very acceptable. There is a small amount of lag but not like what most point and shoot digitals have (i do consider this still a point and shoot camera). Having come from the analog slr world to the digital world (psuedo slr) world (I have been using a Sony digital camera for 5 years now), I expect some short comings with any digital camera. I didnt want to go throught he expense of buying a dslr and all the lenses (not worth it for every day shooting). The 9100 is a fantastic compromise plus the added benefit of having all the extra features. Many people complain about how the camera is a bit complicated with all the menus etc and having to ‘read’ the manual….. well all i have to say about those comments is.. what do you expect for a camera of this caliber. I think any of the higher end P&S (prosumer) cameras will have the same learning curve. If you want to know the cameras short comings or positive points one has to read the manual and get a working knowledge of the camera. I feela dslr would have the same if not more, learning curve. So far I love this camera. With an energetic child, i probably wouldnt hesistate to buy this camera over a true dslr. Everything you do with a dslr is doable with the 9100. I suggest manually setting the ISO to 100 possibly 200 tops. Like an slr camera … if you push the ISO you will increase the grain/noise. If everyday shooting was being done originally with 100 ISO film, then why not with digital as well The Auto setting for shutter and apeture is pretty good. I would also suggest experimenting with Auto and Apeture Priority… only because the metering system on ANY digial camera is easily fooled by high contrasting foreground and backgrounds.

Hope that helps a bit

Russ

By: Padro

Padro — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:01:35 +0000

Hi RussB, thank you for your review..

Did you get any chance to compare the shutter lag from this camera and a SLR camera? How bad is it?
I’m still trying to decide whether to get a SLR-like or a SLR camera since I’ve got energetic 3 years old boy who just can not stay still :p

By: RussB

RussB — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:40:12 +0000

I just bought (Aug 2007) the Fuji S9100 and I have to say that I am completely satisfied with my decision to purchase. I have been humming and hawing about this camera since its annoucement a year ago. I think the feature set in this camera for the dollar is amazing. I didnt want to go to a DSLR and lug around lenses again. So this camera was a natural choice. I looked at the new Canon S5 as well but i prefered the Fuji. Plus Fuji (in Canada) offers a 3 Year warranty!!! How can you beat that.
The lack of image stabilization is such a minor issue for me. People become too reliant on the technology and forget how to take ‘proper’ pictures. I never had it in my 35mm camera so I wont miss it here. Beside, that is just one more thing to break or go wrong. I’ll use a tripod or monopod.
I love the manual zoom ring (wtg Fuji!!!!). Image quality thus far has been great and with the additon of a polarizing filter for outdoor shooting, the colours have become slightly richer. If I had to complain about something about this camera it would have to be that I would love to have a protection (scratch protection) cover for the LCD screen on the back.
I give the Fuji S9100 two thumbs up!! Excellent value camera with lots of extra features for the more experienced photographer.