Digital Camera Advice: High Iso (Fuji F11) vs. Image Stabilizer (Panasonic)?

[holabuster]

Hey, guys. I recently purchased a Sony DSC-N1 for the holidays. I'm a bit disappointed by how difficult it is to take pictures in low light and how much trouble it takes to get through the menus. I'm going to return it and get a new one.

However, my current dilemma is what to look for in a camera to get sharp images, especially in low light. I needed to use ISO 400 to get bright/sharp pics with the N1 in low light and the noise was terrible. As a result, I'm looking at the Fuji Finepix F11 which is supposed to have excellent high iso capabilities. With the high ISO, i can choose a faster shutter speed and get better pictures.

At the same time, I'm wondering if an image stabilizer would be better. It would reduce camera shake and get me a sharper picture.

Could anyone explain the pros and cons of each? Which is better?

I'm leaning towards the F11. Thanks.

[holabuster]

Anyone own a Finepix F10 and can share their experiences? Thanks.

[TampaJim]

Fuji is known for having the best "low-light" abilities. That being said, dSLR may be a better option for you. If the Sony noise was terrible, the Fuji noise will be less terrible but still there most likely. P&S digital cameras are not good at dealing with low light - some are better than others, that's all.

The Konica-Minolta 5D dSLR with a 18-70AF lens can be purchased for $669.99. It is one of the two dSLR with "built-in" anti-shake technology. It would be a very nice choice for what you are trying to do.

[holabuster]

When I say the noise was terrible, I mean it was on a handheld shot inside a cave. So I guess i shouldn't expect super high quality shots without a tripod. But for less dramatic conditions, like a dinner out, I would like a camera that could easily, sharply capture those shots. Would the F10 or F11 be suitable? I definately can't stand the huge size of those dslrs.

[Norm in Fujino]

When I say the noise was terrible, I mean it was on a handheld shot inside a cave. So I guess i shouldn't expect super high quality shots without a tripod. But for less dramatic conditions, like a dinner out, I would like a camera that could easily, sharply capture those shots. Would the F10 or F11 be suitable? I definately can't stand the huge size of those dslrs.

You should also familiarize yourself with NR programs like Neatimage, Noise Ninja, and Noiseware. They are quite effective at cleaning up the noise in high-ISO shots--no matter which camera you choose.

[musky69]

I have had both cameras (actually the F10 not the F11 and the LZ2) and it depends on the subject. I have obtained great shots from both cameras. However the image stabilizer on the panasonic will not allow you to freeze a moving subject. But for portraits and scenery under low light conditions it works great.

The Fuji was a great camera and performed very well at iso 400 and 800. Iso 1600 was a little noisy but with some post processing and depending on the size of the print it will be fine.

Bottom line, it depends on the subject that you will be shooting. If you are shooting moving subjects go with the Fuji. If you are shooting more stationary subjects I would recommend the Panasonic

Cheers

[JLV]

However the image stabilizer on the panasonic will not allow you to freeze a moving subject.


I have a Panasonic FZ 20. Try changing your focusing to SPOT or CENTER. This may corect the freezing. It did for me.

[insertnamehere]

I can personally vouch for the Minolta 5D - got it yesterday and it's a great camera - the image stabilisation is useful, although it's not black magic and as such doesn't perform miracles (no slur intended).

However, it's big, heavy, and chunky, although I kinda like that (it feels overengineered, like a good machine...). So don't get it to put into your pocket. The Fuji seems like a decent compromise.