Which is better: Fuji S9000 Z or Sony DSC-R1?

[jsb1077]

hi, i'm in the process of buying a camera and needs help from this forum in deciding which camera is better: Fuji Finepix S9000 or Sony DSC-R1. the reason i have narrowed down my options to these two digicams is because i take pictures mostly indoors under a low light condition. and, base on the reviews and threads i've come across these two are rated as the best peforming fixed-lens prosumer cameras in the market right now for low lighting environment. i've drooled over the Panasonic FZ30 but it's poor low light performance killed it for me (base on the sample pictures i've seen around the net).

i'm looking to replace my casio exilim Z40 and i'm ready to move up on the food chain, though not quite ready to invest on a DSLR, but willing to settle for a prosumer camera. video mode is NOT a priority. which of these camera produces the best in-camera processed pictures?

[timmciglobal]

I wouldn't buy either...

Why buy a R1 (which is the price of a dSLR) when you could just get a dSLR?

The R1's slow AF, slow buffer and higher noise then comprorable priced dSLR kills it for me. If they had a decent buffer and rapid AF then it wouldn't be that bad.

Tim

[jsb1077]

thanks for the reply!

i understand your opinion because DSLR have better quality, etc. but, to really appreciate what a DSLR can do i must invest more in lenses and other accessories. this is not something i'm prepared to do at this time or even in the near future. despite the price, if i buy a fixed lens means i dont have to spent much on the accessories other than a memory, batteries or even a flash. if i buy DSLR i gotta fork out more money on a decent lens and other essential accessories and i might end up spending twice as much as i had planned.

i just need a camera that i can use to take pictures of my family that produces a much better image than a typical compact/pocket camera.

[TampaJim]

Then grab a Canon S2, if you can find any left, before they are replaced by the S3 model. It doesn't get any better without going to a dSLR.

Ciao!!

[capedeci]

i suggest you either:

Buy Pentax IST DL for below $500, and live with the kit lens, range is limited, but its too cheap to be true. Get a 70-300 Tamron for extra $130
Buy Konica Minolta 5D for under $700, and live with the 18-70 kit lens, which is equivalent to 27-105 (quite close to R1's range) and don't get any lens/accessories


I don't suggest the Canon/Nikon systems, because:
-Their price is close to Sony R1, which kit lens range not close to R1, you have to buy lenses which are expensive. U're better off with R1 than Canon/Nikon without accessories.

Also I don't suggest to go for any of those superzooms/compact, their usable ISO maxed at 200 = poor low light performance. Getting a Fuji is better

[coldrain]

The R1's noise perfrmance is not bad at all! it beats the Canon EOS 350D in lower ISO's and only is a lot worse at ISO 1600.

The R1 has one big plus over DSLR's and that is its live preview on the LCD.
Its biggest drawback is the limitted tele range of its lens, and you can not exchange lenses.

The s9000 of course has a bigger tele reach, but it does not go as wide (28 vs 24mm for the R1). Its sensor is a lot smaller, and in comparisson it delivers a softer image.

All 3 options are very different.... you first have to decide what you find important.

[jsb1077]

TampaJim:
the reason preference are the Fuji & Sony is because they have manual zoom & focus ring, similar to a DSLR.

capedeci:
you're suggestion of Pentax is interesting but i read in one of the review that it's JPEG image quality is not that good. the reviewer said that to get the best out the camera you have shoot strictly in RAW. but then the problem is i'm going to have to convert it and so forth, and this is the kind of hassle i'm trying to avoid.

coldrain:
actually, telephoto is not an issue for me. like i said, i'm taking mostly potraits of my kids and/or family during family gatherings. so, base on your opinion it may look like the best choice for would be the R1, huh?

by the way, i've seen sample pictures of the R1 dpreview and dcresource and it actually produces an ok picture even at ISO 800. what i meant by OK is that its noise is still fairly low and a non-issue for 4x6 prints. same as the Fuji too except the image is a tad softer than the R1.

well, thanks a bunch for all of your inputs. i'd be happy to get more input from others who have experience with either of these cameras and their take on it.

[michael1973]

I would go for the R1, because it will fit your needs perfectly (because of the great wideangle capability and the best image quality of all bridge cameras)...I am an owner of the S9000 and this cam is also very good (and less expensive) and more versatile. If you don't like to pp your S9000 pictures you can modify the sharpness via the menue (sharpening is off by default)...finally the decision is up to you...both cams are great!

[capedeci]

Hmm... Do you know that poor JPG quality isn't easily noticeable? At a glance, without extreme 200% zooms, honestly I never realized the difference between STANDARD - FINE - EXTRA FINE. I maybe stupid, but that's my experience on my Sony cameras and KM ones. But just to be safe I just shot at the highest JPG setting.

And i'm sure R1 will not be a bad camera, it has many happy users. Just be sure to spend the money wisely, and R1 is quite a bargain if you can utilize the lens that worth the $1000;)