Must decide this weekend: Fuji S5200 vs Olympus SP510 UZ

[squirrel]

Hello everyone,

Well I've finally narrowed my decision down to 2 cameras, the Fuji FinePix S5200 Zoom or the Olympus SP-510 UZ. I have to decide by this weekend. Just to recap I will mainly be using this at indoor shows with low light and will not printing out any of them. What are your thoughts?

Compare link (http://www2.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=fuji_finepixs5200z%2Coly_sp510uz&show=all)

[robbobo]

I have had the S5200 for about 16 months. I think you will find it better in low light than the SP-510. Check out the reviews to confirm this.

[Riley]

i think its a difficult choice
the on paper specs of the Olympus look very good
but from what i hear (not that this is the best guide)
image quality is on occasion iffy
im thinking noise would have to be a deciding issue

if you had more time to decide, it would be better
but based on what i know, which isnt enough to be comfortable
i would follow the line to the Fuji

are there any image samples around ?

cheers

[squirrel]

I have had the S5200 for about 16 months. I think you will find it better in low light than the SP-510. Check out the reviews to confirm this.

I really like this camera, but has it not lost value because of its age? About the SP510, it does seem that noise is a very big issue.

[LR Max]

See which one produces a better picture (I.E. low noise) at high ISO. That is the camera you probably want.

Quality image at high ISO is what you need for indoor...just about everything. So that should be one (not the only) of your major concerns.

[robbobo]

Try here for a review of the camera from some different sites:

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Fujifilm-FinePix-S5200-Digital-Camera-Review-/Conclusion.htm

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/fuji_s5200_pg5.html

http://www.photoxels.com/fujifilm-s5200-review.html

There's a natural (non-flash, higher ISO, usually 800) light mode that does better than most of the competition. It's not perfect;there is some pixellation, but it has enabled me to take decent pictures where I couldn't otherwise with most non-DSLR cameras. This camera first came out in late summer or early fall of 2005, but for the money, I think it's still a good deal, especially for those wanting to take pictures in low light.

[squirrel]

I've been able to source a place where I can also get the Kodak Z612 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06021704kodakz612.asp)

[squirrel]

If you want to get an idea of the type of photography I'm interested in, look here (http://thisisjenna.deviantart.com/gallery/)

[robbobo]

I think the Fuji S5200 is better at ISO 800 and 1600 than the other superzooms that you have mentioned. Its ISO 800 pictures are decent though not as good as those of a DSLR and a bright lens. The Fuji S6000fd is even better if you can get close to the stage. Of course, the F30 is better yet at close up shots. I recommend the Fuji s5200.