Anyone know if Fuji plans an entry level DSLR?

[LisaD]

Hi everyone! I love this board and have learned a lot. I am a graphic designer and create digital scrapbook items . I work in PS CS2 and have recently developed an interest in photography and I have the Fuji 6000fd and I LOVE this camera!!! I have really enjoyed the thread with all the photos! terrific!
I am taking all the pictures I can to learn and amazed by the pics this camera takes.
Thanks for all the info. I really want to purchase a DSLR in the future and would lovea Fuji - but can't afford their DSLR's. I was hoping they would come out with a more reasonably priced entry level camera. Anyone know?
I have handled the Canon XTi and have use it to take pics. I do not want to hurt any Canon fans - but I really did not like it or the way several owners talked about their experience with Customer service even Best buy told me it was terrible! I do own a canon rebel 35 mm slr and am not impressed.
I was able to look at the nikon and really liked the D40 and the price point with 2 lenses. Having to have the AF limits lenses and they are expensive. I would really like a 50mm/1.4 or 1.8 and I would always have to manual focus it and with young kids that could be tricky. I do not know.
I was not able to look at a Pentax at my local stores and do not know if I would like the "feel" or looks of them. Anyone know if they are similar to the Nikon in body?
Sorry for the ramble. TIA for any thoughts _ Lisa:)

[Bynx]

I think that DSLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex. Ok I understand that, but I have a Fuji S-700 which seems to work like a DSLR. What is the difference between what I have and a DSLR? Although considered to be a point and shoot camera when I look through the viewfinder it seems to be exactly the same as my 35mm SLR.

[LisaD]

With a DSLR- it gives you more options- you can change the lenses to broaden your possibilities and you can add an additional flash to a hot shoe. i am sure others that are more knowledgeable can answer better than I can. HTH

[bascom]

DLSR has a much bigger sensor, faster shutter speed, a real shutter, optical viewfinder, higher ISO, and other advantages over a compact like the S700. None of us know if Fuji is working on an entry level DSLR.

[LisaD]

Thanks! I appreciate your reply!

[tom s]

Fuji won't make an entry level dSLR, because it would cost too much to be competitive (remember that Fuji buys Nikon bodies from Nikon and puts their sensor and electronics into it). Of course Fuji could make their own bodies, but doing so, it wouldn't be allowed to use the Nikon mount.

Remember that for a dSLR maker, entry level dSLR are only one slight % of revenue. Most revenue is due to lens and flash sales. Fuji would have to make their own mount, their own lenses and their own flashes, it would be too expensive.

Fuji is an imaging company, less so a lens company (it makes lenses for Hasselblad, but no mass production, and its Fujinon factory makes small lenses only to Fuji and HP cameras), there is no Fuji system.

But, Fujifilm is a member of 4/3 system, so they could make a 4/3SuperCCD sensor with Olympus-Sigma-Panasonic mount. :)
Never say never.
Two days ago, Fuji announced they are planning on improving SuperCCD technology. Their production will be expanded by 1. transferring all camera factories to China, 2. hiring Toshiba to produce large quantities of Fuji's sensor in their (Toshiba) factories.
This will make SuperCCD more obtainable (I guess they ran of the SuperCCD sensors, therefore 90 % of new cameras announced have the conventional Sony sensor)...Toshiba is gonna make SuperCCD for Fuji. :)

[leaftye]

Two days ago, Fuji announced they are planning on improving SuperCCD technology. Their production will be expanded by 1. transferring all camera factories to China, 2. hiring Toshiba to produce large quantities of Fuji's sensor in their (Toshiba) factories.
This will make SuperCCD more obtainable (I guess they ran of the SuperCCD sensors, therefore 90 % of new cameras announced have the conventional Sony sensor)...Toshiba is gonna make SuperCCD for Fuji. :)

Is there any new news about this? Any idea how the SuperCCD would be improved? Bigger, more megapixels, something else a newbie like me wouldn't think of?

Normally I'd be concerned about them transferring manufacturing to China, and especially to Toshiba, but as long as we (the customer) only have to deal with Fuji for support, then that's okay with me.

[StefH]

I would be very interested in the future of S-CCD, too. Due to the fact, that the new Fuji's don't have S-CCDs any more I had the impression, that they gave up this kind of sensor. A 4/3 S-CCD would be great, they could use it in a DSLR and in a Bridge, would be a great improvement to S6500/S9600. Would be something like Sony R1, just smaller.

BUT: I don't believe, that it's gonna happen :(