is there really a big difference between the two?

[chatfouz]

ive narrowed my selection for a new camera to a fuji 9100 or panasonic FZ-50

i would go dslr but i would break extra lenses or leave them at restaurants. ive read as many reviews as i can and for the most stuff they are basically the same quality. but Z50 has IS and 9100 has better high iso. which would yall choose?

My main use will be landscape during my year abroad study in china.

[Ken.]

I lean towards the FZ50, even though it is getting a little long in the tooth (they both are). The image stabilization is an important feature. Fuji is now just adding this feature. On the other hand, the Fuji does take AA batteries and that can be important since you can grab a pack just about anywhere. If you are more telephoto oriented the FZ50 is better, if wide-angle oriented the 9100. A lot depends on your shooting style and whether the camera is well laid out for you. I've handled a lot of camera that read right on paper and are not very nice to work with.

[David Metsky]

The high ISO of the Fuji is critical for taking low light shots by hand, especially of people or moving objects. If that is important, you won't do better then the Fuji (or the S6000).