I am confused as to what camera to buy

[Marburg]

I currently have a Fuji S9100 and I am looking for something similar in the same class or in DSLR.

My budget is less than $1,000
The size should be comparable to the Fuji S9100
9-10 Megapixels
I want an optical viewfinder and a rotating LCD (2.5 inches)
The optical 10x-12x
Image quality is extremely important 10
I want manual and automatic controls
I want image stablization
The ability to shoot in low light is extremely important
The ability to shoot action shots is important
I will be using the camera for all types: portraits, action, indoors, outdoors, stills, etc.
I will be making all size prints from 2x2 to 17x24

I've been considering Canon EOS or Rebel.

Fuji cameras do not do well with low light.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Marburg

[AndyfromVA]

If I had $1000 to spend on a camera, I'd probably go for the Pentax K20d or the Canon XSi.

[speaklightly]

Marburg-

Because you are going to have to have another lens over and above the kit lens, I would suggest that you target the Canon XS camera. That way you would have funds for accessories and another lens.

Sarah Joyce

[Marburg]

Thank you both! I will look into the Canon and Pentax series

[Marburg]

Hi Sarah,

How well does the Canon XS perform under low light situations? How is the purple fringing problem? (Fuji has a known purple fringing issue and does not perform well under low light). What about image stablization?

Thanks
Marburg

Marburg-

Because you are going to have to have another lens over and above the kit lens, I would suggest that you target the Canon XS camera. That way you would have funds for accessories and another lens.

Sarah Joyce

[pas49ras]

The Canons DSLR are best in class for high ISO preformance, this is what Jeff said in his review of the XS..."The Rebel XS did a fantastic job with this test. Images are noise free through ISO 800. You'll see a bit of noise and a drop in exposure at ISO 1600, but that shouldn't prevent you from making a midsize or large print at that sensitivity. Color me impressed!" Purple fringing is a lens issue and IS on the Canons are in the lens,you must buy a IS lens to get that feature.

[speaklightly]

Marburg-

The Canon XS has received excellent professional reviews. For both the Canon line and the Nikon line, if you desire IS it had to be in each individual lens. Olympus, Pentax,and Sony feature the IS module in the camera body so that every lens installed on one of those camera bodies gives the lens the IS capability.

Sarah Joyce

[Marburg]

Thank you Doug and Sarah.

Marburg