Fuji E550 vs HP R717? Decisions, decisions...

[dyablohunter]

OK. Before you start throwing tomatos or other vegetables at me please listen:
I know that lots of you have something against HP digital cameras and I'm not that fond of them neither but please don't reply something like "go with the E550", "whatever you do, don't buy HP" or something like that...please elaborate...it's a long term investment so I don't want to regret it later. So far I like best the Fuji E550 but I'm not sure, I need help in my decision so please tell me your opinions. Oh and I almoust forgott to ad to the list the Sony Cybershot DSC-S90 and the Samsung Digimax A6.

[swgod98]

I don't know much about the other camera models you referenced, but I have an E550. I chose it due to it's speed and features. The camera is very fast (major plus for me). It has an ISO 800 setting, though at only 3 megapixels. Noise reduction programs can clean the resulting image; I find them decent. The E550 has a very good video mode. Has a pretty good wideangle setting and 4x telephoto. Supports add on lenses/filters. Has a completely manual setting (good for user growth!). It focuses very fast.

The negatives. It is a pain in low light settings. Zooming in skyrockets the F-stop. 3 second exposure limit. LCD does not gain up. No Focus assist light. This camera is not designed for low light captures. Though it does have a manual focus mode which can easily be set to infinity (assuming you are not capturing closeup).

I have been very happy with my E550. Though due to it's shortcomings in very low light, I was actually looking around for something that could accomodate that. What I quickly realized was that EVERY camera has it's shortcomings. The E550 is a great performer. Just understand that it might be a b!tch when the lights go out.

I do have low light captures and tested the camera at night, so I fully understand the limits of this camera and am still very happy with it.

I recommend you check the features of the other camera's you list and compare them. I think it all boils down to features to be honest with you.