S2 IS vs H1 vs FZ5 vs S5200

Tuga · #1 11-29-2005, 05:37 AM

Hi,

I have decided to buy my first digital camera, but i am VERY, VERY "confused".
I narrowed my search to the Canon S2 IS, Sony H1, Panasonic FZ5 and Fuji S5200 (also known as S5600).
From all these, which do you think is the best "all purpose" camera?
Image stabilization is very cool and usefull, but, in low light, with moving subjects, is it good enough?
I read a review on the S5200 that says it has excellent image quality, but compared with the others, how good is it really? Does the ability to increase ISO, without ruin the shot with noise, compensates the lack of Image Stabilization?
Since i never had a digital camera i don´t know if i really need the S5200's extra ISO. I do know however that i want to avoid using flash when possible.
Any sugestion?

Thanks for any help!

swgod98 · #2 11-29-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuga

Image stabilization is very cool and usefull, but, in low light, with moving subjects, is it good enough?

Short answer: No.

ISO 1600 on the Fuji is not that impressive, though. The point is, it's there. As an overall camera, the S5200 is a really good choice.

If you aren't too concerned about ISO 800 and 1600, IS and the higher zoom range of the other camera's will be very nice features for you...The S2 is definitely in the lead as far as "all around" feature set.

Tuga · #3 11-30-2005, 06:03 AM

Thanks for the reply swgod98.

By the way, is the feature set of S2 IS much better than the others? Excluding the rotating LCD and the movie mode, which i won´t use to often (or never).
I like S2 IS but i'm concerned with its image quality at highter ISOs. Again, i don´t really know if i need them.

What i know is that i want a durable camera. I'm not thinking in buying another in the next few years (5+).

roxydog · #4 11-30-2005, 06:29 AM

Gidday
As swgod98 says out of those cams your best bet would be the higher ISO cam-i have the S2 and FZ5 and they are definately not low light - no flash good pic cams ,although i have seen some good lowlight pics from both - must be the cameraman
Cheers Dom

swgod98 · #5 11-30-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuga

By the way, is the feature set of S2 IS much better than the others?

It's not necessarily BETTER per se, but there are more. As you mentioned, the rotating LCD. Movie mode w/ stereo sound and ability to capture while taking video. Burst mode is 2.4fps.

ISO 400 captures are not that bad in comparison to other ISO400 limited UZ camera's. In fact, quality wise, I'd venture to guess it's right about in the middle...? Of course, the S5200 at ISO400 blows the S2 away at ISO400. Still, no camera has everything! If only!!

Since you aren't concerned about video, or the rotating LCD, the H1 very well might be a good choice for you. It has a nice 2.5" LCD and the flash is supposed to be brighter than the S2. I'd even recommend the FZ5 if you are interested in the size. Some people say it doesn't feel as solid though *shrug*

Deciding on the right camera really can be a pain

Tuga · #6 11-30-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swgod98

Deciding on the right camera really can be a pain

I totally agree. I'm getting crazy

Well, there's one thing that bothers me: there are no reviews (not that i know) on the S5200 in the sites i usually see; DCRP, DPReview, Steve´s Digicams, Megapixel.net, Imaging-Resource, ...
I saw only one in Photoxels, which said good stuff about the camera. But i would also like to know the cons, which where in a certain extent neglected by the review.
Does anyone know other sites with good reviews on the S5200?
Or does anyone know the "bad things" of this camera?

Anyway, i need a camera that takes good photos outdoors and also good indoor photos of kids, dog, partys, groups (at home, restaurants, auditoriums). From time to time i will take photos at concerts, but that's not a major issue. So, maybe i don't really need the high ISOs, at least if i use flash. Or maybe i need

By the way, does S5200 have a good macro performance?

Thanks for the replies.

Jason25 · #7 11-30-2005, 11:07 AM

I use a Sony H1, have had it for about 2 months now. It's very user-friendly, and the command dial on the front is fantastic as far as manual controls go. My only real gripes are the high ISO performance (naturally, with a P&S) and the flash is overpowered, even on the lowest setting. It washes out the subject if you don't diffuse or bounce it somehow. Other than that, very nice camera!

swgod98 · #8 11-30-2005, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuga

Or does anyone know the "bad things" of this camera?

So, maybe i don't really need the high ISOs, at least if i use flash.

By the way, does S5200 have a good macro performance?

Well, people have been taking pictures with digitals for a long time now, none of which (that I know of) have had ISO over 400 until very recently. I'd also bet that a majority of people don't even use the ISO settings.

I have an uncle with a Rebel XT and he came to me asking why his pictures at indoor volleyball games were blurry...and why the recent wedding pictures he took (indoors AND outdoor at sundown) were blurry. I asked him if he knew about ISO and he was like, "wha?!?".

Anyways, I don't know much about the S5200's macro capability. As far as bad things go about it? I don't hear too much bad about it.

Risky Business · #9 11-30-2005, 01:38 PM

I have the S2 and I highly recommend it - it has a great overall feature set. For me, the good video functionality was a big selling feature (zoom/IS/pictures during filming/stereo audio).

But as far as high ISO goes, in my opinion, the 400 setting is utterly useless. If video is not that important to you, perhaps you should consider the FZ20 instead.

pas49ras · #10 11-30-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuga

Hi,
I read a review on the S5200 that says it has excellent image quality, but compared with the others, how good is it really? Does the ability to increase ISO, without ruin the shot with noise, compensates the lack of Image Stabilization?
Since i never had a digital camera i don´t know if i really need the S5200's extra ISO. I do know however that i want to avoid using flash when possible.
Any sugestion?

Thanks for any help!

I just bought a Fuji 5200 for my daughter because she shoots mostly at indoor ice skating shows and in the past, I've been totally disapointed with my attempts to get a good quality, blur free photo. I have a Nikon Coolpix 8800 with IS and its NO match for the higher ISO of the Fuji. She has taken pictures with her new camera that have knocked my socks off. The Fuji is a clear winner if you need to take pictures w/o flash or pictures of anything moving. The lack of reviews are because the camera is fairly new...