FinePix S9000 Vs. Lumix FZ30

[jaxomofterra]

Hello,
I'm looking to buy my first serious camera and I have read the reviews on this site but I'm a little confused by the ISO vs anti-shake/image stabelizer thing.

The FinePix doesn't have a image stabelizer, but thier solution is to up the ISO and their anti shake system. The Lumix has an image stabelizer but the ISO is capped at 400. Are both these cameras just as noisy and blury but for different reasons? Which one has a better photo quality? Is this only really an issure at the extreme zoom ranges?
(I'm not going to be doing any tripod work, just handheld tourist shots that I want to blow up and frame later)

Which one is better for a first time buyer, I read that the FinePix has a bit of a learning curve? ( i'm at the bottom ) I'm basically going to let the camera do a lot of the work automatically but I anticipate wanting to take more control as I learn more.

Am I right that both of these are basically as good as the Cannon Rebel XT with a basic lens? I really have no intention of ever buying more then one lens, can I get the same performance from either of these compared to a full D-SLR?

[GDD]

The first thing is to understand you and your use. I've looked at prosumers "rebel" and put off by the arnsel of twiddly things I'll probably never use, ie a waist of money.

I recon that the Fuji is somewhere between a "babySLR" and the bottom-middle range of a "prosumer" camera.

I do honestly thing that this camera is the best deal in its class. (Note: Having research not bought one yet)

In terms of image quality, handling (zoom/focus ring) and spec for the money I'd say the Fuji. Though the Canon S3-IS is a contendor as well as the Lumix though it doesn't have a flipscreen which is a disadvantage.

Image quality wise it is a tough call. Canon over process a picture to create a straight out of the camera richness (a little too rich). Then again its fairly compact as the lens retracts.

The Lumix seems to have noise issues which put me off. Medium size.

I have only seen 1 pic from the Fuji which had an image problem (though you have to take into account postproduction could easily resolve it). All the rest are clear as crystal.

I think everyone is being nickpiky given pro-dSLR which these are meant to be an alternative too, for less money. From my perspective I want the SLR feel at a low price, which the Fuji gives.

The Canon S3-IS is a more family orientated baby-SLR camera. Being more compact with a more versitile flip/twist screen is a good contendor.

To compare these to a dSLR shows up the fact they are good, though from an experts eye not good enough. Its fair comment. As shooting RAW for example only pro/semi pro dSLRs do this well... yet you pay the cost.

If we are being honest with outselves, the Fuji S9500 or the Can S3-IS are the options.... and its a tough call.

(I'm going to try out the Fuji soon)

[CptOfGondor]

The S2/S3 doesn't really work here because its not quite a prosumer but more of an ultra zoom.

The Fuji S9000 and the FZ30 are both really good cameras although they so suffer from quite a bit of noise. The S9000's got better noise control and a better ISO sensitivity range while the FZ-30 has a much better lens. Also check out the Konica Minolta A200. Very capable prosumer with a good lens coverage (7.1x zoom)

How ever, none of these cameras can compare to a Rebel XT in noise and ISO capability. If you want solid SLR like image quality throughout the ISO range and a good lens coverage, look no further than the Sony R1. Very good quality 24-120mm F2.8-4.8 Carl Zeiss lens, CMOS sensor - good quality and very low noise. (ISO 800-1600 kinda noisy from aggressive noise reduction but still much better than any non sLR camera.) The camera is very large but comfortable to use. Try it out to see if you like it!