Fuji S9600 or S5600?

[richard_andmel]

Hi. I am trying to decide between two different Fuji cameras. Let me start off by saying that we have owned a Canon PowerShot A70 for about 3 years now. Mostly I leave it in auto and point and shoot. I have done a bit of night camera work with it so far, but am really a complete novice. I would like to become both a better photographer, and also learn to use more of the features of my next camera.

I became interested in the Fuji line after seeing loads of beautiful pictures taken by YEKCIM on the Disney Picture of the day thread. When I checked amazon.co.uk out to see what the price was like I saw that the S5600 is £115 and the S9600 is £242. So I had a look on Fuji's site and compared them. Below is what I found.

I put the S9600 specs in bold so it was easy to see which was which.

S9600 S5600
Resolution in megapixels -effective (recorded -relevant to cameras
with Super CCD only) 9 5.1 ( 5.1 )
Screen size (in) 2 1.8
Weight (g) 800 370
Camera size (mm) 128 x 93 x 129 114 x 85 x 112

PictureCradle - -
Digital Zoom 2x 4x
Optical Zoom 10.7x 10x
Interchangeable Lenses - -
Video out yes yes
Face detection - -

High quality movie recording yes yes
Voice memo yes yes

xD-Picture Card yes yes
SmartMedia™ Card - -
CompactFlash™ Card yes -
IBM Microdrive™ yes -

Lithium-ion battery - -
Alkaline batteries yes yes
Battery charger - -
AC power adapter - -

CMOS - -
CCD - -
SuperCCD yes -
SuperCCD HR - yes
SuperCCD SR - -
SuperCCD SR II - -

Windows yes yes
Macintosh yes yes


OK. The price difference doesn't matter to me. But at the same time I don't want to pay double for a "load of camera" that I am not going to use.

Another factor is the weight, the PowerShot A70 with it's 4 AA batteries isn't a considered a lightweight (215g without batteries). Although I have never felt it was heavy in the slightest, I don't want to lug around one twice as heavy unless it's a way better camera.

What I want is a better and faster camera I can grow into a better photographer with. I would really appreciate any advice or opinions anyone has.

Thanks,
Mel

 

[YEKCIM]

Mel,

Since you are blaming me for this, I guess I'll weigh in.

The S5600, I think, is the same camera I have, which is known as the S5200 on this side of the pond. The S9600 is the S9100 over here. There is one other I would suggest you add to your mix, the S6500fd. The S5200 is a fine camera, given the price point, but it definitely has a learning curve, at least for me. Of course, I was coming straight from film to digital, so that had a lot to do with it. The two most important features to me were the zoom range and the high-ISO performance. The latter is typically better on Fuji PnS cameras, due to the larger sensor. However, Fuji does not offer IS, as I'm sure you have found out, so that is a definite disadvantage, vis-a-vis the S3IS, H2, and others.

The main advantages of the S9600 over the S6500fd are the resolution (9MP, but don't get caught up in the megapixel war; 6MP is plenty, IMO) and the fact that it has a hot shoe for accessory flash. The S6500fd, by comparison, has a comparatively powerful onboard flash, Fuji's "face detection" technology, and a 2.5" LCD. Both cameras have the same 28-300mm (35mm equivalent) manually zoomed (no W/T rocker switch...YEA!) zoom lens, which covers a lot of really useful real estate. IMO, the 28-300 on either of these is much preferable to the 38-380mm equivalent lens on the S5200/S5600.

If I were buying a Fuji PnS superzoom today, it'd probably be the S6500fd. I suggest you read as many reviews as you can find on these cameras, and any others you may be considering, especially the sample images provided in many reviews, before making your decision. Pay particular attention to the noise and detail level of the high ISO (800+) shots. One thing I note about the S6500fd is that Fuji appears to be using some pretty aggressive noise reduction on high ISO and, while it does reduce noise, it destroys a bunch of detail as well.

Good luck; let us know if you have any additional questions.

~YEKCIM

 

[Minniemouse07]

We are actually upgrading from an old Fuji (not sure which model off the top of my head) to a Canon!

We just ordered a Canon Powershot SD750. We specifically went w/ one in the SD line because we didn't want AA batteries. Every review I've read raves about it. We picked it up off Dell's site for only $239+ tax/free shipping.

 

[richard_andmel]

One thing I note about the S6500fd is that Fuji appears to be using some pretty aggressive noise reduction on high ISO and, while it does reduce noise, it destroys a bunch of detail as well.

Is there anyway to deal with this? Possibly turn off the feature if you wanted to?

Thanks!

Mel

 

[YEKCIM]

Is there anyway to deal with this? Possibly turn off the feature if you wanted to?

Thanks!

Mel

Not absolutey certain, but don't think so. I have to say, though, that I find the ISO 800 pix from my S5200 (S5600) to be very acceptable. Here are a few examples, from Mickey's World, last year:

I would think that past 800, you might be in trouble on the S5200 (S5600) and ISO 1600 would be the limit with the S6000fd (S6500fd), although it goes up to ISO 3200. Keep in mind that the Fuji's high ISO images are going to be better than other brands' images at same ISO, and that many competitors do not even go that high, in the first place.

Here are some review images on the S6000fd (S6500fd) for comparison:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/fuji_s6000fd_samples.html

~YEKCIM

 

[richard_andmel]

Thanks YEKCIM. I read the review and have seen a few others as well. I am leaning heavily towards this option.

Mel

 

[YEKCIM]

Thanks YEKCIM. I read the review and have seen a few others as well. I am leaning heavily towards this option.

Mel

Keep in mind that on the fotlk shot, I took a couple dozen and this ONE is the only one that was sharp enough (blur-free) to print or post. I would think the S6500fd would have somewhat better ISO 1600 and, if I had to do it over again, I would have gone to 1600 on the fotlk shots and just lived with the noise, or run it thru some sort of noise reduction software. Better a sharp noisy shot than a blurry "clean" one.

I don't know that there are any other PnS cameras on the market, though, that can deliver the kind of high-ISO performance that the Fuji's do. I expect my new Nikon gear to deliver better performance, of course, but that's comparing apples to oranges, money wise, as the pix above were taken with a $225 camera, not a dSLR system.

Which camera, btw, are you leaning toward?

~YEKCIM

 

[richard_andmel]

I'm leaning towards the S6500fd.

Have you seen this review:

dpreview.com

My one concern here is that I am not sure what sort of photographer I might become, and the last sentence of that review has made me think about it. Do I have the time and patience to learn to get the most from this camera? I certainly have always had an interest in becoming a better photographer.

In the mean time I have ordered Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Pictures by Bryan Peterson after reading a good review of his Understanding Exposure book.

Any other recommendations or thoughts?

Thanks,
Mel

 

[YEKCIM]

I'm leaning towards the S6500fd.

Have you seen this review:

dpreview.com

My one concern here is that I am not sure what sort of photographer I might become, and the last sentence of that review has made me think about it. Do I have the time and patience to learn to get the most from this camera? I certainly have always had an interest in becoming a better photographer.

In the mean time I have ordered Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Pictures by Bryan Peterson after reading a good review of his Understanding Exposure book.

Any other recommendations or thoughts?

Thanks,
Mel

First off, I see that we live in the same city...sort of. I'm in the Birmingham, Alabama, USA area!

Now, on to important things, let me say that Fuji's "superzoom" cameras are about as close as you can get to a dSLR without it actually being one. My S5200 is dSLR-shaped, although much smaller and lighter and, while it is not pocketable, I do like the ergonomics. The S6500fd is larger and heavier, and also sports a much more useful (IMO) focal length range zoom, which is zoomed manually, like a dSLR, and does not use a zoom rocker switch or button. I would *much* prefer the manual zoom on my S5200.

The S5200/S5600 and the S6000fd/S6500fd both have all the usual exposure modes, such as Auto, Programmed, Aperture Preferred, Shutter Preferred, and Manual, so you have essentially the same degree of control over exposure as with a dSLR. If you progress in the hobby, I suspect that you will eventually want to move up to a dSLR, for the advantages it offers (larger sensor, interchangeable lenses, better buffer, etc), but the S6500fd should be a good camera to learn on and to get some good shots in the process. There was a pretty good learning curve on the S5200, mostly due to the fact that I was going straight from film to digital but, once I had it figured out, I was (and still am) happy with the results. In fact, my one huge fear about lugging my D50 and accessories around WDW in July, is that I won't see a quantum jump in quality between the S5200 shots taken last year, and the D50 shots this year. If that turns out to be the case, I think it will say more about the excellent quality of the Fuji than about the Nikon gear.

To summarize, I do think that the S6500fd would be a good entre' into more advanced digital photography. If, after you have gotten up to speed on the Fuji, you decide to move on to a dSLR, you'll already know the basics. If not, you'll still have a very capable "do-it-all" camera that will function just fine in the PnS mode, especially with the "face detection" technology, which I understand works very well.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm not an expert, by any stretch, but glad to share what little I've learned in the digital school of hard knocks!

~YEKCIM

 

[richard_andmel]

I think you may have answered my next question already. But it is what about comparing the S6500fd to the D50? My sister has the D50 as well, but I think she uses hers as a point and shoot mostly. She loves it, and recommends it highly. I have seen your Zoo thread and am really impressed by the pictures. I know it costs more, but that really isn't a big deal for me. As I stated in the first post, it's not the money as much as it's spending more on a camera than I may get my moneys worth out of. What I mean is, if I don't progress far beyond point and shoot, will the difference in price between the S6500fd and the D50 be worth it? (I did take a few shots for her on our last vacation and liked the feel of the camera.)

BTW, those zoo photos were gorgeous!

Thanks,
Mel

 

[YEKCIM]

I think you may have answered my next question already. But it is what about comparing the S6500fd to the D50? My sister has the D50 as well, but I think she uses hers as a point and shoot mostly. She loves it, and recommends it highly. I have seen your Zoo thread and am really impressed by the pictures. I know it costs more, but that really isn't a big deal for me. As I stated in the first post, it's not the money as much as it's spending more on a camera than I may get my moneys worth out of. What I mean is, if I don't progress far beyond point and shoot, will the difference in price between the S6500fd and the D50 be worth it? (I did take a few shots for her on our last vacation and liked the feel of the camera.)

BTW, those zoo photos were gorgeous!

Thanks,
Mel

Mel,

I would not presume to tell you which camera of the two to buy, but will give you my random thoughts and experience, as best I can.

First off, when I bought the S5200/S5600, I did so as a compromise. I had my heart set on a dSLR and came very close to ordering a Konica/Minolta 5D. About that time, though, I had some unforeseen family expenses and that quickly eliminated any thought of a near-term dSLR purchase. With my funding reduced substantially, I was forced to my fall-back position of some sort of superzoom. I considered the Sony H1, the Canon S2-IS, and the Finepix S5200. In the end, a $50 rebate on the Fuji made my mind up for me, although I was leaning in that direction anyway. The rebate just pushed me over the edge (so to speak). The reason for my preference for the Fuji was primarily the high-ISO performance, which neither the S2 nor the H1 had. Both of the others have IS, of course, but IS does not help a bit when you have *subject* motion; it only helps with camera shake.

Anyway, given the $225 after rebate cost of the S5200, I'm more than pleased with the results, and given the same circumstances, would make the same decision all over again.

Now, fast forward to January 2007. By this time, I had made substantial progress in the funding department, aided in no small measure by a generous gift from a family member, which was earmarked for a dSLR purchase. After MUCH debate, I decided upon and purchased the equipment listed below in my sig. The two D50's, the four lenses, the flash, and the memory cards ran me right at $2700 (US). If you add the large Tamrac bag and the Slik tripod I already had, the total cost of my gear is right at $3K.

Now, comparing the $225 S5200 to the $3000 D50 system, is the D50 system 13X better, since I paid 13X more money for the Nikon gear? Absolutely, unequivocally, NO! Will the D50 system do a better job taking pictures than the S5200? Yes, but a qualified "yes". Qualified, in that in some situations, the difference in image quality between the two, frankly, is not all that huge. On a bright, sunny day at WDW, a picture of Mickey's Castle (yeah, I know it's really Cinderella's, but Mickey paid for it...) will look about the same using either camera. The D50 might have a slight edge, but only slight. How about taking pictures of, say, the Beauty and the Beast show at MGM, or the Spectromagic parade? Huge advantage to the D50, due to larger sensor, and the ability to use a fast prime lens (in my case, the 50mm f/1.8). It all depends on the circumstances.

Keep in mind, too, that the S6500fd's zoom lens covers 28mm-300mm in 35mm full frame equivalence. In order to cover that range with the D50, I have two lenses, the 18-135 and the 70-300VR; the latter gives me quite a bit more reach on the telephoto end, however. And, then there is Nikon's very popular, and hard to find (or afford) 18-200VR. Comparing apples to apples, a D50 (or any other Nikon dSLR) with an 18-200VR lens would cover the same exact range as the S6500fd's lens covers, with IS thrown in for good measure. However, the cost is substantially more. A new D50 body, if you can find one, runs around $500 US, and the 18-200VR is fetching $900+, if you can find one, even though it lists for $750. So, is the D50/18-200VR combo worth $1000 (give or take) more? That's your call.

Also consider that to really exploit any dSLR's advantages to the max, you must invest in quality lenses and accessories. With the S6500fd, you have a pretty decent package, all rolled up into one piece of equipment. I'm not saying that the S6500fd is the best use of your photographic dollars (or pounds...), but that you would do well to analyze your decision in the context of return on investment, and where you think you may go in the future, photographically. If you get the Fuji, you're limited to what the camera can do, to some extent. With a D50 or any dSLR, the possibilities for expanding your photographic horizons are greatly enhanced, as dSLR's are designed to grow with your needs, thru adding lenses and other accessories. Or, it can be used as a big, bulky, high quality, PnS!

I don't think you could go very far wrong with either purchase, though. Both are, from all I know (I don't have the S6500fd; only read reviews) very capable cameras. BTW, the D50 is discontinued, but still available in limited quantities. If you do decide on a dSLR, be sure you factor in what lens(es) you will need; remember that the Fuji's 28-300mm equivalent lens covers a LOT more real estate than the 18-55mm "kit" lens that comes with a D50 unless, like me, you buy body only, and a different lens.

Good luck with your decision.

~YEKCIM

 

[richard_andmel]

Thank you very much. You have given me a lot to consider. I really appreciate the time you took in answering all of my questions. I'll let you know what I decide.

 

[richard_andmel]

I have made my decision. I am going to go with the S6500fd. I am going to learn to use it well, including all of it's features and how to get the most out of it. Then down the road if I feel the need to expand I will be a little more justified in spending the serious money you are talking about with outfitting a dSLR. Thank you so much for all of your help. I actually feel completely confident with my decision now. I may be back for advice on using my new Fuji soon.

And I promise when I get some good pictures out of it to post them.

Mel

 

[Master Mason]

I am sure you'll love your choice...

As for Yekcims comments above, he was right on. The only thing I would comment on is most folks do not have 2 body systems, lots of pros do for various reasons, but the average amature would not. When I upgrade, I will be keeping the XT and at times I imagine I will use it as the second on a two body system, but mostly it will become the camera that one of my boys will use when they go shooting with Dad.

 

[YEKCIM]

I am sure you'll love your choice...

As for Yekcims comments above, he was right on. The only thing I would comment on is most folks do not have 2 body systems, lots of pros do for various reasons, but the average amature would not. When I upgrade, I will be keeping the XT and at times I imagine I will use it as the second on a two body system, but mostly it will become the camera that one of my boys will use when they go shooting with Dad.

MM:

My 8 YO daughter is getting YEKCIM's ol' hand-me-down S5200 when we go to The World in July. I'll probably set her up a Photobucket album and post some of her shots, here. Still a great camera, and I'm sure that, toward the end of the day, I'll be wishing I were carrying it instead of a couple pounds of Nikon gear.

~YEKCIM

 

[richard_andmel]

Ok... Ordered:

1 Fuji S6500fd
1 Fuji Film 2GB XD Picture Card (already have a 512 & 256)
1 Hahnel Compact plug-in overnight AA battery charger
1 Hahnel Rechargeable NiMH AA 2350mAh Batteries (4 Pack)
1 Crumpler Crisp E 3000 Camera Bag

 

[YEKCIM]

I have made my decision. I am going to go with the S6500fd. I am going to learn to use it well, including all of it's features and how to get the most out of it. Then down the road if I feel the need to expand I will be a little more justified in spending the serious money you are talking about with outfitting a dSLR. Thank you so much for all of your help. I actually feel completely confident with my decision now. I may be back for advice on using my new Fuji soon.

And I promise when I get some good pictures out of it to post them.

Mel

I forgot to add: By all means, try the "Chrome" color mode (press the "f" button on the back to access that particular menu, if it's like the S5200). I put mine in "Chrome" mode, early on, and never switched back.

~YEKCIM

 

[richard_andmel]

Thanks. I will try that.

 

[richard_andmel]

It has arrived to my DH at work. I will be playing with it tomorrow on my day off. I have started reading Bryan Peterson's book today. If I manage to do anything good with it over the weekend I'll post my pics.

 

[YEKCIM]

It has arrived to my DH at work. I will be playing with it tomorrow on my day off. I have started reading Bryan Peterson's book today. If I manage to do anything good with it over the weekend I'll post my pics.

WooHoo! I'll bet you already have these AA's charged and ready to go. Will look forward to your pix post over the weekend. You will be a good resource, too, to anyone else who may be considering this camera, so stick around!

~YEKCIM