Best NON SLR camer(look-a-like)
 

After some advice from a pro, I decided to go for a NON SLR camera..

What is your advice for a great camera?

I am thinking of a FinePix S9000 Camera (called S9500 in Europe)

Good choice? if not, why not, and what would you advice?

I'm really pleased with the Fuji S5200. It doesn't deliver images in RAW mode, only JPEG, however the quality is great. My only complaint is that it doesn't have the manual focus/zoom controls that the retailer advertised, however I think the model you're considering has those.

I'm curious why you decided against a traditional SLR? There's not much of a price difference (here anyway) between the S9000 and a Canon Rebel XT which you could change lenses on if needed.

Reasons

1. S9000/9500 also has raw (if that really a huge advantage?)
2. I don't need to carry lenses
3. The zoom of the 9000/9500 is amazing

What would be the advantage of a SLR to this camera for semi pro usage?

whats will be main use of this? this seems a pretty big camera to carry with you

Interchangable lenses (super wide to very long not to mention wider apertures), more long term support, better sensor/ISO (but I don't think sensor attributes are really important for webwork), less noise at higher isos. Also the FinePix series does have manual focus, but it seriously sucks as it is hard to operate and because of the sensor size isn't very dramatic. Blah, blah, blah --- there are literally hundreds of reasons why a SLR is just better -- but I can definately agree with you about the carrying of the lenses.

I own a D70 and S5000 and once you start using a SLR you just don't want to go back to a PS. But I think the Fuji FinePix series is a great camera you won't go wrong with it, the colors are very rich, great focusing capability, and the range on the zoom is great but it has problems.

Thanks for the advices...Main usage: Making great pics during sailing, interesting buildings, outside evening pics, nature pics etc..

And want to print(I have them print) this on a a4 , a3 format

The highest quality setting on mine looks the same to me as a RAW image would. Well there's some very slight indications of compression in SOME images under certain circumstances, but unless you're planning on having the photos published, I wouldn't be concerned about a good jpeg vs raw format.

that is a very good option for non SLR cam!!

Thanks :thumbsup

the fuji is a fine camera

bump bump

I'm a fan of the nikon coolpix 5700 personally. A little dated now but still a pretty kickass camera for it's time, still takes marvelous photos. Best of all you can pick them up now sub $400.00 most of the time.

Thanks, when I go fot FUJI I pick the S9000/9500 but good to hear you are happy with the brand in general

Fuji makes really top notch cameras in my experience, I've had a couple of cameras from em. The one I was most impressed with was an el cheapo Finepix A303. At the time I bought it for like $175.00, it outperformed most $350-$400 consumer digicams at the time. :thumbsup

Thanks a lot

another review

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/FujifilmS9500/

Hmm I think I just should 'do' it:)

is it waterproof :winkwink:

fuji F30 might be better for ya

I need at least 5X zoom btw:)