[nin]

Hello, I'm just about to buy a new camera. I would be using the camera to take weather photos (thunderstorms lightning etc), family photos indoors and outdoors. Animal photos particularly horse photos and sporting events.

I have two options based on what I can afford,

Fujifilm Finepix S9600 or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50, these are the two I have been looking at, though I am open to opinions I would love to know which of the two to choose from LOL I know big ask. I have read reviews and both cameras seem to be good value for money, and many people seem to be very happy with their choices.

But which one to choose from I need some opinions please

[Dabhand16]

These are both fine cameras. I don't have personal experience of either of them, but there are some Fuji users in the community who will no doubt give you a rundown. It would probably be more use to you if they mention any snags or things they think could be better rather than just say how good they are.

It is unlikely you will find anyone who has used both cameras, so a direct comparison is unlikely.

Best advice I can offer is to handle both cameras and see which one feels right, and you find easiest to change the settings like apature, shutter speed and ISO etc. You are sure to find one will be more comfortable than the other. Go for that one.

[Markulous]

You might want to cast your eye down this thread:
Which Bridge Camera to Buy?

[fionaB]

well i have the 9500 which is the model before the 9600 ( virtually identical with very very minor differences) and the one thing i would say is that If you are going to be using it for sporting events the 9500 is not the quickest at focusing and if you shoot in RAW DONT if you want to be taking a lot of shots quickly cos you are talking about 8 seconds to write one RAW image! and continuous shooting doesnt work with RAW

Fi

[VinnyP]

Again I have the older Panasonic FZ30 and unless it has really improved RAW is very slow to write as well wheras JPG is 3fps, this is common with Bridge cameras.

The Leica lens is very good and the handling is very close to an SLR (2 dial input and lens mounted rings for zoom and manual focus). I also have an old Fuji S5100 which lives in the boot of my car and it still is a good little camera so I am sure the S9600 is great as well. Try them both see which one feels best, that will be the clincher.

[nin]

Thanks so much for the information. My hubby is buying the camera for me for my Birthday. And he has asked me which one I want LOL, being in a small town I haven't been able to find either of these cameras so don't think I will be able to try them before the hubby buys, his away with work at the moment and is able to purchase the cameras there.

I own the S3500 Fuji which I like using, I'm just after a camera with more choices I have seen photos taken from the S9500 and I was impressed they were lightning photos they were very nice

I think I will have to take a look around and see if I can find some images taken from the Panasonic, another brand that I truly trust as I own a pana camcorder LOL

Thanks for the Link to the other thread It has helped.

Thankyou all

[fionaB]

i had the 3500 as well and it is a cracking camera. moved from that to the 6900.......... then onto the 9500 and I havent been disappointed!

Fi

[nin]

Hi Fi and thankyou for your posts I'm unsure what RAW is, LOL I'm pretty new to anything other than the s3500. Would you mind explaining what RAW is to me please

Thanks

[Dabhand16]

RAW is a file format. there are three basic types of image files produced by digital cameras. The most common, and available on most, if not all digital cameras is JPEG. This type of file uses a compression technology that is pretty good, but does discard information in order to reduce the file sizes. Also, the camera will process the files to an extent in the saving process. You can have some influence on these processes with some cameras - sharpening - saturation etc. Usually there are three choices in JPEG - high quality, medium and basic. a lot of people are quite happy to use this file type.

TIFF (or TIF) image files are less commonly used, but are better than JPEG inasmuch as they do not discard information, but as a result, the file sizes are bigger. This means that you get fewer images on your memory card, but with the price of cards dropping all of the time, this is less of an issue that it was.

Finally there are the RAW files. A lot (most) of compact and some bridge cameras will not have the capability of working with these file types. These are the largest size image files, and are not processed in cameras, so need more work on the computer to produce the final image. They are also the most flexible, just like a digital negative.

If you are just starting you digital journey, the ability of a camera to use RAW files is not essential, but depending how this wonderful hobby grabs you, you might regret not having them in the future when you appreciate the additional control they provide.

HTH

[fionaB]

wonderfully put Graham!

i know that when i had the 6900 the ability to eventually shoot in RAW was one of the things that pushed me to upgrade, and as someone who has ust started shooting in RAW i have a lot to learn BUT i can also see the benefits of it!

Fi

[nin]

Thanks so much, that was so well written that even me the Photographically Challenged person could understand.

Fi after reading your posts, I think I have made my mind up I guess because you were once in my position and have moved on. SO I really appreciate your comments.

Thank you to everyone, now once I get this camera I hope I can share some of the images I take. Don't be too harsh