Nikon P3 vs Fuji f31D vs Ixus SD850

marcwang · 19th January 2007

Hi Guys,

I am an amateur photographer with a decent expectation of image quality from digital cameras. I currently own a D100 and I want a pocketable camera for the occasional family trip. Which of the above cameras do you think would be a better choice?

I kinda like the Fuji, good image quality, good sensor, but the CA is just horrid. Everything white seems to be backlit with a neon blue light. Its got a great body, good manual controls and stuff.

The Nikon has the best low ISO image in my opinion. Very natural pictures, almost analogue looking. Sharp lens, but lacking in a tad bit of contrast, almost like a finger printed lens as evidence by a glow around white objects. But its battery life is a bit on the short side, plus is quite a bit larger then the rest. Its doesnt do high ISO well too.

The Ixus has 28mm which is a big plus. It doesnt do High ISOs as well as the Fuji, but with IS... it also has a 2 stop advantage. But then again... its long end, is abt 1/3 stop slower. I would say when u need ISO1600 with a fuji, u should be able to do it with ISO400 in the Canon with IS. But, the lens is soft around the corners, and the image is more watercolour like then the abv. Its smallest, which is great, but its doesnt have A priority.

WHat a difficult choice.

If only,
I could take the P3's lens + Fuji Sensor + P3's imaging processor in a IXUS body, that will be fantastic.

Rashkae · 19th January 2007

We can't have it all...

The Fuji I have to toss out right away due to the truly horrendous CA.

Not considering Olympus/Casio/Sony (Sony has Image stabilization too)?

If it's between the Nikon and the Canon, I'd pick the Canon. Corner softness is just something that's inherent in ultra-compact cams. But between the two, Anti-shake is only in the Canon, and that's a big big help when dealing with compact cams.

marcwang · 19th January 2007

Thanks for your reply. If I may correct you, the Nikon also has Vibration Reduction. However, I believe Canon has a slight edge in high ISO shooting. The Nikon image tends to resemble the smoothness of my DSLR at its lowest ISO setting.

Rashkae · 19th January 2007

Originally Posted by marcwang

Thanks for your reply. If I may correct you, the Nikon also has Vibration Reduction. However, I believe Canon has a slight edge in high ISO shooting. The Nikon image tends to resemble the smoothness of my DSLR at its lowest ISO setting.

Oooooh, that Nikon has VR already? ok, good. Well, then I'd lean towards the Nikon, especially if the image quality at low ISO is as good as you say.

ExplorerZ · 19th January 2007

Originally Posted by Rashkae

Oooooh, that Nikon has VR already? ok, good. Well, then I'd lean towards the Nikon, especially if the image quality at low ISO is as good as you say.

Nikon has already implement VR technology in their lens quite long ago (both dSLR and PnS lens)

Hacker · 19th January 2007

Some samples of my Nikon P3 shots are here:

http://www.clubsnap.org/forums/showthread.php?t=195633

19th January 2007	#1
marcwang Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: East Singapore Posts: 1,023	Nikon P3 vs Fuji f31D vs Ixus SD850 Hi Guys, I am an amateur photographer with a decent expectation of image quality from digital cameras. I currently own a D100 and I want a pocketable camera for the occasional family trip. Which of the above cameras do you think would be a better choice? I kinda like the Fuji, good image quality, good sensor, but the CA is just horrid. Everything white seems to be backlit with a neon blue light. Its got a great body, good manual controls and stuff. The Nikon has the best low ISO image in my opinion. Very natural pictures, almost analogue looking. Sharp lens, but lacking in a tad bit of contrast, almost like a finger printed lens as evidence by a glow around white objects. But its battery life is a bit on the short side, plus is quite a bit larger then the rest. Its doesnt do high ISO well too. The Ixus has 28mm which is a big plus. It doesnt do High ISOs as well as the Fuji, but with IS... it also has a 2 stop advantage. But then again... its long end, is abt 1/3 stop slower. I would say when u need ISO1600 with a fuji, u should be able to do it with ISO400 in the Canon with IS. But, the lens is soft around the corners, and the image is more watercolour like then the abv. Its smallest, which is great, but its doesnt have A priority. WHat a difficult choice. If only, I could take the P3's lens + Fuji Sensor + P3's imaging processor in a IXUS body, that will be fantastic.

19th January 2007	#2
Rashkae Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 8,312	Re: Nikon P3 vs Fuji f31D vs Ixus SD850 We can't have it all... The Fuji I have to toss out right away due to the truly horrendous CA. Not considering Olympus/Casio/Sony (Sony has Image stabilization too)? If it's between the Nikon and the Canon, I'd pick the Canon. Corner softness is just something that's inherent in ultra-compact cams. But between the two, Anti-shake is only in the Canon, and that's a big big help when dealing with compact cams.

19th January 2007	#3
marcwang Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: East Singapore Posts: 1,023	Re: Nikon P3 vs Fuji f31D vs Ixus SD850 Thanks for your reply. If I may correct you, the Nikon also has Vibration Reduction. However, I believe Canon has a slight edge in high ISO shooting. The Nikon image tends to resemble the smoothness of my DSLR at its lowest ISO setting.

19th January 2007	#6
Hacker Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cyberspace Posts: 3,033	Re: Nikon P3 vs Fuji f31D vs Ixus SD850 Some samples of my Nikon P3 shots are here: http://www.clubsnap.org/forums/showthread.php?t=195633