Need help in a prosumer camera.

[kit_fisto]

Can't seem to decide which prosumer camera to get. I need something that has a least 6X optical zoom, low noise levels at high ISO, image stabilizer and EVF. Budget less than $900+. Was thinking of Canon S3IS but I'm not too sure, or Panasonic FZ50. It has EVF, OIS and has a good zoom. Any ideas?

[night86mare]

Low noise levels at high ISO with image stabiliser.

Forget about it.

You'd find it hard to get low noise levels at high ISO in most non-DSLRs. Sensor size is just not big enough to exclude that. Not sure if Sony R1 got image stabiliser, but that's a choice, so's Fujifilm 6500fd. The latter definitely does not have any IS though.

Most Panny cameras have low noise levels at high ISO - why? Because the noise reduction algorithm thing is very aggressive. The cost? Loss of detail. Watercolour effects.

I guess S3 IS or H2/5 would be a good bet taking your budget into account. Both have decent trade-off with regards to noise reduction and preserving of detail. But there will still be noticeable noise.

[ExplorerZ]

Originally Posted by kit_fisto Can't seem to decide which prosumer camera to get. I need something that has a least 6X optical zoom, low noise levels at high ISO, image stabilizer and EVF. Budget less than $900+. Was thinking of Canon S3IS but I'm not too sure, or Panasonic FZ50. It has EVF, OIS and has a good zoom. Any ideas?

none that fits.

[lunas]

I am Happy with my H5.

Check out my pictures taken with H5. Well....not the best

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alpha_lunas/

[Jack50N]

Originally Posted by kit_fisto Can't seem to decide which prosumer camera to get. I need something that has a least 6X optical zoom, low noise levels at high ISO, image stabilizer and EVF. Budget less than $900+. Was thinking of Canon S3IS but I'm not too sure, or Panasonic FZ50. It has EVF, OIS and has a good zoom. Any ideas?

Fuji may be better in terms of noise control.

FZ-50 has got stabilizer but not suitable for higher ISO...

But speaking of the truth, you seems like looking for a "Perfect" Prosumer with all the good points in a camera. So I think you may have to make a choice between the models in the market. What I can say is list your needs in order and get the camera which able to fit your most needy need

But hope you will come and join the FZ-50 family

[Rashkae]

There is no "Perfect" prosumer. But the upcoming H9 looks like it'll come close!

[night86mare]

Originally Posted by Rashkae There is no "Perfect" prosumer. But the upcoming H9 looks like it'll come close!

Selling Sony again!
Battery life like not so good, leh! Based on paper la, that is.

[slooow]

fz-50 seems like the best out there now ghehe

[kruger]

I think the olympus Sp-550 UZ would be almost the all in one prosumer camera, http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...ly_sp550uz.asp

[kit_fisto]

Tough choice...hmmmm seems like there's nothing much from Nikon. The Sony H5 seems promising, but memory stick leh...sianz..

[Adelfin]

i'd suggest the olumpus sp-550uz too... based on specs it looks really good and value for money.. but pls look at some test shots before u decide....

[fv18m]

Agreed. There will not be a prefect cam. Just one that fulfills most of your criteria. If there was 1 brand for perfect Cam (P&S, Prosumer, DSLR or SLR), it would definitely put the rest of the brands to "Sleep".

However, the Big boys will not have that. That's the reason they choose 1 or 2 strength (i.e. Technology they specialise in), and continue to refine it.

Seems like TS already have the things in mind which he thinks is important. Next step is to proritise, and suss out the not-so-important...

Have fun with ALL the dilemma you'll be facing. Had that a few months back.

Originally Posted by Rashkae There is no "Perfect" prosumer. But the upcoming H9 looks like it'll come close!

[cheersjy]

Originally Posted by kit_fisto Tough choice...hmmmm seems like there's nothing much from Nikon. The Sony H5 seems promising, but memory stick leh...sianz..

You don't have to worry about the use of MS. You just need to have one MS (usually comes free when u purchase the cam) and get a portable storage device such as this: http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=259742 or these: http://www.eastgear.com/shop/index.php?cPath=17 . After the MS is full, save all files to the hardisk and then recycle the MS. One piece of MS can allow you to travel the world liao! (but bring 1 more pcs as backup lah!).

[kit_fisto]

The Olympus sp-550uz seems pretty neat. Like the look of it. Wonder how does it feel.

[ExplorerZ]

Originally Posted by kit_fisto The Olympus sp-550uz seems pretty neat. Like the look of it. Wonder how does it feel.

imho, i hate their menu... can't go straight back to live preview mode(photo capturing mode) by just clicking on the shutter... the d**n thing will automatically revert back to the menu after a few second...