I bought my Fuji S-9500 because I really wanted an S-series camera, and it's about as high up as you can go. It's literally one step down from an entry-level DSLR. The only thing that stopped me making that extra step is price. I have other things that are more important for me to spend money on (or not as the case may be) right now than what sis to me at this stage only a hobby. I also got a VERY excellent price on my camera ($6 more than wholesale), so that really clinched it for me. My other camera is a Canon T-70 which was given (!!) to me a few years ago and doesn't get used nearly as often as it should. I have to say I'm addicted to all the advantages that straight-to-digital imaging offers. I've only owned my S-9500 for 4 days, but I love it allready.