We're about to buy an SLR and wonder if anyone knows if there's anything wrong with this particular brand or model. Sorry for imposing but I don't know whom else to ask and I trust folks here.
It's a Fuji Fujipix S9100.  Looks pretty slick to me but I don't know anything about Fuji cameras. Anybody had any experience with these?

ken

Attached Link: Fuji S9600/9100

The Fuji S9100, which in Aus is the new S9600 (go figure) seems like a nice feature packed and compact, SLR "like" camera. I wrote "SLR" like because its not actually an SLR camera. Dont be discouraged though, these babies have all the features you would find in a SLR camera but without all that lens changing business:)

I was going to buy the model before this one, the S9500, and from what I could tell its right at the top of the P&S market. I would still consider getting an actual SLR camera, this will also depend on what you want to shoot and how serious you want to get. The S9100 has plenty of focal length and covers a large area from 28-300mm, which is going to keep you pretty happy. It even has a ridiculously close focus range for macro work. Really you need to some things up, do you want to be able to buy and change to new lenses? Do you want to carry all those lenses around? Or would you like a camera that can do everything (almost) a consumer SLR can do?

Best bet, go and have a good play with the camera at your local cam shop, maybe even try a couple SLR's while your there and then decide only after your 100% comfortable with what your spending your hard earned cash on.

There is a link at the top of the page for a mini review and detailed specs.

Well good luck and happy shooting;)

Michael.

Wow! Thanks for all the info! I thought this was an SLR because of one article I read calling it an SLR style camera, the operative word being style I guess. If its range is fairly decent then I see no need for changing lenses. If I get to where I need super-duper zooms then maybe I'll think about something else. I'm not a private investigator or poparazzo just yet! :^) I'll take your advice and go play with them a little, but I think I'm pretty much settled on this, partially because I can get a good deal on it. Plus it would be a giant advance over the 8 year old 2 megapixel compact digital that I have been using. 

Thanks again,
ken

Michael has given some great advice Ken, and will be a great leap forward for you, while you are there you can look at some other models... Certainly for this type of camera it offers fine value for money.. At a bargain price.. Go for it..

One thing to play with at a cam store is actually firing the shutter. You find your subject (product in the aisle) and fire - see  how long it takes to decide if it is in focus and then fires the shutter.

Fuji has always made good P&S and DSLR cams - but a problem with P&S and EVF (Electronic ViewFinder - not looking through the lens using a mirror or prism relay - but actually digital viewing off of the sensor itself) cameras is a delay between when you press the shutter and it actually FIRES - something that royally ticks my wife off with our Nikon 5700 whereas my D100 and D200 fire immediately.

And get an extra battery! EVF fixed lens cams eat them FAST!
Hope that helps-
-Lew ;-)

Thanks, Lew. We've got a bunch of rechargable batteries for our old camera, so that won't be a problem. Plus, what we've been using is a P&S so we're used to a little delay. I've heard that this (S9100) is not your typical P&S and acts more like an SLR, or somewhere in between. The proof will be in the pudding, but it's sure to be a big step up from what we were using before - a Kodak DC240 Digital Zoom. It's seven years old and the epitome of P&S. 

thanks again,
Ken

Sounds like you've got your mind set Ken. Congrats on your decision and be sure to share your impressions and photos with us! :)

Well, if I check one out at the store and it's not what I expect,  let's just say my mind's still open. If I could get the deal I can on this for a full SLR I would probably go that way, but resources being what they are . . .  
Thanks everybody, for your input. I'll let you know what happens.
Ken

Attached Link: ebay DSLR

I have a little experience with Fuji cams, which I hope may help you out a little.
The FujiFinepix series of camera's are great, when it comes to price and included features (hence the like DSLR tag they include). People tend to be fooled by the megapixel "race" though, and assume that the higher the megapixel, the better the image, which isnt actually true at all. What Fuji have done is kept a small CCD, and just basically (in laymans terms) crammed more sensors onto it, which enables you print HUGE prints, but because of the small CCD, the images tend to have a lot of noise...unfortunately. I use a Fuji Finepix S5600 from time to time, which is a 5.1 megapixel camera... but I have taken far better shots with a 4 megapixel Canon Powershot, point and shoot camera, with more clarity. Better images stem from great lenses, basically. IMHO the  350D, 40D etc etc... are  fab entry level DSLR's with acceptable lenses.

I am unsure of what you were quoted for the Fuji, but if I were you (you living in the US) I would perhaps have a bit of a squizz around ebay first before comming to any decision. I have included a link for you, so you can maybe compare prices. Some of the folks over at ebay sell new kits that include storage media, tripods, bags etc...in with the deal.

http://photography.listings.ebay.com/Digital-Cameras_Digital-SLR_W0QQfromZR4QQsacatZ43453QQsocmdZListingItemList

I hope this helps you out :)

Thomas

Just a couple of cool features I noticed about this camera..

It will take BOTH XD and CF cards..It's good to options !!

Nice ISO range..

The ability to shoot in RAW mode..

Full manual mode...

Nice set of features..

Attached Link: IS-1

 http://excalibur.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1405286

or the example shot here.

I'm familiarizing myself with the various modes and settings. This is a giant leap from the P&S we had been using. It still does P&S pretty well (Brenda breathes a sigh of relief. lol!), but yes, you can get as involved in the settings as you want, so I'm very happy.

Thanks, everybody, for all your help!

Ken

Fabulous Ken! I am glad you are happy with your purchase, I am sure it will be a great photographic companion for a long time to come. :'D ps. Try fitting it with a Hoya R72 filter and taking some long exposure tripod photos...you can probably still get some IR shots with it that way.

Congrats Ken:)

Michael

Sweet! Happy shooting Ken!
-Lew ;-)