Reply #3: Some reviews [View All]

[priller]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms9000/

I think - with the possible exception of the Panasonic FZ30 - it's fair to say the S9000 is the about as close any manufacturer has ever come to producing a fixed-lens camera that offers real SLR-like handling and operation. It certainly looks like a DSLR, and at lower ISO settings it produces results you have to look at very closely before you can see they're not from one. On the other hand it is in many ways frustratingly far from offering a true alternative to an SLR; high ISO performance is good for a small-sensor camera, but simply doesn't compare to even the cheapest entry-level SLR. Raw performance is painfully slow, and the lack of any tools to actually process the resultant files means the S9000 doesn't offer a true 'out of the box' raw solution. There are also a couple of interface and control issues that make the experience of using it far from fluid.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S9000/S9KA.HTM

As time goes on, the falling prices of digital SLRs make it harder and harder for high-end all-in-one cameras to find a place in the market. That said though, the Fujifilm FinePix S9000 makes a pretty compelling case for itself, offering an excellent 10.7x zoom lens (that extends to a very useful wide angle equivalent focal length of 28mm) and loads of resolution at a price a hundred dollars or more less than the least expensive d-SLR equipped with only a modest 3x zoom. It doesn't quite approach the quickness or low light/high ISO prowess of most d-SLRs, but certainly does well enough in these areas to suit the needs of most amateur photographers.....This is a camera that a pure novice can start with and grow into as their skills mature. No camera is perfect, and the S9000 has its own set of foibles, but on balance, it's a great choice for enthusiast photographers on a budget.

Whenever I see a camera like this, I think "Why not just get a DSLR?" Looking at the conclusions of a few other reviews, they seem to agree somewhat. If you're new to digital photography, then getting a smaller, easier-to-use (but still with some manual controls) would probably be a better bet. Something like the Canon A620. If you've had a point-and-shoot for a while, and you're looking to move up to something more serious, I would just make the leap to DSLR.