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Note: this camera was first sold in Jul 2005. There may be newer versions available.
Fuji FinePix S5200 Zoom
Fuji FinePix S5200 Zoom
C+
HQ Grade: C+
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"I'm in love."
  • 5 out of 5
"Excellent"
See rating based on 196 user reviews
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Question Answered!
Dale Bailey (godray) 29 pts
November 26, 2006 10:15 PM
11 people rated this question helpful, 26 people rated this question not helpful Subscribe for Email Updates for this Question

I'm looking for a extened zoom camera with good picture quality without breaking the bank. Currently I'm torn between three cameras: Panasonic DMC F

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This question is also associated with Kodak Z612, Canon S3 IS and Sony H5.

Answers This question has been answered!
Ben Keough (DeadWolfBones) 10631 pts
November 26, 2006 10:49 PM
11 people rated this answer helpful, 135 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Hi Dale,

It looks like your question got cut off, but based on the number of questions I've gotten on this topic, I'm going to guess that the three you were going to mention were the Panasonic FZ7, the Canon S3 IS, and the Sony H5. I suppose the FZ50 might sneak in there, or maybe a wildcard Olympus or Kodak, but these are essentially the big competitors.

And, honestly, they're all very good cameras. Each has its little quirks, and one might have a slight edge over the others in one performance category (the H5 has the highest resolution, for example), but really they're all pretty comparable.

Can you give me a more specific set of criteria for what you're looking for in your camera (and tell me if I'm right or wrong on my guesses--hah)? If you don't have any more exact wants/needs, my best recommendation is to go to your closest retailer (Best Buy is a good bet) and try each model out in your hands. It's usually the best way to figure out for sure which model is right for you. Good luck!

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Dale Bailey (godray) 29 pts
November 26, 2006 10:57 PM
13 people rated this answer helpful, 128 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Thanks for the reply.
Actually the three i'm looking at are the fuji s5200, kodak z612 and the FZ7. The most important feature is picture quality. Obviously, by my choices, I want an extened zoom.
Ease of use and the ability to take action pics would also be nice. I appeciate any advice or other suggestion for cameras in the same price range.
thanks again
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Ben Keough (DeadWolfBones) 10631 pts
November 26, 2006 11:18 PM
23 people rated this answer helpful, 6 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Well, hah, I guess that teaches me for being presumptuous. :)

Okay, let's see... this is still difficult. All are extremely well-rated by pro reviewers and users alike. The FZ7 has the most "cred" by far, sharing its bloodline with its much-loved big brothers FZ30 and FZ50. It's even got a perfect 5-star rating over at Amazon after 37 reviews. But the other two have over 4.5 star ratings themselves.

On a tech level, they're all very comparable. The S5200 loses the most here as it has the fewest megapixels (by one), the smallest zoom (by 2x), and the smallest LCD (by 0.7"). Perhaps most importantly, it lacks optical image stabilization (which the other two feature), which means that at the long end of the zoom it's going to be very difficult to get clear shots without resorting to a tripod.

My personal instinct is to go with the FZ7, but honestly you should try to get your hands on both it and the Z612 before making a purchase. Both cameras will give you great shots and both are easy to use, so ultimately it'll be the way the camera feels in your hand that will seal the deal. I'd also recommend giving the Canon S3 IS and the Sony H5 a look. They both stack up well against these two, in terms of both features and price. Good luck!
Best Answer
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Dale Bailey (godray) 29 pts
November 26, 2006 11:49 PM
11 people rated this answer helpful, 57 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Thanks.
I will try to get hands all of them.
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Fred 10 pts
December 7, 2006 10:54 AM
12 people rated this answer helpful, 132 people rated this answer not helpful
 
One thing to bear in mind however is that the s5200 has the best high ISO performance/lowest noise of the lot. Thais can make up a lot for IS and is in many ways more versatile.
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Shoshi 8 pts
December 16, 2006 7:28 PM
9 people rated this answer helpful, 23 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I personally am not happy w/ the Cannon s3IS. The flash is very slow to re-charge even w/ fresh batteries.
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