Opinions Please!

MrPatchyPatch · Jul 9, 2011

Hey guys, im new to this forum, but im gonna be active from now on as ive really grown to love photography. I have a question that I believe you guys can help me with because of your knowledge and experience. Years ago I purchased the Sony Cybershot DSC-N1 camera. I purchased it for a concert and was just going to return it because it was pretty expensive. However, after the concert I viewed my photos and fell inlove and kept it lol. Recently I won another new camera at work..Fujifilm Finepix S1800. Now, while im not a total noob at photography, I probably dont know what you guys do. Both cameras seem to do well enough for me (until I can purchase a DSLR). However, I only want to focus on 1 of those cameras and worry about using both. Although, I love the supermacro mode on the S1800, it almost seems like my Sony gets better quality.
Which camera is better for overall quality??? I shoot most of my shots in manual mode, I know how to control shutterspeed and aperature, etc etc. But like I said, I want to focus on just 1 camera...but obviously the one that will give me the best results.

Any help is VERY appreciated! And if this isn't in the right area of posting, I really do apologize.

Thanks!!!

Kerbouchard · Jul 9, 2011

Well, I think most of us probably use DSLR's, so while I don't have any knowledge what so ever of the two cameras you are comparing, I will offer you some advice.

If it were me, I would pick the one with easiest access to the controls. Which one is it easier to change your aperture or your shutter speed? Which one is it easier for you to set a custom White Balance or change your ISO?

For me, ease of access to controls would be my deciding factor, especially if you plan to move on to the DSLR where you would be taking more control of your settings.

MrPatchyPatch · Jul 9, 2011

Kerbouchard said:
Well, I think most of us probably use DSLR's, so while I don't have any knowledge what so ever of the two cameras you are comparing, I will offer you some advice.

If it were me, I would pick the one with easiest access to the controls. Which one is it easier to change your aperture or your shutter speed? Which one is it easier for you to set a custom White Balance or change your ISO?

For me, ease of access to controls would be my deciding factor, especially if you plan to move on to the DSLR where you would be taking more control of your settings.

See, im pretty good with both for adjusting the settings. However, I should add that the Sony Cybershot doesn't offer a custom white balance. Which yes, its a bit of an issue. But should I make that the deciding factor?

Kerbouchard · Jul 9, 2011

No, your deciding factor should be which one feels better in your hands, which one is more intuitive, which one allows you to achieve the photo that you want with the least amount of effort, and which one just feels better in your hands...(yes, I put that one in there twice)

cdimitric · Jul 9, 2011

I used my gfs Fuji before and it's an ok camera. I'm excited about recieving my new camera next week: Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera w/ EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Woot!

MrPatchyPatch · Jul 9, 2011

Kerbouchard said:
No, your deciding factor should be which one feels better in your hands, which one is more intuitive, which one allows you to achieve the photo that you want with the least amount of effort, and which one just feels better in your hands...(yes, I put that one in there twice)

Thank you for your help. I appreciate you beating which one feels better in my hands into my head lol. I also appreicate your help. Just out of curiosity, did I post in the right area? or is there a section for non-DSLR users?

MrPatchyPatch · Jul 9, 2011

The Fuji S1800? Im finding really nice for macro and supermacro....but thats probably because I havent had my hands on a DSLR. Have you used or do you know anything about the Sony Cybershot DSC-N1? It's an older camera, but I love the quality as well.

Kerbouchard · Jul 9, 2011

This section is as good as any...It's kind of the dumping grounds for this forum, and most stuff gets posted here. To be picky, Photography Equipment & Products: News & Reviews would have been a better place to post, but you would have probably recieved less feedback, so...

As far as feedback on your particular P&S cameras, I'm afraid I don't have anything to add other than what I already said. Pick the one that gives you easiest access to controls and feels the best for you. The image quality on most of the newer compact or point and shoots are so close that it has more to do with the photographer and the available options than it has to do with real world quality differences. At that level of camera, it just doesn't matter all that much. All will have crappy limitations and all will have their pluses and minuses. Since you happen to have both to play with, you are better suited than just about anybody here to make a decision on which one works best for you.

Heck, pick a subject that you are generally interested in shooting, shoot it with both cameras, and decide which one you like the best. It's as good a method as any.