Fuji Finepix S9600, or Pentax K100D. Which should I buy?

Question

I'm going to buy one or the other. Both have pros and cons in equal measures, and as a result I simply can't decide between them.

S5600 Pros...
9 megapixels and Fujis super CCD technology.
10x optical zoom which also handles macro extremely well.
Fixed lens which prevents dust from getting to the sensor.
Live preview in the LCD which also tilts to allow photos from awkward angles.
Will do videos.
Low cost at around £200 (that's over £100 cheaper than the pentax), which means it's the closest thing you can buy to a DSLR for that price.

S9600 Cons...
Electronic viewfinder.
Non interchangeable lenses (I know I quoted this as a pro, but I also see it as a con for different reasons).
It's not a DSLR.

K100D Pros...
Larger sensor.
Optical viewfinder.
Interchangeable lenses.
Faster shooting in burst modes.
It's a DSLR.

K100D Cons...
Kit lens only has a 3x zoom.
Interchangeable lenses means dust on sensors.
Lower megapixel count.
Much higher price tag.

I should add that price really is a big issue for me, as I'm definitely not a wealthy man.

Answer 1

Since you are not a wealthy man get the Fuji. If you get the Pentax you will be spending money on lenses and they will add up. Unless you get a Tamron or Pentax 18 - 250 MM lens as a one lens setup, but that's another $500 - $600 US that you will spend.

Answer 2

Pentax. IMO no contest.

Its larger sensor more than compensates for a lower pixel count*. Every K-mount lens made since 1975 will mount to the Pentax. Yes they'll be manual focus but since Pentax has its Image Stabilization in the camera body they will take advantage of it. That gives you a lot of quality glass to choose from.

Having used an SLR since 1971, I simply can't imagine not having a direct view through the lens and the ability to change lenses when needed.

IMO you're worrying needlessly about getting the sensor dusty. If you are careful, keep the camera body pointed down when changing lenses and avoid changing lenses in a dust storm you shouldn't have a problem.

* The Nov. 2007 issue of Shutterbug Magazine had an interesting article titled: "The Pros & Cons of Pixel Packing". You can read it on-line at shutterbug.com.

Answer 3

Pentax K100D. No question. You'll get better images, particularly at higher ISOs. The sensor is physically larger. The camera will grow with you. You can add additional lenses later as your needs change.

Ignore the megapixel count. The Pentax will do better than an S9600 with more megapixels, just because the sensor is actually larger.

Answer 4

These two camera can not compare to each other as they are difference format DSLR like and TrueDSLR.

The Interchangable lenses is the key. as for K100D you have many choice of lennes to buy from fisheyes to supertelephoto.
If you have more money to spend this is your choice. And you will love it as there are no limit for your imagination and money.

For S9600 once you buy you have to spend a little money on external flash and memory only. They don't have many accessories to play with. But you still have fun time for shooting Video too.