The choice was, among other things, the Canon S3 IS, Panasonic DMC-FZ50 and Sony DSC-H5.
The main reason why I have decided for the S6500fd, is the extreme NOISE. With sunshine all these cameras make similarly good images, but unfortunately the sun shines just not always ...
... In low light you have, consequently, photosensitivity, so turn up the ISO value. Alternatively you could to about 5 meters should switch the flash, but this unfortunately changed the atmosphere can affect colors differently, and often undesirable / prohibited when shooting.
Fuji has built into the chip of the S6500fd with regard to superb noise F30 -> Camera eg roars at ISO 800 considerably less than the Canon S3 IS at ISO 400! Although the Panasonic and Sony noise even at ISO800 not too strong, but lose by extreme noise reduction very many details.
Also shooting at ISO1600, you can still use good if you do not too large deductions, ISO3200 I would, however, only used if no other photo would be possible.
The competitors are the Fuji ahead when it comes to maximum focal length -> most provide 420mm (KB-equivalent). For the maximum WIDE these lenses is 35mm, the Fuji, however, starts at 28mm, which has proven to be highly enjoyable.
(You wonder: most of the photos makes it likely in the range of 0-4fachem zoom, maximum telephoto you rarely use)
What has most of the other cameras of Fuji ahead, is an image stabilizer. This is partly offset by the higher usable ISO values. One must also be borne in mind: an image stabilizer can only compensate for hand shake of the photographer, not the movement of the object - here only help higher ISO values!
For clarity, a compilation of the Pro and cons.:
BENEFITS:
- High noise performance
- 28mm wide angle is very pleasant.
- Focus and exposure seems to me quite safe. Except in high-speed mode is not so, but this seems to me anyway not really necessary, focus is otherwise fast enough.
- Manual zoom -> if you're used to it, you want to the Tastendrückerei no longer ...;)
- Good ergonomics
- Face Detection pleasant for self-portraits
DISADVANTAGES:
- Plastic tripod socket (have several competitors unfortunately, S3 IS, for example -> me absolutely incomprehensible)
- Has viewfinder rather low resolution (still I use now mainly this -> I realize that I then much calmer Camera hold, I also like the SLR-like operation ...;))
- In some situations, an image stabilizer would be pleasant by the noise susceptibility of the competitors I see this but not at an advantage.
- No dial for aperture / shutter speed. (9600 is the subject, which, however, unfortunately, more rushes, thus is not an option for me)
- No swiveling monitor (also of 9600 reserved)
All in all I am very satisfied with the camera - it's fun to take pictures of it, quality is wonderful.