Looking for a GOOD non-SLR camera!

[andy_fozzy]

Hi all.
Thinking of giving up my D-SLR camera and going for a decent compact/bridge camera.

Now I've done this before, and went back to a D-SLR due to the poor quality of my shots (tried a Canon S3 IS).
Now considering maybe the S5 IS or one of the Fuji camera's.

I know I'm not going to get the same quality I would with a non-SLR, but can anyone recommend a good alternative to SLR?
Looking for excellent picture quality, good zoom and possibly image stabilizer.

Any advice would be very much appreciated

[jamesbryan17]

Canon Powershot G9 maybe

[SomeVorn]

The olympus sp-550 has got some good reviews, I own (although don't really use anymore) the sp-510 which is a step down, a great bridge camera that offered a 10x zoom and 6mp sensor.

The optics in this range of cameras are imho fantastic. Mine has got a big LCD screen, 2.8 aperture, the on camera flash is actually very very good as well (although you're limited creatively) and finally it has a range of customisable options etc.

The one problem I had with mine towards the end was the shutter lag, I hated losing the image for a second etc. Also I don't know if the sp-550 is the same, but mine has a electronic viewfinder (hence the lag) - its weird because you might as well be using the LCD screen but you get used to it.

[mjcairney]

Hi, I am getting closer and closer to buying a Panasonic DMC-FZ50 and started a thread here to get an idea - have a look, it may help.

Cheers,

Martin.

[senu]

Originally Posted by mjcairney

Hi, I am getting closer and closer to buying a Panasonic DMC-FZ50 and started a thread here to get an idea - have a look, it may help.

Cheers,

Martin.

I second that motion

[danburbridge]

Leica M8

what? its not an SLR and its has VERY good IQ (not to mention ridiculously good build quality) just don't ask about the price....