I have been taking pictures with my Canon G1 for some years now. Now it's time for me to choose a faster and better camera.

First I was considering the Pro1 or Coolpix 8700/8800, because they seem very good quality cameras. Then I noticed the A200 and what I liked very much about this camera is the manual zoom. However maybe the picture quality is a little less?

Bottom line: I am looking for an affordable camera (price range € 500-600). It needs to be fast, have excellent picture quality and is fun to use.Also a manual zoom is a big advantage. I think I do not need an SLR camera, because for me there is no need to change lenses.

Please advice. I'd also consider other brands.

Take a look at the new Fuji S9000...I think it meets all of your requirements. Go to the Fujifilm forum here...there's a wealth of information available.

the Hun

Raimundo-

I think that Rinni is very correct. The Fuji S-9000 is most probably your best choice. The Canon Pro-1, and the Nikon 8700/8800 have very slow startup, exposure, and shot to shot times. Just check the reviews. The KM A-200 does not set any speed records as well.

Sarah Joyce

Thanks for the replies.

The Fuji S9000 (S9500 in Europe) certainly seems a very good one. Now the choice is either the Fuji S9500 or the KM A200. Both having more than enough megapixels.

The KM A200 has image stabiliser and a lower price, whereas the S9500 has an advanced Super CCD HR. What other pros and cons can you suggest?

Since the A200 is already a year old, won't there be a successor to this camera soon?

Raimundo-

There are no replacements for the KM A-200 that I have heard mentioned. However, in all fairness, KM have probably had there hands full with the KM 5D intro. Maybe now is the time for an a-200 replacement.

Sarah Joyce