The S9600 offers only a few minor improvements to what was already an outstanding enthusiast’s camera. If you’ve already got an S9500 it’s probably not worth upgrading, but if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a digital SLR, or a second camera for when you don’t want to cart your whole kit around, the S9600 is the best choice on the market.

For all the other folks who could care less about a DSLR, the Fuji is an extremely attractive proposition. The camera makes great images at full auto right out of the box, so the novice photographer can expect good results on a variety of shots, while at the same time having a camera with features they can grow into and make use of as their skill/knowledge increases. For more advanced shooters, the Fuji offers the ability to customize camera functions that would have to please all but the pickiest of users.

In and of itself, I think the S9100 is a good camera. It is extremely easy to use and after a few minutes with the instructions almost anyone will be able to do things once reserved for camera geeks, like take multiple exposures, shoot with manual zoom/focus, or adjust exposure time in an instant with a thumb wheel. It also gives the versatility of a point-and-click with its ability to shoot movies and never need a new lens.