Fujifilm FinePix HS50 Digital Camera - Black (16 MP, 42x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD

Haven't yet fully explored all the features on the HS50 but as a 'happy snapper' (with 'serious photographic pretensions' when I've got the time maybe) I'm really impressed with how easy it is to handle this camera. In particular I just can't believe how clear and wobble-free are pictures taken snap-shot style at full zoom (1000mm equivalent) and without a tripod - even when standing out in the open in a strong breeze, and taking a picture of a moving object. And it is also possible to zoom in even quite a bit further on the resulting image before it loses it's clarity. The panorama effect (up to 360 degrees) is very forgiving; in fact the biggest problem I had initially was that I was panning too slowly and trying to be too carefull - whereas the camera just wanted me to get on with it. And then the camera automatically stitches the panorama together as soon as you have finished shooting. The electronic viewfinder is so good that it's easy to forget that it is electronic and not optical. Not unexpectedly, there is a good bunch of filters etc to keep you amused whilst you are pretending to be a good photographer (and maybe help you to discover that you actually are). I'm not qualified to make a technical assessment of the camera's features or how comparatively good they are (but there are plenty of reviews available online by those who are - and I probably read most of them before I bought) but I think I can safely say that there isn't much to be scared of. 'Real' photographers might not take this type of equipment too seriously but for the occasional photographer with a bit of a creative streak and who wants to take the occasional bit of video footage I would happily recommend this camera. Since buying the HS50 I don't think my DSLR will be getting too many outings in the future. When I started looking at bridge cameras it was at cheaper models. However, the missing or lower standard features on cheaper models would very soon have led to me being disappointed with what I'd bought. I don't think I'm either going to be disappointed with the HS50 anytime soon or going to resent spending the extra money.

I bought this camera as a replacement for my HS20 (surprisingly, a camera can not withstand being thrown out of backpack onto a concrete floor, but i assure you, this is more a design flaw in me, than in the cameras).The camera has an excellent auto setting. If you use the EXR setting you can pretty much take pictures all the time. The only times I really need to manually change an option is when I try to take pictures of fast moving objects in the dark (dancers or something). It has a fully manual mode as well where you can set the parameters of the camera yourself.The pictures are of an excellent quality, you can see all the details, they are sharp and crisp in color.One of the main selling points is, I think, the zoom, few system cameras provide such a large zoom, and even when fully zoomed in the pictures stay sharp.It also has several special modes which I like that give you a special look for the pictures (pictures with only blue/red/... or dynamic colors) granted, most of these options are available in photoshop type programs, but it is a nice way to quickly create special pictures.Menu wise it is a very clear and easy to use camera (though I have had several Fujifilm finepix cameras so I was used to the way they set up their menus).Overall, this camera is easy to use, has several advanced options you can use to create the perfect picture.

I was considering buying a Canon dslr as my Canon ixus compact has been great, and still does take nice photos. However i wanted something with a larger zoom. But by the time you have purchased a decent zoom lense dslrs were out of my price range.I did some research online and discovered that a bridge could offer this. I originally looked at the Canon PowerShot sx 50 hs because my Canon compact had been so good, however I didn't like the idea of a motorized zoom. More to go wrong plus it drains battery.I'm so glad I chose the fujifilm. The autofocus is nearly instant, it makes such a difference. I went to an airshow recently and got some cracking shots of a Spitfire flying overhead, even with the zoom at 30x there is no judder or motion blur just crisp photos. I got some great long range photos down the runway as well. The evf is fantastic, great for sunny days and saving battery. It displays everything the main screen does including all the settings screens.The flip out screen is impressive, it enabled me to take photos over the heads of the crowd and still see what I was shooting, the resolution and speed is good too. If you put the camera into sport mode it ups the frame rate to 60fps!It's just great having the option of a long zoom, combined with the lightening fast autofocus plus the very fast startup time, it means you can grab the camera and by the time you've flipped the on switch and aimed the camereas ready to go! I am yet explore the other features but I am very impressed so far.