Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR 16MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black) (OLD MODEL)

In a Nutshell: I love the FujiFilm HS50-EXR Camera; It's relatively easy to use and it takes Great Pictures even in full Auto Mode (EXR Auto). Don't be afraid to try the other modes and features including Manual modes; when you do, this camera will blow your mind with what it can do.I think the FujiFilm EXR line of Point and shoot, Ultra Zooms/Digital Bridge and the XT Series DSLRs are not well understood by the buying public. When I talk to people about Digital Cameras, I find most people are not familiar with the high end FujiFilm (EXR and EXR II) Cameras. However, in my opinion, the Fujifilm EXR and the new EXR II Series of camera's are some of the most technically advanced Digital Camera in their respective classes. If you havn't alread checked out the FujiFilm site, view the link below:http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_hs50exr/Having said this, I will now focus my discussion on the camera I bought and now Love, the HS50-EXR....The FUJIFILM HS50-EXR is classified as an Ultra Zoom / Digital Bridge Camera. This class of digital Cameras combine features and capabilities from both the Point And Shoot camera and a DSLR.The 2 biggest differences between the HS50-EXR and a DSLR are: (1) Non-Interchangeable Lens and (2) Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) v.s. an Optical Viewfinder (OVF) found in most DSLRs.Product Description: The Fuji FinePix HS50EXR Digital Camera features a manual zoom mechanism for high precision zooming over the huge 42x focal length range (24-1000mm). Boasting stunning autofocus speeds of just 0.05 seconds thanks to Phase Detection pixels on its 1/2-inch EXR CMOS II sensor, this all-in-one camera is a high-speed performer and will capture images with stunning crisp quality. For image review and monitoring, both a rear LCD monitor and an eye-level electronic viewfinder are available. The 3.0-inch 920k-dot LCD monitor features a vari-angle design that permits easier high and low-angle shooting and also facilitates easier self-portraiture. The electronic viewfinder also has a 920k-dot resolution and the eye-level viewing capabilities provide an additional point of contact between yourself and the camera for greater shooting stability.The image stabilization works well enough that I can get clear shots up to the maximum Optical zoom while shooting Handheld (without a Tripod or Monopod) however, you should use a tripod to get the best results when using Digital Zoom.This camera also works very well in low-light situations and especially when using the Party Mode, which I found can take excellent Party pictures indoors or outdoors.[Updated - 08/01/2015]:Note: This camera can generate a lot of Digital Noise at high ISOs ( > 800) in extreme low light due to it's relatively small 1/2-inch EXR ll CMOS Image Sensor. If you want to take photos in extreme low light, I recommend shooting RAW image quality and use the High ISO Low Noise mode or one of the night Modes; or purchase one of FujiFilm's fine X -System Digital SLRs with a much larger APS-C sized EXR ll CMOS Image Sensor and EXR ll Image Processing software along with one of FujiFilm's X-System High speed Prime or Zoom lenses. For more info on FujiFilm X-System see link: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/[End of 08/01/2015 Update.]To close, I will say that after shooting 1000's of photos with my FUIFILM HS50-EXR camera, I think it is the best Digital camera I have ever owned and possibly the best camera period (including 35mm SLR film cameras) Just Buy it; You will not be disappointed..

OK, so my daughter wants to get into the professional photographing world and wanted me to buy her a "decent camera" to begin with.I searched, read extensively and tried the Canon 1100D (Ti3) and Nikon D3100 cameras which are considered excellent choices for beginners. Indeed, they were my first choice, but then when we began asking for zooming lenses and macro lenses and other special features, well we found out that you would have to pay more than double the original camera's price in lenses and if you wanted VR Lenses (Vibration Reduction), well the big zoom lenses cost almost 3 times the camera price!Then, we came by the Fujifilm XS1 which is a decent camera but a little old. We tried it and we loved it. After some searching on the net, I found out that Fujifilm made the HS series and the top of the range was the FinePix HS50EXR. I watched many YouTube videos and read plenty of reviews here on Amazon and on other websites. After so much researching and brain-storming to take the right decision, I set my mind on this camera and after a few days, I can assure you I made the right decision.I won't go into details about the camera, but generally it is second best in doing what most DSLR cameras do (at least the entry levels for beginners). The HS50EXR has a whooping 42X zoom which is surreal. You can switch between automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes on almost everything. It is handled like any other DSLR is handled (zooming is manual and not automatic). It has amazing features and photo-adjusting modes most other cameras don't (you can even see them on screen before you actually decide to take the photo which allows you instant feedback). You can also switch between shutter speeds and do manual focus or take double snaps into one photo.One of the things I didn't like about the camera is the menus. They are a little difficult to find and although you have an option to save some favorite photo-taking modes, it's still difficult to go into the menus to adjust or switch off a certain mode or feature. It's a little confusing, but I suppose like any other thing in this world, you need to adapt and with time, you'll eventually learn.Final judgement: if you can sacrifice very little quality in photos, but get 2nd best choices and features you get on DSLR cameras (especially the zooming-42X and the amazing macro shots at 1cm distance only) and have an all-in-one camera without the burden of having to carry cases or a big bag to carry lenses and accessories, then this camera is for you.Fujifilm made a risk, but I figure it really worked well. Once you to decide to go a step further, then after this camera, you surely have to go for a DSLR...