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

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...

I just received the Fuji HS50EXR and did some test shots and compared these and other features to my current camera the Panasonic FZ150The camera was shipped quickly and came in a box that was well packaged in a larger box. I had no trouble charging the battery (took about two hours), inserting and powering the camera. I had looked at the manual for the HS50EXR online and had gained some familiarity with its buttons/controls and features. I did not find it difficult to use many of the features after set up was completed.The camera is heavier by about 200 g than a Lumix FZ150 but the increase in weight is not bad and I find no real problem carrying it with the strap provided. I decided to buy a new camera after returning from a trip to Oregon and using the FZ150 (bought when camera first was available). The telephoto lens is moved electronically and it is slow to move and I was not alway able to get it adjusted to the correct magnification I wanted. I had mixed results with IQ..often quite good and then other times the resolution was poor and I normally use the IA setting. Also colors in some shots did not seem correct. Most frustrating is shutter lag. I have missed good shots because of this issue. I have never owned a Fuji camera but I decided to buy this model because it had a quick AF, short shutter lag, reviews indicate good IQ and a good telephoto lensI did test shots of animals, close and long telephoto, water moving, landscapes with shade and sun, etc. I compared to what I have been achieving with the FZ150. I find the colors with the Fuji camera are more accurate and resolution is better. Shutter lag is almost non existent and AF quickly focuses. It does have some problems with long telephoto but I can quickly adjust using manual focus which I could not do easily with FZ150. My preliminary tests are not large in number but so far I am very pleased.A well built camera: Disaster struck on the second day. I had it on the rear seat of our car and when I first pulled out my sweater the camera went with it and fell on the asphalt and bounced! My heart beat dropped as I picked it up and wondered if I had broken it...no insurance. I powered it up and all is OK. This impresses me after the camera bounced on the hard asphalt.I am giving it a four star because I have done only limited tests.I am not a professional photographer...only someone who takes pictures of family and travels.