Fuji Finepix HS50EXR

I have used the earlier version, the HS10, for a few years but the HS50EXR is a big step up. The camera is so fast, staggeringly fast even when taking photos in RAW format (or JPG plus RAW) or using the flash. The manual focus barrel on the zoom lens is one of its important features but there are so many good - and relevant - features that make this a truly versatile bridge camera. I was considering the Canon equivalent; that is a smaller and lighter camera but the manual zoom, speed, general handling, battery life and high quality monitor made the HS50EXR my choice and I am glad I did choose that one. The build quality is so good I cannot imagine how the camera sells for as little as £230. The only thing to improve is to fit an APS size sensor.

I suspect that Fuji will not produce a replacement model and that this one will be phased out soon - more the pity.

Having used a Canon DSLR (with live view and the tiny zoom length) I do not see much advantage despite the large sensor size compared to the HS50EXR. Indeed I would certainly choose the Fuji and save a lot of money.