Awesome bridge camera with amazing superzoom, just a few limitations...

Purchased this camera as a replacement for my stolen FinePix 5700. Pictures turn out great, especially in natural light, zoom is incredibly powerful (coming from an 8x) and the lcd articulation works beautifully.

A couple things to be aware of:
1. Long zoom +20x requires a tripod or other stabilization beyond whats onboard for the camera to capture any sort of clear image.
2. Notice a pronounced shutter delay (between when shutter is engaged and when image is captured) that was particularly apparent when photographing an awards ceremony - the images captured were frequently not what I was trying to capture - if I engaged the shutter when recipients were shaking hands, the image it ended up capturing was them turning to walk away (also resulting in blurred images). However, I was able to stand in almost the back of the gymnasium and get clear, well framed indoor shots!
3. A bit heavier than expected - feels solid, but after holding slightly above head (using the LCD articulation to capture image) after 5 minutes, I really started to feel that heft.

Like all new technology, you need to spend some time becoming familiar with the actual function of the camera (not just reading the manual) before you try to use it for something important.

Overall, at the price and for the level of super-zoom you're getting, this is an awesome bridge camera!

Excellent camera although outdated!

The Fujifilm HS10 is a fantastic camera, although dated by 2012's standards. The 30X zoom is amazing (moon shots, anyone?) and its ability to shoot a variety of photos is a huge plus. This was never intended to compete with entry-level DSLRs, so ignore the reviewers who say it's mediocre in comparison. I paid $180 for an used example which is excellent value for money. If you've got some more cash to spare, the HS20EXR is an even better choice. This benefits with a larger sensor and Fuji's own EXR sensor.

All in all, what every budding photographer should realise is that it's not the camera that snaps the best photos, it's the man (or woman) behind the camera!

AMAZING camera!!! only bad thing... TERRIBLE BATTERY LIFE :(

This camera is amazing! I use it to take pictures of everything!!! The only thing I don't love about it is the battery life... it runs on AA batteries and eats them up way too quickly! On a brand new sett of batteries, my camera will last about 6-7 hours tops, then i have to replace them.... a major con, and it could get pretty expensive so i definitely recommend rechargeable batteries. But when taking that out the camera is flawless! The pictures come out clear, there are many different settings that can take it from a beginner using a camera to an advanced camera!

Many features for less money, easy to use.

This camera is easy to use, the menu have all the option than any starter in photography hope to see, then have a unique and powerful single lens than have all options close ups, macros, panoramic photos, is not soo complicated, just try it then you can see all its capabilities, a lot features for less money.

Worth consideration.

Great little camera. The best thing is the lens. 24 wide to over 700 mm tele in one lens, wow . . . the picture quality stays consistent though out the zoom setting. Does a decent job for the $$$.