Just wondering

I know it's a bridge camera, but am impressed by it's 30x optical zoom capability

I've got a Nikon SLR with a 150-500 zoom, but the Fuji equates to 720mm, so would come in handy in certain situations, especially when you don't want to be lugging the full SLR tackle about

Not the S4000, but I have the HS20 which is the same 30x zoom. It's my second Fuji camera and I am impressed with them. The S4000 should be a good buy.

Has your better half been complaining that your tackle isn't long enough then Bryan?

If you go for a HS10/20/30 you get a proper manual Zoom rather than the electronic rocker switch.

Hs10s and 20s are often available on Ebay for a little over £100.

I have a HS10 and the coverage of the 30x zoom is great.

Has your better half been complaining that your tackle isn't long enough then Bryan?

You forget, I've got a longer one than you, John

If you go for a HS10/20/30 you get a proper manual Zoom rather than the electronic rocker switch.

I like the sound of that, should make zooming much easier control than the jerkiness of a rocker

Decisions, decisions

Fuji S1600 (cheap bridge camera, no longer available)

Untitled by Entropy1971, on Flickr

DSCF0383.JPG by Entropy1971, on Flickr

Fuji HS20 (in these two shots, it is in 8MP mode rather than it's full 16MP)

Untitled by Entropy1971, on Flickr

Untitled by Entropy1971, on Flickr

The HS20 is better. It's also physically larger, similar to a DSLR, but the S4000 is almost the same size as the HS20. We have one in the store, will take a closer look at it tommorrow, might see if I can get a sample pic from it.

Edited 1 June, 201214 yr by Mike Wrightson

If you remember Bryan, I had the HS10 for a brief period before getting my present camera so check that the newer models have resolved the initial problems.

I didnt like the hs10 or the hs20, had both, zoom ring for video was far too jerky to be useable. I found picture quality ok, but noisy. I have used and prefer thr nikon coolpix L120 or the P500, both give nice sharp results. The hs10/20 is ok dont get me wrong but at 30x zoom its hard to get a good image. The latter 2 however are as sharp at full reach as any other focal length. my 2 pennies

Edited 1 June, 201214 yr by Lofty79

If you remember Bryan, I had the HS10 for a brief period before getting my present camera so check that the newer models have resolved the initial problems.

I can't remember what you said the initial problems were, John

Another option would be to run a second DSLR body, as Argos currently have the D3000 available at £278 with 18-55mm lens or it's successor, the D3100 for £357 including the lens

You can get the great eos 350 d body for about 100quid, and an 18-55mm efs IS lens for about 50 quid. Great reliable set up. Second hand prices of course

You can get the great eos 350 d body for about 100quid, and an 18-55mm efs IS lens for about 50 quid. Great reliable set up. Second hand prices of course

Not much point when I've got a Nikon body, 3 Nikon fit lenses, and a Nikon flashgun though

I suppose so, and if the zoom was what appeals then an SLR is no use really, as a 500-700mm lens would not be a walk about job. The Fuji you mention shouldyield some nice photos, just don't expect it to be near slr quality as the sensors are 6x smaller and mix that with the pixel race and they tend to have more noise. The absolute best bridge of all time was Fuji s100fs but as that is well acoladed its hard to find one that is reasonably priced, a year ago 70quid now up to250 - crazy.

I'd recommend a Panasonic Lumix FZ45 or FZ100

I can't remember what you said the initial problems were, John

See here

Another option would be to run a second DSLR body, as Argos currently have the D3000 available at £278 with 18-55mm lens or it's successor, the D3100 for £357 including the lens

Surely that would add to, and not resolve your dilemma?