Finepix HS10 or other bridge camera?

Hello all you knowledgable POEers. I need a new camera - partly so I don't need the elastic band to stop the batteries from falling out, but also because I'd like to upgrade anyway.

I'm maybe 1/2 a step from being a technical numpty at the moment. I have an idea what's meant by whacky terms like aperture and ISO, but am still only just starting to learn how to take them into my control, so to speak. So, I'll probably be in the realms of point and shoot for a while to come but would like a camera that won't limit me as I (hopefully) get better. I also use my camera for work a lot - I take photos and videos of my clients working, and they take of me too.

 My requirements, therefore, are:

- simple and good quality auto functions for both still and video;

- manual control like a DSLR (i.e. not all menu driven with buttons you can't see and feel when you're looking through the view finder);

- min 10x optical zoom;

- budget around £300.

 The one I keep coming back to is the Fuji Finepix HS10. I'm trying not to get sidetracked by the fancy stuff (which looks amazing), but it still looks like a good camera for the price.

Does anyone have any thoughts on it or alternatives to suggest? Ta!

i would  recommend    Fujifilm FinePix S2800 HD Digital Camera (14MP, 18x Zoom 3.0 inch LCD Screen)  its a great little camera and small so you can carry it round with you any where and the controls are easy to use good zoom build in and a great price of £199.00 try am**on i dont know if i can use that word on here on where to shop ? but i think you would get it lol

i hope that helps 

Thanks, Shaun. I probably didn't make myself very clear. What I'd like is a manual focus ring in front of the camera, SLR style so to speak. The manual controls at the back of a camera, like the one I have now, drive me mad! You have to take the camera away from your eye to see what you're doing with the buttons. Hence looking at the HS10, which has that manual focus ring.

Am I making any sense at all???

harrrrr well i us pentax km k7 and new kx so this goes against me but here you are theres two

1.  Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera (18-55 mm VR Lens Kit) £334.50

2. Pentax K110D 6MP Digital SLR with smc DA 18 - 55mm lens [6MP, 3x optical] this one is secondhand on ama^^&zon 

i hope this helps you :)

Thanks, Shaun. I'll have a look. I think I need to go and have a chat in town as well, don't I?

And a trip to the library to get some books! No point having a better camera if I don't improve the hands that hold it.

If you need to lean more  these books helped me out and he’s not bad at all  Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set: v. 1, 2 & 3 [Paperback] try these and I hope you do great good luck with it and I will look forward to seeing the photos with whatever you get

Thanks for the book tip, Shaun. I'll go and have a rummage on line and see if I can get hold if it.

 Well, the man at the J shop was great. We had a chat about what I can (or can't) do now, and what I want to do. He agrees that the HS10 is an "excellent" camera and would suit me very well. Quality wise, it's not quite as good as a DSLR but the difference is barely perceptible. I do like the short cut of having that range of lens without having to change, and the camera felt really comfortable to hold.

The only down side is having to wait till Christmas!

Hi Liz

I have just replaced it with a 30x zoom Fujifilm Finepix HS10, early days yet but so far very pleased with it, lots of info on Youtube videos from both sides of the pond.

It was a close run thing with the Fujifilm Finepix S200EXR, but the full 1080P Video and Zoom swung the HS10 for me.

I bought mine from John Lewis, be aware this camera does NOT come with a memory card, it is not a small camera, quite heavy and needs a large bag (not supplied) Uses AA batteries.

Do go to store and hold the HS10, it is comfortable but as I said quite heavy.

Hope of some help.

Thanks, Terry. It's good to hear someone with first hand positivee experience. I've had a hold of it and liked it, and was warned about the memory card. I should be able to use my old one, so that's ok.

Can't wait to get it!

does it have a filter thread and provision fo a lens hood,if not you could

be limited with lens flare at wide angle,a great camera i have heard

but lacking two essentials.