The Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR Digital Camera features a 16 megapixel 1/2" EXR CMOS II sensor and an EXR Processor II image processor to provide high quality imagery and performance throughout the camera system. The combination of these two technologies enables a high sensitivity to ISO 12800, fast continuous shooting up to 11fps, and the integration of EXR Auto to automatically provide optimum shooting settings depending on the scene in which you are photographing. The image sensor also incorporates phase-detection pixels into its design to enable Intelligent Hybrid AF, which provides quick and accurate focusing capabilities through the use of both contrast- and phase-detection methods of acquiring focus. Phase-detection AF also benefits the Full HD 1920 x 1080p video capabilities by offering full-time continuous AF with face tracking while recording movies.
Where the HS50EXR truly separates itself is through the inclusion of a 42x optical manual zoom lens, which gives a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-1000mm. This super telephoto lens is greatly benefited through the inclusion of lens-shift type image stabilization, which helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake that can become increasingly noticeable at longer zoom lengths. Aspherical and ED elements are incorporated into the lens construction to minimize chromatic aberration and the lens elements also feature a Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) for lessening lens flare and ghosting.
For image review and monitoring, both a rear LCD monitor and an eye-level electronic viewfinder are available. The 3.0" 920k-dot LCD monitor features a vari-angle design that permits easier high and low-angle shooting and also facilitates easier self-portraiture. The electronic viewfinder also has a 920k-dot resolution and the eye-level viewing capabilities provide an additional point of contact between yourself and the camera for greater shooting stability.
Amongst other features available, Film Simulation makes use of Fujifilm's extensive history of producing films and enables you to apply certain characteristics to your imagery to mimic the look of certain Fujifilm reversal films. Also available are eight different Advanced Filters to further enhance the aesthetic appearance of your photographs.
Digital Zoom is available to effectively double the zoom range to an impressive 84x, providing the equivalent of a 2000mm lens. The EXR sensor also contributes to improving the image quality with Digital Zoom by minimizing the appearance of noise in flat areas and adding contrast and sharpening in edge areas to give more apparent image clarity.
Additionally, three distinct sensor modes can also be applied depending on your intended results in regard to the shooting conditions. HR (High Resolution) mode focuses on resolving the greatest amount of detail within the scene for more vivid colors and image sharpness. DR (Dynamic Range) mode captures two images simultaneously and then combines them to render a final image with increased shadow and highlight detail. SN (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) mode makes use of the sensor and processor relationship to produce clear imagery with reduced noise in dimly-lit situations.
Also making use of the clear LCD monitor, focus peaking is available to allow a more objective style of manually focusing by highlighting sharp edges and lines of contrast in a bright, apparent manner. An electronic level can be applied during shooting, too, to help maintain level horizons and plumb verticals.
Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, and Manual shooting modes are available in addition to the wealth of automatic shooting modes in order to give you more precise, self-defined control over how the camera records imagery. If letting the camera control the exposure settings for you, there are a range of Scene Positions available for pre-selection to aid in ensuring your images are rendered correctly according to the scene you are photographing in. These options are: Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Night (Tripod), Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Party, Flower, and Text.
Eight Advanced Filters are also integrated for further aesthetic enhancement of your photographs: Pop Color, Toy Camera, Miniature, High-Key, Partial Color (Red, Orange, Green, Blue, and Purple), Dynamic Tone, Low-Key, and Soft Focus.