The target group for this camera is certainly ambitious (re) amateur photographer and not someone who just wants to just quickly drauflos knispen times. One should already go to the trouble, the extensive guidance not only to fly, but also to read. The latter is unfortunately difficult because the manual is unfortunately only as a pdf file before, apart from a quick start guide - unfortunately today generally usual habit! I'd rather spend more and 5 would have no trouble with it, extra to go to a copy shop, or the same print itself. Here, the manufacturer should come up with something.
I had to decide, I'll buy a DSLR + corresponding expensive zoom lens or multiple lenses or a bridge camera. Not least for cost reasons but also because of smuggling, I chose the HS10 - and did not regret it. And since I mostly the images "only" on the monitor look, only a few pictures of right deductions let make (max. A4 at Kalnedern), the image quality seemed to be more than adequate.
Times honest: Which amateur photographer prints his images really periodically on formats A4 or larger purchases such deductions? I'm taking pictures with (D) SLR quite "usual", only a EXA500 with additional wide angle and telephoto lens, then a 300-CanonSLR with additional zoom lens. Then to sample the Canon400D my daughter with the kit lens. I look my analog images with the Canon SLR - usually not even in postcard format - and then go to the now practiced Advanced search, then comes quite quickly a certain disillusionment - or, you realize how the demands increase. First, they made a lot less pictures - film and development costs + prints cost money and you can tell only after the photo lab, "become" what images were.
Today we look at the pictures easily on the high-resolution monitor, zoomed to 100% as possible - to determine that the last blade of grass is no longer focused properly !? And the good old paper pictures? I do not write this to gloss over something, but (my) to vergelichen claim and reality fair.
And the Canon400D counted in JPEG mode, images "far down" - the right to "cheap" kit lens does the rest. And we must not forget that the sensor of the HS10 compared to a DSLR (unfortunately) is much smaller. But are the results from my point of view very well!
Personally, I usually use also the RAW - Mode (+ jpeg) - to the pictures, which are my value, the extract maximum possible. The included software allows with slight limitations that Barbeitung the RAF files, who wants to hire more, must either upgrade the bundled software or use other programs - for most users is the supplied sufficient.
With the right (personal) settings but can also inspire the JPEG images. As I said, you have to know how what settles properly. But even with the "care to see-los" -Automatikmodus arise interesting pictures, maybe you do not have as necessarily always go to the bottom and top of the range of the lens.
The turn-on is totally fine with me. However, I miss the opportunity to reactivate by pressing the shutter button, the camera according to their shutdown again, man must then turn the power switch off and on again. The switch-off times can be set.
The focusing speed is for me also in order - in the extreme telephoto range, it sometimes takes 2-3 tries, but just because. Otherwise, you can make the camera very good snapshots - assuming you enabled the high-speed transmission and disables possibly facial recognition.
Numerous shooting modes also make it easier "beginners" photographing. Means many keys you can reach lots of manual controls unerringly and quickly.
The video quality can also convincing - for wind noise I wished, however, a solution. Zooming requires some training due to manual zoom ring. However, one should also be careful when filming that the image ewas moves and not by running zooming and panning "only" moves the image. Here, less is more. With tripod and a little experience in films could incur very good videos. Above all, you always have the opportunity here to hold events in the film and does not need two devices. For me, another key purchase criterion.
The appearance of the camera like it very much. It is comfortable to hold - for myself there is housing very solid and not cheap. Very good is also the possibility of being able to use "normal" AA batteries - so you get everywhere "juice". Personally I use eneloop batteries, which have 3 sets, but not even used one to the limit even in cold winter weather.
All 100%? No, there is probably not - there are always (individual) needs.
The interen flash structure interferes with Zoom, because it protrudes too far beyond the zoom ring inside. The resolution of the monitor could be larger, and that of the viewfinder, especially when you focus manually (and not only appreciate) wants / needs.
Since no remote release can be connected, it would be handy if you self-timer (especially the 2 sec.) Would not have to re-activate every time you shoot.
The sun visor must be purchased as an extra.
All in all I can recommend this camera definitely. Some of the mentioned requests are resolved with the successor model HS20.
Despite the small flaws I forgive 5 points - there is always room for improvement.
The shipment in Amzon proceeded as always easily and despite winter weather camera was after 1 1/2 days time with me.
