It's a lens in the same class with a similar sized sensor.
The HS50 EXR has a listed sensor size of 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm). No where near the size of full frame (36 mm × 24 mm).
It's a lens in the same class with a similar sized sensor.
The Canon 5D series would be well beyond the OP's budget unless he can source a second-hand bargain and know the shutter count from say, a MkII (for example) - the last thing he needs is to buy a second-hand one and having to replace a worn, well-used shutter at great expense.
Camera phones are ok if you don't need all the usual gubbins for creativity, although with my HTC, I can set shutter speed and aperture independently - but remember, camara phones have digital zooms (not optical) which will degrade picture quality. Remember too that camera phones have tiny sensors from which you can only get half-decent pictures in good light.
Sorry, it's not the HS50 EXR I was thinking of. I was pretty sure that Fujifim made a APS-H bridge camera (I remember thinking about buying one a year or so ago) but I can't find it now. It was something with a 2 in the name (ESR2?)The HS50 EXR has a listed sensor size of 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm). No where near the size of full frame (36 mm × 24 mm).
Sorry, it's not the HS50 EXR I was thinking of. I was pretty sure that Fujifim made a APS-H bridge camera (I remember thinking about buying one a year or so ago) but I can't find it now. It was something with a 2 in the name (ESR2?)
There's an xe2s but not sure if that's it.
Well, I've never tried DSLR but my Canon SX420 IS is pretty good for its size and cost. I got it in a half price sale at £130, it's got 20mp photo quality and 42x optical. I'd definitely recommend it. I know the op's got their mind made up now but if there's anyone out there looking for a good value camera, get at this one. Even at normal £260 price I'd still get it, good stuff
Thanks again for all the replies,
I spent some time over the Bank Holiday visiting several camera outlets, Calumet, Jessops, Currys, John Lewis etc, and to be honest I came away even more confused. One thing I did learn though was that the Minolta lenses I have will fit Sony "A" mount cameras, so I will probably look for a decent used Sony DSLR and get a new compact.