FinePix HS50EXR vs. FUJIFILM X-S1 vs. Panasonic Lumix FZ200

They are different product category cameras. The X-S1 is X-SERIES, and HS50 EXR is not.

On the other hand, the X-S1 has a "history" now.... and not a spotless virgin one at that, I might add. So, there is always hope (against hope??) with the HS50 EXR.

I would much rather have a bridge cam with a 1-inch sensor for $3,000, then I would know that the lens is actually a top-end Fujinon quality glass, closer to their professional video and cinema optics, and not an el-cheapo consumer glass.

Absolutely correct. If they screw-up any of these new ones, I will NEVER look at another FF-cam as long as I live.

Now, what we would really need on the high-end of things, of course, is an X-series HS50, like an X-S2 or X-S50. 2/3-inch X-TRANS sensor -- well, a 1-inch size sensor would be even better. And a 42x range zoom lens F2.8-5.6, of course F2.8-4 would be better yet. I would even take the 1-inch sensor variant with the 26x zoom, matter of fact.

But a camera such as that would have to go for at least $1,500, so although lots of folks (like me) would spring for it, Fuji could not expect to sell many.

BTW, anybody "heard" anything about HS50 EXR's release date?