help..fujifilm S8000 or S6500

[boxster9]

I have come across both these cameras and have been impressed by some shots taken by a foum member with the S6500

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

The S8000 has a greater zoom x18, 8mp. The S6500 has a 10x zoom, 6mp but has manual focus. I am keen on the S8000 but my dilemma is whether I would be able to produce shots as good as those above without the manual focussing option.

Any advice from users out there would be much appreciated

[CarMac]

If there isn't much difference in price, I would certainly go for the one with the most manual functions on it.

[Cabinet Enforcer]

If it helps, fuji sell direct through their website and you can get a refurbished 6500 for about £130.
https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/d-slr-long-zoom/finepix-s6500fd 

If you will be taking pictures in bright light, then the S8000 will be fine, the 6500 is supposed to be more capable in low light despite not having IS.