Fujifilm FinePix S1500
Manufacturer: Fujifilm Part number: F-FXS1500fdB-US-CD
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Even for a full-featured megazoom camera at a low price, the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 delivers average photo quality and mixed performance.
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CNET editors' review
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 price range: $161.89 - $229.99
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 08/19/2009
The good: Nice design; excellent feature set; reasonably simple to use.
The bad: Picture quality drops off above ISO 200; occasionally sluggish performance.
The bottom line: Even for a full-featured megazoom camera at a low price, the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 delivers average photo quality and mixed performance.
Occasionally, a camera that is good becomes better when a low price is part of the overall package. That is sadly not the case with the 10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix S1500, which is merely a good megazoom, but stays that way despite a street price of less than $200. It does have a large feature set including a 12x zoom lens and full manual, semimanual, and full automatic controls. However, its photo quality also noticeably worsens when shooting above ISO 200 and it's definitely not speedy. However, it is an inexpensive way--comparatively speaking--to get some added zoom power for daylight or well-lit indoor shooting.
| Key specs | Fujifilm FinePix S1500 |
| Price (MSRP) | $229.99 |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 4.1 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 14.9 ounces |
| Megapixels, image sensor size, type | 10 megapixels, 1/2.3-inch CCD |
| LCD size, resolution/viewfinder | 2.7-inch LCD, 230K dots/electronic |
| Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length) | 12x, f2.8-5.0, 33-396mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (still/video) | JPEG/Motion JPEG (.AVI) |
| Highest resolution size (still/video) | 3,648x2,736 pixels/640x480 at 30fps |
| Image stabilization type | Mechanical and digital |
| Battery type, rated life | AA (4, alkaline included), 300 shots |
Though it's certainly not as compact as other 12x megazoom cameras like the Panasonic ZS3, the S1500 is tightly packed (and considerably less expensive). The giant right-hand grip gives you something to really hold on to as well as housing the four AA-size batteries and SDHC card slot and room for shooting controls. This includes dedicated buttons for face detection and image stabilization along with the shutter release, zoom ring, and on/off slider, which if you don't hold it long enough won't turn the camera on or off. Also on top is a large Mode dial that's well marked with its 10 main shooting options. On back is a respectably big LCD and above it an electronic viewfinder. All settings are viewable on both; however, they also black out when a photo's been taken--not ideal for setting up the next shot as soon as possible, but typical of EVFs.
To the left of a textured thumb rest is a button for switching between the EVF and LCD. Below these are Playback, F-mode, Menu/OK, Exposure Compensation, and Display buttons, and a directional pad for navigation and changing burst, flash, and macro settings. Pressing F-mode brings up a contextual shooting menu while pressing Menu/OK brings up another set of shooting and setup menus. Fairly standard stuff and, really, once you get to remembering when to press F-mode instead of Menu, it's straightforward to use.
| General shooting options | Fujifilm FinePix S1500 |
| ISO sensitivity (full resolution) | Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600 |
| White balance | Auto, Fine, Shade, Fluorescent (daylight), Fluorescent (warm white), Fluorescent (cool white), Incandescent, Custom |
| Recording modes | Auto, Scene Recognition Auto, Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene, Movie, Custom, Panorama |
| Focus modes | Area AF, Multi AF, Center AF, Tracking AF, Continuous AF |
| Metering | Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot |
| Color effects | Chrome, Black and White |
| Burst mode shot limit (full resolution) | Unlimited continuous |
Those looking to either work up to using or supplement a digital SLR or who need to satisfy a number of different user types under one roof will appreciate the large assortment of shooting options. With full-manual and semimanual modes you get finer control or room for experimentation. There's also a Custom mode so you can define a frequently used group of settings. If you want the camera to do more work, there are Program, SR Auto (automatic scene recognition), and Scene modes. The Mode dial also features Panorama shooting, letting you capture three consecutive shots and the camera will stitch them together. Not unusual, but it's nice to have it so accessible.
Some extra features worth noting are the capability to limit the Auto ISO to max out at ISO 400 or ISO 800 (the prior will give you the best photos), and a bevy of burst shooting modes. The fastest is Top 15, though the resolution is knocked down to 2 megapixels. There are also a Top 6 at 5 megapixels, and Top 3, Last 3, Exposure Bracketing, and an unlimited continuous called Long Period, all at full resolution. The Top ones simply mean that it will capture up to the number that follows it as long as the shutter release is pressed. The Last 3 selection will continuously shoot up to 40 images, but will only save the last three before the shutter button is released.
Performance from the S1500 is mixed, but leans heavily toward slow. From off to first shot takes 3 seconds. Shutter lag is 0.8 second in bright and dim lighting--both bad and good, respectively. Shot-to-shot times in our lab tests were 3.3 seconds without flash and 4.1 seconds with. However, during field testing the camera felt much slower than that, with the autofocus being particularly slow. Finally, the camera has several burst mode options depending on what speed and resolution you want to shoot at. We tested using the full-resolution Long Period mode and achieved a solid 1.6 frames per second.
Photos are at their best at ISO 64 and 100 with very good detail and the least amount of visible noise at 100 percent. At ISO 200 photos viewed full size have noticeable noise and softening from noise reduction, but overall detail is still very good. Noise increases quite a bit at ISO 400, but the reduction isn't too heavy so you still get good enough detail for small prints. The last two full-resolution sensitivities--ISO 800 and 1,600--aren't good for much as photos get hazy and soft along with very noisy and colors turn flat. The color issue may have been more perceptible because the S1500 produces brilliant colors at ISO 400 and below. They were not terribly natural or accurate, however. Overall, photo quality is good outdoors, mediocre indoors, and poor in low light. In other words, it's average for its class.
The S1500 is at its sharpest in the Macro and Super Macro modes, and will produce very nice, detailed images. Outside of these modes, pictures do look a bit soft, but on par with other megazooms in the S1500's class. Also typical is the amount of barrel distortion at the lens's widest position, but no pincushioning was readily visible at its longest setting. Lastly, there was an average amount of purple fringing seen in test shots around high-contrast subjects. However, it was less than what's been produced by other budget megazooms I've tested.
If you want the most zoom with the most features for less than $200, the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 is probably the best way to go. There are other models that have more zoom in its price range, but aren't as versatile. Though its photo quality isn't great, it will suffice for those only making 5x7 or smaller prints or going straight to the Web with the results. It can perform frustratingly slow, though, and that's something you just can't work around.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
| Time to first shot | Typical shot-to-shot time | Shutter lag (dim) | Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test digital cameras.
User reviews
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Decent camera for a beginner and intermediate level
by marinman on October 11, 2009
Pros: Zoom, Fair quailty pictures, Super Burst speed pictures. $ cost/ value
Cons: sometimes it is slow to auto focus or won't focus. slow trigger response. Zoom take getting used to, button speed timing is something you have to get used to.
Summary: Pros: Great zoom capabilities and burst speed shots. That is why I bought it. Had multiple settings for burst speed results, which is very good. I used it at a ...
Summary: Pros: Great zoom capabilities and burst speed shots. That is why I bought it. Had multiple settings for burst speed results, which is very good. I used it at a softball game and got decent acceptable results. Colors seem to be accurate and fair in low level lighting situations. Good in good light also. I took them early evening. Also, some from the big screen TV and looked decent. ALSO, the cost factor. This was the best for the bucks that I had researched out. I was swaying toward the Olympus Zoom models UZ series, but the cost factor was great with those and Nikon's which would have brought the cost closer to the digital SLR types so I choose this one and don't regret buying it so far. see below.
Cons: I had read in other reviews of the lack of focus, which I had a hard time believing, but I did a burst shoot, and none of the pictures were focused at all. I noticed it and tried again and got them focused. So, this camera does have an auto focus concern, which can be worked around. The button has a slower response than I am used to, I had to replace an Olympus C2100 Super Zoom Camera. So, getting used to this camera's personality so to speak will take getting used to and trying to anticipate shots is harder but once the shot is taken you will probably like the results. Take time to get used to the functions and I think you will get used to the results. As is with all zoom type camera's, you will need a tri-pod to stabilize when doing zoom shots. This is a new camera for me, so I am still getting used to it. I hope this info helps, but for the money, I think it is a great value for the $ I spent. Bought it off the web from a link here a CNET to JR Music/ JR.COM... which I have used them before and like them, but got one of the best prices from them on this deal.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera for aspiring photographers!
by kleigh91 on September 29, 2009
Pros: - Simple to use
- Many settings to choose from
- Weight (not extremely heavy, but feels like you're holding something sturdy)
- Good qualityCons: - Weight (if you're looking for something extremely light weight, this is not the camera for you)
- While in video recording mode, the zoom makes a bit of sound that interrupts the audio qualitySummary: Overall, this is a wonderful camera for aspiring photographers looking to become familiar with professional equipment. This is not a professional camera, but it's a step towards it. Great ...
Summary: Overall, this is a wonderful camera for aspiring photographers looking to become familiar with professional equipment. This is not a professional camera, but it's a step towards it. Great camera if you're wanting a professional DSLR camera, but don't want to spend the money for one.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy does it
by donnalynnadkins on October 7, 2009
Pros: I like it because it so easy to use. I also like the digital zoom and the battery life is decent as well.
Cons: Lens cap tends to fall off.
Summary: Point and shoot easy. Especially if you don't understand all that shutter speed stuff (I sure don't).
Summary: Point and shoot easy. Especially if you don't understand all that shutter speed stuff (I sure don't).
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Fujifilm
- Part number: F-FXS1500fdB-US-CD
- Description: Introduce a high-performance tracking auto focus and panorama shooting mode in the FinePix S1500. Equipped with the evolved SR Auto (Scene Recognition Auto) and Face Detection, scenes and faces can be captured and optimized even more with the detection functions. Large 2.7-inch LCD screen allows you to find favorite image at a glance displayed in 10 x 10 array. In addition to a wide range of shooting modes, the FinePix S1500 offers a selection of versatile scene positions that ensure optimum results no matter what the scene.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 4.1 in
- Depth 2.7 in
- Height 2.9 in
- Weight 11.4 oz
Main Features
- Resolution 10 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10,000,000 pixels
- Light Sensitivity ISO 64, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO auto, ISO 3200 (3Mpix), ISO 6400 (3Mpix)
- Digital Zoom 5.7 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Text, Beach, Flower, Museum, Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Night mode, Sports mode, Party/indoor, Natural light, Portrait mode, Night (tripod), Panorama assist
- Image Stabilizer Optical (image sensor shift mechanism)
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 8 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment
- Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Exposure Metering Zones 256
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Fine, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- Digital Video Format AVI, MJPEG
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480, AVI - 320 x 240
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 23 MB Flash - Integrated
- Supported Flash Memory SD Memory Card
- Integrated Memory 23 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 3648 x 2736, JPEG 3648 x 2432, JPEG 2592 x 1944, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 29 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.9 mm - 70.8 mm - F/2.8-5.0
- Focal Length 5.9 mm - 70.8 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 33 - 396 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Min Focus Range 15.7 in
- Macro Focus Range 2cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-5.0
- Optical Zoom 12 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features DPOF support, Instant zoom, Face detection, Audio recording, Date/time stamp, Histogram display, Exif Print support, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, Dual image stabilization, In-camera red-eye removal, Automatic Scene Recognition (SR Auto)
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.2 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 200,000 pixels
- Field Coverage 97%
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software FinePix Viewer, Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Shoulder strap
- Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device None
Battery
- Supported Battery AA
- Supported Battery 4 x AA Alkaline battery ( Included ), 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable battery ( Optional ), 4 x AA Lithium battery ( Optional )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Fujifilm
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Fujifilm products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.fujifilm.com/
- Address:
555 Taxter Rd.
Elmsford, NY 10523 - Phone: 800/659-3854









