The Fuji Finepix S1500 is a compact digital camera offering extra zoom. It has 10 megapixels and a 12x optical zoom lens. In terms of design it falls between two stools. It is not as large as cameras offering extreme zoom, but it is not as small as many cameras offering around the same amount of zoom. Key features include manual exposure controls, image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen.

When it comes to price this camera is a step down from digital camera with extreme zoom lenses. This means it gives you the chance to buy a digital camera with extra zoom and a good set of features at a reasonable price.

Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
One point that is noticeable immediately is that the larger lens is able to control sun glare so much better than the lenses you find on smaller compact digital cameras. The colours are also accurate too. I am also happy with the level of detail and definition in the photo.

Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
As I have noticed with other Fuji digital cameras the Finepix S1500 can fire off the occasional darker image. This does not happen often, but it is impossible to know when it is going to occur. This picture is darker than it should be when you take into account it was taken on a very bright, sunny day.

Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
The perennial purple fringing problem that I see with long lenses is controlled well by the Finepix S1500. It will not be until you blow prints up to above A4 size that it will show in most cases. Even then it will only be noticeable in difficult conditions.

Outdoor 4 (Building)
Compared to other super zoom cameras the Finepix S1500 just falls into the second level when it comes to sharpness of more distant subjects. This becomes increasingly important if you are planning to make larger prints.

Outdoor Portrait
When it comes to colours this photo has quite a strong, orange glow to it. I took this photo using a white balance setting of shady as the picture was taken in the shade. In this instance it has left the picture a little overcooked.

Indoor Portrait with Flash
This is a very encouraging effort. The Finepix S1500 has produced a very natural looking shot. This has been achieved by the camera producing a very subtle burst of flash light.

Indoor Portrait without Flash
Without flash being used noise levels are kept relatively low. Skin tones are slightly pinker than they should be, but otherwise the picture compares well with other cameras for this test.

Colours
I like the colours the Finepix S1500 produces. Aside from the outdoor portrait they have a very natural look to them.

Macro
As I mentioned with my first test shot a lens with a physically larger size normally leads to better picture quality. My macro shot is another example of this. If you are interested in close up work this type of camera is a good choice.

ISO 400 and ISO 1600
Noise levels at ISO 400 are roughly what I am used to seeing. If you go higher than that you find the colours start to break down.

Overall
Overall the Finepix S1500 puts in a decent performance. It does not quite hit the heights of the top of the range super zoom cameras, but then again it does not cost as much as the more advanced models.

The all important single shot times were impressive both with and without flash. A single shot took 0.26 seconds, with five taking 12.48 seconds. With flash times were 0.33 seconds for one shot and 16.82 seconds for five.

It took 2.75 seconds to turn on the Finepix S1500 and take the first photo. This is a fast time.

You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.

The camera looks like a mini Digital SLR camera. It has a good sized grip to help hold the camera steady.

102.5 x 73 x 67.8mm

324g

Four AA batteries

Fuji has built 23mb of storage into the Finepix S1500. This is enough for around 8 shots. The camera is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.

Click here to save money on SD cards..

Good. Obviously there are extra features to get to know, but everything is easy to find.

Shutter lag times - viewfinder - zoom in while shooting a movie

Distant shots could be that bit sharper.

There are a number of digital cameras available offering a similar amount of zoom, but with a smaller body. Check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 .

The Fuji Finepix S1500 is a little bit of a throwback. Many other brands have introduced smaller compacts with a similar amount of zoom. This camera retains the more traditional body shape. There is a lot to like about this camera and I think it offers fair value for money.

Front View

Back View

Top View

Sample Menu

Description:	10 megapixels and a 12x optical zoom lens
Ease of Use:	8
Features:	8
Colour:	8
Macro:	9
Indoors:	8
Value for Money:	8
Style:	8
Movie Mode:	8
Image Quality:	8
Build Quality:	8
Total:	81
Verdict:	This camera offers manual exposure modes as well as a viewfinder, image stabilisation and the ability to zoom in when shooting a movie. It scores well for ease of use when compared to other, similar digital cameras.
Review Date:	June 2009
Related Pages:	Fuji Finepix S1500 Specification Fuji Finepix S1500 Sample Images Fuji Finepix S1500 Features

	GBP 117.5
	GBP 124.62
	GBP 125.3
	GBP 127.00
	GBP 128.99
	GBP 129.99
	GBP 149.99
	GBP 159.99
	GBP 172.73
Click a flag for prices from other countries:

Camera	Rating
Fuji Finepix F70EXR	85
Canon Powershot SX120 IS	85
Panasonic DMC TZ7	85
Canon Powershot SX200 IS	85
Samsung WB500	84
Sony DSC H20	81
Fuji Finepix S1500	81
Olympus MJU 9000	79

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.

Fuji Finepix S1500