This post is a compilation of links to the following resources on the FujiFilm FinePix S1500 digital bridge camera resources:
- Introduction.
- Professional and user reviews, owner opinions and experiences, tests, ratings, conclusions and feedback.
- Sample photos and examples, image galleries and user pictures, movie / video clips and footage.
- References and other resources.
Introduction, and basic specs
The Fuji FinePix S1500 was introduced on 17-February-2009 (read the press release), and has a 12x zoom lens that has a focal range of 33 — 396mm (in 35mm equivalent terms).
An extract of the press release reads:
The FinePix S1500’s new Tracking Auto Focus function means that users can track a moving subject whilst ensuring focus is maintained, even when using the full eye-watering 12x zoom. This feature is ideal for kids who are always on the go, dogs bounding through fields, or Dads wanting to capture the perfect sports action shot. Simply focus, press the shutter half way and the camera will lock on to the subject, ready for you to take the perfect shot.
Resolution is 10.0 MP, and the size of the CCD sensor is a 1/2.3 ” (6.16 x 4.62 mm, 0.28 cm²). This gives a pixel density of 35 MP/cm².
Basic specifications:
- Storage:SD/SDHC card, Internal.
- Power: 4x AA type alkaline batteries (included), Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (sold separately) or Lithium batteries (sold separately). For additional batteries, IMEDION or Sanyo Eneloop NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries are your best bet, as they retain the charge for a very long period of time.
- Weight: Approx. 324g / 11.4oz. (excluding accessories, batteries and memory card).
- Dimensions: 102.5(W) x 73.0(H) x 67.8(D)mm / 4.1(W) x 2.9(H) x 2.7(D)in. (excluding accessories and attachments).
Visit DPReview for the complete specs on the FujiFilm S1500.
Professional and user reviews, owner opinions and experiences, tests, ratings, conclusions and feedback
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 Review at PhotographyBLOG
Gavin Stoker, the reviewer, assigns an overall score of 4 / 5 stars (RECOMMENDED), and writes:
Like most things in life it’s not perfect however. White balance is variable, metering occasionally off, highlights blown, there’s visible softness towards the edges at maximum wideangle and overall at maximum telephoto zoom settings – though neither is a deal breaker – and it’s really not worth straying above ISO 800 despite the fact a maximum capability of ISO 6400 looks good on paper. Don’t get too ambitious, shoot in sunny conditions and the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 won’t disappoint however.
There’s also a gallery of full-sized sample images for your evaluation, and also a sample movie for download (.AVI, 640x480 pixels at 30 fps, 14 seconds, 11MB file).
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 Full Review, Digital Camera Reviews on CNET UK
Rod Lawton, the reviewer, awards the S1500 an overall rating score of 6.8 / 10 (GOOD) and concludes:
Conclusion
The Fujifilm FinePix S1500’s excellent build and finish can kid you into expecting the same level of quality in the results, and you don’t really get it. Never mind, though, because it’s still good value and you get hands-on control for half the price of the cheapest dSLR. It would make a great first camera if you’re just starting out and want to learn about photography.
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 Review — Digital Camera Reviews — TrustedReviews
Cliff Smith, the reviewer, gives the S1500 and overall rating of 8 / 10, and writes:
Image quality was one area where the S1000fd had a few issues, but several improvements seem to have been made for the S1500. Unsurprisingly it still has the same lens performance, with noticeable barrel distortion at wide angle and pincushion at telephoto, but providing decent corner-to-corner sharpness. It still has the same excellent image noise control, with good picture quality at 400 ISO and usable images even at 800. Dynamic range seems to be a bit better than the previous model, although maybe I’ve just seen too many 12MP cameras lately. Colours definitely aren’t quite as strident in the default mode though. All in all the S1500 produced good results in a wide range of different situations, and was a lot of fun to use.
At the end of the review are three pages of photo samples, ISO Test Shots, Detail and Lens Performance, and Exposure Evaluation (general, real-world examples).
Pentax X70, Nikon P90 and Fujifilm S1500 Battle Royale with image samples at InfoSyncWorld
In this quick test, Mike Perlman says this of the S1500:
The Fujifilm FinePix S1500 is a compact little sucker that packs an impressive optical zoom ratio, though 12x is nothing compared to the latest 24x optical craze. Still, the FinePix S1500 brings Dual Image Stabilization to the forefront, but we still had issues with camera shake at full zoom.
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 First Impressions at DigitalCameraInfo.com
Mark Brezinski gives a pretty good overview and product tour of the camera, and writes:
The Fujifilm S1500 looks like a solid camera for its price point. It’s relatively compact, and the bulk it does have allows for easier handling. The camera has some nice manual options along with a good array of automatic ones. The controls are intuitive enough. The 12x zoom is slightly better than average, but nothing too special.
Customer reviews on Amazon
At the time of writing, Jul 13, 2009, the S1500 has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 17 reviews.
MnMMom3, a user, wrote:
I have had this camera for just over a month. My son was graduating from eighth grade and my old camera broke. I was looking for a good zoom camera for the lowest price. I could not be happier. I took awesome pictures of my son’s graduation. We went to an indoor water park the next day and I could not believe the pictures that I was able to take. The zoom worked great, the color was unbelievable and the action shots were spot on.
Sample photos and examples, image galleries and user pictures, movie / video clips and footage
Three HD movie clips by bennyglaze
Links to the HD version of the video clips on YouTube are directly above the embedded footage.
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 Test 1 (HD):
FujiFilm FinePix S1500 Test 2 fog (HD):
FujiFilm FinePix S1500 Test 3 Peggy’s Cove (HD):
Official gallery of full-resolution FujiFilm FinePix S1500 sample images
One architecture / building shot, and two still life photos.
References and other resources
Official websites for the S1500 — Visit Fujifilm Global, where you can obtain the full list of features, specifications and accessories.
For technical and support matters on the S1500 in the US, FujiFilm Support & Contact Center.
There is an Acrobat PDF Owner’s Instruction Manual (3.6 MB) for the S1500, which you can download from this link (right-click to download directly to your hard disk).