FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 vs Fujifilm FinePix S1500: A Down-to-Earth Comparison for Budding Enthusiasts and Practical Shooters

When diving into the world of budget-friendly, small-sensor cameras, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by specs and marketing jargon. Having spent over 15 years slogging through specs, shooting test charts, and hauling gear through all sorts of conditions, I’ve developed a knack for slicing through the noise and focusing on what really matters: real-world usability, image quality, and value. Today, I’m putting two FujiFilm cameras under the microscope - the FinePix JZ300 and the FinePix S1500. Both vintage models, but still relevant to thrifty photographers wondering about their practical merits.

I’ll be honest upfront - these cameras are firmly entry-level by today’s standards. But exactly how entry-level? And for whom? If you’ve ever wondered which one might fit your workflow better, or if either is worth your hard-earned cash right now, let’s unpack their strengths, weaknesses, and performance across popular photography disciplines.

Getting a Feel for Them: Size and Handling Matter

Before you even snap a shot, a camera’s ergonomics can make or break your experience - especially if you’re chasing fleeting moments or flat-out shooting all day.

FujiFilm JZ300:

• Compact, pocketable design (97 x 57 x 29 mm)
• Lightweight at 168 grams (body only)
• Slim profile makes it ideal for travel and casual street photography
• Limited grip surfaces - more “point-and-shoot” style

FujiFilm S1500:

• Bulkier, bridge-style body (103 x 73 x 68 mm)
• Heavier at 345 grams (body only)
• Designed with clubs for thumbs: a more classical DSLR-esque grip and dedicated dials
• Feels sturdier in hand, but less inconspicuous for street use

I’ve spent hours pounding pavement with both, and the JZ300’s compactness is a blessing when you want to travel light or avoid drawing attention. On the flip side, the S1500’s larger body gives you more room to wiggle your fingers and access controls without fumbling, which can matter in action or wildlife settings. So, it’s a classic tradeoff: portability vs. control.

Control Layout and Usability: Buttons and Dials in Action

Let’s peek from above and see how each camera presents its controls.

JZ300:

• Minimalist control set, designed for simplicity
• No manual exposure modes, no aperture or shutter priority
• Limited to single autofocus, contrast-detection AF only
• Exposure compensation and manual white balance absent
• Quick access to flash modes and self-timer

S1500:

• More robust dial and button layout, including PASM modes (Program, Aperture/shutter priority, Manual)
• Exposure compensation dial present - great for creative control
• AF limited to single point contrast detection as well, but with spot metering available
• Continuous shooting of 1fps - nothing to write home about, but a nod to some action potential

I often found the S1500 easier to adapt to once you get beyond automatic mode. The control dials make experimenting with exposure a breeze, something the JZ300 simply cannot touch given its purely point-and-shoot DNA.

Beginners might appreciate the JZ300’s simplicity, but pros and enthusiasts who want to dip toes in manual control will find the S1500 a more capable companion.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Underneath those bodies, both cameras rely on tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with an effective sensor area just over 28 mm². These sensors pale beside modern APS-C or full-frame beasts, but back in 2009-2010 they were par for the course in compact and bridge cameras.

JZ300:

• 12 megapixels (max resolution: 4000 x 3000 pixels)
• ISO range: 100–1600 native, boost to 3200
• Anti-aliasing filter included (softens moiré but slightly dampens detail)

S1500:

• 10 megapixels (max resolution: 3648 x 2736 pixels)
• ISO range: 64–6400 native
• Similar sensor size and anti-aliasing filter as JZ300

In practice, the JZ300’s slightly higher pixel count doesn’t translate to a resolutely sharper image. Both suffer from noise above ISO 400, as is typical for small sensors reliant on CCD tech versus today’s CMOS. However, S1500’s wider ISO palette and manual controls allow more nuanced exposure, potentially reducing the need for ISO boosts.

Color rendition is stereotypically Fuji: slightly warm, favoring skin tones and pleasing greens but with a modest dynamic range that can clip highlights swiftly. Landscape shooters will need careful exposure to avoid lost details in bright skies.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Focus

Okay, so neither camera sports fancy face- or eye-detection AF, and that shows in real use. Both rely on contrast-detection AF with a pretty basic center-weighted approach.

• JZ300 can track a single AF point but lacks multi-point flexibility
• S1500 focuses single-point only and lacks face detect

When photographing portraits - especially where capturing expressive eyes is crucial - I found neither excels. The focus hunting in low light or softer contrast settings slows you down and risks missed shots.

However, the JZ300’s longer focal length at the long end (280 mm equivalent) produces decent background blur on portraits when used close-up, albeit limited by a maximum aperture of f/5.6 at telephoto - too small for creamy bokeh compared to interchangeable-lens cameras.

The S1500 edges ahead here for macro portraits thanks to a closer macro focus distance (2 cm vs 5 cm on the JZ300) and brighter max aperture at the wide end (f/2.8). It can capture sharper eyelash details thanks to better manual exposure, if you’re patient and get your focus spot-on.

Bottom line: neither camera is ideal for serious portrait shooters, but the S1500 offers more creative levers to try for sharper, better-exposed skin tones.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution Tested

Landscape photography rewards image fidelity, wide dynamic range, and weather resistance. Neither camera is weather sealed, so rough conditions are a no-go without protection.

• Resolution favors the JZ300 (12MP vs 10MP), but in practice the difference is marginal at typical printing sizes
• Dynamic range is limited by CCD sensor tech and small size, expect shadow noise and highlight clipping above ISO 200

I shot landscapes in overcast and bright sun conditions to test how each handles highlight roll-off and shadow detail. Both demonstrated a narrow dynamic range, something I confirmed through histogram checks and raw histogram-style exposures. The JZ300’s lack of manual exposure compensation handicaps precise exposure fine-tuning, whereas the S1500 lets you dial in subtle exposure compensation to save highlights or unlock shadows.

So if you’re on a budget exploring landscape shooting, and control matters, the S1500 plays better. If maximum portability is your jam, the JZ300 will do the job for snapshots but won’t reward critical post-processing.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Accuracy in Focus and Burst

Neither camera is a sport or wildlife beast, but their optics and AF differences are noteworthy.

• JZ300: 10x zoom (28-280 mm equivalent), slow-ish AF, no continuous burst shooting
• S1500: 12x zoom (33-396 mm equivalent), very slow 1fps burst, single-point AF only

Burst rate of 1 fps on the S1500 is modest but at least doable for a kid’s baseball game or mildly active wildlife; the JZ300 lacks continuous shooting altogether, limiting chances to snag peak moments.

The longer focal length of the S1500 (up to 396 mm equivalent) gives you more reach, which matters for wildlife or distant sports, combined with a brighter maximum aperture starting at f/2.8 wide angle, helping in low light.

Don’t expect fast, flawless autofocus. Both rely on contrast detection, which hunts in lower contrasts or low light and is no competition for modern phase-detection AF systems.

Bottom line: For casual wildlife or amateur sports, the S1500 is a slightly better bet thanks to extended zoom and manual exposure control.

Street Photography: Discretion and Agility

Street photography demands a nimble, discreet setup - not intimidating to subjects, quick enough to capture moments, and flexible in challenging lighting.

• JZ300 shines with its slim profile and lightweight body, making it a natural pocket camera for stealth shooting
• S1500’s bulkier form and slr-like design will draw more attention and be less comfortable for quick snaps

Neither have EVF refresh rates or superior AF speed, but JZ300’s compact size wins here for urban wanderers.

Neither offers advanced low-light autofocus or flash options. However, their built-in flashes and ISO ceilings limit options in dim scenes.

The JZ300’s limited exposure options zap creative potential, but for a cheapskate craving a no-hassle street shooter, it stays in your pocket until inspiration strikes.

Macro Photography: Close Encounters of the Small Kind

Macro shooters want precision focusing and ability to get close.

• S1500 wins here with 2 cm minimum focus
• JZ300’s 5 cm macro focus is good but less aggressive
• Sensor-shift stabilization on both helps avoid handshake blur, crucial at close distances

In my handheld macro experiments with flowers and miniatures (where I also tried careful manual focus), the S1500 delivered sharper shots more often thanks to closer focusing and flexible exposure control.

Night and Astro: How Low Can They Go?

Low light and astro photography demand high ISO performance, long exposure capabilities, and preferably manual exposure control.

• Both cameras offer a minimum shutter speed of 8 seconds, suitable for star trails and astrophotography basics
• JZ300 max ISO 3200 (boosted), S1500 max ISO 6400 native, but noise crushes image quality above ISO 400-800 on both
• No RAW support on either; you’re stuck with JPEG compression artifacts - a big minus for post-processing astro images

Add to this lack of external remote shutter control (important to avoid shake), and neither is recommended for astro buffs. But for basic handheld night shots on a budget, the S1500’s manual controls and higher ISO ceiling give it a slight advantage.

Video Capabilities: What Can These Vintage Boxers Do?

Video needs have exploded in recent years, but don’t look for miracles here.

• JZ300: 720p at 24 fps; Motion JPEG format (large files, basic compression)
• S1500: 640x480 at 30 fps; also Motion JPEG

Neither has external microphone input or headphone jacks. No 4K, no image stabilization beyond sensor-shift for stills. Autofocus during video is fixed or hunting, often noisy.

For casual video snippets, the JZ300 offers better resolution, though both are passable for basic family videos or snapshots.

Travels and Everyday Use: Size, Weight, and Battery Life

Neither model comes with a long battery life by today’s standards, but their packaged battery types indicate differing user habits.

• JZ300 uses proprietary NP-45A lithium ion battery - compact, recharge via supplied charger
• S1500 uses 4x AA batteries, which is convenient for travel if you like the flexibility of swapping batteries on the fly

This can be a deciding factor for people on extended trips without easy access to power.

Size-wise, JZ300’s sleek pocketability trumps the S1500’s clunkiness dramatically for travelers who want a “wear it like a watch” approach.

Pro Workflow: Reliability and Format Compatibility

Both cameras deliver JPEG outputs only - no RAW support - which severely limits any professional-level post-processing workflow.

Build quality is fair, but no weather sealing means you must babysit these cameras during harsh conditions.

Connectivity is limited to USB 2.0, with no Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth, which is a bummer if you want quick image sharing.

Summing Up Strengths and Weaknesses

Real-World Sample Shoot: How Do They Stack Up?

FujiFilm JZ300 front FujiFilm JZ300 screen back Fujifilm S1500 front Fujifilm S1500 screen back

Shooting side-by-side, I noticed the JZ300 producing slightly higher resolution photos with pleasing but somewhat flat colors in daylight. Detail retention is average, and sharpening in-camera is visible.

The S1500 images are less sharp at base ISO but show more color richness and benefit from exposure fine-tuning, resulting in more balanced shots, especially in mixed lighting.

Performance Ratings: Expert Scores on Key Metrics

While there’re no formal DxOMark scores (these models predate their coverage), based on testing:

• Image Quality: Draw, with marginal edge to JZ300 for resolution
• Ergonomics: S1500 clearly better for control lovers
• Autofocus: Both underwhelming - S1500 slightly better for manual focus ease
• Video: JZ300 superior resolution
• Portability: JZ300 hands-down winner
• Battery Life & Reliability: Tie

Specialized Genre Scores: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Portraits: S1500 - closer focus, brighter aperture, manual exposure
• Landscapes: S1500 - manual control saves highlights/shadows, longer zoom less relevant
• Wildlife: S1500 - longer reach zoom
• Sports: Neither ideal; S1500’s 1fps burst marginally better
• Street: JZ300 - compactness and discretion
• Macro: S1500 - closer minimum focus distance
• Night/Astro: Both limited; S1500’s ISO headroom better on paper
• Video: JZ300 - better resolution video
• Travel: JZ300 - lightweight and small, but limited battery flexibility
• Pro Work: Neither (lack of RAW/output flexibility)

Who Should Buy Each Camera?

If you’re:

• A casual shooter looking for a tiny, pocketable travel/family camera - The FujiFilm JZ300 is a straightforward choice with its compact design and ease of use. It’s the better grab-and-go companion for spontaneous street or travel photography where size matters.

• An enthusiast eager to explore manual controls, longer zooms, and macro/portrait work on a budget - The FujiFilm S1500 wins here with PASM modes, better zoom reach, and closer focusing. It’s bulkier, but slightly more versatile for creative shooting.

• A video hobbyist looking for basic HD recording - Again, JZ300 leans ahead thanks to 720p @ 24fps.

• A budget-conscious beginner wanting an affordable bridge camera to learn exposure settings - S1500 acts as a gentle introduction to manual exposure with forgiving ergonomics.

The Final Verdict: Outdated But Not Without Charm

Both cameras show their age in sensor tech, AF speed, and video capabilities, as expected for models around 14 years old. Their CCD sensors lag behind modern CMOS counterparts, and JPEG-only output feels limiting today.

Yet, for photographers who appreciate simplicity, solid zoom ranges, and well-designed physical controls (particularly on the S1500), these cameras still have a place as inexpensive entry points or backup bodies for casual shooting.

If street/discreet portability or travel packing size tops your priorities, the JZ300 fits neatly in your pocket and does everyday shooting with minimal fuss.

If you want to develop photographic skills - dipping toes into aperture priority or manual shooting - and crave a little more optical zoom and close-up performance, the S1500 is worth the slightly heavier load.

Neither camera replaces modern mirrorless or DSLR systems, but if you’re a cheapskate looking for reliable day-to-day snapping without watering your wallet down, these Fuji classics deliver respectable bang for your modest bucks.

Additional Resources

For those ready to move beyond these cameras, consider stepping into modern entry-level mirrorless options like the Fujifilm X-T30 II or Sony a6100, where you’ll find vastly improved sensors, autofocus, and video specs - but often at 3x+ the price.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask below if you want advice tailored to your photography goals and budget. Happy shooting!