FujiFilm JZ500 vs Olympus VH-515: Battle of the Small Sensor Compacts for Enthusiast Shooters

When stepping into the world of compact cameras, enthusiasts and pros alike often wrestle with the balance between portability, image quality, and feature set. Today, I’m diving deep into a hands-on comparison between two compact contenders from the early 2010s: the FujiFilm FinePix JZ500 and the Olympus VH-515. Both hail from the “small sensor compact” category but approach photography with different philosophies and design choices. Having tested thousands of cameras, including these two, I’m here to unravel what really sets them apart and which one might be your next go-to grab-and-go shooter.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, balancing specs, handling, and real-world performance – and yes, some photos too.

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: When Pocketability Meets Usability

Compact cameras promise portability, but there’s a sweet spot between small and too-small. Below, we see a direct physical comparison that highlights subtle differences that impacted my grip and shooting comfort over extended use.

The FujiFilm JZ500 measures roughly 97x57x29mm, weighing 168 grams, sitting comfortably in the pocket without a bulge. Olympus VH-515 is just a tad bigger at 102x60x21mm but slightly lighter at 152 grams. The VH-515’s slimmer body feels a bit more modern and less boxy, especially when carrying it around all day.

The FujiFilm offers more depth, which translates into a more substantial grip - great for those who dislike feeling their camera might slip out of their hands. On the flip side, the VH-515’s compact profile is perfect for minimalists or street photographers who want to stay inconspicuous.

In terms of button placement and layout, here’s a sneak peek at the top controls of both cameras:

Both models forego optical or electronic viewfinders, relying instead on LCD displays only. FujiFilm’s layout is straightforward, but the VH-515 edges ahead with more tactile buttons and the welcome addition of a touchscreen – a rarity for compacts of their era. For value-sensitive buyers willing to adapt, VH-515’s touchscreen translates into swifter menu navigation especially in the field.

Sensor & Image Quality: Digging Into the Digital Heartbeat

Here’s where these siblings diverge markedly. Although both use the same 1/2.3" sensor size (6.17x4.55mm), their sensor technology and resolution vary:

• FujiFilm JZ500: 14MP CCD sensor, max ISO 1600 (boost to 3200), with traditional sensor-shift image stabilization.
• Olympus VH-515: 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor, max ISO 1600 native, also with sensor-shift IS.

CCD vs CMOS isn’t just nerd talk - it directly influences noise handling and dynamic range. Fuji’s CCD sensor was respectable for its time but tends to lag behind CMOS sensors when it comes to low-light scenarios, something that noticeably impacted my night and indoor shooting tests.

Dynamic range? The Olympus VH-515’s BSI-CMOS sensor comfortably pulled more detail in shadows and highlights, sci-fi-level stuff when shooting landscapes or harsh daylight scenes. The Fuji images looked a bit flatter, with earlier crushing in highlights and noise creeping in shadows beyond ISO 400.

In terms of raw flexibility, neither camera supports RAW shooting. This is a big limitation for pros wanting full post-processing freedom but understandable given the entry-level form factor and era.

LCD Screen & Interface: Your Window to the Shot

When you don’t have a viewfinder, the LCD becomes your main connection point to frame, focus, and review images:

VH-515 sports a bigger 3” TFT touchscreen with 460k dots - crisp and bright, even in sunlight. It makes menu scrolling and selection far more intuitive. Touch autofocus with face detection was a pleasant time-saver on urban street shoots.

JZ500’s 2.7” fixed LCD with 230k dots felt dimmer and lagged in responsiveness. There’s no touchscreen to be found, which can slow you down when sweating over menus or choosing focus points.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Keeping Pace with Your Subject

Autofocus ability is especially critical for wildlife, sports, and candid street photography.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, lacking phase-detection or hybrid systems that modern cameras sport. Here’s a quick summary of their AF:

• FujiFilm JZ500: single-point contrast AF, no face or eye detection, no continuous AF.
• Olympus VH-515: contrast AF with face detection, touch AF, and basic tracking.

Continuous shooting speed tells a similar story - the VH-515 manages 2fps, whereas the JZ500 has no continuous burst. Spoiler alert: neither is lightning-fast, so neither will win you a contract shooting pro sports. But VH-515’s face detection helped me nail portraits more consistently.

Lens & Zoom Capabilities: Versatility in your Palm

Both come with fixed lenses, but range and aperture matter:

• JZ500: 28-280mm equivalent zoom (10x), aperture F3.3-5.6.
• VH-515: 26-130mm equivalent zoom (5x), aperture F2.8-6.5.

The FujiFilm offers twice the telephoto zoom length. This is a big plus if you favor wildlife or distant subjects, a rare trait in compact cameras. However, its aperture stays narrower on the tele end, which can limit low-light shooting.

Olympus’s brighter wide-angle end (F2.8) allows more light in for better indoor and night shooting. The tradeoff for the shorter zoom is sharper optics. In field tests, VH-515’s lens delivered crisper images at wide and mid-telephoto ranges, reflecting a classic Olympus optical pedigree.

Flash & Low-light Shooting: When the Sun Bids Goodbye

Both cams feature built-in flash but with varying effective ranges:

• JZ500 max flash range: 2.6 meters.
• VH-515 max flash range: 4.7 meters.

Surprisingly, Olympus nearly doubles the effective flash distance, making it better for party shots and poorly lit interiors. Coupled with its brighter lens, this made VH-515 the clear winner after sunset or under tricky lighting conditions.

Neither camera offers advanced low-light modes or extended ISO beyond 1600 in normal use. Noise management generally favored the VH-515 in my testing, due to that CMOS sensor.

Video Features: Beyond Stills

For casual video shooters, resolution and formats matter:

• FujiFilm JZ500: max 720p HD at 24fps, Motion JPEG format.
• Olympus VH-515: full 1080p HD at 30fps, MPEG-4 with H.264 compression.

No external mic inputs or headphone jacks on either, limiting audio options for serious videographers. But the VH-515’s higher resolution and frame rate put it ahead for casual video capturing trips or YouTube vlogs.

Neither camera supports 4K or slow-motion video, unsurprising given their vintage and segment.

Connectivity & Storage: Staying Connected

While both cameras use standard SD/SDHC cards for storage, VH-515 expands compatibility to SDXC for larger cards, helping you stash more photos and videos.

The FujiFilm JZ500 lacks wireless connectivity outright. Olympus VH-515, while no Bluetooth or WiFi, supports Eye-Fi connectivity - a niche wireless SD card technology - helping transfer images without cables. That’s a modest yet helpful convenience for content creators keen on faster social sharing.

Build Quality & Weather Sealing: Taking a Beating

Neither model boasts weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. Both wear plastic bodies suitable for casual outdoor use only. Fuji's slightly chunkier build feels a touch more robust, but don't expect rugged reliability in tough conditions.

Battery Life & Practical Use

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion batteries (NP-45A for FujiFilm and LI-50B for Olympus). Official battery life figures are sparse, but field experience hints VH-515 lasts longer in mixed shooting conditions, thanks to its efficient CMOS processor.

Pro tip: carry a spare, especially if you plan longer trips or outdoor shooting days.

Sample Image Gallery: Peeking Behind the Pixels

I’ve included a few shots taken with both cameras under similar conditions to illustrate distinct image characteristics.

FujiFilm JZ500 front FujiFilm JZ500 screen back Olympus VH 515 front Olympus VH 515 screen back

Notice the FujiFilm images offer higher megapixel counts, enabling larger prints, but noise emerges quickly above ISO 400. Olympus images have smoother noise and retain shadow detail better, thanks to the newer sensor architecture.

Scoring the Overall Performance: A Quick Snapshot

Here we summarize key performance areas with scores reflecting real-world output and usability:

VH-515 leads for image quality, autofocus, and video, while JZ500 wrangles an edge in zoom versatility and sensor resolution.

Specialized Use Case Ratings: Match Your Passion

Different photographers have different priorities. Here’s how these cameras stack across various photography disciplines:

Portraits: VH-515’s face detection and wider aperture produce better skin tones and subject isolation.

Landscapes: Slight edge to VH-515 for dynamic range, but JZ500’s higher resolution helps cropping.

Wildlife: FujiFilm’s longer zoom is a tempting weapon, despite weaker AF speed.

Sports: Neither are ideal, but VH-515’s tracking helps slightly.

Street: VH-515’s discreet size and touchscreen make it better suited for rapid capture.

Macro: FujiFilm’s closer macro range down to 2 cm is a nice touch for flower or detail shots.

Night/Astro: VH-515’s noise control wins, though neither excels in astrophotography.

Video: VH-515 comfortably outclasses with full HD and better frame rates.

Travel: Both serve well, but VH-515’s lighter weight and longer battery life get the nod.

Professional Work: Limited RAW support and basic AF mean these are better backups than primary cameras.

The Final Verdict: Which Compact Compact Should You Choose?

Both the FujiFilm FinePix JZ500 and Olympus VH-515 embody the early 2010s small sensor compact spirit - affordable, ultra-portable, and user-friendly. Yet they crown different kings in practicality and image quality.

When to Buy the FujiFilm JZ500

• You want a 10x zoom lens for distant subjects without the bulk of a bridge camera.
• You prioritize higher megapixels for larger prints and cropping ability.
• You prefer an ergonomic grip that stays in hand well.
• You don’t mind a modest LCD and lack of touchscreen.
• Price is a factor, and you want a decent compact camera at or below $230.

The JZ500 is a solid budget-friendly zoom machine, great for casual shooters and beginners dabbling in wildlife or travel snaps requiring reach.

When Olympus VH-515 Shines Brightest

• You want better image quality in low light and wider dynamic range.
• You shoot a lot of portraits, needing face detection and fast AF.
• You value full HD video at 30fps with better compression.
• You crave the convenience and speed advantages of a touchscreen LCD.
• Portability and battery life matter, especially for street or travel photography.
• The price tag ($650+) is justifiable for the more refined user experience.

Olympus treads a more versatile line suitable for enthusiasts wanting a camera they can trust in varied lighting conditions and who also dabble seriously in video.

Parting Thoughts from the Field

I’ve always advocated letting your photography style guide your gear, rather than chasing specs. In this head-to-head, FujiFilm JZ500 leans towards the traveler or wildlife hobbyist needing reach without heft. Olympus VH-515 is the well-rounded everyday shooter for street, portraits, or casual video work.

Neither camera will replace your pro DSLR or mirrorless rig, nor will they wow you with cutting-edge tech (no 4K, no RAW, limited AF points). But both are competent, compact companions ideal for beginners upgrading from smartphones or anyone wanting a simple point-and-shoot without fuss.

And remember: lenses and hands make the photo, not just megapixels and megaprices.

If this comparison helped you align your needs with these two compacts, I’ll consider today’s shoot well spent. Happy clicking!