Fujifilm S1500 vs Nikon P500: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Bridge Cameras for the Enthusiast

When budget-conscious enthusiasts look toward bridge cameras, the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 and Nikon Coolpix P500 often crop up as worthy contenders from their respective eras. Both command an SLR-like footprint and deliver long zoom ranges aimed at diverse shooting scenarios without the bulk and complexity of interchangeable lenses. But which model truly satisfies your needs in practical day-to-day photography? Having extensively tested these cameras myself over the years, I’m pulling back the curtain with a detailed, experience-driven comparison that balances technical data, real-world performance, and usability.

From sensor details to autofocus quirks, and from ergonomics to video chops - this article breaks down everything you need to decide between the S1500 and the P500. Whether landscapes, wildlife, or casual family snaps are your focus, you’ll find insights to guide you.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Handling, and Controls

Before diving into image quality or autofocus, you’re going to want to understand how these cameras feel in your hands - the ergonomics, button layout, and general shooting comfort all play a huge role in actual usability.

At a glance, the Nikon P500 is significantly heavier and chunkier than the Fujifilm S1500 - 494g versus 345g and dimensions reveal the P500’s more robust build. This heft can mean steadier support especially at its mammoth 36× zoom, but if you prize portability, the lighter S1500 is easier to carry around comfortably for hours, especially during travel or street photography.

Looking at the top design and control layout, we find some crucial differences.

The S1500’s controls lean toward simplicity, which sometimes sacrifices direct access to exposure settings, but makes it less daunting for casual shooters. Nikon’s P500, meanwhile, benefits from a more comprehensive command dial and dedicated buttons for ISO, metering, and drive modes, lending itself better to enthusiasts who desire quicker on-the-fly adjustments. The manual focus ring on the P500 is also a boon for macro or creative control - a feature not available on the S1500.

Bottom line: the P500 feels more like a “serious” camera ready for quick tweaks, while the S1500 caters to those less inclined to fiddle mid-shoot and who prefer a lighter travel companion.

Under the Hood: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

Both cameras settle on the common bridge camera sensor size of 1/2.3” with identical dimensions (6.17 × 4.55 mm), but the sensor types differ, impacting overall image fidelity and ISO performance.

Fujifilm uses a 10MP CCD sensor while Nikon opts for a slightly higher resolution 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor - the latter generally offering improved low-light sensitivity and better dynamic range due to its backside-illuminated architecture. Testing these two on a controlled rig reveals the P500 produces cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to ISO 3200 native) compared to the noisier and capped ISO 6400 on the S1500, which - frankly - is often unusable above ISO 800.

Color depth favors the Nikon as well, with more accurate skin tones and natural saturation thanks to its improved sensor and processing pipeline. The Fujifilm will hold its own in good light but struggles with highlight retention and shadows under challenging dynamic range conditions - as you might expect from a CCD sensor this old.

If your focus is landscape work demanding detailed texture and wide tonal range, the Nikon’s sensor will reward you with less noise, more detail, and richer tones.

LCD and Viewfinder: What You See Is What You Get

Screen technology directly impacts framing and reviewing your shots, especially when shooting at awkward angles or outdoors.

The Nikon P500 takes a significant leap ahead here with its 3” tilting TFT LCD boasting 921k dots and anti-reflective coating. This versatility is fantastic for shooting from low or high perspectives and bright daylight use. By contrast, the Fuijfilm S1500’s fixed 2.7” LCD with 230k dots is a painful throwback - dimmer, less detailed, and tougher to use outside. For critical manual focusing or video monitoring, the P500 clearly wins.

Both cameras feature an electronic viewfinder (EVF). While resolution details aren’t widely published, in practice the P500 has a more stable and less laggy EVF than the S1500 - important when tracking fast action or composing in bright light where the LCD is useless.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both models rely exclusively on contrast-detection autofocus with no phase-detection or hybrid modes - a significant limitation for fast-moving subjects. But the P500 makes strides with nine AF points (including a select center point), phase-detection is absent but face detection is implemented, improving accuracy on portraits and group shots. The S1500 simplifies things with just a single AF point and no face detection.

In my field tests photographing birds and kids running around, the Nikon keeps focus locked much better. The minimal 1 fps burst rate on both limits sports use, but at least the P500’s AF tracking helps maintain focus on erratic subjects better. The S1500 can struggle hunting back and forth, often missing critical decisive moments.

Macro performance benefits from the Nikon’s manual focus ring and 1 cm close focus distance, compared to 2 cm on the Fujifilm. Precise critical focusing was easier on the P500 for close-up flower shots, especially when combined with its tilting LCD.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance

Superzoom cameras live and die by their zoom capabilities.

• Fujifilm S1500: 12× optical zoom, 33mm to 396mm equivalent, f/2.8-5.0
• Nikon P500: 36× optical zoom, 23mm to 810mm equivalent, f/3.4-5.7

The Nikon P500's zoom range is in a league of its own here, with ultra-wide 23mm starting point and massive 810mm at the telephoto end. This greater reach unlocks exciting opportunities for wildlife photographers or sports shooters on a budget, where you often cannot get physically close.

Though lens sharpness on the Fujifilm is commendable in the short to mid range, it softens noticeably at maximum telephoto and wide-open apertures. The Nikon has similar compromises but overall performs impressively well given the enormous zoom range.

Image stabilization also matters hugely for these lengthy zooms. Both cameras feature sensor-shift stabilizers, but the P500’s system is more advanced, allowing steadier shots hand-held at higher zoom factors.

Real-World Image Quality and Sample Shots

For a sense of real output, examining actual photos side by side reveals practical strengths and weaknesses.

Fujifilm S1500 front Fujifilm S1500 screen back Nikon P500 front Nikon P500 screen back

You’ll notice the Nikon captures slightly richer colors and better detail preservation in shadows, partly due to its superior sensor and image processing. The Fujifilm images, while respectable for casual sharing, tend toward flatter contrast and less crispness at edges.

Skin tones on the Nikon are warmer and more pleasing - critical for portrait photography. The S1500 images sometimes require post-processing to correct color casts.

Landscape shots benefit notably from the Nikon’s wider angle and superior dynamic range. In dimmer lighting, the P500’s lower noise levels stand out. Sport and wildlife photos are sharper as the AF system locks focus more reliably.

Video and Connectivity Capabilities

Bridge cameras aren’t just about stills anymore. Let’s see how these two handle motion capture.

• Fujifilm S1500: Max resolution 640x480 @ 30fps, Motion JPEG format, no microphone or headphone jacks
• Nikon P500: Full HD 1920x1080 @ 30fps, plus 720p and VGA options, MPEG-4 / H.264 codec, no audio in/out ports, HDMI output T

Unsurprisingly, the P500 delivers a clearly superior video experience with full HD recording - just what you want for capturing family events or casual documentaries. The outdated VGA-quality video on the Fujifilm is a non-starter today.

Neither offers audio input/output for external mics or headphones, so video enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere for serious production work. However, the Nikon’s better stabilization and faster lens make for smoother handheld clips.

Neither camera has wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - which is expected given their age but certainly a convenience sacrifice nowadays.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance affects your shooting workflow, especially on travel or long wildlife excursions.

The S1500 runs on four AA batteries, which means you can easily carry spares and swap them in an instant - very practical, though capacity per charge isn’t exceptional. The P500 uses a proprietary rechargeable EN-EL5 battery pack rated for about 220 shots per charge. That means you’ll need to invest in spares or a charger on longer outings.

On the storage front, the S1500’s specification is vague, but typically supports SD cards. The Nikon P500 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, offering higher capacity options and faster write speeds - a plus when shooting lots of high-res photos or HD video.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers extensive environmental sealing, dust, or water resistance. Both are classic plastic and metal bridge designs, durable for everyday use but not made for heavy rain or harsh conditions.

If you routinely shoot landscapes or wildlife in challenging weather, you will want to take precautions or consider more rugged bodies.

Price-to-Performance: Who Gets the Most Bang for Your Buck?

Let’s talk numbers:

• Fujifilm S1500: Approx $200 (used or new old stock)
• Nikon P500: Approx $400

Given the P500 delivers twice the zoom range, far better sensor technology, improved autofocus, superior video, and a vastly better LCD screen, the extra cost seems justified for most enthusiasts.

However, if you’re on a very tight budget or want a lightweight camera with solid zoom and manual exposure modes, the Fujifilm S1500 retains charm as an entry-level superzoom option.

Use-Case Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Photography Styles

Let’s break down how these cameras shine (or not) across major photography disciplines.

• Portrait Photography: Nikon’s 12MP BSI-CMOS + face detection results in more accurate skin tones and sharper eyes. Fujifilm lags due to sensor and lack of AF tracking. Winner: Nikon P500

• Landscape Photography: P500’s wider 23mm lens, better dynamic range, and tilting LCD make composing wide scenes easier. Fujifilm’s narrower start and weaker sensor challenge shadows. Winner: Nikon P500

• Wildlife Photography: The 810mm zoom and superior AF tracking on the P500 clinch it. 1 fps bursts are limiting on both. Winner: Nikon P500

• Sports Photography: Both limited by slow continuous shooting but P500 AF tracking helps. Neither suited for fast action seriously. Winner: Nikon P500 (marginal)

• Street Photography: Smaller, lighter Fujifilm wins for portability and low-key use; P500’s size can be intrusive. Winner: Fujifilm S1500

• Macro Photography: P500’s 1cm close focus plus manual focus ring offers precise control. Fujifilm’s fixed AF only is restrictive. Winner: Nikon P500

• Night/Astro Photography: Limited by small sensors and no special modes, P500’s better sensor and lower noise perform marginally better. Winner: Nikon P500

• Video Capabilities: P500 delivers HD video with decent stabilization; Fujifilm stuck at VGA with basic codec. Winner: Nikon P500

• Travel Photography: Fujifilm’s compactness and AA batteries are an advantage; P500 is bulkier with shorter battery life but versatile zoom covers more needs. Choice depends on travel style.

• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW nor advanced tethering, limiting their appeal to pros - better as second or casual cameras.

Summary of Overall Performance and Final Scores

Bringing it all together with a balanced take:

• Image Quality: Nikon P500 leads with better sensor and processing.
• Autofocus: P500 superior with multiple AF points and face detection.
• Handling: P500 offers more controls and tilting screen but is heavier; S1500 is lighter and simpler.
• Zoom Range: P500’s 36× is unmatched.
• Video: P500 full HD beats S1500 VGA footage.
• Battery: S1500 AA batteries convenience vs P500 rechargeable pack.
• Price-to-Value: P500 justifies higher price with performance.

The Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?

If you seek a versatile, long-zoom bridge camera with superior image quality, autofocus flexibility, and HD video for a variety of enthusiast disciplines, the Nikon P500 is the clear choice - provided you don’t mind the size, weight, and invested cost. It delivers noticeably better results across portrait, landscape, wildlife, and macro photography.

If you’re a casual photographer, budget-constrained, or want something compact and easy to carry for day-to-day shooting or street photography, then the Fujifilm S1500 remains a solid, no-frills option, especially if you value AA battery convenience and a shorter zoom.

Neither camera caters well to professionals demanding RAW capture, high burst rates, or weather-sealed bodies. For those criteria, stepping up to modern mirrorless or DSLR systems is advisable.

In the end, choosing between the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 and Nikon Coolpix P500 boils down to your priorities: the featherweight, simple charm versus the hefty, zoom-happy powerhouse with better tech. Both represent their time well, but the P500, with its improved sensor and feature set, better anticipates modern photography requirements.

Hopefully, this hands-on, detailed exploration helps you get closer to the camera that fits you best.

Happy shooting!

For a quick visual recap, here’s the side-by-side comparison gallery once more:

Fujifilm S1500 front Fujifilm S1500 screen back Nikon P500 front Nikon P500 screen back