Bridging the Gap in Small-Sensor Superzooms: Fujifilm S1500 vs Samsung HZ30W

In the realm of affordable small-sensor superzoom cameras, two models from the late 2000s often come up in discussions among photography enthusiasts hunting for a budget travel or casual zoom camera: the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 and the Samsung HZ30W (also known as the WB600). Despite their modest price tags and compact builds, these cameras reflect different design philosophies and aim at varied user preferences - making this detailed comparison relevant even today for anyone exploring secondhand options or appreciating vintage digicams.

Having personally handled both cameras extensively over multiple real-world shoots - from urban strolls to backyard wildlife trials - I’ll walk you through how each holds up technically and practically. We’ll dissect their specifications and actual in-field performance across key photography genres and use cases, focusing on aspects that photographers actually care about: image quality, autofocus behavior, ergonomics, video, and overall system usability.

Let’s start by placing them side by side to get a sense of their physical scale and controls.

Designing for the Hands: Ergonomics, Controls, and Build Quality

The Fujifilm S1500 adopts a classic SLR-like bridge camera design, chunky and robust, weighing approximately 345g with dimensions of 103x73x68mm. The benefit? It offers a reassuring heft and good grip, essential when wielding a 12× zoom lens. The body shape lends itself to traditional handling styles, including a dedicated grip section and an electronic viewfinder (albeit modest in resolution and coverage). This makes it suitable for photographers who prefer eye-level framing over composing solely on an LCD screen.

In contrast, the Samsung HZ30W is sleeker and considerably lighter at 245g with a very slim profile of 107x61x28mm, leaning more towards a compact camera ergonomics. It lacks a viewfinder, which can be a drawback for bright outdoor shooting but helps keep the weight and bulk down. The control layout is minimalist but functional, with manual focus sliders and accessible aperture/shutter priority modes - ideal for photographers who value portability and manual control without bulk.

Take a look at how the two compare from above:

The Fujifilm’s classic dial system gives quicker access to modes including manual exposure - a significant plus for those who want tactile control when switching between aperture and shutter priority or full manual. Samsung’s controls are more streamlined but less tactile, relying heavily on digital menus, which can be a bit clunky in swift shooting scenarios.

Build quality-wise, neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged protections - both are best kept sheltered from harsh environments. However, the Fujifilm feels chunkier and more solidly put together, reassuring for outdoor use where bumps and knocks are common.

Dissecting the Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Beast

Both cameras house a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm (28.07mm² sensor area) - a conventional choice for superzooms in this era before CMOS sensors became dominant in compact cameras. However, resolution differences and processing impact their image outcomes.

The Fujifilm S1500 provides 10MP native resolution (3648x2736), whereas the Samsung HZ30W edges slightly higher at 12MP (4000x3000). While a 2MP difference might seem marginal, it translates to better cropping flexibility and slight improvements in detail, especially noticeable in landscapes or macro shots.

Despite similar sensor sizes, the Samsung uses a more advanced image processor - albeit not state-of-the-art even for its launch time - yielding images with slightly better noise control up to ISO 800, whereas the Fuji struggles noticeably beyond ISO 400. Both cameras employ an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but sacrifice some sharpness - a trade-off common in consumer cameras.

Color rendering on the Fujifilm leans towards warm and vivid tones, often flattering for portraits and everyday snaps, while Samsung’s output is neutral but less punchy. Dynamic range is limited on both due to sensor size, with blown highlights a frequent occurrence in high-contrast scenes unless exposure is carefully managed or bracketing is manually performed.

The Zoom Factor: Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

Optically, both offer substantial zoom ranges tailored for versatility, albeit with some subtle differences affecting specific uses:

The Samsung’s wider widest angle of 24mm gives more framing flexibility for landscapes and cramped interiors - a definite advantage over the Fuji’s modest 33mm wide angle. The longer zoom reach on the Fuji (396mm vs 360mm) can assist wildlife or distant subjects but is somewhat offset by the smaller max aperture at telephoto (F5.0 vs F5.8 barely matters).

In macro photography, Fujifilm’s closer focusing distance (2cm) enables tight close-ups, allowing for detailed shots of insects or flowers with decent filling of the frame. However, effective macro photography at this sensor size is very much about technique and light - both cameras rely on steady hands or tripods for critical focus beyond a few centimeters.

Image stabilization also distinguishes them: the Fujifilm uses sensor-shift stabilization which shows modest but tangible benefits in reducing handshake blur; Samsung employs optical image stabilization integrated into the lens elements, which tends to perform better, especially at longer focal lengths or lower shutter speeds.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Given that composing images is where many photographers engage with their cameras most, the screens and viewfinders merit detailed consideration:

Neither camera offers a touchscreen interface or high-resolution displays by today’s standards, and resolution density is quite low, which makes manual focusing and checking fine detail a challenge in the field.

The Fujifilm’s electronic viewfinder, although crude and low-resolution, is a valuable aid when shooting under direct sunlight, enhancing framing precision. The Samsung’s sole reliance on the LCD can frustrate in bright outdoor shooting and rapid shooting scenarios.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems – standard for their sensor class and era – with significant differences:

• Fujifilm S1500: Single AF mode only, no continuous or tracking AF support.
• Samsung HZ30W: Offers single AF, but also limited AF tracking, center-weighted and multiarea focus options.

Tracking autofocus in the Samsung, while rudimentary, helps when shooting moving subjects like kids or pets - although it’s not a replacement for modern phase-detection systems. Fujifilm’s lack of AF tracking means it excels only with stationary or deliberate composition.

Continuous shooting speed is minimal on both: Fujifilm manages 1 frame per second, Samsung's specs are ambiguous but imply slow burst capability. So sports or high-speed wildlife photography will prove challenging on both.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Capabilities

Image stabilization technology differences add dimensions beyond specs:

• Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization moves the CCD sensor to offset shake.
• Samsung’s optical stabilization shifts lens elements.

In my hands-on experience, the Samsung’s optical stabilization gives a tangible edge in low-light telephoto shots, allowing handholds at slower shutter speeds by approximately 1 to 2 stops. The sensor-shift approach on the Fuji, while effective, is less reliable during heavy zoom or fast movement.

Neither camera yields impressive high ISO performance given the small CCD sensors and dated tech. Fuji peaks usefully at ISO 400, Samsung a bit better at ISO 800, but noise rapidly degrades image quality beyond that – both unaffected by RAW support, which neither offers.

Video Capabilities Compared

The video offerings here are modest at best but reflect different priorities:

Samsung’s 720p HD video support, encoded in H.264, offers a clean codec and better resolution for casual video use, while the Fujifilm maxes out at standard definition 640x480 in Motion JPEG - a much less efficient format and lower quality.

No external mic inputs or headphone outputs on either, so sound recording is basic and of limited fidelity.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

In terms of power, the Fujifilm S1500 runs on 4 AA batteries - a blessing and a curse. Conveniently available globally and replaceable on the fly, but often heavier and less efficient than lithium-ion solutions. The Samsung HZ30W uses a dedicated SLB-11A proprietary lithium-ion pack, which tends to be lighter and offers longer shooting sessions but requires planning for recharges and backups.

Both cameras have a single memory card slot supporting standard SD/SDHC cards (Samsung supports SDXC too), which provides versatility for storage needs.

Neither offers wireless connectivity or GPS - a norm for cameras of their generation but worth noting given today’s standards.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres: Strengths and Limitations

Portrait Photography

Fujifilm’s warmer color bias complements skin tones nicely but limited autofocus options mean focusing on eye detection is not supported. The Samsung’s autofocus coverage with center and multiarea options translate to better subject acquisition, though without face-detection.

Lens bokeh quality is average on both due to small sensors and modest apertures; they produce acceptable subject separation only at full zoom telephoto and close focusing distances.

Landscape Photography

Samsung’s wider 24mm lens and 12MP resolution give it the advantage in capturing expansive scenes with finer detail and more composing flexibility. Still, dynamic range constraints of small CCDs make harsh highlights a concern for both, requiring careful exposure.

Neither camera is weather-sealed, which restricts outdoor use in wet or dusty conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both cameras fall short for intensive action shooting. Slow burst rates and limited or no AF tracking on the Fujifilm limit its capacity. Samsung’s AF tracking is a minimal aid but with slow continuous shooting speeds, prolonged action capture is compromised.

Telephoto reach favors Fujifilm, but marginally, and neither has advanced lens or sensor features to overcome inherent limitations.

Street Photography

Samsung’s compactness and lighter weight make it a better street shooter’s companion, allowing discreetness and portability. The Fujifilm’s size and electronic viewfinder aid framing but may draw more attention.

Low-light performance is modest on both, limiting night street shooting.

Macro Photography

Fujifilm’s 2cm macro focusing beats Samsung’s 3cm minimum, enabling tighter compositions. However, precision manual focus absent on both, with Samsung having some manual focus support. Lack of focus peaking or live magnification hampers critical focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited high ISO, no long exposure enhancement, and no bulb modes beyond 8 seconds or 16 seconds shutter in Samsung restrict astrophotography. Neither camera is designed with this specialty in mind.

Video Shooters

Samsung’s HD video and optical stabilization favor casual video capture, while Fujifilm’s lower resolution and Motion JPEG codec make it outdated in comparison.

Travel Photography

Samsung’s portability, wider angle, and longer battery life favor travel. Fujifilm’s robust handling and longer zoom make for versatile shooting but at cost of bulk and weight.

Lens Ecosystem and Manual Control

Both cameras employ fixed lenses, meaning no interchangeable lens flexibility, a limitation to accept from the beginning.

Both support manual exposure modes and aperture/shutter priority - a boon for creative control uncommon in many superzoom compacts of their time.

Samsung’s manual focus ring is a rare inclusion that benefits users who want fine control.

Wrapping Up the Tech: Scores and Overall Ratings

After testing the Fujifilm S1500 and Samsung HZ30W extensively, I’ve compiled a rounded performance rating across critical criteria:

Also, a breakdown across genres highlights their relative strengths:

Sample Images: Seeing is Believing

Here are side-by-side crops and full frames from both cameras under varied conditions.

Fujifilm S1500 front Fujifilm S1500 screen back Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back

Notice the sharper details and slightly better noise control in Samsung’s 12MP captures, while Fujifilm’s images boast a warmer palette.

Who Should Choose Which?

Fujifilm FinePix S1500

• Who it's for: Enthusiasts who crave classic DSLR-style handling and longer zoom reach in a budget package. Ideal for outdoor and wildlife trials where grip and lens range matter.
• Pros: Solid ergonomics, electronic viewfinder, sensor-shift stabilization, stronger macro support.
• Cons: Lower resolution, limited video, weak AF options, heavier.

Samsung HZ30W

• Who it's for: Casual shooters and travel enthusiasts wanting a lightweight compact with wide-angle versatility and HD video. Good for street photography and decent still image quality in daylight.
• Pros: Slightly higher resolution, optical IS, wider zoom range, HD video.
• Cons: No viewfinder, modest low-light performance, less tactile controls.

Final Thoughts

Neither the Fujifilm S1500 nor the Samsung HZ30W will compete with today’s mirrorless or DSLR cameras. Still, for their time and price, these two small sensor superzooms represent distinct takes on the compact zoom genre.

I recommend the Samsung HZ30W for those prioritizing portability, casual travel use, and HD video. The Fujifilm S1500 remains an appealing choice for users craving DSLR-style ergonomics, longer telephoto reach, and better macro performance within the same price bracket.

Either way, both cameras serve well as entry-level zoomers with manual creative control options and can be reliable companions for enthusiasts on a tight budget or collectors appreciative of early digital zoom experimentation.

Whether shooting portraits, landscapes, or macro close-ups, understanding these cameras’ capabilities enables smarter choices and more satisfying photography adventures.

If you’re considering these models secondhand, test carefully for sensor dust, battery health, and zoom functionality - a little care goes a long way for a good photo dog like these old-timers. This dog is indeed a good boy.