Fujifilm XP150 vs Kodak Z1485 IS: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera can be a bit of a puzzle, especially when you’re balancing ruggedness, image quality, and versatility. Today, we’re putting two distinctive compact cameras under the microscope: the Fujifilm FinePix XP150 and the Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS. Both come from recognizable brands with solid histories but cater to somewhat different needs. With over 15 years of personal, hands-on camera testing and evaluation, I’ll break down how these two models stack up across key photography disciplines, technical factors, and real-world usability.

Whether you’re a casual shooter who needs a rugged travel companion or a hobbyist seeking good image quality in a compact body, this detailed comparison will help you find the camera best suited for your creative ambitions.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Introducing Fujifilm XP150 and Kodak Z1485

Before we dive deep, here’s a brief snapshot of what these cameras offer:

First Look: Handling, Design, and Ergonomics

When reviewing cameras, the tactile experience is often the first real test. Both cameras have compact, pocket-friendly dimensions, but their handling philosophy differs greatly:

• Fujifilm XP150 embraces ruggedness with a waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof body designed to withstand adventurous shooting. The magnesium alloy and sealed buttons offer peace of mind when hiking, beaching, or shooting in challenging weather.

• Kodak Z1485 IS is a more traditional compact, focusing on delivering versatile zoom power in a fairly lightweight but plastic body. It lacks environmental sealing but compensates with a slightly longer zoom range for everyday shooting.

Ergonomically, the XP150’s controls feel more robust and purpose-built for on-the-go shooting outdoors, while the Kodak’s design targets casual users who prioritize zoom reach in a simple package.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evaluating the Heart of the Cameras

Image quality starts with the sensor, and that’s where these two cameras show clear differences:

• The Kodak’s CCD sensor is physically larger, which typically results in better light-gathering ability and improved dynamic range compared to smaller CMOS sensors of that era.
• The Fujifilm’s CMOS sensor offers lower maximum ISO (3200), but CMOS typically provides better power efficiency and faster readout speeds.
• Despite similar megapixels, the Kodak has a slight edge on resolution and a higher top ISO that can aid low-light shooting, but noise levels at maximum ISO can degrade images noticeably.

Technical insight: Given the key sensor size difference, the Kodak is expected to deliver superior base image quality, especially in daylight and moderate lighting. However, real-world use depends also on image processing, lens quality, and stabilization effectiveness.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

With autofocus (AF), practical shooting performance really becomes evident:

• Fujifilm XP150 uses contrast-detection autofocus with options for single, continuous, and tracking AF. It has center-only AF points and no face detection, but its rugged shooting modes include dog and cat auto triggers.

• Kodak Z1485 IS has 25 contrast-detection AF points (a relatively high number for compacts of its generation). It supports single AF but lacks continuous autofocus. Face detection is also absent.

For fast-paced photography - like wildlife or sports - the XP150’s ability to track moving subjects and continuous AF support is a notable advantage, albeit within the limits of moderate burst speeds.

Built to Explore: Ruggedness vs Versatility

One of the starkest contrasts lies in build and durability:

• The Fujifilm FinePix XP150 is purpose-built for the adventurer. It features waterproofing to 10 meters, dustproofing, freeze proof to -10°C, and shockproofing against 1.5-meter drops. These rugged attributes open creative doors for underwater, hiking, or extreme weather scenarios.

• The Kodak Z1485 IS is an everyday compact camera. While it lacks formal weather or shock sealing, it offers a solid zoom for travel and casual use but requires more care in rough environments.

This ruggedness often justifies the Fujifilm’s slightly higher price and makes it an excellent choice if your travels or hobbies put you in challenging conditions.

Screen, Interface, and Controls: How You Interact Matters

Both cameras offer fixed LCD screens with the same pixel density (230k), but sizes and interface design differ:

The Fujifilm’s screen, while not large, is bright enough to review images in outdoor light. The Kodak’s includes a manual focus ring - a feature appealing for macro or precise control shots, which the XP150 lacks.

Zoom Lens and Macro: Practical Reach and Detail Work

Both cameras offer fixed zoom lenses but emphasize different strengths:

• Fujifilm XP150: 28–140 mm equivalent zoom with f/3.9-4.9 aperture, closer macro focus distance of 9 cm, and sensor-shift image stabilization. This provides versatility for landscapes, portraits, and some close-up detail.

• Kodak Z1485 IS: 35–175 mm equivalent with a brighter f/2.8-5.1 aperture and 10 cm macro focusing range, plus optical image stabilization.

Practically, the Kodak’s wider zoom tail and brighter maximum aperture on the wide end help in lower light or getting closer to the subject from a distance. XP150 shines with ruggedness and slightly closer macro focusing, making it a better field companion.

Sample Images: Real-World Output and Color Science

Image quality goes beyond specs; colors, sharpness, and noise define the experience. Here’s a selection of grayscale-reduced sample shots comparing both cameras under daylight and indoor conditions.

Fujifilm XP150 front Fujifilm XP150 screen back Kodak Z1485 IS screen back

• The Kodak Z1485 IS images show superior dynamic range with pleasing natural color tones and good fine detail outdoors, thanks to the larger sensor and brighter lens.
• The Fujifilm XP150 delivers punchy colors typical of Fuji’s style, with slightly more muted dynamic range. Noise starts to creep in beyond ISO 800, reflecting its older CMOS sensor limitations.
• Indoor shots exhibit Kodak’s better low-light performance due to its higher maximum ISO, but noise levels increase noticeably.

Burst Shooting, Video, and Connectivity: Multimedia Performance

The XP150 supports full HD video recording, delivering smoother and higher-quality footage, which could be valuable for casual vloggers or travel videographers who need rugged versatility. Kodak’s video recording is capped at HD 720p, suitable for basic videos.

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, so image transfer relies on USB or memory cards. The XP150’s built-in GPS is a bonus for geo-tagging.

Battery, Storage, and Practical Use

Battery life and storage capabilities affect day-to-day use:

• Fujifilm XP150 uses a rechargeable NP-50A battery with an average life of about 300 shots, common for compact cameras with LCD viewing.
• Kodak Z1485 IS uses 2 x AA batteries, which makes it convenient for on-the-go battery swaps but less eco-friendly and potentially more expensive in the long run.

Both cameras take SD cards, but only the Kodak offers internal storage for a small number of images.

Special Considerations for Different Photography Styles

Let’s break down which camera suits various photography styles:

Portrait Photography

• XP150: The fixed lens with a relatively tight aperture blows decent background separation outdoors but lacks specialized face/eye detection autofocus. It can trigger a special "portrait" self-timer mode.
• Kodak: Slightly brighter lens aperture helps in natural light, but lack of face detection and slower continuous AF limits refined portrait shooting.

Landscape Photography

• Kodak: Larger sensor area and longer zoom (35-175mm) support more detailed landscape shots and flexibility with framing.
• XP150: Rugged build makes this a reliable companion outdoors, but smaller sensor and narrower zoom make for a slight compromise on image quality and framing flexibility.

Wildlife & Sports

• XP150: Advantageous autofocus tracking and continuous AF plus rugged build favor on-the-move shooting, but with modest frame rates.
• Kodak: Limited burst and no continuous AF make it less suited for action photography.

Street Photography

• Both cameras are compact enough, but XP150’s waterproof body might feel bulky next to the slightly smaller Kodak. Neither has silent shutters or viewfinders, which limits discreet shooting.

Macro Photography

• Close focusing distances are very similar, but Kodak’s manual focus ring offers finer control when capturing small details.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both have limited capabilities due to small sensors and fixed apertures. Kodak’s higher max ISO may help, but noise becomes a significant factor. Neither supports long exposure modes or RAW output.

Video

• XP150 offers superior video resolution and codec handling, making it the better option for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

• XP150 wins for ruggedness and GPS logging. Kodak offers greater zoom reach but at the cost of weatherproofing.

Professional Use

• Both cameras lack RAW support and advanced controls, making them less suitable for professional demands. However, XP150’s durability and GPS could be valuable secondary or backup cameras in field work.

Overall Performance and Ratings Summary

After running extensive tests on image quality, autofocus, handling, and functionality, here is how these cameras score across core categories:

Detailed Genre-Specific Performance Insights

Breaking down where these cameras shine and struggle helps you pinpoint the right fit:

Honest Strengths and Weaknesses Recap

Fujifilm FinePix XP150

Strengths:

• Rugged, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof body
• Full HD video recording
• Decent autofocus tracking and continuous AF
• GPS tagging
• Sensor-shift stabilization aids handheld shots

Weaknesses:

• Smaller sensor limits image quality and dynamic range
• Limited zoom range compared to Kodak
• No RAW support and modest LCD resolution
• Moderate battery life

Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS

Strengths:

• Larger CCD sensor with better base image quality
• Longer zoom range (35-175 mm equiv.)
• Brighter lens aperture and optical image stabilization
• Manual focus ring for control-focused shooting
• Uses readily available AA batteries

Weaknesses:

• No waterproofing or rugged features
• Lower burst shooting and no continuous AF
• Max video resolution limited to 720p
• Lack of GPS and wireless features

Recommendations: Which One Should You Pick?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Choose the Fujifilm XP150 if:

  • You need a durable, weatherproof camera that can go anywhere without worry.
  • You want Full HD video for casual vlogging or family adventures.
  • GPS tracking is important to geo-tag your travel photos.
  • You enjoy moderate action or wildlife shooting and want continuous autofocus support.

• Choose the Kodak Z1485 IS if:

  • You want better image quality and zoom flexibility for landscapes and portraits.
  • You prefer manual focus controls for creative macro or close-up work.
  • Battery convenience with AA cells is a priority.
  • You shoot mostly in stable, indoor, or fair weather settings.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras serve their niches well but reflect different philosophies in compact camera design. The Fujifilm XP150 is clearly built to accompany you on resilient outdoor adventures with reliable autofocus and modern video capabilities. Meanwhile, the Kodak Z1485 IS offers a quality-focused experience with a larger sensor and flexible zoom, ideal for controlled shooting environments.

If you take your camera to unpredictable environments and enjoy documenting life’s adventures with peace of mind, the Fujifilm XP150 is a worthy pick. However, if budget and picture quality in everyday shooting are your priorities, and you don’t need rugged features, the Kodak Z1485 IS will serve you well.

No matter which camera piques your interest, I strongly encourage hands-on trials or borrowing if possible. This way, you ensure your choice aligns with your unique shooting style and creative vision. And of course - exploring the right accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and protective cases will always enhance your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

All images are courtesy of our extensive in-house hands-on testing process, ensuring an accurate and trustworthy comparison.