Best Digital Camera for Action Photos Under $300: Fujifilm FinePix S1500, by picturemaker

Expert Recommendation

Best Digital Camera for Action Photos Under $300

By picturemaker

Expert (14 Recommendations and 1 Compliment)

Send a Compliment

October 15, 2009 Updated: October 16, 2009

Overview

When searching for a reasonably priced point and shoot camera designed to capture action shots, look no further than the Fuji S1500. Fuji has been a leader in ultra-zoom cameras that are built tough and take beautiful, clear images. With the S1500 you get the simplicity of a point and shoot with the feel of an SLR. You can take the S1500 into low light situations, fast action events, or both, and shoot with confidence that it will have the stuff to capture the shot.

My Best In Class Pick

Fujifilm FinePix S1500

This camera has it all. High ISO, a 12x zoom and a new Tracking Autofocus Function that let’s you be in control of every shot in every environment.

When put to the test, this 10mp dynamo packed inside a sturdy, lightweight body passes every challenge and makes you look good doing it. When others have to put there cameras away in low light situations, you’ll be capturing the action with an impressive 6400 ISO and Dual Image Stabilisation.

Another great feature of this camera is the Scene Recognition Auto setting. Depending on the environment you are currently shooting in, the camera will optimise the settings to fit each situation, allowing you to worry about, well, nothing.

I only wish this camera used a lithium Ion battery instead of 4 bulky AA batteries but purchasing rechargeable batteries will help keep this camera an economical choice.

Comparison with Samsung HZ15W

I chose the Fuji S1500 over the Samsung HZ15W because of the SLR style handgrip and the ability to toggle back and forth between the LCD and the electronic viewfinder. I wouldn’t be able to look past the fact that the HZ15W has no viewfinder, but the 24mm wide angle Schneider lens, 10x zoom and 3200 ISO capabilities let’s me forgive Samsung for this oversight and recommend it as an excellent camera for capturing action in a variety of situations.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

I like the Fuji S1500 for the body style and it’s optical viewfinder. Otherwise, the Canon SX200 IS is a great camera for taking action photos. Packed into a light (7.8oz) metal body (with 3 new colors), the SX200 IS fits perfectly in your pocket or purse.

Pros

+
Solid body
+
Electronic viewfinder
+
High ISO
+
DIS

Cons

-
4AA batteries
-
Won't fit in your pocket

Where to buy

Fujifilm FinePix S1500

Best Price: $156
See It »
$156 - $294 Compare Prices »

Recommended with

Canon Monopod 100 for SLR Cameras & Lenses

$36.71 @ Amazon.com

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Resolution: 10.0MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews

(58 reviews)

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Fujifilm FinePix S1500	2 Samsung HZ15W	3 Canon PowerShot SX200 IS
Customer Rating	(from 58 reviews)	(from 37 reviews)	(from 75 reviews)
Price	$156 - $294	$233 - $499	$291 - $449
? Close Image Stabilization Available Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera. Image Stabilization Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
? Close Viewfinder Available A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display. Viewfinder Available	Yes	No	No
Battery Type	AAA	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable
Colors	No	No	Black, Blue, Red
Easy to Use	Yes	Yes	Yes
HD Video Available	No	Yes	Yes
Optical Zoom	10.0x	10.0x	12.0x
? Close Face Detection Available Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color. Face Detection Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video Out Interface Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight (with batteries)	12.2 oz	8.8 oz	8.7 oz
? Close Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time) This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment. Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)	0.8 sec	0.3 - 0.9 sec	0.3 sec

Samsung HZ15W

Samsung finally got around to producing a compact superzoom camera with the release of the HZ10W. Then they made a few adjustments (a bigger LCD screen and a 12.2mp CCD image sensor) and came out with the HZ15W.

They were smart, however, to keep the 24mm wide angle Schneider lens that zooms out to 10x.

If getting close to the action is what you want while looking stylish with a camera that fits nicely in your pocket or purse, the 8.8 oz. Samsung HZ15W is the choice for you.

Pros

+
HD movie recording
+
24mm wide angle lens

Cons

-
no viewfinder