Fujifilm's compact travel zoom — 14MP CCD, 28-280mm 10x, 720p video, sold as JZ505 in some markets, 2010
The FinePix JZ500 was announced on 2 February 2010 as the top model in Fujifilm's J-series of ultra-compact digitals, reaching shops in March 2010 at US$249.95. It launched alongside the JZ300, JX250 and JV100, and was sold in some markets as the FinePix JZ505, a twin differing mainly in bundled internal memory.
It combines a 14.1-megapixel 1/2.3in CCD with a Fujinon 10x optical zoom spanning 28-280mm equivalent, stabilised by mechanical CCD-shift image stabilisation. The 2.7in LCD handles framing, video records at 720p HD, and the AF system offers Tracking Auto Focus plus face detection for up to ten faces. Storage is to SD/SDHC cards and power comes from Fujifilm's NP-45/NP-45A rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
The JZ500 is a pocket travel-zoom: wide enough for landscapes and interiors at 28mm, long enough at 280mm for candid detail shots, with real sensor-shift stabilisation — unlike the ISO-boost tricks on cheaper FinePix models — helping at the long end. The small CCD still limits high-ISO quality, so it performs best in daylight.
Used examples are plentiful and cheap, with NP-45-family batteries and chargers widely available aftermarket and standard SD cards keeping running costs minimal. Cycle the 10x zoom fully to check for grinding or misaligned barrel sections, confirm stabilisation engages (listen for the faint sensor click), and inspect the LCD for pressure marks.