Fujifilm's 2009 budget superzoom bridge — 10MP CCD, 12x 33-396mm equiv zoom, EVF, runs on AA batteries.
The Fujifilm FinePix S1500 was a compact superzoom bridge camera announced in February 2009, aimed at advanced amateurs and families wanting DSLR-style handling on a budget. In some markets, notably the US, it was marketed as the FinePix S1500fd, launching at around $249. It should not be confused with the much later weather-sealed FinePix S1 bridge camera of 2014, which is a completely different product.
It paired a 10-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD with a Fujinon 12x optical zoom covering a 33-396mm equivalent range at f/2.8-5.0. Framing was via an electronic viewfinder or the 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD. Dual Image Stabilization combined sensor-shift correction with high-ISO shutter boosting, and sensitivity reached ISO 1600 at full resolution (ISO 6400 at reduced 3MP size). Images were stored on SD/SDHC cards or internal memory, and power came from four AA batteries.
The S1500 suited casual travel and family shooters who wanted a single do-everything camera with a long reach. SR Auto scene recognition and tracking autofocus kept operation simple, while the AA power and standard SD cards made it painless to keep running. Its small CCD limits high-ISO output, so it performs best in good light.
On the used market the S1500 is a low-risk buy: it takes ordinary AA cells and SD/SDHC cards, so no obsolete accessories are needed. Check the electronic viewfinder and LCD for faults, confirm the zoom motor runs smoothly across the full range, and inspect the lens for haze. As with any CCD compact of this age, test for sensor lines or hot pixels.