Value
Both the Kodak EasyShare Z1015 IS and the Fujifilm FinePix S2000 HD cost $299.95. They have almost the exact same package: both come with a few cables (although neither comes with a connection to HDTVs), neck straps, manuals, lens caps, and software (the EasyShare software is far better than the FinePix Viewer and is available for free on the Kodak web site).

If you really want to watch your high-definition videos straight from the camera, it’ll cost $99.99 to get the over-priced Kodak HDTV Dock or $49.95 to get Fujifilm’s HD connection cable. The Kodak is the better camera, but will cost more if you want to hook it up to your HDTV.

Conclusion

These 10-megapixel ultra-zoom digital cameras pack a lot of features into a tiny package and offer it at a $299 price point that makes it a tempting purchase for most consumers. Both cameras have SLR-inspired bodies and controls, but the Fujifilm FinePix S2000 HD is slightly more compact and has a slightly more comfortable grip. Both cameras have high-definition movie recording, but the Kodak Z1015 can record longer videos and do so with stereo audio and optical image stabilization. Unfortunately, neither camera comes with a cable to connect to an HDTV; those are separate purchases – and just for the record, Fujifilm’s cable is fifty bucks cheaper.

Both cameras sport fat 15x optical zoom lenses that are nearly the same in every way. They have the same wide 28mm setting, but the Kodak reaches a few extra millimeters on the telephoto end to 420mm. They have the same aperture offerings and are both available during video recording. The Kodak Z1015’s lens is quieter than the Fuji’s in videos, and the Kodak builds its optical image stabilization system into the lens instead of Fuji’s CCD-shift system that doesn’t function in the movie mode.

Each camera has its set of perks. The Fujifilm S2000 starts up faster, has a more powerful flash, and has more accurate colors in its images. The Kodak Z1015 has an edge with better resolution, longer videos, a bigger LCD screen, and optical image stabilization. Head-to-head, the Kodak EasyShare Z1015 IS fared better when considering image quality, videos, and various modes and features discussed in this review.