Lens
The lens is what makes or breaks this type of camera – they are, after all, ultra-zoom digital cameras. Both have a 15x optical zoom range, but different equivalent focal lengths. The Fujifilm S2000’s Fujinon lens measures 28-414mm. At its widest 28mm setting, f/3.5 and f/7 apertures are selectable. But at the longest 414mm setting, only f/5.4 and f/10.8 are available. This same two-stop aperture setup is on the Kodak too, which has the exact same offerings with its widest at f/3.5. The Kodak Z1015 has a 15x Schneider-Kreuznach lens that measures an equivalent 28-420mm. The Kodak’s lens has an optical image stabilization system built into it.

Fujifilm S2000 HD	Kodak Z1015 IS

Both cameras allow optical zoom while recording videos, something that many earlier ultra-zoom cameras avoided. The audio in the movies picks up the electronic zooming noise that the lenses make; the Kodak was only marginally quieter than the Fuji.

The zoom control is located at a different position on each camera. The Fuji’s is located around the shutter release button at the front of the grip and is operated by the right index finger. The Kodak’s zoom control sits at the back of the camera where the thumb rests. Both are comfortable; it is just a matter of preference.

Head-to-head, we’re giving the nod to the Kodak for its image stabilization. But besides that, these two 15x lenses are just about the same.