The Minolta Capios 150S is a point-and-shoot camera from 2000. The 35mm camera was built by Minolta in a factory in China and sold on the Japanese market. The model was also sold under the name “Minolta Riva Zoom 150” and “Minolta Freedom Zoom 150”. The camera was aimed more at entry-level and casual users, for example for vacation. It has a number of automatic functions and you usually don’t need a manual to operate it.
The 35mm photo camera is equipped with a fixed lens. The lens is composed of six elements in six groups. The zoom range is 37.5 mm to 150 mm. The largest available aperture is f/5.4 at wide angle and f/11.9 at 150 mm. The lens is focused with an autofocus system. There is a focus lock button. The closest focusing distance is 60 cm. At 150 mm, you have to keep a minimum distance of 85 cm.
The 35 mm camera has an exposure meter. It can be used with films from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The camera technology determines the correct film speed via the DX code. The camera has automatic exposure control and sets aperture and shutter speed automatically. There is exposure compensation that makes images 1.5 stops brighter.
In low light conditions, the built-in flash can be used. It achieves a range of up to 4.6 meters when shooting at ISO 100. The flash has an automatic mode to avoid red-eye. There is also a mode for portrait shots with flash at night and a fill-in flash. However, the flash can also be turned off completely.
The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod and a self-timer on the bottom. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds. If ten seconds is too short for you to get into position, you can reach for the wireless remote control, which is available separately. The radio shutter release with the model name RC-3 can be used with several Minolta cameras and has a range of five meters.
According to the instruction manual, the camera weighs 190 grams and measures 11.2 x 6 x 4.4 cm. There is an eyelet on the side of the camera for attaching the camera strap or a wrist strap.
The camera requires a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery charge is enough for about 300 pictures. A CR2032 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is required for the wireless remote control.
Films for the Minolta Capios 150S
According to the instruction manual, the Minolta Capios 150S is designed for 35mm film. The film is automatically transported by the camera. After each shot, the film is rewound for the next frame. Up to 0.9 frames per second are possible in continuous shooting mode. The number of pictures taken is shown on the top display along with other information.
For the 35mm format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black-and-white shots. Possible films for the compact camera are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color shots and the Kodak T-Max 100* for black and white shots. Both films deliver solid results with the compact camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 0,9 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 37.5 mm - 150 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/5.4 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 6 elements in 6 groups |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Exposure compensation | + 1,5EV |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,6 to 4,6 Meter / 1.97 to 15.09 Feet |
| Flash modes | Fill-in flash, Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Wireless remote control | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
| Size | 11,2 x 6 x 4,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.41 x 2.36 x 1.73 inches |
| Weight | 190 Grams |
| Country of production | China |
| Estimated value / Used price | 78,28 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 10 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 68,50 Euro (73.60 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 60,15 Euro (64.94 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 85,44 Euro (92.00 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Capios 150S
Is this camera difficult to use, or is it easy for beginners?
The Minolta Capios 150S was designed with beginners in mind. It has many automatic features that handle most of the settings for you. You usually don't need to consult a manual to start taking pictures, so it is pretty beginner-friendly and great for casual photography.
Does this 'point and shoot' let me zoom in and out?
Yes, this compact camera features a zoom lens that allows you to adjust the focal length. It can zoom from 37.5mm up to 150mm. This makes it versatile for different types of shots from wide landscapes to closer portraits, all within a relatively compact design.
What kind of film does it use, and is it easy to load?
It uses standard 35mm film, which is still readily available. The camera automatically loads and advances the film, making it relatively easy. You don’t have to manually wind the film, it does it for you.
What about taking pictures in dark places? Does it have a flash?
Yes, it does have a built-in flash that can help you take pictures in low light. It even has modes to help reduce red-eye. The flash has a range of up to 4.6 meters when shooting with ISO 100 film, and you can also turn it off completely if you prefer.
How big and heavy is the camera? Would it be easy to carry around?
The camera weighs 190 grams and its dimensions are 11.2 x 6 x 4.4 cm. This size is quite compact, making it very portable. It also has a loop on the side for attaching a strap, so you can easily carry it around your neck or wrist.