Canon PowerShot S2 IS

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 119 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  Good but with some niggles

  by HayleEye on July 11, 2005

  Pros: Great Optics

  Cons: Lens cap and port covers

  Summary: Having owned a canon S2IS now for a week and having had both SLR and digital cameras before my overall impression of the S21S is that it is a very ...

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  Summary: Having owned a canon S2IS now for a week and having had both SLR and digital cameras before my overall impression of the S21S is that it is a very capable piece of kit that has much to offer both the novice and the more experience user.
  
  The camera has a nice feel, solid without being too bulky and sits well in the hand. The best feature has to be the lens. Canon have always been noted for excellent optics and the x12 optical zoom is no exception giving remarkable clarity across its range with little evidence of distortion or fringing even at the extreme of its range. The additional x4 digital zoom is nice to have I suppose but is sensible disabled by default, better to shoot and then crop the 5mp image using your favourite software I feel.
  
  There are one or two niggley things however which detract from the overall pleasure to use that the camera generally is. The most striking and soonest discovered is the appalling lens cap. It’s a fairly slack push-on affair which all too readily falls off. On the good side it is readily pushed aside by the lens should you forget to remove it before switching on, but surely canon could have come up with a better solution, on a camera of this quality its such a let down.
  
  I found the Electronic viewfinder quite crisp and clear with most of the symbols quite intuitive. The substantial rubber surround means that even spectacle wearers can get up close and the dioptre adjustment is a real boon.
  
  The image stabilisation (IS) seems to work reasonably well allowing hand held exposures to be made at quite low shutter speeds in low light and/or with the zoom lens extended.
  
  The flip and turn LCD screen at the rear of the camera is somewhat of a novelty, its quite nice I suppose that it can be turned around so that the screen is recessed in the camera and is protected but beyond that it seems to be a gimmick with very limited use in the real world. A larger LCD screen protected by a sliding cover would have been of much more practical use I feel.
  
  The flexible rubber covers on the USB and AV ports are also quite poor in design, the have to be prised off with the fingernail to insert the connecters and are secured by fairly flimsy rubber stalks which look like they wouldn’t take much to break them off.
  
  In common with many compact SLR replacement cameras the lens lacks a filter thread which I find a bind. True the vast majority of users would not perhaps want to be able to use any of the vast range of creative filters that are available, but my expertise has shown that a UV filter permanently placed over the lens offers a lot of protection to the valuable optics and is something I miss.
  
  Quite why Canon and other manufacturers of high resolution cameras insist in supplying a mean 16Mb SD card is beyond me. It is of such low capacity 5 or 6 images at high resolution, that its just not worth the effort of opening the packet. I wish they would either pack a decent sized card 256MB or better, or just not bother and knock a few pence of the price.
  
  I find the gentle beeps that the camera issues in normal operation to be very positive and its volume can be varied. Even better it can simply be muted as required for occasions when extraneous noises are best avoided. I can’t help thinking however that the manpower spent on providing ‘optional alternative noises’ such as the sound of a dog barking when the shutter is fired, could have been better spent on other aspects of the design.
  
  Of course the real test of any camera is the quality of the images it produces and despite the shortcoming outlined the S2IS produces some quite stunning results. Its Auto Mode and is able to cope with a range of scenes and conditions while shutter and aperture priority and even full manual control are available to those more demanding users.

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  176 out of 180 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 7 stars

  I Like This Camera A Lot, But...

  by ArchersAdvantage on June 20, 2005

  Pros: 12X Magnification, Movie Mode, Image Stabilization, Continuous Shooting

  Cons: No Remote, Movie Mode Issues

  Summary: I wanted to love this camera but have to settle for liking it a lot. I currently have a G5 and have been holding out for a camera with Image ...

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  Summary: I wanted to love this camera but have to settle for liking it a lot. I currently have a G5 and have been holding out for a camera with Image Stabilized High Magnification and Continuous Shooting Mode. The movie mode was an added bonus.
  
  This camera meets all of my expectations in the Still Camera Mode with the exception that there is no remote. This means you are tethered to the camera when you wish to preview photos & movies direct from the camera to TV (give me a break Canon).
  
  The 2.4 fps continuous shooting mode is fantastic. If you let up on the shutter button and press it again, there is no buffer to clear out before the camera resumes continuous shooting. I do wish Canon would provide this feature in Auto mode however.
  
  My second major issue with this camera is what happens if the CCD saturates on a Highly Reflective Surface (Sunshine reflecting off a chrome bumper or off ripples in a pool). When the saturated spot is fixed in a position, a pure white vertical strip shows up in recorded images that transects the saturated point for the full height of the image. As you move the camera in relation to the source of the saturated point, this white line will move across anything in the foreground. In the case of reflecting pools of light, the camera displays pinpoints of light across the display as the water ripples in the sunlight. None of these effects are observable in Still Images.
  
  Despite these shortcomings, I like the camera a lot. I just don't know how I'm going to face my wife when the S3 comes out with these issues (Hopefully Resolved).
  
  BTW: The lens cap fits fairly snugly on this camera. This has been a BIG complaint of mine in the last couple of Canon Cameras I have purchased.
  
  Perry

  Updated
  Wind noise is unusually high with this camera and can be quite annoying.
  
  Perry

  Updated
  The setup menu contains an option to filter wind noise. This has been quite effective an no longer consider wind noise a negative for this camera.

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  134 out of 137 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Ultra fast 12x optical zoom. Will not disappoint!

  by kevinherzog on May 31, 2005

  Pros: Fast accurate zoom and focus, Super macro mode, Movie quality

  Cons: Weighs a bit much, grip not perfect.

  Summary: I have been waiting for this camera for a couple months now and went out and bought one 5-29-05 at one of the major electronics stores. Cost about $600 for ...

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  Summary: I have been waiting for this camera for a couple months now and went out and bought one 5-29-05 at one of the major electronics stores. Cost about $600 for the camera, some nimh batteries and a 1gb sd card. Upgraded from an old Canon G1, which is now my 4 yr olds camera to use. I've taken about 300 or so pictures and movies with it so far and have not been disappointed one bit. The picture quality is amazing and the movies are VERY high quality. Start up time is next to nothing, focus is fast and accurate, price is competitive, and the Super Macro mode is amazing. 0-4" opens up a whole new world of shots you can take. The interface is very easy to use and quite intuitive. The buttons on the camera are placed well and an experienced user would have no problem locating all the buttons without even looking. The Image Stabilization works very well as most of my 12x zoomed shots are in perfect focus. The features built into the camera include sepia, b/w, foliage, night, etc. as well as all the regular Pro-sumer features one would expect. Playback on the camera is fantastic and includes a/v for hooking up to a tv. Transfer speeds were incredible and took only a minute or two for 200 shots. Video quality is comparable to vcr and you can even take pictures while shooting a movie. Full stereo sound and zoom usable also. This is the camera I've waiting a couple years for, trust me.

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  115 out of 117 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 5 stars

  Nice photographs, but some design problems

  by Phonetech01 on June 28, 2005

  Pros: Picture quality, decent flash, outstanding zoom

  Cons: Zoom contol seems awkwardly located, flimsy lens cap, wouldn't run on rechargeable 1.2V Ni-MH batteries

  Summary: I've been waiting anxiously for this camera for several months, but unfortunately it hasn't quite lived up to my expecations. My biggest single complaint was the fact that ...

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  Summary: I've been waiting anxiously for this camera for several months, but unfortunately it hasn't quite lived up to my expecations. My biggest single complaint was the fact that in spite of the manual saying the camera would work with rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, there was apparently a voltage issue where mine did not work. Regular alkaline batteries are 1.5V while the rechargeables are 1.2V. I did get an intermittent power up out of the rechargeables, but it was extremely hit and miss. After speaking to Canon tech support, they advised that my camera was defective and that I should exchange it for another one. I did exactly that...but the replacement had exactly the same problem. So is this a design problem or simply a bad batch? Who knows...I guess time will tell, but I can't afford the camera if I have to keep replacing alkaline batteries every 60 - 100 shots.
  
  Also the lens cap was a real joke and certainly not something I would expect to find on such a quality camera overall. It simply slips on and off over the lens bezel...and falls off very easily. I would suggest attaching it with the included lens cap strap or it probably will be gone before you finish getting your first set of prints completed.
  
  The flash is exceptional indoors...no harsh shadows that plague many other cameras. Very rich and vibrant color make your photographs look fantastic. And the zoom is probably the feature that truly sells this camera....12x optical/4x digital with image stabilization. I have experimented with a handheld shot zoomed all the way out to 48x and got a very nice result in an 8X10 print...something typically unheard of when using digital zoom. Of course for best results a tripod and self timer should probably be used, but even the handheld shot was more than adequate.
  
  Unfortunately I chose to return my camera due to the battery issue. If Canon can get this problem resolved I may once again consider this camera, but for right now the power issues make it too expensive to operate.

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  40 out of 48 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Great All aroung camera! Does everything well.

  by Akysten on July 18, 2005

  Pros: Great Photos, Movies, FAST, Great Lens, Swivel LCD, Great Playback mode, 2.4fps Continuous Mode.

  Cons: Autofocus could be faster(It's average to above average), no RAW mode.

  Summary: I want to state that C-NET didn't read their manual. They mention a 1.7 second continuous mode. There is also a HIGH SPEED Continuous mode that's 2....

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  Summary: I want to state that C-NET didn't read their manual. They mention a 1.7 second continuous mode. There is also a HIGH SPEED Continuous mode that's 2.4fps. In addition, they suggest a limit to the number of shots in this mode. With a fast card, it's 2.4 fps until you fill the card. It does NOT stop.
  In addition, this camera is the only on in it's class that allows continuous mode when using the flash!
  
  As for my review. I considered this and the Panasonic FZ5. While I liked the size and fast autofocus of the FZ5, the Canon produced better flash photos(FZ5 seems to washes out), Auto White Balance, and the Wonderful Movie mode(which I use A LOT). Outdoors, they were comparable.
  
  I love the features on this camera, you can tweak everthing from the sharpness to saturation(not just by modes, you can adjust the levels), manual focus, you can even swap colors around(make your red car blue in the photo). Movie mode records in Stereo, has a mic record level and wind filter, and has an auto record mode for up to 2 hours at 44hz stereo.
  
  People don't talk much about the playback mode, but Canon has one of the best. It's FAST, supports multiple zoom levels and is very responsive. You can edit video in the camera. No in camera cropping though(I would rather do that on the PC anyway)
  
  Did I mention the photos? They're great.. though some say they oversharpen, you can adjust for this in the camera.
  
  Another feature that the Canon has in Manual mode is the ability to view the exposure of manual settings in real time. You can see the results on the LCD of your Shutter Speed, Apeture, etc..(only works with the flash off).
  
  Is this the perfect camera? No.. but this is a $400-$500 camera. The autofocus COULD be faster, it could be a little smaller, and they COULD have given it a metal tripod screw mount. The shutter button is also a bit squishy...

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  22 out of 22 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  DSC-H1 or Powershot S2 IS?

  by fboesch on August 15, 2005

  Pros: Image Stabilizer, Picture Quality, SuperMacro!

  Cons: No TIFF Mode, Shutter limited to max 15'' (no bulb), file/picture handling could be more sophisticated

  Summary: Actually having a SONY DSC-W12 (from last year) I wouldn't have had the urgent need to buy a new DigitalCam this year (2005). But when I first hold a ...

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  Summary: Actually having a SONY DSC-W12 (from last year) I wouldn't have had the urgent need to buy a new DigitalCam this year (2005). But when I first hold a DSC-H1 in my hand (seeing the power of 12x Zoom) I couldn't resist to get a second cam overpassing the flaws of the DSC-W12.
  
  I came to the point to find out what kind of SuperZoom Cam's were available (or let's say: If something can beat my initially prefered SONY DSC-H1). So I found the Powershot S2 IS.
  
  What I like on the DSC-H1:
  - Large 2.5'' Screen (...i'm used from my DSC-W12...and it's simly comfortable...)
  - Firmware of Sonys (--> very good handling of a large amount of pictures (mark before delete pictures), Edit Pictures (Zoom in/Rotate and save it as a second picture afterwards))
  - Large Lens, with much better ratio than a DSC-W12 (but not S2)
  - SteadyShot (Image Stabilizer)
  - Only needs 2x AA Batteries (like my DSC-W12)
  - Memorystick (already couple of them in my inventory: due to my DSC-W12 + P910)
  
  What I liked on the S2:
  - Lens (better ratio than Sony) + SuperMacro Mode (I take a lot of "Flower Pictures")
  - IS Stabilizer (definately better than Sony's)
  - Stereo Movie Recording with excellent quality
  - Zoom during "Movie" short Shots
  - AA-Batteries
  - Swivable LCD (but rather small)
  
  
  Why I decided for the Canon (which means to me (again) a system change in terms of "Memorycards"!):
  
  - Lens are offering an incredible SuperMacro Mode (down to 0cm: Sony 2cm)
  - Movie Mode much better than SONY (Sharper Images, Stereosound): But also "larger" file size. The 1GB Limit of Movies is not a problem, because 2GB SD or MS are still to expensive anyway and I use 1GB sticks. I use an Archos Gmini400 MP3/ImageTank so I can move the movie out of the stick to a HD on the go.
  - Swivable LCD is a huge advantage for my Macro Shots (despite of small screen, but Sony does at the end feature the same amount of 115K Pixels)
  - EVF seems "closer" than Sony's....there it looks as it would be in the "double" distance away from the eye (compared to Canon).
  - Pictures of the Canon (seen in other Reviews), seemed to be more detailed than DSC-H1. Sony Pictures are - for my taste - to much "smoothened" (same also on DSC-W12). Results: I'm extremely happy with the Canon pictures (compared to same Pictures taken by a friends Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7D)!
  - Integrated "manual" Flash (not popping up by itself!): Sometimes mentioned in review as disadvantage, but SLR's (Minolta, etc) do have the same "manual" system and like this I can physically switch the flash on.
  - 4x AA Batteries (heavier - but last nearly double as long as Sony Cam)
  - Shooting Speed: Unlimited x 2.4fps (Canon) vs. 9pics x 0.9fps Shots on Sony
  - Image Stabilizer is definately more efficient on Canon than Sony (had the chance to play around in a store + compare live both Cam's)
  - Very good "settings" possibilities. Slightly more than Sony + special "Color Modes" for cool effects!
  
  What I'm missing on the Canon:
  - File/Picture Handling in Playmode which is offered by Sony Cams: You can speed mark in the 3x3 or 4x4 view the pictures you would like to delete at the end. On Canon you need to delete each picture manually (..and 1GB SD Card can hold up to 400 Pics...).
  - Sony Cam's offer a nice post-processing in their cams (Zoom into Picture and save it in a selectable resolution). On Canon only "rotate" feature
  - Shutter Speed can only be kept open for max. 15 seconds....Even my old Casio QV-3000EX offered up to 60secs + Bulb....
  - Ev. higher Min. Aperture (up to F11 or higher?)
  - No TIFF mode (or RAW. For such a Cam a lossless Picture Mode would be wishful...again QV-3000EX had it....)
  
  SuperZoom Cams' are a "must have" for enthusiastic Amateurs: compared to my friend (amateur too) Dynax/Maxxum 7D - a SuperZoom Cam offers built-in Zoomrange from 36-432mm and actually pretty the same "setting" possibilities as a SLR. Especially the S2 is very cool for extreme "Close Up" Macro Pictures.....

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  20 out of 20 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Spectacularly designed camera

  by usrbingeek on July 17, 2005

  Pros: 12x optical zoom, uses non-proprietary AA batteries, large image sensor produces better pics than cameras with more more megapixels!

  Cons: The lens cap falls off to easy, slightly heavy, difficult to hold with two hands, plastic threaded tripod mount, and separate adapter is required to install lens protecting UV filter.

  Summary: The Canon S2 IS produces incredible images, much better than other cameras in its class with more megapixels! Having a 12x Optical zoom allows you to get closer to most ...

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  Summary: The Canon S2 IS produces incredible images, much better than other cameras in its class with more megapixels! Having a 12x Optical zoom allows you to get closer to most shooting subjects especially ones that used to be out of reach with other digital cameras.
  
  The 1.8-inch tilt-and-swivel LCD makes shooting pictures from unique angles super easy. For example you can shoot over your head to get pictures from behind a crowd or shoot from waist level to get pictures without attracting attention to yourself.
  
  Most other digital cameras on the market are powered by a proprietary battery that can cost upwards of $40 and have a typical service life of less than one year. Since it is powered by standard AA batteries you'll always be able to find inexpensive replacements any place you go. In most grocery and drug stores you can find 4 rechargeable AA 2500 mAh batteries bundled with a charger for only $20.00. These batteries provide enough power for a typical day's shooting and are inexpensive enough to replace each year for optimal performance.

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  19 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  advanced point and shoot does it all - maybe too much

  by amu_darya on July 11, 2005

  Pros: fast power up, full auto and manual controls, 12x optical zoom, image stablizer, uses AA batteries, movie mode with stereo sound

  Cons: slightly awkward button placement, slightly heavy due to batteries

  Summary: I've had my S2 IS for a couple weeks now and I've had a chance to use it in a variety of situations. The main point that sold ...

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  Summary: I've had my S2 IS for a couple weeks now and I've had a chance to use it in a variety of situations. The main point that sold me on the camera (as an upgrade from a similarly-featured Canon 35mm) was the optics and the other reviewers who praised this camera under low light conditions. I have some excellent concert prints using standard settings and no flash (very dark environment w/only colored stage lights backlighting the band).
  The fact that you can zoom while shooting in movie mode is brilliant. Stereo sound is awesome - works best indoors though.
  The swivel LCD is a bit hard to get used to but is actually a nice feature in that it folds away protected and open can be angled (for over the crowd shots for short concert photogs like me). The camera also feels nice and solid for one handed shots (which also turn out nice thanks to image stabilizer).
  I've had good luck with standard NiMH rechargables (movie mode sucks down the power though). 4 AA's do make the camera a little heavy, but I can deal with the extra weight if it doesn't mean being stuck in the middle of a desert looking for special Li camera batteries or an outlet.
  I agree with others that the lens cap is a joke and the rubber flap over the iLink adaptor feels very cheap. My only other 'complaint' is that I keep squeezing the 'set' and 'menu' buttons with the heel of my hand which is kind of annoying when attempting one-handed shooting. I also think the manual controls are overkill for most situations (especially since the manual controls are not easy to figure out just by playing around with the camera).
  One mystery: the optical viewfinder on my old Canon 35mm film camera is about 1/3 the size of the eyepiece on this camera (where you have the LCD screen option as well)
  Overall: excellent in a variety of settings (esp. low light conditions)

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  19 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Great camera

  by elkbow on July 15, 2005

  Pros: IS, Zoom, additional features, size etc.

  Cons: Weight with AA batteries

  Summary: I also own other camera's, including the 20D and the new Sony H1. This camera for the price and features is one of the best buys on the market....

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  Summary: I also own other camera's, including the 20D and the new Sony H1. This camera for the price and features is one of the best buys on the market.
  
  The negative items I have read here and on the review, as well as on other internet reviews were mainly due to operator error, not truly knowing how to use the camera. I mainly take this camera with me now instead of my 20D.
  
  With the zoom (36mm - 432mm equivalent), I would have to carry multiple lenses with the 20D. The Sony takes nice pictures, but the IS isn't near the quality of the S2 and the movie mode on the S2 is far above any other P&S.

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  15 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Worth Every Penny!!

  by EvaS on July 5, 2005

  Pros: Amazing Perfect Pictures

  Cons: Must buy additional rechargable batteries unless you want to spend 5 dollars for every 120 pictures.

  Summary: This camera has not let me down yet. I have had it for over a month now, and every picture has exceeded my expectations. From taking perfect pictures capturing a ...

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  Summary: This camera has not let me down yet. I have had it for over a month now, and every picture has exceeded my expectations. From taking perfect pictures capturing a second in time while fireworks bust over New York City to pictures at the beach which catch the breaking of the waves and every drop of water with it, the Canon Powershot S2 IS is an amazing camera. When manually adjusted, the camera could capture a night scene where you can't even see what you are looking at. When using a the maximum zoom at night or taking pictures of fireworks, a tripod ensures that your hand does not smear the image. The optimum image stabilizer allows you to take a picture while even throwing the camera in the air capturing a perfect image as long as the light allows a relatively high shutter speed. The pictures from this camera are absolutely amazing and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I would recomend this camera to anyone willing to take the time out to learn it's operations and pursue photography as a hobby.

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  10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.

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