Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Oct 05, 2005 - By David Vine
The Canon PowerShot S2 picks up where the PowerShot S1 IS left off. The S1 brought Canon into the ultra zoom race for compact cameras, demonstrating that Canon was capable of transferring both their DV technology and advanced lens construction into consumer-level digital cameras. The S2 furthers the effort and provides some useful upgrades. Among the modifications are a wider and longer zoom range of 12x optical, a larger 1.8-inch LCD screen, an improved macro mode, a new recording format to SD memory card, and a DIGIC II processor which should provide faster operations and burst mode efficiency. The S2 has a 5.0 MP 1/2.5-inch CCD and the opportunity for wide angle converter, telephoto converter, and close-up accessory lenses which may be purchased separately. The 1.8-inch LCD screen flips out from the camera body, rotates 270 degrees, and can be disengaged in favor of the electronic viewfinder. The camera includes manually selectable audio levels, a wind diffuser, and dual record buttons to propel the S2 into the hybrid consumer’s consciousness. The S2 was brought into the market at an original MSRP of $499 but can be currently found online for just under $450 (USD).
Advertisement


Likes
- Func. Menu simplifies navigation
- Stereo Audio recording
- Manual Audio levels
- Rotating LCD
- Selectable stabilization modes
- Great lens
- Dual record buttons
- Flash compensation included   
Dislikes
- Terrible quality on Electronic Color Viewfinder
- Dual menu structure could be confusing to beginners
- High levels of noise present at ISO 200 and 400
- Shutter release sound is recorded by mics during video capture (defeats point of dual release)
- Only offers linear video editing in-camera (can only truncate clip or delay intro)



Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot S2 picks up where the PowerShot S1 IS left off, though not perhaps in the ways some might expect: it improved upon the S1’s strengths while still falling short in all the same areas. The S2 makes significant strides in the push towards hybrid functionality, adding stereo recording, manual audio controls, dual recording buttons, and a wind reduction function. The 12x optical zoom lens is extremely versatile and includes selectable stabilization settings to optimize performance and distinguish it from other ultra zoom models—and if it’s not versatile enough, the user has the option to purchase compatible accessory lenses for increased wide angle and telephoto capabilities. The flip-out 1.8” LCD, which can swivel 270 degrees, is not wholly unique but not yet common either. Its 5 MP images can now be recorded to an SD card, and the improved macro mode makes those cliché shots of dew-sprinkled flower petals easier than ever.

However, still performance fell short of expectations. And while the addition of the DIGIC II processor improved the S2’s performance speeds, it did not do much to help the camera’s difficulty in suppressing noise. This is the major downfall of the S2. Resulting images are noisy and colors are a bit muddier than the Cyber-shot H1. All around, the S2 is a capable camera with an extremely flexible lens that justifies the $450 price tag alone; however, those looking for immaculate stills will be put off by the visible noise present in the S2’s images.

Overall Impressions Page 11 of 12 Specs / Ratings
Canon PowerShot S2 IS Digital Camera Review Navigation

Advertisement