Connectivity
Software (7.0)
The Canon S2 IS comes with software that should provide a fair number of editing, viewing, printing, and shooting control options. The included CD-ROM is titled, “Canon Digital Camera Solutions,” and is operable on both Macintosh and PC platforms. The software on this CD-ROM includes QuickTime 6.5, Canon ZoomBrowser EX, PhotoStitch, Canon PhotoRecord, ArcSoft PhotoStudio for advanced image editing, and Camera Window. It is possible to edit and manipulate both still images and movie clips that have been captured. It is also possible to construct panoramic photographs using the PhotoStitch software found on the CD-ROM. Using the ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser feature will allow users to control the shutter of their camera through their personal computers.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.5)
The Canon PowerShot S2 IS has ports for a USB 2.0 which replaces the USB 1.1 found on the S1. This improved USB feature will result in a much faster output to both printer and personal computer. There is also an A/V out port for connection to a monitor or other external viewing device. The A/V cable has a stereo connection so that the user will actually be able to hear stereo recordings that are unfortunately turned mono when heard through the in-camera mono speaker. The SD memory card slot is located on the right side of the camera body while the battery slot is positioned on the bottom.
Direct Print Options (8.0)
The direct print options for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS allow the user to connect to either a computer or a printer through the USB 2.0 cable included with the camera. The included “Interface” cables permit connections to Canon CP series printers, Canon Selphy CP series printers, Canon Bubble Jet printers, Canon Selphy DS printers, and of course, PictBridge compliant printers. It is possible to dictate printing and transfer orders by entering the playback menu of the camera prior to initiating these features, and there is a Print/Share button positioned on the back of the camera body as a handy 
printing shortcut.
Battery (2.5)
The battery slot for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS can be found on the bottom of the camera body on the right side. This camera requires four AA batteries to run and as always, NiMH batteries are recommended over AAs.
Memory (3.0)
The obligatory 16MB card, included with the S2, comes as more of a complementary inclusion than a practical means for image storage. A 16MB SD will hold 5 images at the camera’s highest quality settings or 6 seconds of high quality video. By contrast, a 512MB SD card, which sells for around $60 (USD) will hold about 90 images or 237 seconds of video at the camera’s highest quality settings and is a necessary additional purchase with the S2.
Like the S1, the PowerShot S2 does not contain any internal storage; however, Canon did stray from the CompactFlash media that was used on the previous S1 in favor of the smaller SD card format. SD cards are smaller (and perhaps a bit more fragile) but are rapidly becoming the dominant storage format, at least among compact cameras.
Other Features (6.0)
Sound Recording - In Playback mode, the Sound Control Panel can be displayed and users can record sound only, without images, for up to two hours at one time. This feature is easily accessed through the playback menu setup.
Stitch Assist Mode - The stitch assist mode provides users with an in-camera aid when shooting panoramas. The camera produces a series of grids to aid in the capturing of overlapping images so the user can create panoramic photographs in postproduction.
Panning - When Image Stabilization is engaged by the user during shooting, the panning feature is also engaged. This enables users to pan (horizontally only) while the camera compensates for any vertical shake.
