Value (7.5)
While the S2 IS is not a budget consumer’s dream, it’s offered at a competitive price point relative to the competition. The lens alone, spanning from 36-432mm (35mm equivalency) with selectable optical image stabilization, a UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) lens element, and Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) is worth the price of the camera. Apply 30 fps video recording with manually selectable audio levels, wind noise reduction, and stereo audio recording, and the camera definitely assumes a unique space within the digital camera market.

While the video capabilities are strong, the S2 should not be mistaken for a camcorder or even assumed to be competitive among true video recorders; however, in the digital camera realm, it is a ways beyond the competition. The camera did display some performance flaws that taint the overall package and value. Noise is extremely prevalent in images captured using the camera’s ISO 200 and 400 settings and the lens, for all its good specs, was not as sharp as we had hoped. All around, the camera is competitive among other ultra zoom offerings but seems to draw the majority of its distinction though its video capabilities, which may or may not be useful to consumers. The selectable image stabilization settings are the true advantage of the S2 over the other competitive ultra zoom models, and for the price, it makes the camera a strong value.

Those users more concerned with image quality might want to look at the Sony Cyber-shot H1, which produces images with less noise and richer color tones; however, the H1 is significantly inferior to the S2 in terms of functionality and video capture capabilities.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot S1 IS - The Canon PowerShot S1 IS brought the consumer digital camera market Canon’s first ultra zoom digital camera with Image Stabilization. Although this camera surprised many users with its use of both image stabilization and video capture when compared to other Canon offerings, the S2 improves upon the strong platform created by this first model. The S1 has a USB 1.1 as opposed to the faster USB 2.0 found on the S2. The S1 has a smaller LCD of only 1.5 inches and offered a 10x optical zoom as opposed to the 12x of the S2. Also, Canon has moved away from the larger CompactFlash memory card in favor of the SD memory format and has replaced the slower processor found on the S1 with a much faster DIGIC II processor. The Canon PowerShot S1 had an original retail price of $399, making it a more economical option than the slightly more expensive S2.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 - The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 comes equipped with a 1/2.5-inch 5 MP CCD and a number of manual controls that include ISO control with settings of 80, 100, 200 and 400; EV Compensation; Manual and Auto Focus control; White Balance presets and custom modes; AE bracketing; and Shutter Speed. One of the bigger drawbacks to this camera is its lack of compatible accessory lenses. Also, the video clips have a maximum resolution of only 320 x 240, although the FZ5 does have a 30 fps rate. Audio features are also more limited and users will only be able to have a 10 second audio clip attached. The FZ5 has a 1.8-inch LCD screen and a color electronic viewfinder. Users won’t have nearly the number of image effects modes if they use the FZ5 instead of the S2 IS, which is something to keep in mind if schmaltz is an essential aesthetic in your photographs. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 had an original retail price identical to that of the S2 IS, but like the S2, may be found online for less at this time.

Konica Minolta Z5 - This camera, like the S2, has a 12x optical zoom with image stabilization, a 1/2.5-inch 5 MP CCD, and a 16MB SD card. It has a color electronic viewfinder and a larger 2.0-inch LCD screen for greater visibility. The Z5 also has an external hot shoe positioned directly above the pop-up flash, so an external flash attached by this means will probably have a more even dispersal the slave flash attachment offered with the S2. Although it has a smaller ISO range with a top ISO of 320, the Z5 does provide manual input for white balance, exposure compensation, focus, shutter speed, and aperture settings. This camera has a 10 frame-per-second progressive mode and a movie mode that also is able to boast a 30 frame-per-second 640 x 480 quality with zoom control. However, this camera cannot match the stereo microphones found on the S2. Worse, this camera ate through batteries and will be unable to record in movie mode if the batteries are close to low. The Z5 had a slightly higher original retail price of $499 (USD).

Sony Cyber-shot H1 - The Cyber-shot H1, unlike other cameras in this comparison section, can shoot with additional lenses on top of its 12x ultra zoom lens with Image Stabilization. This camera has a massive LCD when compared to the S2 with a measurement of 2.5 inches. The H1 also has a movie mode, albeit without zoom, with capture at 640 x 480. It could capture at frame rates faster than 16 fps if it came with more memory, but a larger card purchased separately is required. It defeats the parsimonious decision of favoring this model over more expensive ones. Also, the burst mode on the H1 is disappointing when compared with the S2 and other cameras in this section. There is manual focus, along with manual control over white balance, a comparable ISO scale, a shutter speed range of 30 to 1/1000th of a second, and a manually controlled aperture scale. The H1 had an original retail price of $499 (USD) but like all the cameras in the comparisons section, it may be found online at a reduced cost.

Fujifilm FinePix S5100 - This model by Fuji provides a smaller 4 MP CCD along with an optical zoom of only 10x and mono audio recording. The lens also lacks optical image stabilization and does not compensate with an increased ISO range. The movie mode is able to produce results on par with the S2, with frame rates of 30 fps and a maximum resolution of 640 x 480. In terms of preset color mode options, this camera, like all of the other ones listed in this comparisons section, can’t quite match the options on the S2 IS. The user will be able to control manual focus, exposure compensation, white balance, a comparable ISO scale, shutter speeds from 15 to 1/2000th of a second, and the aperture. The camera has a smaller 1.5-inch LCD but does come equipped with a color electronic viewfinder as a viewing alternative. Unlike the S2, the menu structure on the S5100 initially seems insurmountable, but with enough use and some reading, it will become at least adequate. The S5100 suffers from this as well as poor button and control placement. If ease of use is a major concern for users, this camera may not be a wise investment.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - For the point-and-shoot enthusiast looking for a camera with preset modes, a long lens, and the opportunity for advancement into manual control, the S2 could be a very feasible option.

Budget Consumers - With controls and settings that simulate a DSLR without the price tag, the S2 has many features which would appeal to the budget consumer.

Gadget Freaks - The S2 could provide a few moments of amusement for the Gadget Freak. There is a tethered mode, an in-camera “My Colors” mode, accessory lens options, and an optional slave flash.

Manual Control Freaks - For the manual control freaks looking for a camera with both manual control and point-and-shoot options, the S2 should satisfy. However, the lack of a focal or zoom ring means most of the manual control features are still controlled via external buttons and LCD menu structures, which is not the hands-on experience many manual control freaks may be looking for.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - The pro or serious hobbyist would be able to appreciate the hybrid features and the manual controls; however, as mentioned before, the lack of zoom or focal ring makes this camera less desirable than a higher-end camera with full manual controls. Also, the poor handling of noise would be inexcusable to this demographic.

Connectivity / Extras Page 10 of 12 Conclusion Canon PowerShot S2 IS Digital Camera Review Navigation