Review posted for Canon PowerShot S2 IS
By
Dave Etchells
(Friday, July 1, 2005 - 18:01 EDT)
The long-zoom digital camera market is getting pretty crowded these days, so it takes a lot for a product to really stand out.
Despite the stiff competition though, the Canon PowerShot S2 IS is indeed just such a standout product. Building upon the already very popular S1 IS model, the Canon S2 IS shows substantial improvements in just about every parameter: Resolution is substantially higher, autofocus performance and shutter response are both quicker, and its movie mode is greatly enhanced and much better-integrated with the still-camera functions. At the same time, the excellent image stabilization system has been carried forward, and image quality is very good overall.
Quibbles are that images from the S2 IS are a little coarser-looking than those from the best of the current crop of 5-megapixel digicams, and that image noise is a on the high side at ISO 400. Taken as a package though, the Canon S2 IS is one fine digital camera, and one that's loads of fun to use besides. Based on our testing (and playing) with it, it's clear that this is going to be a hugely popular model. If you're looking for a good "all around" camera with great features, a long zoom lens, image stabilization, and a really excellent, well-integrated movie mode, all at an affordable price, there really isn't another model on the market that'll fill the bill the way the Canon S2 IS does. Highly recommended, and an easy "Dave's Pick". Read our review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS for all the details!
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