The Bottom Line: This is the perfect camera for someone who wants to be a better than average photographer. See sample photos at http://epi-cmaw63.pbwiki.com/Electronics 2
cmaw63's Full Review: Canon PowerShot S2 IS Digital Camera
When I needed more out of my digital camera than what my Canon A520 could give me, I fell into the unfamiliar jungle of the digital camera world. Megapixels, digital zoom, optical zoom, f-stop, aperture...where does the madness end? For me it ended with the Canon PowerShot S2 IS Digital Camera.
Canon Does It Again
I was happy with my Canon A520's pictures, but after I became familiar with what a digital camera could do, I wanted more options than what it gave me. It did let me know that I wanted to stay in the Canon family. As an average user taking pictures of family gatherings, vacations and events...I wanted clear photos suitable for framing and gifts. I didn't want a professional SLR camera, not only are they expensive, they are beyond my knowledge of how to operate. I needed something that was going to give me great photos and was easy to use.
Why the S2 IS?
The first thing I was looking for was optical zoom. The 12X optical zoom available on the Canon Powershot S2 IS was better than I had hoped for in my new camera. Throw in the added 4X digital zoom and I had a total of 48X. I will warn against the digital zoom as I have found in using it that my photo's are grainy compared to the crisp, clear photos I get with the optical zoom.
The next item that was a must for my new camera was that it have, at the least, 4.0 megapixels. What does the Canon S2 IS have? A whopping 5.3 megapixels. My pictures are so clear that a shot I took of an old time paddle wheel boat on the river and printed out was thought to be a postcard I bought. I had to show my co-workers the original picture on my camera screen before they believed it was a shot I had taken.
The LCD screen is a nice sized 1.8 inches. It's, also, what turned out to be one of my favorite features on this camera. It folds into the body of the camera protecting the screen when not in use. When folded in with the camera on it allows the viewfinder to be used. When flipped outwards...and here's the good part...it can be swiveled up, down and 180 degrees to the front of the camera. It allows me to get a shot that would have had me on the ground, up in the air or twisted over something. For instance, at a dance where I work I wanted a picture of everyone dancing. Instead of climbing on a chair to get everyone included, I held the camera in the air with the LCD screen flipped down towards me and could see the picture I was getting.
I like the fact that the Canon S2 IS uses a SD card. They can be found at most big stores and don't cost an arm and a leg. I was fortunate that my camera came with a bonus 512 MB card that holds 350 pictures or 3 minutes 56 seconds of video (with sound) on the settings I use. That is more than enough for my purposes. I don't use my Canon S2 IS for video as I have a camcorder that more than fulfills my needs in that area.
Another major area that I looked for was a camera that had auto, pre-set and full manual modes. While learning the Canon S2 IS I enjoyed the ease of the auto mode. I was able to take great photos without the hassle of wondering if I had the settings right. I held the shutter button half way down until a green box in the center of the screen appeared and then pressed the button the rest of the way. If a yellow box appears you need to release the shutter button and try focusing on the subject again. Right now I'm enjoying the pre-set functions. The settings dial on top of the camera allows me to choose portrait, landscape, night scene or special scene. The special scenes include indoor, beach, fireworks, foliage, snow and night scene. I'm, also, taking some great macro shots that give me wonderful detail on small objects. I'm still working on learning the manual modes: shutter speed priority, aperture priority, manual exposure and custom. I'm extremely happy with the pictures I'm taking, so I'm not worried about my lack of manual control knowledge. That they are there when I'm ready to advance is enough.
A bonus that I didn't even know existed in a camera is the Image Stabilization. It compensates for slight shaking of the camera, which comes in very handy for me as I have a slight benign hand tremor. Most of the time I will use a tripod that can be connected to the base of the camera, but when I need to get a quick shot off it comes out clear.
My one minor annoyance with this camera is that the flash isn't automatic. It is folded down into the top of the camera and needs to be manually flipped up if I want to use it. There will be a red flashing symbol on the screen to warn you that the flash is needed. It's a good thing because I would have missed some indoors shots without the reminder.
This camera is larger and heavier than most other non-professional cameras I've checked into. This is what I wanted in my camera, though. I don't care for the credit card or the lighter weight styles. The Canon S2 IS feels sturdy and has been bumped around a bit while on outdoor shoots. It is still in perfecting working order, delivering the photos I've come to love it for.
The Canon S2 IS uses a standard USB 2.0 cable to connect to my computer and is compatible with Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98SE, Microsoft Windows ME, Microsoft Windows XP operating systems. It needs 4 AA batteries for operation, but I'm getting 200 to 250 shots on my 2200 mAh rechargeable batteries. There is a low battery indicator that flashes on the screen when it's time to change them.
My Last Camera
I am extremely happy with this camera and see it being the last one I ever need. The 12X optical zoom has allowed me to get wildlife and event photographs that I never would have been able to with a lesser zoom. The 5.3 Megapixel gives me crisp shots that I'm more than happy with.
This is a camera that anyone can use. Don't let the user guide scare you. Read part of it and work with the camera until you're comfortable with moving on. The auto setting will let you start right out taking great pictures without worrying about how fast you learn the pre-set and manual modes.
I got a deal when I bought my Canon Powershot S2 IS Digital Camera. I found it on Ebay for $250 + s&h. It was money well spent for my dream camera.
Examples of photos taken with this camera can now be seen at http://epi-cmaw63.pbwiki.com/Electronics+2
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