The Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a more advanced model than the S1 it succeeds with a high-powered lens and enhanced movie taking functions. The PowerShot S2 IS boasts an upgrade to a 5-megapixel sensor (from 3.2), a 12X zoom lens (up from 10X), and a 1.8-inch LCD (vs. 1.5 inches). Also, with DIGIC II, higher resolution and high-speed processing were achieved and the startup time and response time were shortened. All in all, the Canon S2 IS is quite a package, with an amazing range of capabilities and good picture quality, all at an affordable price.

Designtechnica have posted a review of the Powershot S2 IS and they think-

“Although I liked the final stills and videos I took with this speedy, responsive camera, Canon is asking way too much from consumers to get up to speed. Granted, an experienced shutterbug will have less difficulty wading through the extremely dense owner’s manual. And if you plan to simply snap in Auto or with the various scene modes, the camera will do the trick. Yet the deal breaker for me is the manual flash. Imagine taking a critical shot, pressing the shutter then realizing you have to open the flash. In that critical moment, the memory could be gone. Toss in the fact that you don’t get rechargeable batteries and a charger, and this mega zoom camera moves near the bottom of the list of available options.”

Canon Powershot S2 IS 5MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Powershot S2 IS Features:
* 5-Megapixel CCD for images up to 2592 x 1944
* Canon 12x optical zoom with Image Stabilization
* Super Macro closeup focus to 0 inches!
* Articulated 1.8-inch color LCD flips forward and rotates 270°
* Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, full Manual
* Image zone modes: Portrait, Landscape, Night scene and Stitch assist
* Interval snapping and Exposure and Focus Bracketing
* Movie w/stereo sound, 640×480 or 320×240, 30fps or 15fps
* Shutter speeds from 15 secs to 1/3200 sec in Manual mode.
* Evaluative, Center-weighted average or Spot (Center or AF-point)
* High-speed 1.7 frames per second continuous snapping
* Up to 60-second sound memos for still images
* Sharpness, Contrast and Saturation is adjustable
* ISO sensitivity: 50, 100, 200, 400 or AUTO
* Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red-eye reduction and Slow-sync modes
* Secure Digital (SD) memory card compatible, 16MB included
* Powered by four standard AA type batteries
* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed data transfer to host computer
* PictBridge and Canon Direct Print compatible