Canon S2 IS is out :)

Chris PC · 06-17-2005, 08:54 AM

This camera is for sale and very reasonabley priced vs the Panasonics and retains the full video mode of the S1 IS, plus stereo movie recording, a wind noise reduction feature and low light AF assist

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/ca...hot_s2-review/

I'm thinking of selling my S1 and upgrading to the S2. A jump from a 10x 3.2 MP to a 5MP 12 x camera is significant.

ScottHH · 06-17-2005, 09:58 AM

Keep in mind that the S2 uses SD cards instead of the CF cards used in the S1. So you'll have to replace your memory card(s).

Also the sensor is slightly smaller on the S2 and it has more resolution vs. the S1. This suggests the potential for higher noise, especially at higher ISO's. Some of the dpreview user opinions say they have confirmed this. I might be inclined to wait for some reviews to do a more complete comparision.

Chris PC · 06-17-2005, 08:06 PM

Yep. I'm reading reviews and researching first. I haven't seen anything that shows higher noise, but I didn't see anything that showed less noise. SD cards are ok. They're faster. I would likely sell my CF cards with my S1. I'll check those user reviews you pointed out. Apart from noise, I was hoping for a manual focus ring! Darn it. The S1 video mode is so much fun to use, I want to keep that and upgrade the cameras photo taking, not go down with the increased noise.

Chris PC · 06-23-2005, 06:15 PM

It appears to me that if you use it at 100 ISO or 50 ISO you should be ok. The noise at higher ISO's is a draw back, but then with the IS function, you can stay at the lower ISO's at darker light and/or with faster motion, longer zoom. Not sure if it balances out, but it makes sense.

Anyone here grab an S2 yet?

Patrick Sun · 07-02-2005, 10:42 PM

I've been very tempted to go for one of these, and I have a S1 already. If I didn't have the S1, I know I'd get the S2 with no qualms. I just don't know if the "corrections" from the S1 that the S2 offers, plus the refinements will be enough to offset selling off the S1, taking a loss, and then covering the difference (at least $200) to get the S1.

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JasonMC · 07-03-2005, 08:40 PM

Patrick,

I'm in the same situation you are. I have had my S1 for almost a year. The S2 sounds mighty tempting.

Andrew Chong · 07-05-2005, 10:45 AM

My sister is interested in a digital point-and-shoot. I've tried it out in-store and like it enough to recommend it as one of two choices I mentioned to her.

Patrick Sun · 07-05-2005, 10:56 AM

I have also tried out the S2 in the stores, and the auto-focus is much better than the S1's "hunting" session at times for telephoto use. I won't say the AF is perfect, but a marked improvement over the S1. It's also a little bigger than the S1, but not distractingly so. Noise level will be a problem in low light shooting at 200 or 400 ISO. If you shoot at 50 or 100 ISO, you may just need to brighten up the pics later to get what you want out of low light situations while reducing noise.

PerryD · 07-05-2005, 11:56 AM

I ordered the S2 IS the other day stacking some Dell deals, I think my price was around $390 after tax. The current estimated ship date is something ridiculous, end of September, but I think Dell is always way off on the ship dates, I would expect it by the end of the month.

I am getting second thoughts though, perhaps leaning towards the Sony DSC-H1. If the picture quality is similar to the Canon, the Sony would have the added benefit to allow me to view the pictures on my PSP. Of course, it comes at a cost of an extra $40 for 1 GB memory stick vs SD card.

Patrick Sun · 07-20-2005, 12:27 AM

Well, I pulled the trigger and ordered a S2, so hopefully I'll have show up by early next week. I've already played with the camera at stores, so I have an idea of its shortcomings, and its strengths. I just happened to have some windfall in my Paypal account, so it made it easy for me to go through with the purchase at this time.