Canon PowerShot S2 IS

From the manufacturer's press release:

PowerShot S2 IS is a new digital camera with 12x optical zoom and 5 megapixel resolution. Successfully combining versatility with high performance, this camera inherits many of the virtues of its predecessor, the PowerShot S1IS camera. The new camera features Optical Image Stabilizer technology, advanced optical elements, and extended DV-quality stereo movie recording for up to 60 minutes¹ at 30 fps.

Using the dedicated DIGIC II processor found in Canon's professional digital SLR cameras, the PowerShot S2 IS has the ability to shoot at 2.4 fps², nearly halve the camera's ready-to-shoot time, and nearly double the speed of autofocus compared to comparable indicators of the previous model, as well as use 18 shooting modes, and bring the shutter speed to 1/3200 second. Such a processor allows you to perform digital photography with maximum resolution during video shooting. The DIGIC II processor not only increases camera performance dramatically, but also improves colour reproduction, more accurate white balance, and speeds up footage review and scrolling. The camera is equipped with a USB 2.0 Hi-speed interface that provides high-speed image and video transfer.

Optics

The powerful optical zoom (36 – 432mm f/2.7-f.3.5³) of Canon’s compact cameras is based on Canon’s renowned Image Stabilizer (IS) optical technology, which helps to significantly reduce motion blur when shooting photos and minimize camera shake when shooting video. . Extra-low dispersion (UD) lens elements compensate for chromatic aberrations, especially at long focal lengths, for the most accurate colour reproduction and sharpness. The image stabilization function can be used in different modes: it can be turned off, used continuously, during photo shooting, or used in panning mode (only for correcting up or down shaking: suitable for shooting auto and motor sports events). Equipped with the equivalent of 2-3 stops, stabilization technology helps photographers shoot at slower shutter speeds and still get sharper shots. This mode is perfect for shooting in low light conditions where there are some restrictions on the use of the flash, such as at concerts or weddings.

Extremely fast and easy to control zoom and ultrasonic motor (USM) provide exceptionally quiet operation, with no additional camera noise superimposed on the stereo sound of the recording. In addition, such noise can be a hindrance when filming animals in their natural habitat. The Super Macro mode (shooting from 0cm away) with the optional 500D Macro Lens (58mm) gives you a great opportunity to experiment with your photos.

The optional wide-angle and tele-converters4 meet all basic shooting requirements and extend the zoom range up to 24x, from wide angle (27mm) to super teleconverters (648mm) (35mm equivalent). Without converters, the PowerShot S2 IS delivers up to 48x magnification (with a combination of digital and optical zoom) for stills and movies.

Functionality and performance

The DIGIC II processor can increase autofocus speed by approximately 45% and reduce camera readiness time by more than 50%. The new model comes with a feature that puts it way above many DSLRs: The PowerShot S2 IS delivers 2.4fps continuous shooting until the memory card is full5, opening up new possibilities for shooting action sports. 17 photo modes include full manual mode, 6 pre-installed dedicated shooting modes to optimize settings in low light conditions, and Stitch Assist panorama mode.

For VGA (640 x 480) video recording at 30 or 15 fps, the S2 IS has a dedicated video button. This eliminates the need to search through menus and ensures users never miss a unique moment to capture.

Manual focus for photos and videos can be performed using a dedicated selector. You can also select the sampling rate for recording stereo sound as part of a video or a separate file as annotations to photos. The wind filter helps improve sound quality in strong wind conditions. A mono audio system can be expanded to stereo by connecting to an appropriate device using the included stereo video cable. In addition, the model includes the popular slow motion function supported by Canon's recently launched dedicated digital cameras.

The "My Colours" function, which is activated using the mode button, allows you to create 9 different colour effects in real time during photo and video shooting.

Simultaneous photo and video shooting

The new Photo-in-Movie feature gives users the ability to capture photos at the highest resolution while shooting video, which is achieved by simply releasing the shutter. Video recording is interrupted for a while, a photo is taken, and when finished, video recording resumes again. Video footage and still images are saved separately, and then the sequence of captured fragments can be combined using a special editing menu in the included software ZoomBrowser EX 5.2/ImageBrowser 5.1.

Additional functions

In response to feedback from users of the PowerShot S1IS, Canon has increased the size of the vari-angle LCD from 1.5" to 1.8". The Night Display function helps you compose images in low light conditions. The brightness of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) has 2 levels.

The pop-up of the built-in flash can now be controlled manually. Optional accessories other than converters include the powerful Canon HF-DC1 flash, lens hood and lens adapter to help reduce flare, and the DCC-90 soft case. The camera also comes with 4 AA alkaline batteries and a 16MB SD card.

Printing without using a computer

Supporting the PictBridge standard, the PowerShot S2 IS offers ID Photo Print and ID Movie Print when connected to a SELPHY series compact photo printer such as the SELPHY CP600. When using the KP-108IP kit (colour cartridge and paper) and the SELPHY CP compact photo printer, the cost of one print of 10 x 15 cm6 does not exceed 10 rubles7. A new Print/Share button makes it easy to print or upload your photos to Windows or Mac systems.

Software and real-time image transmission

The photo and video library management and image processing software suite includes ZoomBrowser EX 5.2 (for PC), ImageBrowser 5.1 (for Mac), and ArcSoft PhotoStudio. The package also includes: PhotoStitch for creating panoramic images from multiple frames and the easy-to-use PhotoRecord printing application. This camera supports PTP for file transfer without using a driver for Windows XP or Mac OS X. Supported drivers include TWAIN (Windows 98/2000) and WIA (Windows Me).