Powershot S2 IS advice needed

[samuel walker]

i'm planning my next cameras move to the prosumer S2 IS 5mp 12x. I would rather have a dig SLR but certain limitations preclude it.Any thoughts on the Canon S2?
thanx
Sam

[bosquebirds]

Hi, Sam.
You're on the right track in considering an image-stabilized lens if you want a 12x point-and-shoot. This Canon is well-regarded, but before you make your decision, you might want to look at models by Panasonic, Sony and Konica Minolta that also have IS. Each camera has its pluses and minuses. I still have an older Panasonic FZ10, which is the precursor to the current models. It's a good back-up when I don't want to drag my heavy DSLR kit. I prefer its more "SLR-like" layout to the Canon and Sony models, but the Panasonics get criticized for high noise.

A great site for you to check out: www.dpreview.com. They have in-depth reviews of digital cameras that point out the good and bad, and also compare similar models. I think the info on this site should really help you with your decision.

Good luck!
Ingrid

[joannec]

Hi Sam,
I was recently in the same position as you and have bought the S2 IS and have had it for about 2 months. I chose it over an slr because I couldn't justify the cost of an slr but mainly because I didn't want to carry aroud alot of heavy stuff. It is my first digital camera (after years of a film slr) and going digital has been a huge (and slow)learning curve for me. I agree with all that bosquebirds says. I also found dprereview.com. helpful in making my choice. There are lots of useful comments there from people who have this camera. The 12x optial zoom and image stabilization are really good but if I am really honest I have to say I think the image quality is not as good as an slr. Having said that though, I don't regret buying this camera and look forward to using it for many years. I still have alot to learn about this camera. Good luck with your decision.
Joanne

[sands]

I bought my S2 IS back in July and to be honest, I'm not too happy with the picture quality. I also have a canon300d which I found too heavy to carry around, hence the s2IS. However, I have decided to go back to using the 300d as the quality is so much better. I think the S2 is great if you want a decent zoom lens for a quick capture and not too bothered by the quality.

[lvn600]

I have to admit I haven't had too many pictures that impressed me with the S2IS. A lot has to do with the fact that I'm new to taking pictures but the only good shots come when it is sunny and the angles are just right. It seems to take nice shots of landsccape though in the auto mode. Bird shots are often a little blurry but it might be something I'm doing wrong-I don't know yet.

[boydie2]

i'm planning my next cameras move to the prosumer S2 IS 5mp 12x. I would rather have a dig SLR but certain limitations preclude it.Any thoughts on the Canon S2?
thanx
Sam

Sam,

I have had an S2 for about six months. I originally had a Canon G3 which is a fine digital camera but with only a 4x optical zoom it was very restrictive for bird photography. Having carried film cameras and assortment of lens around for a number of years I did not want to go back to carrying all that weight so after checking out digital cameras in the 12x optical zoom range I finally decided to go with the Canon S2. To tell the honest truth I was a bit disappointed with the quality of shots to start with but with continual use and getting used to the camera the photos improved so that now I am getting the quality I expected (not is good as a dslr but not too far off it). The S2 will certainly do me for the next few years. I am only new to birdforum but in the near future I plan to post some of my images then you can judge for yourself. In the end the decision is yours but I sure which ever way you go you will end up with a good camera if it is from the range of Canon, Panasonic etc models. Kind regards,

boydie2 (Townsville - Australia)

[john-henry]

i'm planning my next cameras move to the prosumer S2 IS 5mp 12x. I would rather have a dig SLR but certain limitations preclude it.Any thoughts on the Canon S2?
thanx
Sam

Hi Sam, just noticed your thread.
I bought the S2 a couple of months ago, haven't used it much yet but it looks promising. Of course you can't expect SLR performance for just over £300 compared to £1000+ but if you want a lightweight camera with up to a 400+mm lens that you can cary around in your pocket it's not a bad buy.

I've posted a couple of pics below to give you some idea, they are saved for web and about 50% crops so not a true indication - the originals are obviously better. I've also been using a Raynox 1.54 converter on the front of it and they are taken at full camera zoom (although i'm not sure about the squirrel).

Cheers

john

[garry1366]

Hi Sam,

I just bought one of these on monday after much reading of reviews. Quite simply it came down to the fact that I've seen better pics with this camera than any other of it's type. Wether this is a reflection of the users or the camera I don't know but for a photographic novice it's nice to know at least that the camera can deliver. I've only used it for about an hour but the results are very encouraging.

G

[SueO]

Hi Sam, just noticed your thread.
I bought the S2 a couple of months ago, haven't used it much yet but it looks promising. Of course you can't expect SLR performance for just over £300 compared to £1000+ but if you want a lightweight camera with up to a 400+mm lens that you can cary around in your pocket it's not a bad buy.

I've posted a couple of pics below to give you some idea, they are saved for web and about 50% crops so not a true indication - the originals are obviously better. I've also been using a Raynox 1.54 converter on the front of it and they are taken at full camera zoom (although i'm not sure about the squirrel).

Cheers

john

Hi John,

Your thrush shot is beautiful. Can you tell me how far away you were when you shot it? I was guessing about 15 ft. I am also considering the s2 is. My current lifestyle makes a point and shoot a better bet right now than a dslr. Was the converter used on this shot?
Peregrinator

[john-henry]

Hi John,

Your thrush shot is beautiful. Can you tell me how far away you were when you shot it? I was guessing about 15 ft. I am also considering the s2 is. My current lifestyle makes a point and shoot a better bet right now than a dslr. Was the converter used on this shot?
Peregrinator


You're not that far off - I was about 25ft away and used the 1.54 raynox. Although I haven't used it a lot, mainly due to poor weather, I'm very pleased with the results so far.
Although it is a 400+mm lens you still have to be fairly close to get a decent sized image of small birds, the converter helps for this.
If you can't, or don't want to, go the DSLR way these cameras are a very good compromise between top quality and price.

regards

john

[SueO]

You're not that far off - I was about 25ft away and used the 1.54 raynox. Although I haven't used it a lot, mainly due to poor weather, I'm very pleased with the results so far.
Although it is a 400+mm lens you still have to be fairly close to get a decent sized image of small birds, the converter helps for this.
If you can't, or don't want to, go the DSLR way these cameras are a very good compromise between top quality and price.

regards

john

Thanks, one more chalk mark on the "pro" side.

[samuel walker]

Hi John,

Your thrush shot is beautiful. Can you tell me how far away you were when you shot it? I was guessing about 15 ft. I am also considering the s2 is. My current lifestyle makes a point and shoot a better bet right now than a dslr. Was the converter used on this shot?
Peregrinator
Hi John Thanks for the advice on the S2 I've had it about a month and am pleased so far. I can see the value of a telconverter and will be shopping it soon. The cam will be going to sea with me as all my other ones have. Not a DSLR on the boat just too risky.
Sam Walker
helmsman racing yacht Saba

[DOC]

The S2 - can get some very nice bird photos - with limitations of course .
It has a long learning curve but i find it to be a great camera .
Here are a few examples from my son's camera -

The close-up picture was taken with the x48 digital zoom .

[samuel walker]

hi Doc thanks for the opinions and examples.
Sam

[lvn600]

I was wondering if anyone who owns this camera know how to set it to cloudy day or sunny day setting.-It is not on the scene selection-thanks-Larry

[joannec]

Hi Larry
Set it in P mode. Press Func button. Press down arrow so it goes to cloud symbol, then press left or right arrow until it goes to cloud or sun. Another place you could look things up is dpreview.com. There is a poster there called gail who is really knowledgable about this camera with links to her blog. She also gives recommendations for default settings which I have found useful. I have been following her recommendations and have been using this camera in P mode for most things and have even felt confident about posting some pictures in the gallery, nothing great but it's a beginning and I'm learning.
Joanne

[lvn600]

Thanks for the tip-can definitely use the help-Larry