The five megapixel Canon PowerShot S2 IS allows consumers from the novice to the photo enthusiast the ability to capture high quality still images and movie clips. The image stabilized 12x optical zoom lens (36-432mm equivalent) makes tack-sharp long telephoto shooting positively practical. Despite its long range, the lens is ultra-compact and retracts securely into the camera when it is powered down. In addition, there are two levels of close-up shooting, Macro and Super Macro. Super Macro mode enables extreme close-up shooting to 0 cm from the end of lens barrel.

The camera's compact ergonomic design includes strategically placed controls for convenient telephoto and movie shooting, plus a large rubberized grip, which makes holding the camera easy, well balanced and secure. The grip even includes a soft back and bottom to maximize comfort during long periods of shooting. The PowerShot S2 IS also features a variable-angle 1.8 inch LCD screen. By positioning the vari-angle LCD monitor appropriately, the user is free to compose shots, even self portraits, without having to move or twist into uncomfortable positions.

Users will enjoy the flexibility of a full array of exposure control settings similar to SLR models, including Program, Shutter and Aperture-priority AE modes, and Manual Mode. In addition, there are 18 Shooting Modes including six Special Scene Modes, which are Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Indoor and Night Snapshots, for optimum results in certain shooting situations . The PowerShot S2 IS has a maximum shutter speed of 1/3200 second and can capture still photos continuously at rates up to 2.4 fps

The PowerShot S2 IS also records high quality movies with stereo sound in VGA resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). Individual movie clips can last as long as 60 minutes or produce file sizes up to 1GB on SD media cards. What's more, powerful features such as optical and digital zooming, manual focus, Photo Effects and My Colors are available for greater freedom and flexibility while shooting movies. Have you ever missed a photo-op because you had to switch from video to still or vice versa? Not anymore! Now with the new MovieSnap feature it is possible to capture still images at resolutions up to five megapixels while recording movies.

Direct Printing makes it simple, quick and convenient to produce high-quality photos without the need for a personal computer. Simply connect the S2 IS directly to a Canon Compact or Canon Direct Photo Printer or any PictBridge compatible printer and press the blue lighted Print/Share button and you are printing. True one-touch printing is that simple.

As with all modern PowerShot digital cameras, the PowerShot S2 IS has the latest advances in Canon technology including the proprietary DIGIC II Imaging Processor. DIGIC II enhances picture definition, crisp vibrant colors and quality, while helping increase the speed of the cameras' startup, autofocus, shutter response and playback as well as the image processing speed. The pace of image transfer is accelerated with the inclusion of a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The USB 2.0 port is backwards compatible (at no increased speed) with computers featuring slower USB 1.1 connections.

For all of its features, versatility and capabilities, the camera is powered by four standard AA batteries and accepts either Alkaline (disposable) batteries or rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Alkaline batteries are rated for approximately 130 shots before they need to be replaced, while higher capacity NiMH batteries provide peak performance and approximately 550 shots on a single charge.

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 shooting and Exposure and Focus Bracketing
• Movie w/stereo sound, 640x480 or 320x240, 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 shooting
• 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

The PowerShot S2 is supplied with a neck strap and interface cables for USB and stereo/video, as well as a 16MB SD memory card, powerful software, and user manuals. The PowerShot S2 will be available in June for an estimated street price of $499.99.

Physical Views

The Powershot S2 IS and a standard CD for size comparison

The 5-megapixel, stabilized 12x zoom S2 IS and Sony Cyber-shot H1

Powershot S2 IS Specifications