Camera Reviews: Canon PowerShot S2 - $499

5.0 Megapixel PowerShot S2 is A convincing blend of versatility with power, this
worthy successor to the PowerShot S1 IS features optical Image Stabilizer technology,
outstanding optics and 30 fps digital video camera quality extended video recording of
up to 60 minutes with stereo sound.

Powered by the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s pro-series D-SLR cameras, the
PowerShot S2 IS features super-responsive 2.4 fps shooting?, start up times and auto
focus speeds almost twice as quick as that of its predecessor, 18 shooting modes and
shutter speeds to 1/3,200 of a second. The processor even makes it possible to capture
a maximum resolution digital still whilst shooting video. As well as giving camera
performance a real boost, DIGIC II also improves colour rendition and white balance
accuracy, as well as speeding up playback review and scrolling. A USB 2.0 Hi-speed interface
is provided for super quick image and video transfers.

Optics
The most powerful optical zoom (36 – 432mm f/2.7-f.3.5) ever to equip a Canon compact
camera features Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, significantly
suppressing blur when taking stills and minimising image shake when shooting video
footage. An Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element curbs chromatic aberrations
particularly at longer focal lengths – for extremely faithful colour reproduction and
sharp definition. IS can be set to off, continuous (always on), shoot only (operates with
shutter release) and panning mode (only up/down movement corrected - suitable for
applications such as motor-sports). Providing the equivalent of 2-3 stops, IS allows
photographers to shoot with longer than normal exposures without increasing image blur,
great for low light shooting at events where use of flash is inappropriate or not desirable
such as concerts and weddings.

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