Canon PowerShot S2 IS July 26th, 2005 | by David Elrich

Conclusion

Although I liked the final stills and videos I took with this speedy, responsive camera, Canon is asking way too much from consumers to get up to speed.  Granted, an experienced shutterbug will have less difficulty wading through the extremely dense owner's manual.  And if you plan to simply shoot in Auto or with the various scene modes, the camera will do the trick.  Yet the deal breaker for me is the manual flash.  Imagine taking a critical shot, pressing the shutter then realizing you have to open the flash.  In that critical moment, the memory could be gone.  Toss in the fact that you don't get rechargeable batteries and a charger, and this mega zoom camera moves near the bottom of the list of available options.

Pros

• Nice range of focal lengths
• Lifelike captured images
• Extensive manual adjustments
• Easily adjustable—but small—LCD screen
• Top movie mode (VGA) with stereo sound
• Video clips and stills can be taken simultaneously

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Confusing owner's manual
• Manual flash operation
• No TIFF or RAW option