The Canon S2 IS is simply great fun to use. Because focus is so smooth and quick at any focal length and in any reasonable light, and because there is no shutter lag and the image stabilisation mechanism eliminates the effects of camera shake, this becomes just about the most sophisticated point and shoot camera in the shops.

If you want a carry-around camera capable of handling a wide range of tasks, including good-quality video, the S2IS is well worth a look.

All in all the Canon Powershot S2 IS is an impressive package. As well as its 12x optical zoom it comes packed with features. It is one of the more expensive cameras of its type and you will need to spend time getting to know the camera well to be able to justify paying the extra money for it.

If you’re looking for a good “all around” camera with great features, a long zoom lens, image stabilization, and a really excellent, well-integrated movie mode, all at an affordable price, there really isn’t another model on the market that’ll fill the bill the way the Canon S2 IS does.

The Canon Powershot S2 IS provides a superb range of features and great handling abilities in a relatively small package and gives more than adequate results at a resolution that is ample for prints up to and over A3 in size. Even with Canon’s recently announced avalanche of new cameras, it still sits neatly in the range providing an enthusiast level of performance and specification at nearly half the price.

The camera is versatile and is equipped with powerful functions. Featuring innovations like the DIGIC II processor lift the S2 IS to a higher level than its competitors. The performance of the camera is excellent, and as far as we are concerned, the camera is definitely recommendable!

While its image quality, responsiveness and viewfinder quality are not quite up to dSLR standards, the S2’s versatility is unmatched by any dSLR available today. If you have a need for megazoom focal lengths, the S2 IS also represents a terrific value; while dSLR image-stabilized long focal length lenses sell for thousands of dollars, the S2 IS can be had for under $500, image-stabilized zoom lens included.

All around, the S2 is a capable camera with an extremely flexible lens that justifies the $450 price tag alone; however, those looking for immaculate stills will be put off by the visible noise present in the S2’s images.

The S2 lacks some features that other cameras of its class have. Some things that the S2 IS lack include manual zoom/focus rings, live histogram, a jog dial and a battery indicator. And maybe Canon should forget about including a memory card and just bundle in some rechargeable AA NiMH batteries with charger?