Canon PowerShot S2 IS Point & Shoot Camera
The Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a 5MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with SD (480p) video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon PowerShot S2 IS Point & Shoot Camera
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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
Key Features — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
5MP 1/2.5" Sensor: Paired with Canon's DIGIC II processor for solid image quality in a compact point-and-shoot body.
Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-based OIS reduces the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer zoom ranges.
1.8" Vari-Angle LCD: The articulating screen allows flexible framing from high, low, and off-axis angles that a fixed display wouldn't support.
Built-In Electronic Viewfinder: Provides an alternative to the LCD for composing shots, useful in bright outdoor conditions where screens are harder to read.
AA Battery Compatibility: Runs on 4x AA batteries rated for approximately 550 shots, with the practical advantage of using widely available replacements anywhere.
Built-In Stereo Microphones: Captures stereo audio alongside video, offering better sound separation than a single mono microphone.
Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 5MP |
| Processor | DIGIC II |
| ISO Range | 50 – 400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 1 point |
| Burst Rate | 2.4 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | SD (480p) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit |
Description — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
The Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a point-and-shoot camera centered on a 5MP, 1/2.5-inch sensor processed by Canon's DIGIC II engine. It shoots across an ISO range of 50 to 400 and features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help manage camera shake. Composition is supported by both an Electronic Viewfinder and a 1.8-inch Vari-Angle LCD at 115,000 dots, the latter articulating to accommodate a range of shooting positions.
Autofocus uses a single-point Contrast Detection system. The S2 IS records video at up to 30fps in 8-bit with a Standard color profile, while a built-in stereo microphone handles audio capture. Still shooters can choose from multiple color profiles including Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, and Custom, with burst shooting available at 2.4fps.
The camera stores to SD cards, connects via USB, and is powered by 4x AA batteries rated for approximately 550 shots. The plastic body measures 113 x 78 x 76 mm, weighs 405g, and offers no weather sealing.
Pros — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
- ✓Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps minimize camera shake during handheld shooting
- ✓1.8-inch Vari-Angle LCD allows flexible framing from high, low, and off-axis angles
- ✓Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) provides an alternative composition method beyond the LCD
Cons — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
- ✗ISO maxes out at 400, significantly limiting performance in low-light environments
- ✗Single-point Contrast Detection autofocus with no subject tracking or eye tracking
- ✗No weather sealing, making the plastic body vulnerable to moisture and dust
Videos — Canon PowerShot S2 IS
Canon Powershot S2 IS — Captured by iVAN