Canon S2

[ukcatfan]

I have the S1 IS and I love it. From what I can tell, the S2 is an improvement on the S1 in most areas. The only thing that I do not like is that it uses SD memory instead of CF.

 

[Melrosgirl]

Just ordered mine. Should be here tomorrow.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I went ahead & got it. I have always had cameras with CF, but I got an extra SD card w/512 mgs & high speed. It also plugs right into the USB port so I don't have to download from the camera or use a card reader.

Now to start using it!!

 

[Charade]

Good luck!!

I think you'll be quite happy.

 

[Caskbill]

I took this photo last year with my S1 IS. Your S2 should be able to do similar.

This was hand held.

 

[ldibo]

I took all the pictures here with my S2IS in November. The fireworks shots here I think I used my Night Scene because where I was I couldn't keep my hands steady enough. The ones of Spectro were with the night mode also.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ldibo2002/album?.dir=/62c4&.src=ph&.tok=phxES.DBfQg0eFwF

I also took these with my S2 IS. The fireworks pictures here were taken with the fireworks settings. I love that camera.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=7706042&uid=554131

Lynn

 

[hemispheredancer]

Well, I finally got my S2 and have taken a handful of pics with it. Most of the ones I took were somewhat blurry. The IS is on auto and I am shooting in auto mode. Any tips?? There is a lot to learn about this camera. Seems a little intimidating at first.

 

[RadioNate]

I got one too! lol. I haven't uploaded the photos yet so I don't know how they are.

To piggy back, what about batteries? We didn't get the recharge kit and I can't find it anywhere. What do people use? I can't imagine always having to swap out AA's.

 

[anut4disney]

Well, I finally got my S2 and have taken a handful of pics with it. Most of the ones I took were somewhat blurry. The IS is on auto and I am shooting in auto mode. Any tips?? There is a lot to learn about this camera. Seems a little intimidating at first.

I just got the same camera and I have the same problem, any help out there.

I did go to this web site and printed the whole thing. I find it a little easier to read then the book and I can also go to the book to compare, course haven't really done this since it's been Christmas and no time.

http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pss2is/101-e.html

 

[ndelaware]

I got one too! lol. I haven't uploaded the photos yet so I don't know how they are.

To piggy back, what about batteries? We didn't get the recharge kit and I can't find it anywhere. What do people use? I can't imagine always having to swap out AA's.

You can buy rechargable AA's with a charger almost anywhere, usually much cheaper than from a camera company. Then you can buy two sets and always have backup.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I got one too! lol. I haven't uploaded the photos yet so I don't know how they are.

To piggy back, what about batteries? We didn't get the recharge kit and I can't find it anywhere. What do people use? I can't imagine always having to swap out AA's.

I purchased 3 sets of these.........

http://www.thomas-distributing.com/energizer-aa-nimh-rechargeable-batteries.htm

and one of these............

http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html#chargers

http://www.thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php

It is a wonderful charger.

I will say that I used my new S2 IS for 11 days ealier in the month at WDW, never had to swap batteries any day, and I took over 250 a day, always with LCD on, some with flash.

Not sure about the blurring, unless you are shooting very slow (maybe less than 1/15) exposure, or max telephoto. There is a limit as to what the IS can do.

 

[ndelaware]

Well, I finally got my S2 and have taken a handful of pics with it. Most of the ones I took were somewhat blurry. The IS is on auto and I am shooting in auto mode. Any tips?? There is a lot to learn about this camera. Seems a little intimidating at first.

If you were taking pictures of stationary people or things in full auto with the flash and they came out blurry I would be worried about the camera. Unless your subjects were moving or the flash wasn't on. The IS has to be set to the mode for moving subjects if that is what you are trying to take pictures of. I don't think you can leave it on just one setting for all pictures but I am not sure. If the flash wasn't on the shutter speed was probably too low and even the IS can only compensate so much for those conditions. Your camera is complicated, but once you get the hang of it I am sure you will be taking awesome pictures.

 

[Melrosgirl]

Make sure you press the shutter button down 1/2 way when taking pics of still objects. Makes a big diff. I got the S2 IS three weeks ago. Took about 100 pics and the batteries died already, lol. (I have since bought rechargeables.)

 

[hemispheredancer]

Thanks Steve and Melrosgirl! I did not do the 1/2 down button thing. What exactly is that suppose to do?? I have to go get a new camera bag today, too. I did get 4- 2500mA batteries and a compact charger and a 512 card a 1 gb card. I am all set except for the bag. I may get another set of batteries jsut to keep on hand. Here is a pic I took on Christmas Day.

 

[ndelaware]

You either have a great camera or a great looking dog! LOL, maybe both.

Pushing the shutter half way sets the focus and the exposure. I may be wrong but I don't think your camera will take a picture until it picks a subject and focuses on it. Of course if you push the shutter half way you will be the one determining what is the subject is and if it is in focus. It is a good habit to get into when you have the time.

Have you thought about a "fanny pac" style of bag?

 

[Deedee]

Ok i am now more confused than ever i persuaded DH to go and buy me the S2 SI as i have seen good reviews on here, but then the man in the shop bought out the Nikon D50 and told me this was also a good camera. Now i am totally baffled any comments would be appreciated

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Completely different beast. One is a kickass point and shoot with Image Stabilizer but higher noise at 400 ISO whereas the other one is a dSLR with no image stabilizer (unless you buy Nikon's Vibration Reduction lenses that cost about the same as an S2 IS) but with phenomenal high ISO performance.

 

[hemispheredancer]

S2, S2, S2...

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Okay, if you're looking for bang for the buck, convenience, point and shoot. The answer is S2.

If you're looking to be advance further in photography, D50. Bear in mind that even the initial investement for a VR lens, D50 body, UV filter for the lens will cost you about 80% to 100% more than an S2 IS purchase.

 

[RadioNate]

I went with the S2 IS. I liked them both but thought the D50 was just too much camera for me. I know very little about photography aside from the fact I like pictures, and I wasn't interested in taking a class. The S2 IS has enough customability that if I do choose to learn I can but is enough of a point and shoot that I don't have to.

I've been thrilled with the results so far.

The only downside for me has honestly been the the size of the camera (and the fact that you need to buy rechargable AA's seperately). I'm seriously considering buying a pocket camera (like the Sony T series cameras) for those nights on the town when I don't want to bring a bag.

Another plus for me is that I like to bring a camera to professional sporting events. Here they will not allow a camera with detachable lens therefor no SLRs. I'm able to get good shots with good zoom and not have to worry about them letting me in with my camera.

Editing to add some of my hockey photos
http://homepage.mac.com/najlundy/PhotoAlbum6.html

The DSC shots were taken with a 3 year old Sony point and shoot and the IMG files are with the S2 IS. It also important to note that I'm shooting through really beat up plexiglass and I haven't done any retouching. Last night was the 2nd game I have attempted to get some shots from so I haven't really played around with different settings much. Most are on auto or the P setting with 400 ISO. I fully admit to not really know what everything means yet so if anyone has tips for better settings let me know.