S2 IS on the canon site [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

S45_fornow...

22nd of April 2005 (Fri), 14:20

RAW and the lack of a hotshoe are really what is holding this back from being a G6 killer.

Yes, those features are crippling what could be an amazing little camera.

Don't think for a second that Canon doesn't realize this. How many G6's sitting in warehouses and on store shelves would get sold if they released the S2 with RAW and hotshoe...?

Alnath

23rd of April 2005 (Sat), 04:44

If that could capture RAW images I'd consider selling my G6....:evil:

I have taken just over 9000 images with my G6 and used raw for just one shot, the compression is that good i cant say that i have ever needed it. I dont own a flash gun either. The pros on this camera far out weigh the ability to use raw or a decent flashgun i reckon.

agent007

24th of April 2005 (Sun), 09:06

CyberDyneSystems

24th of April 2005 (Sun), 11:59

Awesome looking camera..

Lack of RAW would keep me away as well though.

an aside;
RAW is just a differnet way of doing things. If you don't see the advantages of using it,. then I agree,. there's no point. But do understand that it is a personal thing,. so if it is a hassle for you,. then thats exactly what it is,. a hassle for you

For anyone who has adopted a RAW workflow and has been shooting RAW images,. a camera lacking that ability is pretty much out of the question.

Bodryn

24th of April 2005 (Sun), 16:50

For those of us not in the stratospheric realm of professional photography, and owning thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment, I think it is possible to shoot superb pictures with the S1 and no doubt also the S2 cameras. I am extremely happy with my S1's abilities to take pictures of wild birds, handheld, at distances that I would have thought impossible before, pictures I would not be ashamed to publish in a wildlife periodical. I probably am not going to rush to upgrade my S1 with an S2 because going from 10x to 12x optical zoom is not enough of a reason and for my purposes, 3.2 megapixels is enough and the image stabilizing function is absolutely fantastic. (However, I am about to buy a Pentax *istDS for certain specialized pictures which can't be taken very well with my existing equipment.) I took 35mm pictures on and off for many years, still have 3 SLRs, but this Canon S1 IS is far and above the neatest camera I've ever had fun with for all-around shooting, and after over 2600 photos, I'm still learning more of it's many features. Please don't turn your nose up at this fine camera.

pcasciola

24th of April 2005 (Sun), 17:09

In this case, I think I'd be willing to give up RAW for being able to shoot 30fps 640x480 video with IS for up to 1GB, and not be limited to 30 seconds like previous models. That could translate to 15-20 minutes of video. I know it's not a feature a lot of people are interested in, but I've played around with shooting some video with a Sony DSC-T1 which has the same specs, and it's definitely a "nice to have" if you don't feel like lugging around a camera and a camcorder.

This will definitely be my next point and shoot.

JTF

24th of April 2005 (Sun), 20:12

I am hoping the S1 models still in our stores here will go on sale soon to clearout for the S2, if so I'll but the S1 for my first camera.

Pelao

25th of April 2005 (Mon), 06:26

I have been looking for a camera with just this set of features, and preferably a canon.

This would be perfect for my wife's primary camera and for some family events. The excellent vide capabilities make it very attractive for such work.

I shoot RAW with my DSLR, but for the stuff this camera would do RAW is not essential and my wife will definitely not shoot RAW. This will produce excellent 4x6s, 5x7s and video in a nice compact package.

This seems like a great camera.

S45_fornow...

25th of April 2005 (Mon), 07:26

I think the RAW feature is just a waste of time. Personally, I can hardly see the difference between the two, neither can my friends.

Taking pics with RAW using up huge amounts of space and then converting them to JPG is a hassle for nothing.

That's all relative. I started shooting RAW about 6 months ago and adapted a smooth, basic workflow for post-processing and I couldn't be happier. My RAW images usually turn out so well that I do less post-processing than when I shoot jpeg. I DO notice the difference and will always prefer RAW shooting over jpeg until some better format or improved form of in-camera processing comes along. I also don't mind converting RAW to a jpeg that has more information than an in-camera processed jpeg. I print a lot of 8x10's and the difference can be seen.

I'm sure the S2 IS will be a very capable camera and I'm sure I'll even think about purchasing one in addition to my G6. Who knows...

To each his own is the moral of the story...

nwyman

25th of April 2005 (Mon), 07:28

FWIW, I was finally able to get some great, handheld wildlife shots (birds, plants, butterfly) last week with my S1, proving that my previous problems were my fault, not the cameras. I'm now devoted to the S1 and looking forward to more nature rambles with it and improved technique. Have now invested in the wide-angle converter and have no plans to upgrade anytime soon. The S1 will keep me busy for a long while, I suspect.
Nancy

FlyingPete

25th of April 2005 (Mon), 17:24

THis was looking good as a replacement for my G3, which I don't shoot RAW, or use an external flash on anymore (got an SLR for that sort of stuff), I wanted small and flexible, but... SD! no more compact flash! That means I will have to ge more memory, a new card reader, just as well my X'S drive already supports it!

nj1266

1st of May 2005 (Sun), 11:06

I like it a lot. But why did Canon change storage from Compact Flash to Secure Digital Card? Those of us who have the S1 IS and want to upgrade later on will have to purchase new cards rather than use the ones we have. That pisses me off :mad:

pcasciola

1st of May 2005 (Sun), 11:32

They probably needed to go SD for speed, because the fastest SDs are about 20-25% faster than CF, which they probably needed for the unlimited movie mode to work.

nater

1st of May 2005 (Sun), 13:24

They probably needed to go SD for speed, because the fastest SDs are about 20-25% faster than CF, which they probably needed for the unlimited movie mode to work.

S1 has the same movie mode with the same resolution and framerate.

I'm also disappointed by the switch to SD. If not for that, I'd probably upgrade from the S1 to S2 for my "backup" camera.

FlyingPete

1st of May 2005 (Sun), 14:32

They probably needed to go SD for speed, because the fastest SDs are about 20-25% faster than CF, which they probably needed for the unlimited movie mode to work.

It might not be the movie mode, but the 2.4fps rapid fire until the card is full feature.

CyberDyneSystems

1st of May 2005 (Sun), 15:15

Dig the "Snapshot" feature.. take a 5MP full res image WHILE shooting @ 30fps film mode! Wow!

Bodryn,. I wasn't turning up my nose.. just explaining why it would not be suitable for some.

Me I find this tempting indeed.

My "other" camera is the ultra portable s400.. which also lacks a raw capability,. and for what I use it for,. thats' just fine! :) Also I recomend the the s1 IS all the time to people. It's a great camera.

Prior to going DSLR I had the early Olympus c2100UZ which set the standard for this "type" of "ultr-zoom" camera with 10X zoom and IS. It's still a great camera which my Mom uses to this day.

pcasciola

1st of May 2005 (Sun), 15:24

It might not be the movie mode, but the 2.4fps rapid fire until the card is full feature.Yes, you are probably right. I thought the S1 was limited to 30 seconds of video, but I was wrong.

agent007

2nd of May 2005 (Mon), 02:35

I've been reading that the e18 errors are plaguiging the latest A95 and S1 cameras even when they're brand new without any physical damage etc.. Maybe the S2 is affected by the e18 too..

S45_fornow...

2nd of May 2005 (Mon), 06:20

I've been reading that the e18 errors are plaguiging the latest A95 and S1 cameras even when they're brand new without any physical damage etc.. Maybe the S2 is affected by the e18 too..

Just curious, but where did read about the E18 errors plagueing the A95 & S1? I'd like to read up on that if you have a link you can post.

Thanks.

EDIT: Nevermind. A simple google search produced a few E18 error posts from other forums. Not surprised though, the E18 (lens jam) error is quite common among the Elph and A series cameras.

Tommyo

3rd of May 2005 (Tue), 14:49

Hello everyone. A very nice forum here! I just found it today while doing a google search. Thanks very much to the owner/moderators for this nice forum!!

Well today, I was all psyched up when I heard about the soon-to-be released Canon S2-IS. I already own the S1-IS, and am very pleased with it. I've only used the S1-IS for one event (a state fair here in Massachusetts) which lasted for 17 days, but even with this limited use I could tell that I would be very pleased with this Canon camera. My prints came out beautiful with Konica paper.

Anyway, I am quite bummed out now that I have read about the change from the CF card, to the SD memory card. What gives????? I already bought these huge 1GB CF cards.... Now they will be obsolete for me if I choose to sell my S1-IS and purchase the S2-IS. This really blows...

Just wondering if anyone else feels the same as me here. Although I am new here, I have been browsing around the forum and am quite impressed with it. Seems like a wealth of information for me to read.
I hope to find some threads on what experienced users use for noise reduction methods. I presently like NoiseWare, from Imagenomic. Are any of you familiar with that program?

Well, thanks again for this forum... it is very nice indeed. Nice chatting with you folks here; thanks for reading my post and thanks in advance for any comments you could post. Take care....... Tommy from central Massachusetts

S45_fornow...

3rd of May 2005 (Tue), 15:27

Anyway, I am quite bummed out now that I have read about the change from the CF card, to the SD memory card. What gives????? I already bought these huge 1GB CF cards.... Now they will be obsolete for me if I choose to sell my S1-IS and purchase the S2-IS. This really blows...

Yup. Canon could've at least offered a combo CF/SD slot for a year or two so people could make the transition without spending a sh*tload of extra $$$ for new memory cards. :evil:

agent007

4th of May 2005 (Wed), 01:54

Considering the SD card has no pins, its perhaps more durable. But due to their smaller size and letter pins internally, they might be slower than the average CF card...

But, I really like their small size. Another advantage for some is that, most PDA's/Smartphones have SD slots, so they might prefer the slightly larger screen to browse the pictures, but its pretty slow, opening a 1MB hi-res pic on a PDA..

FlyingPete

4th of May 2005 (Wed), 04:05

Considering the SD card has no pins, its perhaps more durable. But due to their smaller size and letter pins internally, they might be slower than the average CF card...

The cards may be more durable, i.e. the pins holes not filling with dust if not kept in their cases, but the insertion machanism's tend not to be as robust as the CF slots.

Tommyo

4th of May 2005 (Wed), 08:47

Good morning everyone. Just wondering if any of you are considering purchasing the S2-IS somewhere down the road. I like the specs of the camera, but I am not happy with that darn SD card though. Particularly as I already purchased a few large CF cards for my S1-IS.
I doubt that the card format change will deter me from purchasing the S2-IS, but I am a tad hesitant regarding that change.
Thanks for your info regarding the SD cards; I have never used SD yet so I read your info with much appreciation. I am quite familiar with the CF in my present S1-IS, but this SD is new to me. I am actually new to the S1-IS too as I've only shot photos at one event so far, so I am quite the amateur here.
Thanks for this forum; it is very informative and this amateur here will learn quite a bit, I'm sure.
Take care...
Tommy

Citizensmith

4th of May 2005 (Wed), 16:10

Now what would be really nice is if they made the SD port a full SDio port so you could put a wireless networking card in there instead and have the camera save straight to a drive somewhere. I guess that sort of feature is unlikely to show up in a P&S though.

Looks like a great little camera, but I'll definitely be waiting to see if the extra range on the lens involved too much in the way of compromise.

agent007

5th of May 2005 (Thu), 01:36

hmmmm..A bluetooth thingy would be really cool. Avoid the hassle of the cable. I think Kodak has already implemented this. However, they'd avoid wi-fi as it sucks batteries pretty quickly..

Now what would be really nice is if they made the SD port a full SDio port so you could put a wireless networking card in there instead and have the camera save straight to a drive somewhere. I guess that sort of feature is unlikely to show up in a P&S though.

JSolie

5th of May 2005 (Thu), 17:21

I hope to find some threads on what experienced users use for noise reduction methods. I presently like NoiseWare, from Imagenomic. Are any of you familiar with that program?

NoiseWare is my friend for taming the noise on my Minolta 7Hi, also on my daughter's A75 when she takes a high ISO picture. There are other noise reduction plugins, but since I'm not in the Adobe boat, I have to find what works with PaintShopPro :shock:

The specs on the S2 certainly do look good. I'd really like to see some sample images. I'm particularly interested in the amount of noise and chromatic abberation it has in its pictures. I've seen some pictures from the S1 that are perfect, and others that suffer badly from CA (mostly outdoor shots involving trees and sunny days).

The S2 is definately on my "watch" list.

-- John

Tommyo

6th of May 2005 (Fri), 12:38

Yes, I agree... I also like those specs on the S2, and would like to see some sample pics. I've had excellent results with my S1-IS and have been very pleased with it.

I found that the NoiseWare program works wonders for me. I love that program! I've also done some touch-ups with Photo Filtre and I really enjoy working with that too.
I was really hoping that Canon would address the lens cap issue though. I would really like to see a better method of the lens cap staying on; mine is too flimsy and has a tendency to fall off when I put the camera into my bag. Darn, I hate that....
Other than that, I enjoy the S1 very much.
I guess we'll have to wait a bit until we see some actual samples/reports from users.
Take care everyone..

Tommy