S2 IS questions

[rayjb6]

I am considering getting an S2, and I have several questions I am hoping a current S2 owner can help me with:

- What is the largest good quality print you have been able to get? (I have looked at several sites and some say 5MP can do 8x10 well, others say it can't)
- I have read that on this camera noise is a problem at ISO 200 and 400, is this something you have been able to clean up in post processing? If so, how? And how well? Could you post examples?

In short, I am wondering if I need to go for a higher MP camera to get good 8x10s, and if the limited ISO speeds on this camera (50, 100 low noise, 200, 400 high noise) will be enough for a wide range of situations.

Thanks for any help.

[guitarman]

I am considering getting an S2, and I have several questions I am hoping a current S2 owner can help me with:

- What is the largest good quality print you have been able to get? (I have looked at several sites and some say 5MP can do 8x10 well, others say it can't)
- I have read that on this camera noise is a problem at ISO 200 and 400, is this something you have been able to clean up in post processing? If so, how? And how well? Could you post examples?

In short, I am wondering if I need to go for a higher MP camera to get good 8x10s, and if the limited ISO speeds on this camera (50, 100 low noise, 200, 400 high noise) will be enough for a wide range of situations.

Thanks for any help.

I have gotten a couple of great 8X10s on a 2.1 MP camera. Although not as likely it is possible. I think 5 MP is excellent for 8X10s. I was considering buying the S2 IS until I saw the announcment of the release of the Panasonic FZ30. Its not because its an 8 MP that I am waiting for it though. I am really interested in the Leica lens and the Image stabilized 12X optical.(Yes I know that the S2 is IS 12X as well) Most of these point and shoot CCD cameras have trouble with noise at ISO 200 and above thats just a fact of life. Wether they can be fixed in software depends on each shot individually. I've had some that cleaned up good and others that didn't. What I'm really hoping about the FZ30 is that it will have a good shutter lag time. I'm too spoiled by the performance of my 20D, but I would like a more compact camera to carry on trips where I don't want to bring the 20D and a bulky lens.
There are some samples of what this camera can do at the following site.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s2-review/
It really does seem like a nice camera and has a great moive mode. I've been to the camera store and tried it out. The salesman even let me take it outside and try it. I then took the shots home. Sorry I ditched them when I saw the announcment for the new panasonic and decided to wait till September for that.

[scrutineer]

I have gotten a couple of great 8X10s on a 2.1 MP camera. Although not as likely it is possible. I think 5 MP is excellent for 8X10s. I was considering buying the S2 IS until I saw the announcment of the release of the Panasonic FZ30. Its not because its an 8 MP that I am waiting for it though. I am really interested in the Leica lens and the Image stabilized 12X optical.(Yes I know that the S2 is IS 12X as well) Most of these point and shoot CCD cameras have trouble with noise at ISO 200 and above thats just a fact of life. Wether they can be fixed in software depends on each shot individually. I've had some that cleaned up good and others that didn't. What I'm really hoping about the FZ30 is that it will have a good shutter lag time. I'm too spoiled by the performance of my 20D, but I would like a more compact camera to carry on trips where I don't want to bring the 20D and a bulky lens.
There are some samples of what this camera can do at the following site.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s2-review/
It really does seem like a nice camera and has a great moive mode. I've been to the camera store and tried it out. The salesman even let me take it outside and try it. I then took the shots home. Sorry I ditched them when I saw the announcment for the new panasonic and decided to wait till September for that.

I was also intending to get the canon soon , but after looking at the FZ30 i think i'll hang on - very impressive spec on it - just hope the release date is real:)