Thinking about the S2

[umbalito99]

I'm about to purchase the Canon S2 IS. Anytime within the next few days. :D

I just have a few quick questions:

1> Is there a battery life indicator on the S2? I've read reviews and even looked at images showing what you would see on the screen and I don't think there is a battery life indicator? Do you just get a low battery warning?

Aren't lens problems caused by the camera not being able to shut down fully due to a dead battery??

2> I am looking at purchasing either the Canon lens hood&adapter or the one from lensmate which I've heard is really good. Im leaning more towards the lensmate one because it fits the color of the camera and its not plastic.

For those that have the lensmate one, can I still use the lens cap with the hood on? Can I keep the hood on the camera at ALL time? I am not concerned about bulk, I am more concerned about protecting the lens all the time.

Whats the difference between the 52mm one and the 58mm one from lensmate? Sorry, Im new to all these, I don't really understand what they mean at the lensmate website. From what I gather, if I have previous Canon lenses I go for the 52mm otherwise go for the 58mm???

Primarily I want it simply to protect the lens of the camera. But I guess eventually I will be buying the extra wide and tele lenses and a few filters. What are the advantages of going for the 52mm or the 58mm?

Thanks y'all.

Im really excited about getting this camera:)

[TampaJim]

I don't know that the S2 is afflicted with the S18 error, but I have confidence in the product. I have a Canon S100 Digital ELPH and have never had an issue in well over 5 years. I haven't heard that the error is caused from low batteries - but I have heard of it being caused by having the lens blocked.

If you buy two sets of rechargeables, just change them when you get the "early warning" about the batteries - problem solved, if it is one. I bought two sets (8) of Energizer 2500mAH NiMH batteries and a charger for $25.00.

The LensMate products are great and so is the support. I have two adapters - one for general protection, the other for teleconverter lens. I also have a UV filter (Hoya HMC) and a Polarizing filter (Hoya Linear). You will need the same number of "clip-in" lens caps as lens adapters. I don't recommend 58mm unless you already own something in that size, stay smaller and go with the 52mm. If you aren't buying another lens - teleconverter, wide-angle, etc. - I still recommend two adapters (cheaper that way) and put your UV filter on one (general protection) and the polarizing filter (outdoors) on the other - now you are bayonet ready plus you won't need another adapter later should you add a lens. YOU WILL, believe me.

The LensMate adapters are very well made, provide protection for the lens and entire mechanism and give you a wonderful place to hold when shooting.

Since you are about to buy a S2 - consider using a Platinum VISA or MC, it doubles the warranty for FREE and gives you 90 days of "UH-OH" coverage against theft, loss or accidental damage.

[jray]

I just bought the S2 the night before Christmas Eve. I've been researching it to death for the past several weeks. The clincher for me is, I bought it at Stapes, which had the best price I've seen(450.00, sorry, this was a special) AND they have a 14 day return policy for all electronics. So, I figured I could really put it through its paces for the next two weeks and make up my mind. If I keep it, my G5, which has served me very well, will go on ebay.

I have owned the G5 and used it a lot for the past 5 years, and I just now read about the S18 problem. Had never heard of it, have never had it. Apparently some have, but I can attest to absolutely no problems with the G5.

I also recommend Lensmate accessories. I bought the 58mm, because I already have several filters in that size. It hasn't been removed since I put in on. I just make sure there is always a filter in place, UV or otherwise. Also, the tamron lens caps are wonderful. They snap on and stay in place so well.

I will report back as I get more experience with the S2IS. Good luck with your decision.:)

[rosemaven]

I'm on my second S2, as result of accidental water damage. Besides the Visa, also consider American express which also has an extended warranty. I love my S2. You will too.

I also got the Energizer 2500 mAh rechargables (2 sets). Though I really don't need the 2nd set, since they charge in 15minutes. I always keep spare regular batteries in my case.

The battery indicator seems to only show when the battery is low.

[McDave]

I'm about to purchase the Canon S2 IS. Anytime within the next few days. :D

I just have a few quick questions:

1> Is there a battery life indicator on the S2? I've read reviews and even looked at images showing what you would see on the screen and I don't think there is a battery life indicator? Do you just get a low battery warning?

Aren't lens problems caused by the camera not being able to shut down fully due to a dead battery??

It just flashes a battery low icon when it gets low, then goes ahead and retracts the lens and shuts down. Unfortunately due to nimh battery characteristics you get very little warning. The good news is if you get say, the 2500 Energizers (Wal Mart), they last a very long time. I would go ahead and get an extra set to swap out with just for convenience.


2> I am looking at purchasing either the Canon lens hood&adapter or the one from lensmate which I've heard is really good. Im leaning more towards the lensmate one because it fits the color of the camera and its not plastic.

Yes, the Lensmates cost less, look good, and are a quality piece. You will want to buy an adapter for each lens for ease of swapping lenses, so consider going for their two-fer deals on adapters when you order.


For those that have the lensmate one, can I still use the lens cap with the hood on? The original Canon lens cap? No. You can roll back the rubber Lensmate hood and use their snap on cap though.


Can I keep the hood on the camera at ALL time? I am not concerned about bulk, I am more concerned about protecting the lens all the time.

Yes, you can keep an adapter w/hood on at all times with say a UV lens to protect your camera, along with a Lensmate's snap-on cap to protect the UV lens.


Whats the difference between the 52mm one and the 58mm one from lensmate? Sorry, Im new to all these, I don't really understand what they mean at the lensmate website. From what I gather, if I have previous Canon lenses I go for the 52mm otherwise go for the 58mm???

The Canon lenses for the S2 are 58mm.


Primarily I want it simply to protect the lens of the camera. But I guess eventually I will be buying the extra wide and tele lenses and a few filters. What are the advantages of going for the 52mm or the 58mm?

Canon makes fine lenses but in the case of their teleconverter lens you can't use a filter on either end. I'm not sure if their wide angle lens is the same way. This is a serious drawback in my opinion so you should consider going with 52mm adapters and the Raynox lenses that Lensmate sells. Then you can get 52mm filters to go in between the adapters and lenses. The Raynox's that Lensmate recommends are at least as good as the Canons, if not better in some cases like the 6600Pro WA.


Thanks y'all.

Im really excited about getting this camera:)

You're welcome! The S2 is a fine camera. I'm sure you'll get a lot of joy from it.

One final tip. Sometimes the photos will look a little soft. This is common with digital images. Look for Unsharp Mask as one of the adjustments in whatever photo editor you use. USM works much better than Sharpen.