S2 for action shots?

[Loisonline]

I am buying my first digital camera, I know, I'm a little behind the times, but I want to have a good zoom to take shots at baseball games. I thought the S2 was the camera for this but I'm concerned about the focus problem. Is this not the camera for me? The camera store tried to sell me on a Nikon D70 but I really don't want to spend that much money. I have been waiting for this S2 but I am still nervous of spending $500 and not being able to get the pics I want. Thanks, Lois

[JTL]

I am buying my first digital camera, I know, I'm a little behind the times, but I want to have a good zoom to take shots at baseball games. I thought the S2 was the camera for this but I'm concerned about the focus problem. Is this not the camera for me? The camera store tried to sell me on a Nikon D70 but I really don't want to spend that much money. I have been waiting for this S2 but I am still nervous of spending $500 and not being able to get the pics I want. Thanks, LoisWhat focus probelm? There is no S2 focus problem! Anyway, in any action situation, you should always pre-focus and focus-lock, regardless of the camera you're using.

As far as being sure about the camera...Circuit City said that I could return mine, no questions asked...even if the reason was that I didn't like it. Of course all of the original packing materials are required and the camera has to be wear-free, and, don't fill out the warranty card. They seem to be inconsistant with charging a restocking fee. If you live near one, find a salesperson and become friendly with them (it takes a couple of visits but is worth it). I brought back a home theater system once and they did not charge me a restocking fee.

BTW, I just took some action shots today and the S2 performed fine. Here's one: http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/24128497-L.jpg

Here's my whole S2 test gallery so far (I'm adding to it daily): http://JTL.smugmug.com/gallery/574095/1/24128497

[Loisonline]

Thanks, I had read someone's comments that the camera takes time to focus and that could be a problem with action shots. If this is not an issue, this looks like a great camera. I am getting to need reading glasses now so I was hoping the LCD screen would be a little bigger, but I guess you can't have it all. Thanks, Lois

[Jeff Keller]

I have a few action shots at the end of the PowerShot S2 gallery (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s2-review/gallery.shtml).

[JTL]

I have a few action shots at the end of the PowerShot S2 gallery (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s2-review/gallery.shtml).Wow! Those are great...

I don't understand what focus problem people are referring to...am I missing something? My shots all look fine (at least I think so...:D ).

[Akysten]

The S2 zoomed shots are great. In a basketball game, I would expect to see beads of sweat... baseball is a little farther out, but I think the S2 would be a great choise for your needs.

The focus problem isn't outdoors, though I've had a strange case where I focus on a distant object like a mountain and it reports the focus failure??? but it defaults to infinity so it doesn't matter.

The S2 is good for action shots, and supposedly goes up to 1/3200, which is better than most in this class. You won't need this speed for action shots though. I DO miss the "fast action" mode on the dial. I don't use any of the other modes... but I did use this one. Since you don't need the "movie" mode anymore, I don't know why they didn't ditch this one instead.

If you're taking action shots, it might be a good idea to open use the lowest number f number, and a higher ISO to obtain the quickest shutter speed possible. This is needed more at indoor football games or basketball.... not so much in baseball, especially on a bright day. Still, it's hard.. even on a bright day.. to find a time that you could use a shuter speed so fast at 1/3200 without using a higher ISO and lowest fstop.

[Loisonline]

Jeff, those shots were fabulous. I especially liked the windsurfer and the jet. Thanks, I believe that the photos I am trying to get will be no problem with the S2. I visited it today at Best Buy. Just hope its not too complicated for this old dog! Thanks, I'll post photos as soon as I get it together. Lois :)