Canon S1 Vs S2

[JTF]

I am looking to buy my first digital camera with a long zoom & IS. The S1 can be had in my city for $469.00 canadian vs $699.00 for the S2. Are the improvements to the S2 worth the $230.00 difference.

[jessie25]

The main upgrades to the S2 over the S1 are as follows:

-12x zoom instead of 10x - this will probably make very little difference, as 10x is still a lot of optical zoom for most needs.

-5 megapixels instead of 3.2 - if you do a lot of cropping or plan on making prints 8x10 or larger, this might make a difference.

-Addition of an AF-illuminator - this makes it easier for the camera to focus in low-light conditions, so if you plan on taking a lot of indoor or low-light shots, it could mean a big improvement.

-DIGIC II processor - should mean faster, snappier performance from the camera, and less lag time on startup or shot-to-shot recycle. Might make the difference between catching or missing that quick shot, though my A520 has the older processor and I find it just fine in terms of camera speed.

-1.8" rotating LCD instead of 1.5", finally with a "gain-up" in low light. This makes it easier to see your LCD screen in various conditions.

-SD instead of CF cards - this is pretty much a wash, unless you already own one type of memory card. SD is becoming more standard but CF is fine also.

-Better movie mode

-Improved battery life, supposedly

-Upgraded to support USB 2.0 - this isn't that big a deal because an extra couple of seconds to transfer photos to your computer probably won't matter much, but if it does...

To summarize, though the S2 IS hasn't yet been reviewed by this site, it does seem like its additional features justify the added price. But it depends what you're going to do with it. If you don't really need the added megapixels, speed, low-light functionality or 2 Xs of zoom, then the S1 IS is still a damn good camera.

Also note that the S2 IS is still brand-new. In a few months its price may come down a little, but there's always something newer and better on the horizon. That's the nature of the technology. Sooner or later, you have to just choose something that you feel will best suit your needs, and go with it.

[JTF]

To summarize, though the S2 IS hasn't yet been reviewed by this site, it does seem like its additional features justify the added price. But it depends what you're going to do with it. If you don't really need the added megapixels, speed, low-light functionality or 2 Xs of zoom, then the S1 IS is still a damn good camera.

Also note that the S2 IS is still brand-new. In a few months its price may come down a little, but there's always something newer and better on the horizon. That's the nature of the technology. Sooner or later, you have to just choose something that you feel will best suit your needs, and go with it.
Tks for the very detailed & informative post back. The last two points were excellent, I guess when you have never owned a camera people (me included) can sometimes focus a little to much on perfection & too ,many models. My main use is outdoor photography year round, wildlife etc. The S1 would probably be fine, tks again. With the extra money saved from buying the S2 I could buy some extras for it.

[camerafreak707]

It is in like new condition. Nothing is wrong with it at all. I also will throw in a 256 CF card(about 150 shots at the highest photo quality setting), 4 rechargeable 2050 mAh batteries and the 30 min. charger(they last a very long time), all the software I got with the camera(camera suite 2.1 by arc soft, and the digital camera solutions disc), the USB cable, the lens cap. All for $300 dollars(not including shipping). If you want insured shipping it will cost about $25 for shipping otherwise only $15.There is nothing wrong with it, but I am interested in a more pocketable camera.



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