The new S2 IS has a lot more to prove than its predecessor S1 IS.

The essential features which this camera possesses include: 4 AA Alkaline batteries, a 16MB SD card as standard, 12x optical zoom (36-432mm equiv.),5.0 million effective pixels,1.8-inch tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor quite larger in size, Color electronic viewfinder ,Optical Image Stabilizer (3 modes),Ultrasonic motor (USM) Extra-long movie mode with enhanced VGA resolution and stereo sound, Canon DIGIC II processor with iSAPS which has been specially designed to increase the speed, a bigger zoom lens and last but not the least are the PictBridge and Canon Direct Print which are compatible to each other.

S2 IS is one of the largest cameras in its class, much larger than the Panasonic FZ5 and the Konica Minolta Z5. This not only contains a better up gradation but also heavier in size. . nonetheless it is also a leader in photographic and imaging technology. This camera with its optical Image Stabilizer technology, outstanding optics and 30 fps digital video camera with a stereo sound video recording of 60 minutes makes it a photographer’s delight. PowerShot S2 IS represents a convergence of Canon’s core imaging technologies in the areas related with lens, image processing, digital still camera and digital video camera development.S2 IS has a 48x combined digital and optical zoom for both stills and movies. It also includes 17 still shooting modes and 6 pre-set Special Scene modes that quickly optimize the settings in tricky lighting conditions.

To conclude, purchase of the Power Shot S2 IS will allow you to get the membership of the Canon IMAGE GATEWAY. This is the canon’s online portal that offers users 100MB of online ‘personal gallery’ space for sharing stills and video with family and friends.