Pondering a new camera, debating between the Canon S1 or w..

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Brad Sims" <bsims@abnt.org> wrote in message newsan.2005.05.31.02.30.29.488905@c933657-a.insightbb.com...
> None of the usual suspects have a good review of the Canon S2 yet, but
> from what I've seen it looks promising.
>
> Now the real question is, is it a 60% better camera than the Canon S1? I
> don't see myself ever printing larger than 8x10, so the extra megapixels
> wouldn't be much use to me.
>
> However what I /do/ need is a large, clear zoom; reasonably fast
> auto-focus, not too much noise and good pictures...

Then definitely wait for the S2, which adds an AF lamp
(40% faster autofocus) and DIGIC II processing

> I know the S1 doesn't have a IR illuminator for the AF, but I was
> pondering the feasibility of buying an IR led and making a simple IR
> flashlight (heck if nothing else I could butcher a remote control)... I
> wonder if that would help or not?

There's a kludge for the S1 which uses the camera's redeye
light for AF. It's cumbersome and doesn't work half the time.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

In article <pan.2005.05.31.02.30.29.488905@c933657-a.insightbb.com>,
Brad Sims <bsims@abnt.org> wrote:

> None of the usual suspects have a good review of the Canon S2 yet, but
> from what I've seen it looks promising.
>
> Now the real question is, is it a 60% better camera than the Canon S1? I
> don't see myself ever printing larger than 8x10, so the extra megapixels
> wouldn't be much use to me.
>
> However what I /do/ need is a large, clear zoom; reasonably fast
> auto-focus, not too much noise and good pictures...
>
> I know the S1 doesn't have a IR illuminator for the AF, but I was
> pondering the feasibility of buying an IR led and making a simple IR
> flashlight (heck if nothing else I could butcher a remote control)... I
> wonder if that would help or not?

I had an S1 before my present FZ20. There were many occasions I cursed
the lack of the AF assist lite. I also found that while the S1 images
can be enlarged to 10x8 they're marginal. The 12x zoom is also a useful
increase and I still miss the flip-out LCD. 1.8" is better than 1.5"

The S1 was a sweet wee camera, but if I was you I'd definitely hang on
for the S2. The extra cost is worth it.

The FZ20 is a fine camera, but I still suspect that the Canon's more
refined ergonomics give it the edge over the Panasonics. It seems to fit
the hand better.

Do budget for extra NiMH batteries and if you are planning on traveling
a lot, invest in a fast charger. You may only get narrow windows of
opportunity for recharging. (Daughter's cellphone will always take
precedent over Daddy's camera batteries.)

--
.....NewsDroid

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David Sommers wrote:
> "David J Taylor"
> <david-taylor@blueyonder.co.not-this-bit.nor-this-part.uk> wrote in
> message news:veWme.42628$G8.1201@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Brad Sims wrote:
>>> None of the usual suspects have a good review of the Canon S2 yet,
>>> but from what I've seen it looks promising.
>>
>> Why wait when you can buy a Panasonic FZ5/FZ20 or similar today?

> The S2 IS is available for retail sale here in the USA right now. In
> fact, I'm thinking of buying one today at one of my local electronics
> emporiums.
> While very capable, the Panasonic super-zooms lack the swivel LCD
> panel, and a true continuous shooting mode. I use both on my S1 IS
> and am not willing to give that up.
>
> Bye.

OK, "wait" was in the message topic. I agree that a swivel LCD would be
an asset that would swing a decision - assuming everything else was equal.
While it would be surprising if Canon "got it wrong", I'd still be
incluned to see a review unless I got a good returns policy promise. (I
bought a Minolta A2 on the basis of reviews but sent it back once I'd
handled it and seen the image quality....).

Cheers,
David

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

tomcas wrote:
> David J Taylor wrote:
>> Brad Sims wrote:
>>
>>> None of the usual suspects have a good review of the Canon S2 yet,
>>> but from what I've seen it looks promising.
>>
>>
>> Why wait when you can buy a Panasonic FZ5/FZ20 or similar today?
>>
>>
> The S2 has twice the video resolution, can zoom during video capture,
> and uses non-proprietary batteries. To some people these features are
> worth the wait.

Yes, if you want movies the Canon is better, but a proper movie camera is
even better. It's where you draw the line. Your choice.

I disagree on the batteries - I find the single cell much easier to handle
in the field than sets of AA cells. I do regard the prices charged for
these batteries excessive, and think that consumers should demand a
standardised raneg of Li-ion cells which fit all cameras (line AA, AAA
etc.).

David

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

NewsDroid wrote:
[]
> Siiigh!! My ideal camera would be a combination of the best features
> of the FZ20 and the S2 IS.

Would that be the Nikon 8800 then? <G>