1. 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
2. 12x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; 28mm wide-angle lens
3. HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
4. 3.0-inch LCD screen; Face Detection, Blink Detection
5. Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)

Editorial Review :

Picture the fun you'll have with Canon's SX200IS digital camera. It's equipped with an impressive array of automatic photo-taking features, including a stunning, wide-angle 12X optical zoom and HD movie capture. One-year warranty. Model SX200IS.

Customer Review :

The BEST.

IF YOU LOOKING FOR THE CAMERA TO USEING FOR pic some picture in home or outside sometimes, CHOOSE THIS CAMERA.
This is what you looking for.

Rating :

Nice high quality easy to use, with excellent photo quality

I bought this camera for my wife for her trip to Peru. She broke the last point-and-shoot I bought her and I'm actually glad she did! This camera takes fantastic photos, and I do mean fantastic! I told my wife she needed to review the manual with this one and really learn how to use her camera so she could get the most out of it. I'm not sure she really needed to because the easy function is really, well, easy. The vividness of the colors in the shots was simply outstanding.

The zoom was one of the main reasons I chose this camera because I knew she would be in the mountains and be taking a lot of scenery shots. With 12MP you can crop quite a bit but the zoom did come in handy.

The only cons I can think of is the night shot settings. I think the easy button doesn't quite cut it there, but with manual settings I'm sure it will work just fine. Also, the first shot speed is a bit lagged (confirming what was reported in Consumer Reports).

All in all I'm very happy with this product and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced compact camera with a short learning curve. (when I saw all of the photos she took I had to ask her when she became such good photographer!)

Rating :

Great Camera

This is a great camera. I received it very fast after I ordered it. It's easy to use, but also has controls where you can adjust more like an slr if you prefer. I am an avid photographer and wanted a smaller camera that I could have with me all of the time. While this isn't as small as some of them, it is small enough to carry in a purse or pocket. I had a smaller camera and was not pleased with the time lag in shooting and some of the pictures did not come out very well. This camera has a 12x zoom, which is great for a camera this size. It also takes great pictures whether you're taking them on the go or setting up a shot.

Rating :

Bush Pilot

Great camera. Lots of features. Like the solid feel and Cannon lens. Takes great pictures and is easy to use. Don't like the pop up flash. May be able to disable so doesn't get in the way, but haven't researched this yet. Apparently zoom does not work in movie mode when using optical mode.

Rating :

works good

I think this is a good camera and would recommend it.

The two complaints that I read about is that the popup flash is annoying and the zoom feature is disabled in video recording mode.

I actually think the popup flash is a great feature. People haven't liked the fact that you can't disable it by keeping it from poping up. This is true, but an important feature that people failed to mentioned when I was reading the reviews is that the flash is actually really easy to push down with your left index finger and that when you push it down, the flash is automatically disabled. So this is a quick and easy feature to disable the flash and not an annoying design problem. So forget the flash as a problem and think of it as a feature.

The other problem is not having zoom when recording videos. It actually turns out that you can't change the optical zoom while videoing, but the digital zoom still functions just fine. While it would be best to have optical zoom functioning, the problem with that is that the noise from the optical zoom motors would kill the audio in the recording. So having the digital zoom work instead sacrifices video quality for audio quality for zoom functions. Of course you'd like both, but at least you know what you're giving up optical zoom for...

I guess I also read that the Panasonic competitive product has a better screen for viewing pictures. this may be true, but I guess I don't miss what I haven't experienced. The screen on this camera is just fine.

Love the 12x optical zoom. That's the reason I bought the camera.

Bottom line is that I think this is a good camera for the price. If you have the budget and want better pictures, buy a better camera, but this is just fine for taking pictures of the family, vacations, etc.

Good luck.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. 12x optical zoom; 1.8-inch vari-angle LCD display
3. Records VGA film at 30 frames per second with stereo sound; includes wind filter and adjustable levels for sound
4. MovieSnap feature allows you to capture a 5.0 MP still image while recording a movie; also features digital zoom and manual focus options for movies
5. Powered by four AA-size batteries; stores images on SD memory cards

Editorial Review :

The PowerShot S2 IS is a point-and-shoot digital camera with high resolution, long zoom, movie capabilities and an array of shooting options. This camera supports PictBridge, a computer-free printing experience. Just plug the compatible PowerShot camera into a direct photo printer, or insert a memory card into the printer. Features: 5 megapixel (MP) digital camera 12X optical/4X Digital/48X combined zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer technology USD glass and aspherical lens for sharpness and color Takes still images while shooting movies 30 fps VGA continuous movie recording Movie stereo sound Digic II Image Processore and iSAPS technology for better image quality, faster operations and lover power consumption USB 2.0 hi-speed interface for faster downloads and file transfers 1.8 Vari-angle LCD screen Twenty one display languages provided Canon Includes: PowerShot S2 IS body Neck strap NS-DC3 AA-size Alkaline batteries (x4) Stereo video cable STV-250N Interface cable IFC-400PCU SD Memory card SDC-16MB Digital camera solution CD-ROM Lens cap

Customer Review :

Still Going Strong

I just thought I'd speak up for this camera in case there are those who are tempted to purchase a used version. For $300+ brand new here on Amazon in 2005, this camera has delivered. No black screen of death (yet) and this camera has been around the block a few times, including getting beach/boat time in Mexico some years back. What drew me to the camera was: AA batteries, viewfinder, zoom (good for its time; admittedly, I'm tempted by the newer cameras), video with very decent sound, the swiveling LCD screen (comes in extremely handy). Whenever I take it on vacation, I still carry the book with me. So much electronics and so many icons icons, I can better operate an old fashioned film camera. One thing I absolutely swear by are the Energizer e-series lithium batteries. They last forever.

Rating :

Beware Canons are DEFECTIVE!!!!

Like many other reviews, my camera came down with the black screen of death. Canon says that it isn't a problem with the S2 and never issued a recall (despite 30-50 reviews on amazon to the contrary). They are offering a trade in for one of three cameras that all have owners reporting similar or other issues (G11, SX10 IS, or Rebel XS). I am so sick of talking to clueless service reps on the phone. I have had issues with some Sony products (mainly PS3) but they seem to take care of business better than Canon, so I think it's time to switch to a Sony camera.

Rating :

Do not purchase this camera

I loved this camera when I first purchased it after searching far and wide for the best point and shoot. After spending $350 of my grad student salary, I happily used it for 1.5 years. It then developed the BSoD or "Black Screen of Death" (google it to see how common it is, one forum has over 700 posts). It was still under warranty at the time, and Canon fixed it no problem. Again, I was pleased. Flash forward to 2010, and the BSoD returns. This time I am far out of warranty and do not want the hassle of a camera that breaks every 3 years. I'm checking out other brands.

Rating :

Canon PowerShot S2

I was pleaantly surprised at some of the assecaries that I got with the camera such as additional lense extensions and filters. I am very happy with this purchase!

Rating :

Canon Powershot S2 IS Digital Camera: know potential issues & DIY solutions

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R14MIAHJVWZ8GV I bought this Canon Powershot S2 IS Digital Camera as a used camera here on Amazon. When the camera first came out in 2005 or 2006, the camera had a suggested retail price at the time of around seven-hundred bucks but with an expected street price of around five-hundred dollars at the time years ago. It is now 2010 and I got lucky by getting the camera in good almost perfect condition, albeit as a used camera, for sixty-five bucks + S&H. The person who sold the camera bought a newer camera and therefore no longer wanted this Canon Powershot S2 IS camera. And so I was lucky to get the camera for the cheap price. And the camera came in the original box with the manuals etc. But as you can see here on Amazon, the price may actually vary for this particular camera whether as a new or used camera. The Canon Powershot S2 IS that I bought works fine. There are little scuffs and scratches on the surface casing, but you wouldn't notice those superficial flaws unless if you were looking. Nonetheless, I'll probably get a gray/silver permanent marker (or sharpie) to cover up at least the scuffs. Not a big deal, because that can be considered normal wear and tear for a pre-owned (used) camera. Otherwise, taking snapshots works fine, the continuous picture-taking function also works, making video works, the optical zoom works, and the image stabilization appears to work. Fortunately, as a used camera, I got lucky with this particular Canon Powershot S2 IS camera because it was well taken care of. Wonderful.

There are a few things that I've read about in the discussions here on Amazon that are of some concern. Specifically, there are three potential issues with this camera that people have complained about:

The first issue is the lens cap. The lens cap falls off. The way around that is to insert a little bit of the lens cap's strap under the cap as you put the cap on the lens. That makes for a tight fit with the cap not falling off. When you turn on the camera to take pictures, the cap is easily pushed off without any strain on the extending lens turret. Easy fix. See the video that I'm posting with this review.

The second issue is the so-called black-screen-of-death. I haven't encountered that problem yet because the camera that I bought was in good condition. But it is a potential concern. After researching this problem, the so-called black-screen-of-death is apparently a shutter problem and not a lens CCD sensor problem. What apparently happens is that when the weather gets really hot, and particularly if you haven't used the camera for a while after that, the oil in the shutter assembly expands and subsequently hardens, and then all of that results in oil gunk that gets in the way of the shutter causing the shutter to not open. Therefore, you have the black-screen-of-death when trying to take pictures. A solution for this problem is the following taken from a Flickr group discussion (from someone whose username is "dblthisyear"):

-{QUOTE}- "Set the camera in TV mode, (delayed shutter mode) set the shutter at 15 sec, click to take a picture and during that 15 secs (like, after 7 seconds) open the battery compartment which cuts contact with the battery circuit. Close the battery cover. At this point the camera works fine ... but only temporarily.... Here is the key to the permanent fix. While the camera is working via the temporary fix, take many, many pictures. Hundreds! I probably snapped 400-600 pics. The idea is to wear down the little patches of hardened oil on the shutter blades. For the next three days I took hundreds of pics each day. Basically, I just aimed the camera at the wall or whatever and snapped off several hundred pics." -{UNQUOTE}-

If this problem happens to me, I would probably do the fix and take a lot of pictures until the battery goes out and consider it fixed. But the idea is to keep the camera in use to keep the shutter working. In other words, don't just let the camera sit in storage for a really long time and not expect this problem to happen. Or put another way: Use the camera and don't just let it sit there.

The third issue is the E18 Error problem where the lens turret either does not retract or does not extent outwards when you take pictures. I haven't encountered this problem and hopefully won't ever have this problem. Nonetheless, if this problem were to occur, there are a few solutions suggested by the E18 Error website. Turn off the camera and try these solutions. One solution is to change the batteries to new batteries but wait a few minutes after taking out the old batteries before putting in the new batteries. Another possible solution is to use compressed air to blow out all the dust and sand out from all around the turret that may have somehow gotten into between the lens' turret and the camera body. Another possible solution is to tap the side of the camera (the side that has the padded USB cover part) on a hard surface (e.g., a desk) to shake up and loosen whatever is holding the turret in place. I would probably just pound the side of the camera against my hand. Yet another possible solution is to "force" the camera lens' turret to click the turret back into place. Look around the turret to see where there may be a large gap compared to elsewhere around the turret, and then gently move the lens around in a circular motion until you hear a click when it pops back into place.

After I read about these problems and found these do-it-yourself solutions, I felt safe in buying this Canon Powershot S2 IS camera as a used camera that was no longer under warranty.

So far, knock on wood, I've been happy with this Canon Powershot S2 IS camera. I could have bought the latest new simple point-and-shoot digital camera with more megapixels for a little bit more than what I paid for this camera. However, this camera's five megapixels are more than enough I would think because I've found the resulting digital picture can be huge, detailed, and sharp. And so I was happy to select this camera which is more like a real camera with more capabilities including a real 12x optical zoom - while paying a cheap price. This camera is a bit heavy and so you do need a neck strap with this camera to hang the camera around your neck. The neck strap was included with the camera. A wrist strap would not have been enough. If you decide to get this camera, keep in mind that it can only take SD memory cards and not the newer SD HC (SDHC) memory cards. The biggest SD cards that seem to be available are the two gigabyte SD cards. I found what appear to be four gigabyte SD cards being sold here on Amazon by third-party sellers, but, after reading comments for those cards, I think those cards are really SDHC cards. Also, if you want to do videos with this camera, the files are .AVI files and you can shoot up to a one-gigabyte continuous video which is approximately 7-8 minutes. If you want to make a longer video using this camera, then you'll have to shoot your video in segments and edit them together. A software CD came with this camera, but I'm using iMovie on my Macbook to edit video.

And so this Canon Powershot S2 IS camera is a good camera to consider. I also have a Canon Powershot A60 camera and so this Canon Powershot S2 IS camera would be like an upgrade - although I'll most likely use both for taking still picture shots. And I have a Flip UltraHD Camcorder, but although the video on the Canon Powershot S2 IS is only standard definition, the zoom on the Canon Powershot S2 IS is a real optical zoom when compared to the Flip's puny digital zoom. So for video, I'll probably use both the Canon Powershot S2 IS and the Flip together. And so, all of the cameras will go in the same camera bag. Thank you for reading and viewing this review.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 7.1-megapixel CCD give you images of uncompromising texture and detail
2. 3.8x image-stabilized wide zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. 9-point AiAF, single point AF, Flexizone AF, and Face-priority AF
4. Stores images on SD cards; powered by Lithium-ion rechargeable battery NB-5L
5. Now supports SDHC cards (Secure Digital cards with over 2 GB capacity)

Editorial Review :

1. 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
2. 4x optical zoom; 28mm wide-angle lens
3. HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
4. 2.8-inch widescreen PureColor LCD II screen; Face Detection
5. Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)

Editorial Review :

A camera designed for your ever-changing environment ? small, streamlined and powerful. Achieve instant gratification with amazing images on the fly, captured in 12.1-megapixel resolution with tons of features that hold up in even the most unforgiving shooting conditions. One-year warranty. Model SD960IS.

Customer Review :

Canon Powershot SD960IS

I got my camera in January and have been using it frequently ever since. I am a snow skier and a scuba diver, so I also have the waterproof casing for underwater pictures!!!! Its a great combo!!!! Love the dusk setting...especially for snow scenes!!!! The underwater shots are REMARKABLE CLEAR!!!
Lot of camera for a reasonable price!!!!


Rating :

Awesome pocket cam

This is a great pocket cam. Pic/video quality SUCKS of course, compared to a dSLR (which I'm used to), but this little cam allows me to take it anywhere anytime. This advantage compensates for the comparatively crappy IQ (once again, think of dSLR difference). For its category, works great. 2 years of constant use, and still works like a champ.

Rating :

Outside Nice

VEry nice pictures outside..inside with flash is decent as well. My camera makes noise...when it's on..even the day i took it out of its package!!! idk if it's faulty or not..but it works so i'm okay for now. Battery life is pretty decent...i had mines on for like 4 hours..taking non stop pictures while i was traveling. would be nicer if it's slimmer and shorter..but whatever.

Rating :

Canon PowerShot SD960

Own a Canon EOS Rebel, but find it too much to carry around all the time. This Powershot is perfect for pocket carrying

Rating :

Great Camera

I am Canon lover since I knew what cameras are.
This one is again, the best for the purpose of handyness.
Picture Quality is awesome & you can print as much as large as you can and get the same feel as seeing on a Computer.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
2. 3x optical image-stabilized zoom
3. 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II monitor
4. Face Detection; Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur
5. Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Editorial Review :

Always ready at just the right moment, Canon's powerful, pocket-size 8MP digital camera is picture perfect. This complete package features a 3X optical zoom and image stabilizer for crisp, clear and utterly astounding photos. 90-day warranty. Model SD1100 IS.

Customer Review :

Distorted Images

Had camera for about a year and now the images that I take are distorted with purple/pinkish tint. I looked it up online and just about everyone who has a canon camera will have this problem sooner or later. Guess i'm just unlucky! No point in sending it back since it will cost more than the camera is worth to get it fixed. Going back to Nikon!

Rating :

I hope I don't get the lens error...again.

I bought this camera on March 2008 and used it intensively for two years until this spring I got the lens error. It could have been my fault because I was using at a beach and some sand could have gotten in the lens mechanism(I was careful to avoid that). The feature I loved about this camera is the macro mode. I enjoyed taking pictures of small animals and insects and this camera rendered superb images with amazing detail. It did a much better job than my Nikon D80 and the crispness and detail was amazing. So, after months of reading reviews and testing friends and families cameras(sony, nikon, olympus, new canons, etc), there was not one that could match this cameras image quality and I decided to buy it again. Yes, it may sound stupid but I want the best image possible, if the newer cameras are not up to the job I will not buy them, and a quality macro lens for the Nikon is too expensive.
I just hope I do not get the lens error soon.



Rating :

My wife loves this camera

My wife loves this camera. She wanted a camera to take pictures of the kids without taking out our bulkier 35mm DSLR. It has a video function with sound which captures those moments that come and goes in a flash.

Rating :

Probably better to stay away from this product...I'll be avoiding Canon products alltogether

Everything has been nice for an year or so, except I've recently got an infinite loop type of error: "Lens error, restart camera." Upon restarting I get the same thing, ad infinitum. I've done some research and the repair is as much as a new camera, apparently. I did not drop the camera, I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. The last picture taken was somewhat close to the beach, actually near a house on a cliff about 100 feet above ocean level. It was sunny but windy... Enough reason to render a camera useless? Apparently so. Any type of guarantee this won't happen again if I repair it? Nope. Any logical reason one should buy it under these circumstances? Not to me.

Rating :

Loved it until DISP button stopped working

I LOVED this camera. The size, ease of use, portability, picture quality, ease of downloading and printing. And I loved the different picture modes, but after only 14 months the DISP button will not work. (And I don't use the camera very often) So I can't change the picture setting, can't access color swap, can't access anything (which is alot) that requires the use of the DISP button. So beware! I am very disappointed because it's stuck on SNOW and we were at the beach last week and couldn't access BEACH mode or any of the other cool things that requires the DISP button. It will cost almost as much as I paid for the camera to have it repaired.

Rating :

More reviews...