Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject is photographed in a room that has a mix of fluorescent and
incandescent light, but which is not brightly lit. The camera's flash is
used to add fill light. The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5 ft) from the camera.
Set to its defaults, the PowerShot S2 produces a good image,
but one that is just a touch too dark for our taste. To brighten
the exposure a flash exposure compensation value of 2/3 EV
is applied.
The S2 has a sharp lens, and a lot of detail are visible
in the photo, as is exemplified by the fact that writing on
the photo paper envelopes is clearly legible. Moreover, the
compression is discreet and does not appear to lower the overall
image sharpness.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f2.7
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/60 sec.
Resolution:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
On
Quality:
Super fine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.15 MB
Focal Length:
36 mm (35mm Eq)
ZOOM PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent is to test the sharpness
of the image at the zoom's maximum setting. The camera remains at the same
distance as with the preceding photo.
With the lens now at the maximum telephoto setting, the
camera yields a good photo using its default settings but
one that could benefit — in our opinion — from
being a bit brighter. So once again, a Flash Exposure Compensation
of +2/3EV is added to increase the brightness of the exposure.
The powerful 12X zoom allows the camera to capture a great
deal of detail, and as can be seen below, when the image is
seen at 100%, fine details such as the dot pattern of the
printing screen that creates the light blue-grey background
of the envelope is clearly visible.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f3.5
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/60 sec.
Resolution:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
On
Quality:
Super fine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.24 MB
Focal Length:
432 mm (35mm Eq)
(Transparent ruler) Aperture: f4, shutter
speed: 1/200 sec., ISO 50.
MACRO PHOTO
The basic Macro mode of the S2 IS provides a focus range
of 10 to 50 cm (3.9 to 19.5 inches), capturing a field of
view, when the lens is at the wide end, of just over 12cm
(4.68 inches).
In addition the S2 offers a Super Macro mode,
activated by pressing and holding the Macro button on the
left side of the lens barrel. The Super Macro mode allows
the camera to focus on a subject that is touching the front
element of the lens, a focus distance of 0 to 10 cm (0 to
3.9 inches).
With the lens touching the subject
— in this case a transparent plastic ruler — the
camera captures a field of view of approximately 2.3 cm (0.9
inch), but barrel distortion can become quite visible if there
are straight lines in the composition. Moreover, when the lens
is this close, it can become very difficult to provide enough
light to illuminate the subject.
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture of the building, in particular
the angled girders, immediately show the presence of jaggies. The shadowed
entrance can also often reveal the quality of the exposure.
Under most circumstances, wide angle shots captured with
the S2 reveal no barrel distortion, and it is only when the
subject is close to the camera, and when there are horizontal
lines in the subject that a curvature can be observed near
the edges of the frame.
Similarly, as can be seen here, the slight chromatic aberration
that can appear on the edge of contrasting areas is not easily
visible with images such as this one.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4
Exposure:
Program
Shutter:
1/500
Resolution:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Super fine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.42 MB
Focal Lgth:
36 mm (35mm Eq)
ZOOM PHOTO
Zooming in on the entrance of the building,
the shadowed entrance takes on a greater importance for the
metering and can cause an overexposure of sections that are
directly lit.
Metering is very reliable with the S2, but is somewhat sensitive
to the brightness of the scene at the centre of the frame
when the zoom is at the maximum telephoto setting. For example,
with this subject, a small variation is the proportion of
dark/bright near the centre of the frame can mean that the
exposure will be brighter or darker, revealing more or less
detail in the shadow areas.
But, as can be seen here, the S2 is able to capture a lot
of detail in the shadowed entrance, without overexposing the
areas of the frame that are directly lit.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4
Exposure:
Program
Shutter:
1/320
Resolution:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Super fine
ISO:
50
File Size:
1.83 MB
Focal Lgth:
432 mm (35mm Eq)
NIGHT PHOTO
Since this camera is capable of long exposures, a photo taken at night
is included here.
The PowerShot
S2 is also capable of night photography if the Manual mode
is used. The mode offers a maximum exposure time of 15 seconds
which, when combined with the 50 ISO sensitivity and the automatic
noise reduction system, allows capturing bright and detailed
night photos.
The photo presented here is captured with the lens just past
the mid-zoom position, and the image is remarkably detailed,
as can be seen in the section cropped from the full size image
that is shown below.
Even brighter images can be captured by increasing
the ISO sensitivity, and up to 200 ISO, the noise reduction
system is quite effective. At 400 ISO however, noise is still
visible in the image, and it should only be used if the subject
is very poorly lit.
With the S2 Canon adds a new feature. Night Display
increases the brightness of the display — be it the
monitor or the EVF — to aid in framing the subject.
While it isn't always perfect, the system is generally effective,
and useful.
Compare Prices for Accessory Kit for Canon Powershot S2 IS Digital Camera
Test Photos
