The 4.9 rating means that for its intended purpose and all things considered this camera is nearly perfect. The lens is simply astonishing with superb resolution, fast focus and quite amazing image stabilisation. Shots taken at 1/50 second with the lens at maximum extension show no trace of camera shake blur.

Most surprising is that there is no shutter lag such as plagues most cameras of this type. Camera response is not as immediate as with a true SLR but it is at least as good as most digicams in this price range.

There are full manual over rides on all functions, easily accessible through Canon’s well-known on screen selection system. There is no RAW option for image quality.

There is some picture noise above ISO200 and colours do occasionally seem over saturated. Turning the Saturation setting to its minimum made colours more natural and fixed the tendency for reds to bleed.

The Canon uses SD memory and AA batteries and a charger kit is an optional accessory which is essential and therefore should be factored into the cost.

As usual from Canon there is a good, clear instruction manual.

Like this: The Canon S2 IS is simply great fun to use. Because focus is so smooth and quick at any focal length and in any reasonable light, and because there is no shutter lag and the image stabilisation mechanism eliminates the effects of camera shake, this becomes just about the most sophisticated point and shoot camera in the shops.

Dislike that: The electronic viewfinder is still an abomination. dpexpert concedes that there are many happy photographers who love their EVFs but they really are devices that will only be used as a fall-back when bright sunlight makes the LCD screen invisible.

Parting shot: The Canon Powershot S2 IS competes head on with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. They are similar in specifications and price. Both have magnificent lenses and effective image stabilisation.

[See sample images from the Canon S2 here]