The S2 IS takes standard AA cells - NiMH are recommended and were used for this test. In an effort to keep the price keen Canon does not supply any rechargeable batteries, so you'll need to budget for those - plus a charger. Battery life is surprisingly good for an EVF camera (550 shots using the CIPA standard for NiMH, 130 with alkalines). Batteries last slightly longer using the EVF rather than the LCD screen.

The SD card slot is also located in the hand grip - this time on the side, under a solid hinged door.

The S2 IS features a small electronic viewfinder (EVF) - essentially a 0.33-inch LCD behind a magnifier. The EVF has the same resolution as the LCD screen (115, 000 pixels) - 1000 more than the S1, not that you can see a difference. In fact, the EVF is no better or worse than the S1's - side by side they seem identical to my eyes. It has a good refresh rate, but does exhibit some video lag and is not brilliant in very bright light, but it's certainly as usable as any in its class.

The S2 suffers from the same problem as its predecessor with glare in bright shooting conditions - this can get so bad it is simply impossible to see anything on the screen at all. This is hardly unique on a digital camera, but given that the viewfinder is also difficult to use in low light, it's a pity.

The pop-up flash on the S2 IS is a little more powerful than the unit used on the S1, and sits a little higher (meaning red-eye is even less of a problem). Unlike the S1, the S2's flash doesn't pop up automatically, you have to pull it open yourself if you want to use it. Once open you have the usual array of flash options.

The key selling point of the S2 IS has to be the Canon 36-432mm equiv. F2.8-3.5 zoom lens. Its USM means focusing is very quiet indeed, and even the zooming mechanism is little more than a whisper. The small button below the lens unlocks the cosmetic front ring, which can be removed to allow the attachment of wide, tele.

The USB (2.0 high speed) and DC-in ports are located under a rather flimsy rubberised cover on the side of the handgrip (above the SD card slot cover). The AV port sits under a similar cover on the opposite side of the camera.

The main power switch swaps between record and playback modes. You can power the camera up directly into playback mode (in which case the lens doesn't extend), and you can quickly move from play to record with a half-press of the shutter release.

The main mode dial, with the new 'special scene mode' position.