This latest addition to Canon's ever-expanding range of digital cameras is the replacement for the well-received PowerShot S1 IS. A compact ultra-zoom model, the main differences between this and its predecessor are a much-needed boost from 3.2-megapixels to a more respectable 5-megapixels, and an upgraded lens that now allows 12x optical zoom, as opposed to 10x on the old model.

Those major changes aside, there's little on the cosmetic front that enables you to tell the cameras apart. The S2 IS has a slightly more rectangular look, with fewer curves, but it still boasts the same right-hand grip, chunky lens housing and silver colouring. It's relatively light considering the options on board, and the supplied strap and lens cover let you to walk around for long periods with it secured comfortably around your neck.

The obvious reason people would buy this camera over a standard compact is the lens, so we'll start off looking at that. This is the real highlight of the S2 IS, offering an impressive 12x zoom; the equivalent of 36-432mm on a film camera. Obviously with this kind of reach, image stabilisation is key, and Canon has come up trumps here with an excellent implementation of its Image Stabiliser (the IS suffix on the S2's model number) technology. It works really well, enabing you to shoot at relatively slow speeds even at maximum telephoto without too much blur or much in the way of unsightly edge effects.

Considering that it's set in such a small body, the lens' ultrasonic motor is respectably quiet, and reasonably fast at moving between its extremes. The lens' maximum aperture runs from an impressive f2.7 at wide-angle to reasonable f3.5 at maximum zoom, offering you the chance to shoot in low light with a satisfactory shutter speed. Still, if you're somewhere where you can happily use fl ash, then you'll be well served by the comprehensive range of options available, from basic red eye reduction and slow synch to a trio of power adjustment settings.

Quick off the blocks

The camera's got nippy shooting and processing times thanks to the inclusion of Canon's DIGIC II processor, usually found on the brand's high-end SLRs. This allows for impressive 2.4fps burst shooting, and the S2 IS's bracketing options are also helped by this rapid-fi re approach.

DIGIC II also speeds up the autofocus by around 45 per cent from the S1. However, if you're in the mind to go completely manual, then the Manual Focus option will also prove an attraction.

In fact, this camera's well loaded when it comes to manual control, with the comprehensive mode dial offering easy access to a number of options from fully automatic to completely manual via a number of scene modes and a custom setting that'll remember your preferences for a specific type of shot. Metering is also well served, with a range of spot, centre-weighted, and evaluative options, plus speed equivalents up to ISO 400.

There's a fair number of white balance options on offer, ranging from the standard automatic setting to the much more useful evaluative setting. Here you set the balance by filling the screen with a grey card or piece of white paper before taking your shot. It's easy to do (press the Set button that sits below your thumb when shooting) and it produces images with the most natural colours.