Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Pros: Great Photos, Movies, FAST, Great Lens, Swivel LCD, Great Playback mode, 2.4fps Continuous Mode.

Cons: Autofocus could be faster(It's average to above average), no RAW mode.

Summary: I want to state that C-NET didn't read their manual. They mention a 1.7 second continuous mode. There is also a HIGH SPEED Continuous mode that's 2.4fps. In addition, they suggest a limit to the number of shots in this mode. With a fast card, it's 2.4 fps until you fill the card. It does NOT stop.
In addition, this camera is the only on in it's class that allows continuous mode when using the flash!

As for my review. I considered this and the Panasonic FZ5. While I liked the size and fast autofocus of the FZ5, the Canon produced better flash photos(FZ5 seems to washes out), Auto White Balance, and the Wonderful Movie mode(which I use A LOT). Outdoors, they were comparable.

I love the features on this camera, you can tweak everthing from the sharpness to saturation(not just by modes, you can adjust the levels), manual focus, you can even swap colors around(make your red car blue in the photo). Movie mode records in Stereo, has a mic record level and wind filter, and has an auto record mode for up to 2 hours at 44hz stereo.

People don't talk much about the playback mode, but Canon has one of the best. It's FAST, supports multiple zoom levels and is very responsive. You can edit video in the camera. No in camera cropping though(I would rather do that on the PC anyway)

Did I mention the photos? They're great.. though some say they oversharpen, you can adjust for this in the camera.

Another feature that the Canon has in Manual mode is the ability to view the exposure of manual settings in real time. You can see the results on the LCD of your Shutter Speed, Apeture, etc..(only works with the flash off).

Is this the perfect camera? No.. but this is a $400-$500 camera. The autofocus COULD be faster, it could be a little smaller, and they COULD have given it a metal tripod screw mount. The shutter button is also a bit squishy...