There is not doubt that the Sony DSC-H1 is one of the best superzoom cameras. The image stabilized 12x zoom lens is the equivalent of 36-432mm in 35mm terms. Image quality is excellent. The camera received high marks in the August 2005 issue of Popular Photography. (As of the date of this post, Pop Photo has not posted on online version of their review.)

DP Review gave the DSC-H1 a HIGHLY RECOMMEDED rating, their highest. The full review is well worth reading. The Canon S2 IS review is here.

Megapixel. net has reviews of the S2 IS and the DSC-H1.

Imaging Resouce has a review of the Canon S2-IS and the Sony DSC-H1 and a side by side comparison here.

I’ve written more about the Canon S2 IS here.

So which is the better superzoom camera, the Sony or the Canon? In my opinion, if a superb movie mode with stereo sound recording is of high importance, then the Canon is the better choice. If convenience of use and still image quality is more important than the movie mode, then the Sony may have a slight edge. Read the reviews and see what you think.