After having used both Canon S2 and Konica Minolta Z6, here is my feedback.
Note: Canon S3 is a 6 Mega Pixel while S2 is 5. Other than that I haven’t noticed much of a difference.
Features which are common to both the models:
6 Mega Pixel
12 X Optical Zoom
4AA Batteries
Image Stabilisation
Picture quality of both are similar.
Advantages of Canon S2/S3.
The camera has more intelligence. For example if you take a vertical photo, the camera will put a rotate tag in the image. When you view the picture in a viewer, it will turn the picture and show you the right orientation.
The camera also has good support for panoramic photos which makes it easy to take panoramic photos.
The LCD is vari-angle which means it can be twisted around to get those difficult shots.
Z6 doesn’t have these features.
Advantage of Konica Minolta Z6
Cheaper than Canon
Weight is a bit lighter, advantage is that its easier to click photos with one hand.
Final impressions.
The Canon S2/S3 is a better buy overall. It looks better as well. If you are on a budget or don’t want a heavy camera, the Z6 may be better. One thing to consider is that Konica Minolta has sold off its Digital Camera business to Sony so getting support later may be a challenge.
Also since Canon has launched S3, the S2 has become cheaper. S2 which is 5 Mega Pixel is good enough unless you want to take very large prints. So you could get a good deal on the Canon S2.
Sample photos:
Canon S2