Canon PowerShot S3 IS, 6.0 Megapixel, 12x Optical/4x Digital Zoom, Digital Camera

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The Canon PowerShot S3 IS incorporates a professional quality 12x Optical Zoom Lens, 6.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, Canon's renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology and video functionality rivaling that of dedicated digital video camcorders. Sporting a striking finish in gunmetal grey, the Stylish and compact PowerShot S3 IS answers the demands of advanced photographers with several improvements over its predecessor, including an increased sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 800, a larger 2.0" vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, improved movie features and an additional Sports mode.

6.0 Megapixel Resolution
With 6.0 Megapixels of imaging power, the PowerShot S3 IS delivers stunning detail and clarity, even to oversized prints and the closest crop-ins.
Canon 12x Optical Zoom Lens
The impressively long 12x Optical Zoom lens in the PowerShot S3 IS incorporates the same leading technologies used in Canon's professional EF lenses. An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) drives rapid and near-silent zoom operation, and an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element significantly reduces chromatic aberration in telephoto shots. Furthermore, the 4x Digital Zoom brings combined zooming power all the way to 48x for superb detail at sporting events, school concerts and more.
Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon's lens shift-type optical Image Stabilizer counteracts the camera shake caused by slight hand movements. Vibration sensors detect the angle and speed of movement and send this information to a processor, allowing the camera to compensate. This adds stability to hand-held, telephoto or moving shots and enables shooting at shutter speeds of up to three stops slower with no noticeable increase in image blur.
9-Point AiAF with FlexiZone AF/AE
Canon's 9-point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Auto Focus) automatically scans and selects subjects from a set of nine focusing areas across the scene. This ensures accurately focused images even when subjects are not in the centre of the frame. FlexiZone AF/AE lets users manually select the focus point from almost any point in the frame by moving the auto focus window in the viewfinder. Exposure is linked to the focus point to ensure that the chosen subject is accurately focused and exposed.
DIGIC Imaging Processor and iSAPS Technology
Canon's exclusive DIGIC Imaging Processor revolutionizes how you shoot digital by allowing the camera to process images faster and improving the accuracy of the autofocus. DIGIC also reduces the effects on noise in your images. iSAPS Technology is an entirely new scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC Imaging Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.
Exclusive MovieSnap Feature
Now there's no need to interrupt your movie when you see a great shot. With the S3 IS's MovieSnap feature, you can simply press the shutter to capture a full 6.0 megapixel still image at any time while recording a movie.
Record High-quality Movies with the Touch of a Button
Now you can record high-quality 60 fps QVGA (320 x 240) continuous movies without switching modes - Canon's Movie button makes everything simple. It even gives you access to all the advanced features you want for making movies like optical zoom. You'll hear the difference too, because the S3 IS is equipped to record in stereo, with a high sampling rate, adjustable microphone level setting and wind filter option for excellent sound quality.
Increased ISO Speed
A High ISO Auto setting and ISO 800 further extend the camera's low light shooting capabilities. High ISO Auto automatically sets exposure using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, enabling faster shutter speeds in low light and increased image stability at the telephoto end a dedicated ISO button allows for easy switching between ISO sensitivities
Creative Shooting Modes
The PowerShot S3 IS offers 20 shooting modes including full Manual mode, Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority. Together with 2.3 fps continuous shooting, a fast-shutter Sports mode with improved auto focus accuracy provides unprecedented capabilities for capturing action sports sequences. Special Scene modes (such as Night Snapshot and Snow) assist with tricky lighting conditions, while Color Accent and Color Swap modes enable dramatic color effects to be applied to both images and movies.
Shoot and View Widescreen Images
The PowerShot S3 IS features a Widescreen mode (2816 x 1584 recording pixels) for capturing still images in 16:9 format - perfect for viewing images on widescreen television or printing wide (10 x 20cm) photos with a SELPHY Compact Photo Printer
Easy and Flexible Direct Printing Options
The Print/Share button on the PowerShot S3 IS makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the camera to a Canon Direct Photo Printer or PictBridge supported printer, press the Print/Share button and print. The Direct Print feature allows for image preview and editing (including cropping) on the camera when connected to a compatible printer. Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images directly to a computer (Windows).
Camera Type Point-and-shoot Digital Camera with Long Zoom
Image Quality
Image Sensor 1/2.5" 6.2 Megapixel CCD
Effective Resolution 6.0 million pixels
Color Depth 24-Bit RGB
Color Modes Vivid, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Custom Color
Image File Formats JPEG (SuperFine, Fine, Normal)
Exif 2.2, DCF & DPOF compliant
Recorded Resolution Widescreen (2816 x 1584)
Large (2816 x 2112)
Medium1 (2272 x 1704)
Medium2 (1600 x 1200)
Small (640 x 480)
Video Recording AVI Motion JPEG with Stereo Sound
High (640 x 480 @ 30 fps)
Medium (320 x 240 @ 30 fps)
Low (320 x 240 @15 fps)
Fast Frame Rate (320 x 240 @ 60 fps)
Clip length limited to 1GB File Size
Audio Recording WAV format (Stereo)
Optics
Lens Type Canon UD Lens
Optical Zoom 12x
Lens Focal Length 6.0mm - 72.0mm (36mm - 432mm equivalent)
Digital Zoom 4x
Minimum Focus Distance 0" (0cm)
Maximum Aperture f/2.7-3.5
Optical Image Stabilization Yes (Lens shift-type IS)
Accessory Lens/Filter Mount No (58mm with optional LAH-DC20 Lens Adapter/Hood Set)
Focus Control
Focus Type TTL Autofocus (9-Point AiAF), 1 point AF (FlexiZone AF)
Focus Modes Continuous, Single, Macro, Manual
Focus Range Normal: 19.2" (50cm) - infinity wide Macro: 3.9 in.(10cm) - 19.2" (50cm) wide Super Macro: 0" (0cm) -3.9" (10cm) wide
Exposure Control
Sensitivity Auto
High ISO Auto
Selectable ISO (80, 100, 200, 400, 800)
Shutter Type Not Specified
Shutter Speed 15 - 1/3200 seconds
Aperture Range f/2.7-3.5 (max.)
Exposure Metering Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot
Exposure Modes Program AE, Shutter Speed-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual, AE Lock, Exposure Compensation (+/-2 stops in 1/3-stop increments)
White Balance Modes Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash), Custom
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Indoor, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, My Colors, Stitch Assist, Movie
Flash
Built-in Flash Yes (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash Off, Manual Flash, Slow Sync, Second Curtin Sync,)
Effective Flash Range 1.6' (0.5m) - 17' (5.2m) wide
External Flash Connection No
External Flash Control Not Applicable
Performance
Start-Up Time 2.3 seconds
Shutter Lag Not Specified
Time Between Shots Not Specified
Burst Capability 2.3 fps High-speed Continuous
1.5 fps Normal Continuous
Self Timer 2 seconds, 10 seconds, Custom
Interval Recording No
Date & Time Stamp No
Memory & Power
Built-in Memory No
Compatible Memory Cards MultiMediaCard (MMC)
Secure Digital (SD) Card
Secure digital High Capactiy (SDHC) Card
Recording Capacity Includes 16MB Secure Digital (SD) Card

Still Image Capacity

SuperFine Fine Normal
Widescreen 6 11 23
Large 4 8 17
Medium1 6 12 24
Medium2 13 24 46
Small 52 80 127

Video Capacity

Video Mode Record Time
High 6 seconds
Medium 20 seconds
Low 40 seconds
Fast Frame Rate 10 seconds
Battery Type 4x AA Batteries (Alkaline, NiMH)
Power Adapter CA-PS700 Compact Power Adapter (optional)
Input/Output
Computer Interface USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)
Direct Print Capable Yes (PictBridge, Canon Direct Print)
Remote Control No
Video Output Yes (NTSC & PAL)
Web-Cam Capable No
System & Software Requirements Windows System
  • Pentium 500MHz or higher processor
  • Windows 98/98SE, Me, 2000, XP
  • 128MB RAM or more (256MB or more for Windows 2000 & XP)
  • 300MB Hard Drive space or more
  • Built-in USB port
  • 1024x768 pixel Monitor with High Color (16 bit) or better
  • CD-ROM Drive (for software installation)

Macintosh System

  • PowerPC Processor
  • Mac OS X (v10.1.5-10.3)
  • 256MB RAM or more
  • 200MB Hard Drive space or more
  • Built-in USB port
  • 1024 x 768 pixel Monitor with 32,000 colors or better
  • CD-ROM Drive (for software installation)
Display
Viewfinder 0.33" TFT color LCD EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) with Dioptric Adjustment (-5.5 - +1.5 m-1
LCD Display 2.0" variable-angle low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD (115,000 pixels)
Language Options English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic
Playback Options Single Image, Magnification (2x-10x), Jump, Auto Rotate, Rotate, Histogram, Index (9-up), Sound Memos, Slide Show, Image Erase (single image, all images), Movie Playback (Normal, Special, Editing), Movie Erase (part of movie, all of movie)
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD) 3.1 x 4.5 x 3.0" (78 x 114 x 76mm)
Weight 14.5 oz. (410g) without Batteries

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera
 
4.9

(based on 16 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (15)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

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REVIEWS

Reviewed by 16 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-16

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5.0

Love this camera

By Eddie

from New York

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I brought this camera after an in-depth research and I can happily say I have no regrets with my purchase. This camera is very versatile and the zoom lens on it is great. So much in fact that you feel handicapped when using cameras without this kind of zoom. Its a great size, fits into my hand comfortably. I'm sure people would love a bigger screen but Id trade it any day for the swivel screen it comes with. You can take overhead shots, shots of yourself and so on with ease. The only negative thing I can say about this camera is the megapixels. Canon is a great company and shouldn't have their cameras come with less megapixels than competing companies. In all, This is a great buy. As soon as they make one with at least 10 megapixels I'm buying another one and giving this one to my son.

Expertise: Amateur

Problems Encountered: I've had no problems with this camera. very easy to use. Love the pop up flash.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Olympus

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5.0

PERFECT!

By Sarah

from Buffalo, NY

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

A great shot can be obtained in ANY condition! It can befrustrating the first few days to learn your way around it(I've owned several point & shoots before, this one has moreflexibility with modes).. but after you do, it's AMAZING!I bought it a little over a month ago, and have alreadytaken 1000's of photos. Stunning. The color highlight scenemode works beautifully, and the manual mode allows you to becreative! The flash is great (and adjustable!) The batteryseems to last forever. The LCD screen flips out which isvery useful. The photos are great- as expected of Canon. Andit's only $280!!All the flexibility and quality of a DSLR ..but a WAY lowerprice! I can't say enough good things about this camera!

Expertise: I've been using digital cameras for years, and I've had 5 before this one.

Problems Encountered: Absolutely NONE!

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Panasonic TZ1

Items I Recommend: A 2700mAh NiMH charger (4 cell) - I got an Energizer compact charger for $25 at Walmart

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4.0

S3 IS

By Nkri

from Massachusetts

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I got my S3 IS about a year ago as a gift, and I encountered some big problems early on: two weeks after I got the camera, the lens would go a couple millimeters in and out of its housing and make awful clicking noises, and after a while of this, it just stopped working. I sent the camera back to Canon for repair, and they replaced the lens; two months later, the same thing happened, and Canon replaced the lens again. three weeks ago, while I was on vacation, the camera completely died...as you can guess, I wasn't too happy with Canon. we sent it to them demanding a new camera, and this time they listened. I got my new S3 last week, and it feels totally different from the old one. it handles better, it focuses faster, and it is just overall a great camera.it has razor-sharp pictures and prints, the zoom is incredible (even better than I expected when researching), and the manual controls are great! I love being able to zoom and take pictures during movies, and the image stabilization helps to, well, stabilize the image. get this camera if you're looking for a massive zoom, great controls, and/or a less expensive camera that's a step or two down from an SLR.

Expertise: Advanced amateur

Problems Encountered: All the stuff about the lens above.get a good set of rechargeable batteries because alkalines just won't cut it. they last for about a week or less, and the camera gets a bit slower as the batteries lose their power. If you don't want rechargeables and have a little extra money to spend, I also recommend energizer's e^2 lithium (NOT titanium) batteries. they are lighter than most alkalines and lasted me for almost a month of shooting, but cost more than any other kinds I could find.I wanted to use a polarizing filter, and I found it pretty annoying that I had to pay $30 for an adapter/hood set just to mount it (why couldn canon have just put a thread on the lens or included the adapter?). it's a good adapter, though, and I've found it very useful for getting a better grip on the lens (it gives it the SLR feel that I love).

Items I Recommend: Canon LAH-DC20 Lens Adapter/Hood Set, rechargeable batteries, a polarizing filter

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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

One of the best if not the best I've owned!!

By Best

from NJ, USA

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I just purchased an S3 for a companion to my Nikon D40x 18-200 VR setup. That setup was awesome but I needed something with more reach and good quality that wasn't nearly as bulky. The S3 is it. The zoom is nice, great reach, the 6 MP images are clean and detailed and it handles like a dream. Lots of user setting to fit anyone's type of shooting. It has a great rapid shot and the focus is usually spot on. The LCD flips out which is something else I wanted. Battery life also comes close to my Nikon if not better. Got mine from B&H and it was the best money I have spent all year and is definitely one if not the best cams I have owned in my 10 years of shooting digital.

Expertise: Semi-pro

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Kodak DC120, Nikon CP 900, Canon Pro 90IS, Penny FZ10/15, Nikon D50, D40x

Items I Recommend: rapid charger, extra set of batteries, 2 GB SD card

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5.0

An excellent all round point and shoot

By K Stone

from Canada

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

If you can live without the capabilities of a full DigitalSLR, this Canon is for you. I have had an S3 for about 8 months now. We just returnedfrom a Mediteranean cruise with over 2000 photos taken onthe S3. A couple of points that I really liked first of all,battery life was excellent; I could take over 600 shots without flash before needing to change them. Another point,the 12X zoom was constantly in use and functioned flawlessly, very fast and quiet. The camera was small and light enoughso that I did not hesitate to carry it everywhere and use itoften. Many DSLR owners on the cruise would leave theircameras on board the ship because they did not like the bulkthey had to carry. The camera starts up quickly and responds quickly to theshutter button; we also had a thin Olympus point and shoot 7MP camera with us ( we borrowed it from a friend). It hadan annoying lag between the time you pressed the shutter andthe time the image was captured - many images were blurredbecause of this. The Canon was far superior. The quality of the photos we took was outstanding. Wemostly just set it on Auto and let it rip. Low light photosalso came out very good if you found a solid object tosteady the camera with. A couple of features that I cannot live without on thiscamera :1. Long battery life ( did I mention this already?)2. The flexible LCD viewscreen - great for candid shots andunusual shooting angles.3. The self timer that rings like a cellphone just beforethe shutter operates - we used this feature all the time totake photos of ourselves. These are just nit-picks. You will not be disappointedwith this camera if you buy it.

Problems Encountered: - Flash tends to overexpose the picture. I have neverseen a point and shoot camera that does flash very well,this unit is no better or worse than the rest.- difficult to figure out how to control the flash when youwant to use it outdoors to fill-in shots where shadows area problem.- flimsy lens cap that gets knocked off easily

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon A80 4 MP point and shoot

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5.0

Great, but not perfect

By Anonymous

from Undisclosed

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

This is a fine camera and definitely what I had hoped for. I bought it to replace my Nikon 990 which I have had forseven years, and still works fine. I wanted the bettermovie mode, the long zoom lens, and image stabilization. I did not want to give up the advantages of the swivel lens onthe 990. The articulated viewfinder on the Canon S3 servesthe same function. I have no real complaints but I thinkthere are three things that experienced amateurphotographers should be aware of. I realize that mostexperienced photographers probably have digital SLR bynow, but maybe there are a few holdouts like me who like theextra features you get on something like the Canon S3 forless money.The S3 lacks three features that the Nikon 990, and everyother camera I have ever owned, had.1.The first thing I do when I buy a new camera screw on aUV filter to protect the lens. You can't do that with theS3. You have to mount an adapter that sticks out beyond themaximum lens extension, and screw the UV filter into that.2.When I have to use flash I use an external flash unit. This camera has no connection for an external flash. Youhave to buy an optical slave trigger for the externalflash.3.For long exposures with a camera mounted on a tripod Ilike to use a cable release. There is no remote releaseavailable for this camera. I am going to buy a contraptionthat allows use of a cable release.These are minor annoyances and there are acceptableworkarounds for each of them. Obviously Canon did itsmarket research and found that few consumers care aboutthese features. If you are one of the few, I think youshould know about them.

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

What a great camera

By Aldo jr2

from Brazil

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

Its lightweight and powerfull.All the function I need are there: point-and-shoot and fullmanual.Decided to buy it because of the Canon brand, thefunctionality and the optical zoom (12x).Great deal!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Pentax PZ20, with Tamron 28~200mm lenses

Items I Recommend: Lens Adapter/Lens Hood Set LAH-DC20

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5.0

6 Megapixels is great for a camera this size

By likes to shoot

from California

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

This is a great camera. I just wanted to add my two centsand say that 6 Megapixels is great for a camera this size. The sensor on these point and shoot digital cameras is verysmall and if you were to up it to ten megapixels like aprevious reviewer desired you would have huge noise problems(those dreaded purple and green dots) that would require alot of noise reduction. Even if the camera is good at noisereduction, you would end up losing a lot of detail that yougained from going to 10 megapixels in the first place. Beyond 3-4 Megapixels, greater amounts of megapixels aregood only because they allow you to crop the image and stillmaintain a good amount of detail. This camera has a 12Xoptically stabilized zoom lens. You shouldn't need to cropyour images that much because you can just zoom the camerain when you take the shot to begin with. Having owned a tenMP point and shoot, I can tell you I would take fewermegapixels and a cleaner, sharper image anyday!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: sony h-9 R1; Canon S1 IS

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5.0

Really Good Camera

By Creeative1

from St . louis

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I purchased this camera approximately six months ago and I absolutely loved it. The photographs I did were amazing. I took pictures at a wedding reception with little to no lighting and the flash produced wonderful pictures. Cannon has cornered the market on the rotating LCD screen, I absolutely love it. This camera can be used by the point and shoot user or the amateur

Problems Encountered: This is a sleek and professional looking camera and it is worth the money, but you would think Cannon would do something better with the lens cap. It doesnt stay on and it is attached by a string which is really goofy and dangerous because you can scratch your lens. Love the fact that they provided the rechargeable Batteries

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Cannon Powershot A85

Items I Recommend: 1GB memory card

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5.0

Canon S3 IS

By Eljoh

from California

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I have had this camera since mid february 07, have shot over3000 pictures in most all available conditions. I useprimarily the all-manual setting. The supermacro capabilityis amazing flowers and insects and extreme close ups. The 12xzoom (and sometimes with the digital zoom added = 48x) isastounding. I have now taken to using the zoom with IS toshoot macro shots and they are strikingly detailed. Color isbeautiful.Except for supermacro shots, I use the adaptor with UVfilter, and regular lens cap. I use the live histogram as a very helpful guide, as wellas the exposure compensation and focus compensation. I'vehad fun with the interval shooting feature as well as theselective color capabilities. It sits well in the hand,and is smooth and fast in its action.I plan to get the telephoto adaptor and wide angle lens as well.I strongly recommend this camera.

Problems Encountered: BAD: The lens cap with the camera is remarkably horrible.The flash is often too strong or too weak, and interferesgreatly in near distance and macro photography and nohot-shoe capability (tho can use slave external light). There are homemade remedies as well, check flickr and othersites for group discussions.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: A60, A85. Minolta film SLR. Pentax 35-105 zoom film point and shoot.

Items I Recommend: lensmate.com adaptor (it's metal not plastic); SanDisk Ultra II cards (very speedy); Canon 58mm lens cap and UV filter.

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5.0

Powershot s3 is

By Anonymous

from Oak Park, IL

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

i bought this camera on the recommendation of a friend who had it. i took it on a recent shoot to Argentina and used it as backup for my two Nikon D200's and assorted prime and zoom lens for work in Perito Moreno and El Chalten.. in many cases I shot the Nikons side by side with the little Canon. I have to say that other than file size, the S3 performed as well as my Nikons or better in some cases. The image stabilization is fantastic, zoom is fine, sensor is very good .. little noise under harsh/low light. I was honestly amazed at how well it metered.. especially overcast snowy conditions. Really a great camera for the money and the long range zoom is exceptional. I highly recommend this camera.. and as another reviewer said, if they make it in 10 mpxl, it will be the best in class or of many classes.

Problems Encountered: No problems at all... ditch the batteries and buy rechargeable before you take it out. lens cap keeps falling off, so beware of that. get a hip case for it.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Fuji S3, Nikon D200, Nikon D2Xs, Canon 20D, Sony R1, Pentax Optio, Hasselblad, Rollei 6x6cm.

Items I Recommend: case and rechargeable batteries with charger

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5.0

A Delightful Little Camera

By Ray

from Washington, DC

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

We have used the Canon S3 as our family P&S sinceChristmas and everyone loves it. It's easy to get greatresults right out of the box, and it has a great collectionof features for more advanced photography. The IS isrock-solid, even at very long zooms, and the images makebeautiful prints, even above 11x14. On the Epson R2400, welet the printer manage the color, with excellent results. Its only drawback is that it will not produce raw imagefiles, but we have other specialized cameras, so for ourhome use, this is not a serious issue.All the automation on the camera comes together well in Pmode. Yesterday at the baseball game we got shots as wideas the field and as tele as a pitcher's motion and brokenbat in mid-swing.I rate the camera high in every category, and would give itmore than five stars for value.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: A variety of SLR, MF and view cameras

Items I Recommend: Sanyo ENELOOP rechargable batteries, a big memory card, and a tidy little bag.

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5.0

What a camera

By James

from Virginia

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

The three things I like the most about digital photographyare the ability to 1) take lots of pics without worryingabout the cost of development; 2) create slideshows (withmusic); 3) display and transmit pics online. Before I boughtthe S3 IS, I read lots of reviews about it and other similarcameras and I was very happy to find that the reviews werecorrect. It is so easy to use (but it helps that I owned aprevious Canon camera). It is so fast and quiet, I lovetaking pics with this camera! I was able to take some picsin Church, of a Christmas celebration, with low lights andwithout a flash that came out beautifully. In fact, I thinkthe indoor setting is better than a flash in many respects. I am not experienced enough to know how much more 10MP mightadd to the camera's performance, but 6MP are pretty darngood. What a camera!

Problems Encountered: I have not encountered any serious problems to date. Youwill need to carry the manual around for a while, if you areinterested in using the many special features of this camera.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon Powershot A95

Items I Recommend: 4 Ni MH batteries (8 would be better), battery charger, larger SD card

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5.0

Simply Amazing

By Anonymous

from Undisclosed

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

My name is Davin Garcia and i have just purchased my new Canon S3 IS a week ago. I do not call myself a professional..but its nice to feel like one when shooting with this camera. First off, this camera has exceeded my expectations by far. The simplicity of its use and its sleek, sturdy design makes it probably the best of its class. After I have compared it to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7K, I found that the Lumix is just to complex and its features seem to rank lower than that of my new canon. Although it is classified as a Point-and-Shoot with long zoom, it has greatly exceeded my expectations for it and I believe it is probably the most complex, detailed, and advanced Point and shoot I have ever seen. The screen modes include Manual(M), Custom(C) Aperture Priority(AV), Shutter Priority(TV), Program(P), Auto, Portrait, landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Night Snapshot(SCN), Stich assist, and Movie mode. Personally, I prefer manual mode because you can manually change the Aperture value and the shutter speed with the press of the button, and also use manual focus, However depending on your location, and source of light, the modes with a specifically set title are helpful as well.The 6 megapixel image sensor is the best feature of this camera because when printing large images, there's not much clearer you can get than 6 megs. Also, when shooting in large/Superfine quality, the image quality on your computer will be amazing. This feature captures a moment like no other and memories last forever with this amazing quality.Overall, the Canon Powershot S3 IS is the most optimal camera whether your a photography enthusiast, professional, or even a soccer mom looking to capture the perfect moment, this camera will do it all with the quality you've been searching for!

Problems Encountered: When attaching the lens hood to my conversion lens adaptor, i found that when using the flash while it is attached creates an ugly, infitrating dark half oval at the bottom half of the picture. I expected this to happen, however it would be nice to have a hot shoe so I could attach a more powerful flash that would probably eliminate that unwanted dark spot.

Items I Recommend: Canon LAH-DC20 Lens Adapter/Hood Set

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5.0

PERFECT EXCEPT IT NEEDS 10 MEGPIXELS

By Scott

from Great Neck New York

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I took over 3000 photos with this camera on a recent trip to Sicily. The camera functioned flawlessly. It is like an extension of your mind, as well as your body, as it fits perfectly in your hand, (which is where it stayed almost the entire trip). Although I also took along a Nikon F3, and I did not take a single photo with it.This camera has more features than any other camera in this category. This gives it more flexibility and capabilities. The swivel LCD is very helpful for low or high angle or candid shots. (2.5 in would have been nicer, but this works well.) I used the viewfinder for all other shots, which helps save battery life. Shutter Lag is reduced by using an SD Extreme III card and half depressing the shutter button to lock the AF and exposure before taking the shot. This camera is totally unobtursive and not clumbersum. (This was perhaps its best characteristic combined with its advanced capabilities. It was like the perfect SLR in miniture, that was also fully automatic, with manual capabilities.) Friends eating at a table, for example, did not realize they where photographed. It is so easy to use, your are inspired and encouraged to use it. The optical zoom range is excellent. This provides a tremendous creative range. Although the digital zoom just spreads the pixels out, I found it useful for certain distance shots, and was glad it was there. The zoom itself is faster than most, if not all, other digital camera in this class. The image stabilization is perfect, even at full zoom, out of a car window at 100 kph. The AF is also very fast and more accurate in low light than other similar cameras I tested. Using 2400 mah rechargeables I was able to shoot about 350 to 400 pictures per charge. The max ISO could be faster, (like 3200), but this was rarely a problem, and low light shots were uniformly good.The bottom line is that this camera does the simple things very well, just like you would hope or expect it to. Like focus, image stabilization, and exposure. Even the self timer is great. It lets you know, by flashing the timer light faster, the second or two before the shutter goes off. Everything was well thought out and considered in its design.Again the physical design of camera is about as good as it could be, making it very easy to hold, and use.The camera itself is very compact, tight and solildy built. The camera itself, and the controls do not look or feel cheap or flimsy. The camera feels very solid.I even accidentally dropped the camera about 18 inches from a chair to an uncarpeted floor, (on a ship) and there was no damage, thankfully! (I did hold my breath on that one, and I am not sure many of the other cameras in this category would have survived that fall as well.) The controls are just were they should be, feel solid, and are intuitive. I only had to look up the M in the manual, which is also very well written.For the person who is even remotely interested in photography, to the person who is serious or professional, this is an excellent choice, and perhaps the best single package and value Canon offers. I also feel that because of its features, it will be more and more appreciated for years, as all of its functionality is discovered through use over time. I don't think any other camera in this category can match this one, feature for feature, in build quality, and excellence of photos.

Problems Encountered: On one or two occasions I would like to have had the Wide Angle lens with me. This is an add on option.Again, if Canon make this exact camera with 10 Megapixels it would be the best one out there.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: 3 other digital camera HP and Sony

Items I Recommend: WIDE ANGLE LENS and adapter, RECHARGABLE 2650 or 2700 mah AA batteries, Carrying case big enough for change of batteries, extra 1 or 2GB Extreme III SD cards, AR Kleen Lens cleaning solution (non alcohol based)

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5.0

Powershot S3 IS

By Dog luva

from RI, USA

Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera:

I got it a week ago, and I love it!! It's got all the best features and modes you'd want in a digital camera. The manual controls are great, and the picture quality is great, even in tough lighting conditions (and in hard conditions, primarily bright sunlight, the electronic viewfinder really comes in handy). it has one of the best zooms I've seen in a mid-range digicam, and even at full telephoto the images are clear and sharp, especially with the image stabalization (a very useful feature)! the movie-snap feature is great, as well as the sports and My-Colors modes.Until I got the S3, I'd been using my dad's powershot G3, and I'd call this camera a relief from it!! I highly recommend this camera if you are looking for a good, all-in-one digicam!!!

Problems Encountered: I burned through the provided batteries in my first full day of shooting, but when I got new batteries (energizer non-rechargable alkalines), they lasted for more than a week.this isn't a serious problem, but just a head's up: the manual focus barely has an effect on the picture compared to the auto focus, and it's really a useless feature.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon Powershot G3

Items I Recommend: large memory cards, especially if you'll be using the movie feature a lot, and a camera bag to keep the camera safe.

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Batteries & Power

Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.

Canon -  CBK4-300 AA Battery and Charger Kit
  • Price: $41.89
  • GBP 26.48
 

Bags & Cases

Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or a case.

Lowepro -  Edit 110 Camera Shoulder Bag
  • Price: $14.49
  • GBP 9.16
 

Lenses & Adapters

Capture the right view with a conversion lens.

Canon -  WC-DC58A 0.75x Wide Angle Converter Lens
  • Price: $89.00
  • GBP 56.26
Used Dept.
 

Flash & Accessories

Get a flash to add light to your picture.

Canon -  HF-DC1 Flash
  • Price: $98.95
  • GBP 62.55
 

Card Readers

Download your pictures faster and save battery life.

GGI -  Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Memory Card Reader - USB 2.0
  • Price: $8.99
  • GBP 5.68
 

Filters & Adapters

Get the desired effect with a filter and the appropriate adapter.

Canon -  LAH-DC20 Lens Adapter/Hood Set
  • Price: $24.94
  • GBP 15.76
 

Tripod & Support

Place your camera on a tripod for the support and stability you need.

Omega -  Popabrella Portable Protective Umbrella
  • Price: $19.95
  • GBP 12.61
 

Books & Tutorials

Learn all that your new camera can do.

PhotoBert -  CheatSheet for Canon Powershot S3 IS Digital Camera
  • Price: $9.95
  • GBP 6.29
 

This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 2-4 weeks (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.

What's in the Box

Canon PowerShot S3 IS, 6.0 Megapixel, 12x Optical/4x Digital Zoom, Digital Camera
 
 
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