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S$849
Product Summary
7.6
out of 10View score
The bad: Lens cap a hassle to deal with; small 2-inch LCD monitor; doesn't support RAW formas; ISO 800 pictures unusable.
The bottom line: Like its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a formidable prosumer with a 12x optical zoom lens and impressive performance.
Read full review of the Canon PowerShot S3 IS »
Average User Rating
from 5 users
CNET Asia Review
It's good to have things coming in two variations. The S3 IS brings along the worthy features of its predecessor, but ups a notch by increasing the resolution and size of the LCD monitor. However, it's still a hassle to deal with the lens cap. Like its predecessor, the PowerShot S3 IS proved to be a formidable prosumer with a 12x optical zoom lens and the performance to boot, but it just didn't give us enough reason to switch unless you want your S2 IS in black.
Design
Like its predecessor the PowerShot S2 IS, the S3 IS stands between Panasonic's Lumix FZ30 and FZ7 in terms of size. However, Canon's PowerShot S-series adopts more graceful curves with rounded corners. So if it's a 12x optical zoom camera you're looking for, there's a variety to choose from: The slightly boxy Lumixes or somewhere in between--Sony's Cyber-shot H-series.
The S3 IS can almost pass off as the black version of the S2 IS, but you'll be glad to find a larger (2-inch) flip-and-twist LCD. It was initially awkward having to look at such a "small" screen since most compact cameras these days come with at least a 2.5-inch monitor.
Though flooded with numerous buttons on the chassis (similar to the S2 IS), these keys are in fact reasonably comfortable even for larger digits. We have one gripe, though, which happens to be the same we had with the S2 IS--the lens cap. On numerous occasions, the cap came off, leaving the lens exposed to potential scratches.
Of course, if you're upgrading from the S2 IS, working the camera should be a breeze. Otherwise, it may take a while for a new user to familiarize with all the controls on the S3 IS.
Features
If at this point of time you're still expecting a wardrobe full of new features on the 6-megapixel S3 IS, we can only say you'll be disappointed. The 12x optically stabilized zoom works between the 36mm-to-432mm range. For really close-up shots, there's a 0cm macro mode which can be activated by holding down the macro button on the left side of the lens barrel for 2 seconds.
A new ISO 800 setting is also available on the S3 IS for shooting in low-light conditions. A higher-sensitivity setting generally means you can shoot at a faster speed in order to prevent blurring of fast-moving subjects under difficult lighting conditions. If it's an absolute must that you have a camera capable of taking very high ISO pictures (even at the expense of having higher noise levels), then you should be looking at Fujifilm FinePix V10 or similar models with a maximum sensitivity level of ISO 1,600.
You can also capture images in a 4:3 aspect ratio, but the top and bottom edges of your picture would be cropped off. There are also a couple of in-camera enhancement features that allow the user to make adjustments like having a lighter/darker skin tone and more vivid blues, greens and reds.
What we would have liked to see on the S3 IS, but which was sorely missed, is support for the RAW format.
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User Reviews
Besides of its weight, I does well as semi-pro camera
Nov 22, 2007Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Optical zoom and stabilizer capture superb quality photo, AA Bateries
Cons: Just weight
Opinion:
I will just recommend to anyone who would love to have a camera for family use. Having this, you dont even need a digicam. Boost the memory card and record. Well done Canon.
Great Camera!
Apr 18, 2007Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Image quality; easy to use, flexible settings; swivel LCD; Image Stabilizer
Cons: Only 6 Megapixels, No external flash socket
Opinion:
I have owned the S3 IS for 6 months and have been thrilled with the image quality, although I have used the Auto mode most of the time. The camera grip feels quite natural to hold. The zooming and autofocus is very fast. The button layout makes it easy to access the controls.
When using this camera, I have taken many pictures of young children on school outings. This camera is able to keep up with children running around. The movie mode is very easy to use and produces good results. You get stereo sound with you movie clips. The movie files are recorded in AVI file format, which makes it easy when video capturing. I would recommend getting a 2GB SD card if you plan on shooting movies.
About the only gripe I have about the camera is that when you attach the wide angle lense and use the built-in flash, a big shadow shows up in ... Read more
Great "all-rounder" camera
Oct 19, 2006Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Great sharp pictures with maunal setting
Cons: Noise shown on low light shoots...LCD should be bigger.
Opinion:
Great camera for beginners that wanted to have a feel of DSLR...fast repsonse & a lot of control to play around with....
