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Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0 Megapixel
Top Reviews
Best Of Both WorldsReview created: 11/18/06
by:
humble_electron ( 4 )
30 of 33 people found this review helpful.
I have owned 3 Digital Elphs now and wa ready to step up to a better lens and more features. I have always wanted a really good camera and was trying to talk myself into an SLR. A freind of mine suggested I get an "enthusiast" camera he called it, which is kind of the best of both worlds. Still small enough to carry it to most events without a ton of trouble, but powerful enough and with a good enough lens to take real pictures. I thought about it and did a TON of research. I spend probably 3 weeks reading every review I could get my hands on. I ended up buying this camera thinking that I would try it out and if I really liked it I would use it and save up for an SLR for the really professional pictures and maybe even take a class with it.
Well, without exaggerating, I have decided to put off getting an SLR for now as this camera does pretty much everything well. I dont really have any major complaints. With a tripod, I have done some really cool long exposure shots of the sunsets and the moon here over the Rocky Mountains. I also have two small children and the fast start up time and quick response when you hit the button is really crucial and probably the thing I hated the most about the pocket sized Elph cameras.
I would like to have a little more resolution capability, but the 6 Meg is plenty sufficient for me right now.
Built in flash is very nice. The AA batteries are wonderful!!! I will never buy another camera with a dedicated Lithium battery. Having several sets of NMH AA's on hand is SO SO SO superior and you dont worry at all about running out of power.
Only complaints worth mentioning: The battery door is really flimsy and feels like it might break at some point. The flash charges really slow sometimes and fast other times. It is a little unpredictable and frustrating. But if you only snap a few pictures at a time it is always ready to go when you are, so no real big deal I geuss...
Anyway, if you are in the market for a really nice camera with full manual features, I cant recommend this one any higher. If you are looking for a point and shoot with lots of performance, this one will also fit the bill. About the only thing it wont do is fit in your pocket and go to the beach with you on a whim. But if you really want to make some good photographic memories, it is worth the little extra space to take even to those quick nights out.
Well, without exaggerating, I have decided to put off getting an SLR for now as this camera does pretty much everything well. I dont really have any major complaints. With a tripod, I have done some really cool long exposure shots of the sunsets and the moon here over the Rocky Mountains. I also have two small children and the fast start up time and quick response when you hit the button is really crucial and probably the thing I hated the most about the pocket sized Elph cameras.
I would like to have a little more resolution capability, but the 6 Meg is plenty sufficient for me right now.
Built in flash is very nice. The AA batteries are wonderful!!! I will never buy another camera with a dedicated Lithium battery. Having several sets of NMH AA's on hand is SO SO SO superior and you dont worry at all about running out of power.
Only complaints worth mentioning: The battery door is really flimsy and feels like it might break at some point. The flash charges really slow sometimes and fast other times. It is a little unpredictable and frustrating. But if you only snap a few pictures at a time it is always ready to go when you are, so no real big deal I geuss...
Anyway, if you are in the market for a really nice camera with full manual features, I cant recommend this one any higher. If you are looking for a point and shoot with lots of performance, this one will also fit the bill. About the only thing it wont do is fit in your pocket and go to the beach with you on a whim. But if you really want to make some good photographic memories, it is worth the little extra space to take even to those quick nights out.
Review ID: 10000000002364791
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Canon S3 is an excellent camera for the priceReview created: 08/18/07
by:
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.
After doing some research I finally decided that the S3 was the camera for me. There wasn't a great deal of difference in price but there were more features. I have not had any complaints about this camera. It's so much better than what I had before it.
The picture quality is excellent, as is the movie quality. That's been a big bonus for me. Having the ability to do both with one unit saves time, money, and space. I got the 4GB high speed SD card to allow for the best quality and storage. I also invested in a tripod and power supply for movies. I've been able to record my children's school activities and share them with the family.
I'm impressed with the variety of settings and ranges on the camera. The stitch assist to put together panoramic shots is really nice and a lot of fun. The software that comes with the camera is great as well. It has a lot of easy to use features and really makes working with pictures a breeze. I haven't even gotten into everything it can do, but I plan to soon.
I highly recommend this camera. It's lightweight and easy to use, but also allows for more technical photography if you want that. The auto setting takes great pictures and lets an amateur get great shots, while allowing more advanced photographers to get into more. There are other lenses available as well, though not as many as an SLR would offer. But considering the difference in price, that's to be expected.
I was also happy with the fact that it uses AA batteries instead of a proprietary battery. I use high quality rechargeables but it's nice to be able to pop into a store and grab some in a pinch. It's easy to find batteries anymore so you're never without. The SD card was something I wanted as well. I already had some from my previous camera and other devices so even though I bought the 4GB high speed for movies, I have other cards I can use as backups in case something happens to it. My computer already has a built in reader and I bought a small portable reader to stick in with my notebook computer for trips. The camera does come with a cable that allows direction connection to the computer but I usually just pull the chip and do it that way. It's faster (in my opinion) and saves on the battery usage.
Get this camera and you won't be disappointed. It's a great all around camera and well worth the money. The megapixels are all you'll need too. I was talking to someone at a professional store once and unless you're going to print large posters, you don't need a higher resolution. You can get all you need with this one.
The picture quality is excellent, as is the movie quality. That's been a big bonus for me. Having the ability to do both with one unit saves time, money, and space. I got the 4GB high speed SD card to allow for the best quality and storage. I also invested in a tripod and power supply for movies. I've been able to record my children's school activities and share them with the family.
I'm impressed with the variety of settings and ranges on the camera. The stitch assist to put together panoramic shots is really nice and a lot of fun. The software that comes with the camera is great as well. It has a lot of easy to use features and really makes working with pictures a breeze. I haven't even gotten into everything it can do, but I plan to soon.
I highly recommend this camera. It's lightweight and easy to use, but also allows for more technical photography if you want that. The auto setting takes great pictures and lets an amateur get great shots, while allowing more advanced photographers to get into more. There are other lenses available as well, though not as many as an SLR would offer. But considering the difference in price, that's to be expected.
I was also happy with the fact that it uses AA batteries instead of a proprietary battery. I use high quality rechargeables but it's nice to be able to pop into a store and grab some in a pinch. It's easy to find batteries anymore so you're never without. The SD card was something I wanted as well. I already had some from my previous camera and other devices so even though I bought the 4GB high speed for movies, I have other cards I can use as backups in case something happens to it. My computer already has a built in reader and I bought a small portable reader to stick in with my notebook computer for trips. The camera does come with a cable that allows direction connection to the computer but I usually just pull the chip and do it that way. It's faster (in my opinion) and saves on the battery usage.
Get this camera and you won't be disappointed. It's a great all around camera and well worth the money. The megapixels are all you'll need too. I was talking to someone at a professional store once and unless you're going to print large posters, you don't need a higher resolution. You can get all you need with this one.
Review ID: 10000000004223247
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Canon CameraI bought the Canon PowerShot S3 6.0 Megapixel camera based mostly on my previous experience with another Canon camera which was recently stolen. I like its many features, especially the Image Stabilzation and the 12X zoom features. But it is enough different from the older one that I am still working on learning how to use it. I was very pleased with the condition and the price.
Review ID: 10000000007837660
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Excellent Camera!Takes Great Pictures and Video Clips. The one feature I really enjoy is being able to focus on a color, set that color, take the picture and you get a black and whit picture with the one set color. Such as a red rose on a B&W bush. It keeps you from Photo shopping the color in on a B&W picture.
Pete D
Pete D
Review ID: 10000000007827278
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Best camera I've ever ownedIt's an easy camera to hold. Very user friendly. Takes excellent pictures. Should have bought one when they first came out.
Review ID: 10000000007379413
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Cannon point and shootReview created: 02/22/08(updated 02/28/08)
by:
Camera take very good pictures some of the editing fetures are a little dficult to work and it burns through bateries very quickly, but it takes the best pictures of any 6.0 megapixel camera that I have ever saw. I am very satisfied with this camera and I think that any novice photographer would be as well.
Review ID: 10000000005771327
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Do it all point n shooter. Ultimate flexible camera.1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I completely agree with mgb_productionsllc. I bought my S3 IS for the same purpose. My wife wanted a camera she could carry in her prse and that I could use when I catch a scene without my big SLR bag in tow.
It has so may features and so much customizability that it grows with the user's photo-taking capabilities.
If you start out as a simple point-n-shooter and want to get serious, this camera will go all the way with you.
The Zoom is excellent. the Image Stabilization actually makes the zoom usable. The built-in flash is so nice that I never once got a red-eye or any dust white-spots (the ones that you get when flash light reflects off the dust specks in the air).
The Color accent and color swap features turns amateur shots into pro looking shots.
Almost all settings have buttons so you dont have to go through tons of menus to get to a function like in the SD-series cameras.
You can add the adapter tube and polarizer and UV and other filters to beat the biggest limitations in most P&S cameras.
Very very impressed. Canon forever.
It has so may features and so much customizability that it grows with the user's photo-taking capabilities.
If you start out as a simple point-n-shooter and want to get serious, this camera will go all the way with you.
The Zoom is excellent. the Image Stabilization actually makes the zoom usable. The built-in flash is so nice that I never once got a red-eye or any dust white-spots (the ones that you get when flash light reflects off the dust specks in the air).
The Color accent and color swap features turns amateur shots into pro looking shots.
Almost all settings have buttons so you dont have to go through tons of menus to get to a function like in the SD-series cameras.
You can add the adapter tube and polarizer and UV and other filters to beat the biggest limitations in most P&S cameras.
Very very impressed. Canon forever.
Review ID: 10000000005770031
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Canon Power Shot S3 IS 6.01 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I bought this camera to replace one that i had broken and to get something decent to sub for my aging analog camcorder until i purchased a new one. Well now that i have take over 1000 pictures and at least 5 hours of video i am thoroughly impressed with both functions.
Just by reading a few instructional photography sites, i love this camera and i now i will not have to purchase another camcorder because for my purposes the video function is excellent. I paid less than $250 including shipping and i feel like i got a deal. This camera takes EXCELLENT photos has tons of features that makes operation easy and yields excellent results.
As a video camera even in poor lighting it is 100 times better than my old analog. The audio alone makes it better, it records in stereo at 44mhs in .wav format . In average to good lighting it is EXCELLENT !! If you are looking for great pictures, easy to use, quick reload even with flash, excellent video features, easy download with either USB or SD card, then I highly recommend this camera it is a great buy!
Just by reading a few instructional photography sites, i love this camera and i now i will not have to purchase another camcorder because for my purposes the video function is excellent. I paid less than $250 including shipping and i feel like i got a deal. This camera takes EXCELLENT photos has tons of features that makes operation easy and yields excellent results.
As a video camera even in poor lighting it is 100 times better than my old analog. The audio alone makes it better, it records in stereo at 44mhs in .wav format . In average to good lighting it is EXCELLENT !! If you are looking for great pictures, easy to use, quick reload even with flash, excellent video features, easy download with either USB or SD card, then I highly recommend this camera it is a great buy!
Review ID: 10000000005631498
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Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0 MegapixelReview created: 01/04/08
by:
I dont have anything bad to say excellent camera. Zoom is great it takes very good action pics. I bought this camera because my freind had one.
Review ID: 10000000004972240
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Absolutely Satisfactory Purchase1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I purchased the S3 becaused I wanted the performance improvements over my three-year-old Canon camera, and the price was right--mostly due, I guess, to the release of the S5. The S3 fits my hand well. It is compact considering all its features, although it is not a pocket camera. The viewfinder is bright, lighting up even dark areas. The zoom range is great. Shooting film clips is extremely easy: push the button. To stop, push it again. That's it. It isn't necessary to use the dial selector, which means that not remembering to turn the dial back to photo shooting won't happen. The menus are not as deep as on some cameras, and my most-used functions are changed by buttons. SD card and battery access are straight forward. when I turn all sounds off, the camera operates silently, a feature I use frequently in my situation. The felt-friction lens cap works well for me, although it's a necessary evil. The cap does not fall off like the mechanical caps on my Canon SLR lenses. I am quite happy with the pictures from the camera; they take less fiddling on the computer than those from the previous camera. There is nothing about the camera that I consider negative, since I can't expect perfection in all things. Sure, there are things that are niggling: I'd prefer a single battery to the four AA cels; easier opening of the viewing screen; a detent to distinguish slow from fast zooming. These things, however, are personal preferences. And by the way, the Lowepro Cirrus TLZ 5 case is perfect for the S3--well-made, compact, pockets for extra batteries and SD cards.
Review ID: 10000000004971241
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next best thing to a digital SLRThis camera is fantastic. It can be used by a more advanced photographer or a beginner. The number of functions is astounding. Picture quality is GREAT. I LOVE THIS CAMERA!!!
Review ID: 10000000004655406
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Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0 Megapixel6 of 7 people found this review helpful.
Great images in daylight. Action shots and continuous mode also good in daylight. Good macro and telephoto, but images are grainy in low light situations.
Review ID: 10000000004129422
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Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0 MegapixelReview created: 05/02/07
by:
3 of 8 people found this review helpful.
So far I haven't used it much. I like the looks of it. It's similiar to my Kodak EasyShare DX6490camera. I just have to get use to it.The sound takes a little getting use to also. The Price was right. I wish it had dock like Kodak. Phyllis
Review ID: 10000000003471149
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Too much features...5 of 11 people found this review helpful.
This camera is good idea for take a photograph. Photograph quality is excellent for professional or amateur. This is too much features camera, zomm and asa ...
Thanks...
M.Ogmen
03.02.2006
Thanks...
M.Ogmen
03.02.2006
Review ID: 10000000002849692
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Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0 MegapixelReview created: 01/06/07
by:
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.
I bought this as a step up from my A85 PowerShot. It was a tossup between getting a lens kit for the A85, or a higher end camera. After using it the last couple of months I am really glad I bought this. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and the quality is excellent. I cannot really think of a downside to owning it!
Review ID: 10000000002668654
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Versatile, powerful, and cost-effective digital cameraReview created: 12/03/06
by:
7 of 12 people found this review helpful.
Pros:
High-quality static images;
High-quality video with zooming;
Easy to use;
versatile and powerful features;
12x optical zoom
Cons:
Battery time too short;
No or very short warning before battery dies;
2MByte/second for video could be compressed more to 1 hour movie using a 4GB card;
Raise the resolution to 7-8 million pixels for such a not-so-small-camera.
High-quality static images;
High-quality video with zooming;
Easy to use;
versatile and powerful features;
12x optical zoom
Cons:
Battery time too short;
No or very short warning before battery dies;
2MByte/second for video could be compressed more to 1 hour movie using a 4GB card;
Raise the resolution to 7-8 million pixels for such a not-so-small-camera.
Review ID: 10000000002431232
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Comfortable to hold and easy to use14 of 25 people found this review helpful.
We purchased this camera for my niece as it was very easy to use and very comfortable to hold in your hand. The output is great for this camera considering the price! The 12x zoom is amazing and the micro shots are just as amazing. A great camera.
Review ID: 10000000001919503
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