The 6-megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS ($500 as of August 25, 2006) offers a lot of features for the price. Among the most attractive of these are its optical image stabilization, 12X optical zoom, fast maximum shutter speed, and swiveling 2-inch LCD (which comes in handy for shooting at creative angles).
Canon Powershot S3 IS Digital Camera (6.0MP, 2816x1944, 12x Opt, 16MB SD Memory Card)

Pricing
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- Spec Navigator
- Digital Format
- Display
- Exposure
- Image Processor
- Included Hardware
- Lens
- Shutter
- Storage
- LCD Screen
- Exposure Controls
- Dimensions
- Power
- Flash
- Lens Features
- Connectivity
- Other Features
Image Processor
| Number of image sensor pixels | 6 megapixels |
| Image sensor | CCD |
| Maximum horizontal image resolution | 2816 |
| Maximum vertical image resolution | 2112 |
| Image sensor quantity | 1 |
| Image format | JPEG |
| White balance | 0 |
Included Hardware
| Included Hardware |
|
Lens
| Accessory Lens | Yes |
| Lens Model | Canon Zoom Lens |
| Telephoto Aperture Maximum | 3.5 mm |
| Wide-Angle Aperture Maximum | 2.7 mm |
Exposure Controls
| Maximum shutter speed | 3200 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 15 |
| Bulb setting | 0 |
| ISO equivalencies |
|
| Exposure settings | 0 |
| Exposure compensation range | 0 |
| Number of scene modes | 12 |
- Lab Tested
- How We Test Cameras »
Pros
Swiveling LCD, many control buttons
12X optical zoom, image stabilization
Cons
Low battery life
Bottom Line
Many control buttons, a 12X zoom, and swiveling LCD make the S3 IS a pleasure to use--plus it offers image stabilization.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Powershot S3 IS Digital Camera (6.0MP, 2816x1944, 12x Opt, 16MB SD Memory Card) Review, by Eric Butterfield September 21, 2006
The S3 IS fit well in my hand and felt sturdy, though it's light and fairly compact. The plentiful buttons offer quick access to manual settings such as ISO, macro mode, and manual focus. Jumping into the menus, you can access a number of other settings such as color controls, exposure bracketing, and focus bracketing--the last of which might come in handy when you use the camera's manual focus. Even though the LCD or electronic viewfinder magnifies details of your shot to help you focus, it's not enough to get an exact lock on your subject.
I found the camera's optical image stabilization quite effective at countering minor shaking and delivering an image with fairly sharp details. The powerful 12X zoom was a joy to use, though the ring that controls it (and that surrounds the shutter button) took a little getting used to. Turning the dial slightly activates the zoom more slowly than if you crank the dial all the way over. This response seems squirrelly until you get accustomed to it.
One interesting feature, called movie snap, allows you to trigger the shutter to capture stills while shooting a movie. When you watch the movie, the screen will go blank momentarily at the points where you shot still images, but the soundtrack will remain continuous.
In our lab tests, the S3 IS delivered impressive overall image quality, its best attributes being color and exposure accuracy. The camera's scores for distortion and sharpness, however, were below average. In my informal shots, the S3 IS generally delivered good results, though I did notice a fair amount of noise in landscape photos taken just after sunset and in close-ups taken during daylight in macro mode. In our battery life tests, the S3 IS's battery lasted for just 331 shots on a single charge.
Eric Butterfield
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- Rating Breakdown
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88
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79
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85
- See Complete Lab Results »
Performance Comparison with Similar Cameras
88
91
71
72
Performance
| Battery Life (minutes) | 182.25 |
| Battery Life Score | Very Good |
| Image Quality Score | Very Good |
| Image Quality, Color | 62.9 |
| Image Quality, Color--Adjusted | 70 |
| Image Quality, Color--Auto | 55.9 |
| Image Quality, Distortion | 51.5 |
| Image Quality, Distortion--Noise | 32.9 |
| Image Quality, Distortion--Noise Reduction | 73.9 |
| Image Quality, Distortion--Sharp Interpolation | 57.7 |
| Image Quality, Exposure | 58.4 |
| Image Quality, Exposure--Flash | 49.5 |
| Image Quality, Exposure--Normal | 62.2 |
| Image Quality, Overall | 65.3 |
| Image Quality, Sharpness | 45.8 |
| Number of Batteries | 4 |
| Number of Shots | 331 |
Average User Reviews for Canon Powershot S3 IS Digital Camera (6.0MP, 2816x1944, 12x Opt, 16MB SD Memory Card)
- Latest User Reviews 11 reviews
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Reviewed by: MapmakerJenny
Duration of ownership: 8 Months
Strengths: Easy to use functions
Weaknesses: limited on its capabilities if you use anything other than auto.
Overall: Nice looking base. Easy to use, but not really the best of the Canon cameras I've owned. If you're looking to upgrade I'd hold save my money and get the 30D. If you're on a budget I'd consider going to the Powershot camera.
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Reviewed by: jhunts5
Duration of ownership: 1 Year
Strengths: - 12x optical - multi function scene modes - ease of use - Canon backing and reliability
Weaknesses: - a little bulkier than basic point and shoots but smaller than SLRs - wide angle shots (typical problem for most p+s cameras - movie mode is quirky, but, hey, I didn't buy this for movies
Overall: When shopping for a decent point and shoot, my friend said, "you can't go wrong with a Canon" and I had to agree. When I shop for cameras they are typically Canon - even my recent VDO camera purchase. The S3's main appeal is the 12x optical zoom - and I am really speaking for the S series in general - you just can't beat this type of zoom. I think that some other manufacturers are beginning to compete with this, but when the S3 came out, it was still the king on the market. The S3 takes crisp pictures without the drawbacks of the ultra portable tiny lensed cousins. I am more than happy with this camera, and as long as you don't need all of the SLR versatility, for the price, this is a great buy.
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Reviewed by: dillonsue
Duration of ownership: 6 Months
Strengths: Features and modes easy to access without having to go into the menu each time. No delay on shutter so you don't miss those "quick" shots. Flash sych with shutter so no closed eyes on pics. Fast download to memory card. Superb image stablizer!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Overall: I prefer larger digital cameras because of the feel of stability in my hands. Digital cameras are getting smaller and smaller and I have always used an SLR before the digital market. So, after research this was the camera for me. I upgraded from the Olympus C-4000 which is still a good camera, mainly because of the 12x digital zoom and the easy access to the modes which are right on the top knob instead of having to fiddle with the menu or other buttons. See my "strengths" for other things I like about this camera. My old Olympus's memory cards maxed out at 128K which was ok, but certainly not for video. I haven't used the video on the Canon yet but just to know that with a 1or 2 gig card it can be used just as well as a digital video camera without having to carry both around. All in all I couldn't be happier with this model!!!
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Reviewed by: triskal
Duration of ownership: 2 Months
Overall: I am submittind this 5-start review just to balance out the ID10Ts who think this is a forum for asking questions. You are totally skewing the results and you don't even own the camera. PCWorld should be deleteing these reviews.
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Reviewed by: asmarlak
Duration of ownership: 2 Months
Overall: I think the image quality of ultra-zoom digital cameras is lower than it used to be and so as how consumers and professional reviewers see that class of cameras, its like "selecting the best of the so so" and declaring them as the best available in the market. When we read that we run and get one. The manufacturers have been adding many new features to tempt consumers to buy new cameras or upgrade to newer models, at the same time those cameras carry smaller sensors to reduce image quality in order to drag consumers into buying DSLRs which offer better quality images. I'm sure those new features are useful when it comes to ease of use and convenience but unfortunately not when it comes to image qualit. I've been wanting to upgrade my older (2004) Olympus C-765 to a newer one regardless of the brand as long as it matches my camera's image quality. I read reviews and viewed sample pictures of many models including the best rated cameras such as the Canon S3-IS and Panasonic FZ-7 which I actually bought for a bargain price at Circuit City for only $139.00 (Brand new in a sealed box) but even that bargain price was not enough for me to keep it when I compared images with my Olympus', and neither the new models from Olympus like the SP-510, and the SP-550 offered matching image quality either. Now I gave up on the idea of upgrading for now and decided to get a telephoto lens converter for my Olympus to increase the zoom from 10-17x. And who knows? I might be tempted to buy the soon in the market the Canon S5 IS if it has my cameras photo quality, although I think its over priced at $499. You can check out some of my amature photos at: http://www.oilandgasinternational.com/myimages_slideshow.html
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Reviewed by: ram34614
Duration of ownership: 5 Months
Strengths: The Canon Powershot S3 IS is the best PNP camera on the market today. You must get out of the auto mode to really appreciate this camera capabilities. Takes great pictures and is very easy to use.
Weaknesses: The only weakness I have found is sometimes it difficult to get the lens to focus, depending on the light, but using the manual focus will most generally correct this..
Overall: I love the S3 IS. The Macro and Super Macro modes are superb. The S3 IS as with most cameras including the DSLR's takes a fantastic picture at ISO 400 and below.
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Reviewed by: tonyatn
Duration of ownership: 3 Months
Strengths: This camera gives great pictures in daylight with rich color and crystal clear images (digital printing done at photo store). Not many indoor photos taken yet and the camera frequently asks for the flash to be used when inside. And does it not have a setting for 'fill-in' flash for outdoors?
Weaknesses: Lens does not have threading to attach a skylight filter or lens protector. You need to buy a lens hood accessory to attach filters which makes the camera big and bulky. The disadvantage with this is that if you scratch your lens thats an expensive repair or bye-bye to the camera. The plastic lens cap doesn't seem to stay firmly on the lens. It slips off more often than not.
Overall: With the 500 or so pictures I've taken so far and bringing this camera on one vacation, I would say I'm satisfied with this product. It's not a small and compact camera, but its light enough to feel that you're not weighing down your backpack. The camera has a lot of features you may never use but if you want get into photography and want to take a variety of pictures with different settings this camera will do the job!
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Reviewed by: nasern
Duration of ownership: 2 Months
Strengths: I found this camera wounderful.It can take sharp and clear photos,with it's great zoom 12x .I'm not a very good photographer but I have taken many beautiful pictuers.I'm compeletly satisfid.
Overall: excelent,easy to use,very good shapand I love my s3is
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Reviewed by: halifaxtom
Duration of ownership: 2 Months
Strengths: great movies, long lens, quality feel
Weaknesses: results vary from great to marginal...focus seems to be a gamble.
Overall: I've read on forums that some people have focus problems and I'm one of them. Also read on a forum that the older models have been fixed (camera internal software) by Canon on warranty. My old Olympus ultra zoom photos resulted in 99% great pics, with great color, exposure perfection and razor sharp but no optical stabilization, just high shtter speed to stabilize. Thought I was moving up but this camera is complex and getting compliments on impressive photos is much more difficult. Maybe it's too much for me to handle (I read that on resales on ebay) but I would give it back and stick with Olympus.
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Reviewed by: caleb
Duration of ownership: 9 Months
Strengths: Versatility. I have used it for taking pictures in the slums of India, many different landscapes and sunrise/sunset shots, my senior pictures, and pictures of the highschool sports at my school.
Weaknesses: battery life would be a weakness except that it uses AA batteries which are very easy to keep on hand. I would recommend rechargeable. In the future, I may need RAW mode which it doesn't have. However, anyone aside from a professional photographer really has no need for RAW mode.
Overall: Excellent. It has taken the beating of an 18 year old guys who tends to abuse his toys. It also has many features that for all intensive purposes may as well be professional and/or SLR quality. This is only my second camera, but I don't intend to buy or need a new camera until after college.
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Reviewed by: tedweller
Duration of ownership: 2 Months
Strengths: I was looking for a suitable replacement for my Olympus SLR (yes, that's right, I'm headed backwards). Seriously, I was looking for a very good all-in-one compacy camera that would get me through 90% of the photographic situations I find myself in and the Canon S3 fit the bill. I read every review and comparison I could get my hands on. Color, exposure accuracy and image sharpness are incredible if you can go beyond the Auto mode and make some in camera adjustments and also are somewhat knowledgeable using post processing in Photoshop or Elements or a comparable program. There are a wealth of options offered in the camera and I would consider it a semi-professional tool. The fact that it has an excellent movie mode is an added bonus but be forewarned that shooting at the highest video setting will chew through a 1GB card in just a few short minutes.
Weaknesses: Would like a metal tripod socket.
Overall: Incredible photographic tool for a fraction of what a DSLR would cost with comparable glass (12x optical zoom). Also using AA batteries is a godsend rather than using proprietary batteries. I would highly reccommend this camera to almost anyone.
Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
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Reviewed by: dennis_fink
Strengths: Takes terrific pix when focused properly.
Weaknesses: Frequent red eye indoors, complex menus, but be very cautious with the zoom lens extended - if you bump it ever so slightly you may cause the dreaded "lens error - restart camera" message
Overall: I used this camera for about 18 months and was relatively pleased. It is a little bulky and I found that I would prefer to have a smaller lighter camera but I like the 12x zoom on this model. I would not buy it again though. After the slightest of bumps I am now getting the
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Reviewed by: photoXluvr
Strengths: size, body color and style, zoom, shutter speed, thousands of functions, lens, flash, image stablizer, macro, photo review, my colors option
Weaknesses: very very few
Overall: I recieved the S3 IS as a christmas gift in 2006 and at first was intimidated by the numerous functions, but as i got more used to the camera i started to enjoy them. I am by no means a professional but I shoot like one (see pictures below all are taken by S3 IS). I am seriously in love with this camera. I use it from senic mountain shots, to rodeos, to family pictures. I recommend it for every need and style of shooting
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Reviewed by: markbarsamian
Strengths: flip around LCD screen
Weaknesses: terrible image quality for a camera in this price range
Overall: Terrible color fringing in this camera. I bought mine for $450 a year ago after reading tons of web reviews, none of which mentioned the problem. I sent the camera back to Canon, and they returned it to me with a note that it was performing "well within the specifications". Don't take my word for it. Go to this web site that has a review of the camera: http://www.dpinterface.com/reviews/canon-powershot-s3is/gallery/index.html Look at the left side of IMG 5238.jpg for an example. Every bar on the window shown in the picture has a red fringe on one side and a green fringe on the other. My camera does the same thing, including the trait that the flaw is worse on the left side of the image. This flaw is not subtle. These fringes hit you over the head once you notice them for the first time. They show up on every sharp dark-light boundary in the image. I don't know how all the reviewers can be so caught up in the lists of features and not notice something so profoundly debilitating. The worst $450 I ever spent. Makes me sick.
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Reviewed by: jtrynoble
Strengths: great price
Weaknesses: for this first time user ajustment levels were a bit hard to read
Overall: Being a first time user of digital camera equipment. I found the camera software, direction booklet, and the camera's adjustment level buttons of this Powershot S3 IS to be a bit difficult and small for me to read, understand, and use. But after taking time to review the booklet. I then installed the software which came with this Cannon Powershot S3 IS. I then began to read more and then understand the functions of this camera and how to achieve the adjustments needed, to obtain the great shots I now get. If your a first timer like me. You too may feel a bit lost and confused when it comes to learning how to use a digital camera such as this Cannon Power Shot S3 IS. But keep in mind this feeling will only be a temporary one. Once you read and review the booklet, install the software which comes with this Cannon Digital Camera to your computer. You too will become more familiar with the controls and there specific functions. Then you too will say as I do now: "The Cannon Powershot S3 IS Digital Camera works for me" "12x zoom lens with antishake control gives this first time user great shots"
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Reviewed by: Chuckasaurus
Strengths: Ease of use....quick start up....quality pictures....quality video.
Weaknesses: None
Overall: I'm not a professional photographer, and I don't know that much about digital cameras as this is only my third one. But so far, this camera has worked flawlessly, and taken beautiful pictures and outstanding video clips that were in full stereo.I have no complaints with this camera, and can only praise how well it works, and how nice the many features are. If your not too sure about whether or not to get this camera, I would say to just get it. You won't find a better digital camera for $394.00One thing I would recommend is just spending around 90 dollars on a good 2GB (or larger) high speed SD memory card. The video takes up a lot of space, and you can run out of memory before you know it if you are recording video clips.
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