Product Description

Following on from where the PowerShot S2 IS left off, the PowerShot S3 IS responds to the needs of the most demanding photographers with its wide range of impressive features! Equipped with a 6 megapixel sensor that lets you print your photos in A3 format without losing in quality, the S3 IS also comes with one of the most powerful zooms on the market, offers 12x magnification so you don?t miss a thing, and uses the same cutting-edge technology as the EF lenses of professional SLR cameras. For increased user comfort, its ultrasonic motor makes it even quicker than it already is, while its low-dispersion UD lens significantly reduces chromatic aberrations, which are common to photos taken with telephoto lenses. For improved precision, the Canon optical image stabiliser (IS) works to correct blur caused by camera movement in both photo and video modes, which is a great advantage when taking photos over longer focal distances. In addition to this stabiliser, the Power Shot S3IS has a high sensitivity of ISO 800, which improves results in low lighting conditions, and includes 20 different shooting modes such as the burst mode at 2.3 fps, the high-speed sports mode and the "My Colours" mode, which can be applied before or after the shot. The S3IS has a tilting screen, allowing you to increase your viewing angle; this camera is sure to make its mark in digital photography!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14148 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1101B007AA
• Released on: 2006-03-07
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .90 pounds

Features

• Canon
• Digital
• Camera
• Powershot
• S3

Manufacturer's Description
The sleek PowerShot S3 IS digital camera offers you high resolution, an extra-long zoom, advanced yet easy-to-use movie functions plus great new shooting options. Also, with Image Stabilizer technology, images and movies taken with the S3 IS are sharp and smooth, even when the camera gets jostled. It's everything you need to capture the fun, excitement and beauty of your active life - wherever it takes you!

Successor to the popular PowerShot S2 IS, the latest addition to the PowerShot S-series incorporates a 6.0-megapixel CCD sensor, Canon's renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology, and video functionality rivalling that of dedicated digital video camcorders. Sporting a striking new finish in gunmetal grey, the 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-inch vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features, and an additional Sports mode.

Optics
Still the most powerful zoom in a Canon digital compact camera (36 to 432mm, f2.7-f.3.5), the PowerShot S3 IS's lens incorporates the same leading technologies used in Canon's professional EF lenses. An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) drives rapid and near-silent zoom operation; an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element significantly reduces chromatic aberration in telephoto shots; Canon's optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology counteracts camera shake to reduce image blur when shooting stills or recording video, essential for handheld shots at longer focal lengths. IS allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower for reliable flash-free photography in low light conditions.

The PowerShot S3 IS's 12x optical zoom combines with digital zoom to deliver 48x magnification for recording both stills and video. For even wider framing options, optional wide and telephoto converter lenses extend the focal length from wide 27mm to super-tele 648mm (35mm film equivalent) for an impressive 24x optical zoom. A Super Macro mode and optional Close-Up lens 500D (58mm) allow for detailed macro photography. (Optional wide, telephoto, and close-up lenses not included--must be purchased separately.)

Increased ISO speed
In addition to Image Stabilization, the PowerShot S3 IS features a new High ISO Auto setting and ISO 800 to 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.

Movie functions
Powerful video functions make the PowerShot S3 IS far more than just a high-performance digital still camera. A dedicated movie button means users do not need to switch modes to start recording, so spontaneous moments can be instantly captured in full motion. Users can record smooth 30-frame-per-second VGA quality movies of up to 1 GB with stereo sound, or create 60-frame-per-second QVGA clips for sharp slow-motion playback. The Movie mode also allows users to pre-select exposure and white balance, zoom throughout the camera's focal range, and manually adjust focus while shooting. A Photo In Movie feature enables the capture of full resolution digital stills during video recording.

Creative shooting
The PowerShot S3 IS offers 20 shooting modes including full Manual mode, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Speed Priority. Together with 2.3-frame-per-second continuous shooting, a new fast-shutter Sports mode with improved autofocus 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. Canon's My Colors photo effects have been enhanced for this model, and can now be applied to images both before and after shooting.

The PowerShot S3 IS features a new 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 20-centimeter) photos with a Selphy Compact Photo Printer.

Printing and other features
A new, dedicated Print menu simplifies printing of multiple images. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. New PictBridge features include the ability to print shooting data and optimize faces in portrait shots when connected to a compatible Canon PIXMA printer. The camera's ID photo and movie stills features are also available when connected to a Selphy CP Series Printer. A handy Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems. (Printer not included--must be purchased separately.)

The camera's menu system now features support for Arabic, bringing the total number of supported languages to 23.

Panoramic photos Widescreen 16:9 still image recording allows playback on widescreen TV or printing on wide size paper with a SELPHY CP printer.

Canon technologies explained

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.

DIGIC II
Canon's purpose-built DIGIC II (DIGital Imaging Core) image processor links all primary camera functions for maximum efficiency. High-speed processing results in outstanding responsiveness, rapid autofocus, and extended continuous shooting ability. Advanced image processing algorithms deliver superb image detail and color reproduction with accurate white balance and minimal noise. DIGIC II operates efficiently to extend battery life, for longer shooting on a single charge.

iSAPS
iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) automatically optimizes key camera settings before every shot. Each scene is analyzed and cross-referenced against Photographic Space--a vast in-camera library of photographic data. This enables the camera to make optimal adjustments to autoexposure, autofocus, and auto white balance before image capture occurs.

9-Point AiAF
Canon's 9-point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Autofocus) 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
FlexiZone AF/AE lets users manually select the focus point from almost any point in the frame by moving the autofocus window in the viewfinder. Exposure is linked to the focus point to ensure that the chosen subject is accurately focused and exposed.

Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens technology
No matter how well engineered, conventional optical glass lens elements cause chromatic aberrations which can 'soften' images and appear in photographs as fringing around the outside edge of subjects. Canon's Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass has special optical properties to successfully reduce these aberrations. Especially effective in super telephoto lenses, UD glass helps to deliver crisp, sharp, high-contrast images.

Product Description
The sleek PowerShot S3 IS digital camera offers you high resolution, an extra-long 12x zoom, advanced yet easy-to-use movie functions plus great new shooting options. The exclusive "MovieSnap" feature allows you to take a full 6 Megapixel still image at any time while you are recording a movie. Also, with Image Stabilizer technology, images and movies taken with the S3 IS are sharp and smooth, even when the camera gets jostled. It's everything you need to capture the fun, excitement and beauty of your active life - wherever it takes you! Shooting Specs - Auto; Creative - P, Av, Tv, M, C; Image - Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Indoor, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap), My Colors, Stitch Assist, Movie; Self-Timer - 2-sec/10-sec, Custom; Continuous Shooting at up to 2.3fps Built-in Flash controls - Auto, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Flash Off SD/MMC Memory card slot A 16MB SD Card is included, however we suggest purchasing an Optional 1GB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high Resolution abilities. Interfaces - USB 2.0, A/V output (NTSC/PAL) Print directly to Canon CP/SELPHY Compact and PIXMA Photo Printers as well as PictBridge compatible printers via the included USB 2.0 cable with the need for a computer! Approximate Unit Dimensions - (WxHxD) 4.46 x 3.07 2.97; Unit Weight - 14.5 oz. (Body without battery and memory card)

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

superb camera
I have been using this camera for a few months now and the results are first class. You can point and shoot or use all the "bells and whistles". The zoom is excellent and the Image Stabilisation means that you do not need a tripod. Down-loading images to the computer is trouble-free. It is not too bulky but fits the case snugly so you need to carry spare batteries in your pocket. I am no expert but I have been congratulated on some of my results. Buy this camera with confidence; it even comes with two manuals - simple and advanced.

Reliably excellant pics
I have to say I'm extremely happy with the pictures this camera turns out. I take alot of nature shots and they look stunning - and I'm not in any way a pro with a camera!! It takes great close-ups. It's a nice weight to use ie It feels like a camera and not a little matchbox size toy as I find many of the others to be. I have no intention of changing this one anytime soon - I'm certain I made the right choice buying it.
If I were to criticise anything - it should have come with a more extensive manual and a case would have been nice!
Other than that I definately recommend it!

not the best
there are some web sites that compare photos taken with different cameras in detail. compare a photo taken by this camera at ISO80, with a photo taken by Fujifilm Finepix s6500fd at ISO400. Supposedly, an ISO400 photo should have much more noise. Then compare an IS100 photo taken by Fujifilm. The results are embarassing for Canon. s6500fd is much cheaper than this camera yet produces photos of much better quality.