Review posted for Canon PowerShot S3 IS
By
Shawn Barnett
(Friday, July 7, 2006 - 10:54 EDT)
Offering a complete range of auto and manual exposure controls, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is equally suited for novice users and experienced amateurs alike, with a big image-stabilized zoom for getting the shot no matter the situation.
The Canon S3 IS's Auto mode keeps things simple for novices, while the manual settings offer the opportunity to take more control when you need it. Its 6.0-megapixel CCD captures high quality images, quite suitable for printing as large as 8x10-inches with good detail, and the increased sensitivity to ISO 800 with image stabilization is a better attack on red-eye than using the flash in red-eye reduction mode. The design is reasonably compact given the increased magnifying power of the 12x optical zoom lens, and the camera should fit in a larger coat pocket or be comfortable when using the neckstrap.
The Canon S3 IS reaches beyond the normal limits by offering not only a long-ratio zoom lens, but a very effective image-stabilization system as well, that makes the long lens much more usable than it would be otherwise. Even at wide angle, image stabilization can help capture available light images without blur as low as 1/4 second shutter speeds. The Canon S3 IS also offers a movie mode capable of nonstop recording to the limits of the memory card's capacity, even at 640x480 resolution and a 30 frame/second frame rate.
The PowerShot S3 IS is priced competitively, but its features and capabilities set it apart from the myriad camera choices in its price range, so the price will drop only slowly. If you're looking for a long-zoom camera with image stabilization that captures excellent photos and videos, the PowerShot S3 IS looks like a great choice.
Read our full Canon PowerShot S3 IS review to see why.
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