Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera Review

by Emily Raymond
Published on January 01, 2004

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings

Likes

- Super macro focuses at 0 inches - Good flash coverage and options - Image stabilization - Frequently used scenes on dial - 12x lens with USM - Good movie mode

Dislikes

- Poor viewfinder resolution - 1 GB limit on movies - Eats alkaline AA batteries - LCD solarizes easily - Included 16 MB card too small - Power switch too stiff

 

The Canon PowerShot S3 IS comes to the ultra-zoom digital camera market with a unique set of features. It has the 12x optical zoom lens that qualifies it as part of the ultra-zoom market and couples it with an optical image stabilization system that works incredibly well. Canon put the lens on a chunky SLR-shaped body that looks almost professional with its black finish. The S3 has lots of options in its movie mode that aren’t available on any other digital camera and includes dual recording buttons so users can snap full-resolution pictures in the middle of a video clip. The optical zoom functions in the movie mode – and even looks smooth with the image stabilization system activated. Users can adjust everything from the audio sampling rate to the microphone level and wind filter feature. The still recording features are just as extensive. Full manual control is available, although the manual focusing feature is difficult to execute with the poor viewfinder and LCD resolution. There are a few scene modes, with four of the most common located on the large mode dial. The Canon PowerShot S3 IS offers hybrid functionality for a retail price of $499. With its 6.1 megapixels, high-quality 12x optical zoom lens, and smooth image stabilization system, it takes great pictures and videos. Users just have to deal with a few physical idiosyncrasies – poor battery life, a constantly solarizing LCD screen, and poor viewfinder resolution – to get those great shots.