Model Design / Appearance

The Canon PowerShot S3 IS has the same dimensions and body shape as its predecessor, but comes in a more professional looking black color. The shape of the camera is meant to mimic that of a single lens reflex model, providing a large hand grip and a wide lens barrel. This model also flaunts its hybrid functionality by incorporating some elements more common on camcorders, specifically its rotating and tilting LCD monitor. It also has a button next to the viewfinder that records movies from any mode. The body color shows that Canon wants this model to look more professional, while its components highlight its dual functionality.

Size / Portability

As stated previously, this camera has the same dimensions as the S2. Measuring 4.46 x 3.07 x 2.97 inches and weighing in at 14.5 oz (not counting the memory card nor the hefty four AA batteries), the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is one of the larger ultra-zoom cameras. It still doesn’t even approach the size of a DSLR, though: it falls somewhere in between. The design certainly doesn’t aim to be compact like the ultra-zoom Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1. Instead, this chunky digital camera goes for hybrid functionality in a sturdy plastic shell. Its protrusions will keep it from conveniently sliding into a pocket, and users should look into purchasing a small camera bag for transporting it. When it is out and on the ready, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS has a neck strap that attaches to an eyelet on each side. This camera isn’t for the weak of wrist, but it shouldn’t cause a production when snapping a shot at a birthday party.

 

Handling Ability

This model has weight issues, but its handling helps keep things steady. The base is nice and wide, so the left hand can support it from beneath. The S3’s weight is also evenly distributed: while a little heavier in the battery compartment, it can sit on a flat surface and not tip forward. Its right side has a large hand grip that is textured on the inner portion where the fingers rest. The buttons are within reach of the right thumb, with the exception of the focus and flash buttons on the left side.

 

The power switch at the top of the right side is a bit tough to turn with just the thumb, and users will be twisting and turning the LCD screen a lot to keep it from catching the sun’s glare. Other than those issues, handling is pretty comfortable.

 

The multitude of buttons on the back, top, and left side of the S3 are reminiscent of those on a DSLR. They are all properly sized and spaced, and, for the most part, are labeled well. Most buttons have two icons next to them because of their dual functionality in the recording and playback modes. A few exceptions exist, however, such as an AE Lock that works by pushing the shutter release halfway then pushing the ISO button, which is not labeled for such a function.  The movie recording button is also not labeled; it is a chrome button marked with a red dot in its center.

 

The buttons on the back of the camera are within reach of the right thumb, but the Set button below the multi-selector is a little tough to get used to. Usually that button is located in the center of the multi-selector and makes pushing for selections simpler than moving the whole thumb down to select, then up again to scroll some more. The buttons on the left side of the lens barrel make quick shooting changes difficult. To activate the manual focus and macro modes, users have to turn the whole camera to push the buttons. The Canon PowerShot S3 IS’s control interface has its pros and cons. Its large mode dial, about the size of a quarter, has grooved edges which make it comfortable to turn and large, easy-to-see icons. The shutter release button is also very large and comfortable. For users who don’t want to enter the menu system often, there are plenty of designated buttons to switch shooting settings. A Function menu button also accesses more frequently used settings like white balance and image size, and a Shortcut button can also be set as one-touch button for an option of the user’s choice. Cons include the out-of-reach buttons on the lens barrel, the misplaced Set button, a few unlabeled features, and a power switch that requires too much energy to turn.

The menu system is split so that frequently used shooting settings are located in the Function menu, which puts all the settings on the screen at once, and the rest are crammed into a lengthy standard menu system. The Function menu shows up with settings listed vertically on the left side of the screen and options listed horizontally across the bottom. All of the icons and text are white atop a gray shadow that overlays the live view; there is still plenty of room to see the view. The Function menu has the following options.

 

 

Many Canon digital cameras use this split menu setup. Pushing the Menu button brings up the regular system, which holds the bulk of the camera’s settings. In the recording menu, there are three folder-type tabs across the top of the screen: the red tab with the camera is for the shooting settings, the yellow tab with the wrench is for the setup menu, and the purple tab with the portrait icon is for custom settings. The menu below is the first red tab; because the menu options change from mode to mode, these are the options from the manual mode, which offers the most variety.

 

 

The central setup menu is as follows, and can be found in recording and playback modes.

 

 

The custom settings menu has a purple tab with an icon of a person on it. This menu is quite noisy if the camera isn’t muted; it offers all kinds of different sounds for different functions. The custom settings are a good fit for animal lovers who appreciate dogs howling and birds chirping, but aren’t exactly what most users have in mind.

 

 

In the playback menu, there are four tabs that include the same setup and custom tabs as before. The first tab in the playback menu is light blue and has all of the standard options, shown below.

 

 

The second tab in the playback menu is dark blue and contains the printing options.

 

 

Overall, the menu system is simple to navigate with the multi-selector – which is good because there is so much material. The only drawback is that the selection button is located below the multi-selector instead of centered in it, so users have to move their thumbs down to select an option and then move back up to scroll some more. The menus are organized into folders with color-coded tabs, but each tab contains a massive number of settings. Users won’t venture into the menu system often, though, especially with the Function menu that keeps frequently used settings at the ready.

 

The Canon PowerShot S3 IS has so many designated buttons on the camera body that it really looks difficult to use. Looks can be deceiving, though, and subtle features make the S3 easy to use. A Shortcut button accesses a shooting setting – customized by the user, of course – with one touch. The Function menu keeps frequently used settings in easy reach. The Jump button helps to scroll through lots of pictures in playback. This camera will be easy to use for someone who has had a digital camera, but will be completely beyond someone with no previous photography experience.