Canon Powershot S3 IS

Connectivity
Software
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS will come with the Canon Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, although the specific version is not known.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs
There is a flimsy rubber door on the right side of the camera that covers the DC in and USB jacks. There is a tiny dent in the top of the door for users to grip, but it is incredibly small and still difficult to pry open. Still, the door snaps in tight and isn’t left hanging. The USB jack is 2.0 high-speed compatible, helping expedite image export to your computer. The A/V out cable connects to the other side beneath a circular rubber door. The video system can be selected to function in PAL or NTSC format from the setup menu.

Direct Print Options
Despite its relatively difficult setup, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS has a Print/Share button on the back that also doubles as a Shortcut button. The printing button has an LED that lights up when connected to a printer. The camera is DPOF version 1.1 compliant and PictBridge compatible as well. The S3 IS can connect to any PictBridge printer, but has certain functions available only with Canon printers. The ID Photo Print and Movie Print functions are only possible with Canon CP and Selphy Compact Photo Printers. Canon also markets the S3 as having a face brightening editing function for backlit subjects, but this is only on the Canon printers too. Users can access a print menu from the playback mode. This is where users can select images and certain quantities for printing.

Battery
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS has the same DIGIC II image processor that the S2 had; this processor claims better power consumption than the original chip. According to Canon, the Canon S3 IS can get 110 shots from alkaline batteries and 550 from the rechargeable set; it takes four AAs to make it work. The battery life is impressive if users purchase the optional NiMH rechargeable batteries and the optional battery charger. The alkaline AAs get sucked dry too quickly though.

Memory
The memory card fits into a slot protected by a door on the right side of the camera. It is a plastic door with a hinge, so it’s much better quality than the port door above it. The Canon S3 takes SD or MMC cards and comes packaged with a tiny 16MB SD card. Since this card will only be able to fit 4 full-resolution shots, users will definitely want to pick up some more memory.