Latest - Canon PowerShot S3 IS review by Tech Tree (added 22 June ’07)
Features Include:
- 6.0 megapixel
- 12x optical zoom lens
- IS (optical image stabilization)
- 20 shooting modes
- high ISO of 800
- 2 inch LCD
Our Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, owners manual, videos, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique review conclusion thermometer, and sample photos.
| Latest Review Update - 22.06.07
Reviews
| Tech Tree |  |
| TrustedReviews |  |
| PhotographyReview | |
| Megapixel | |
| DCMag | |
| PCWorld |  |
| Digital Camera Shopper Mag | |
| Think Camera | |
| Digital Camera Shopper Mag | |
| Luminous Landscape | |
| Digital Camera World | |
| Pocket-lint | |
| PCMag | |
| Digital Camera Review | |
| Imaging Resource | |
| Digital Camera Info | |
| Cameras.co.uk | |
| Steve’s Digicams | |
| DP Interface | |
| DP Review | |
| Lets Go Digital | |
| CNET Asia | |
| CNET | |
| DC Resource | |
| Photo.net | |
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Tech Tree - 6/22/2007 - has reviewed the Canon Powershot S3 IS and writes - “The Canon PowerShot S3IS is way cheaper than most prosumer cameras in the market.
The S3IS has been in the market for some time now and has been the preferred choice of many amateur photography enthusiasts. Going by whatever we have seen and done with this camera, I say it would be money well spent.”
TrustedReviews - 1/25/2007 - reviews the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and writes, “The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is arguably the best value super-zoom camera currently available. It combines great handling, ultra-fast performance and real photographic versatility with superior image quality and one of the best zoom lenses I’ve seen on a compact. It may look like a bag of spanners, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
PhotographyReview - 11/29/2006 has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and writes - “Earlier this year I actually bought a Canon S3 IS. But after one weekend shooting in the mountains I returned it and bought another camera. Later, I received an S3 IS for this review. I handled it and took it out to the mountains again and began to doubt my earlier decision. Then I downloaded the files and immediately remembered why it didn’t work for my style of shooting.
Most people won’t have any problem with what I consider the S3’s shortcomings. And as always, you should download our Canon S3 IS sample images, look at online galleries, and evaluate the S3 IS based on your own shooting style and subject matter. In my ebook, Take Control of Buying a Digital Camera, I repeatedly stress finding the right photographic tool for your own needs. Particularly in the case of the S3, it pays to know whether your photographic style and vision will be extended, or restricted, by the camera’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Megapixel - 10/9/2006 - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and writes - “In addition to what is clearly good glass, the stabilizer, the other part of the optical system, also stands out. The stabilizer is able to extend the handheld shooting range by a full three f-stops, allowing crisp handheld shots at surprisingly low shutter speeds, or the use of smaller apertures and greater depth of field with well-lit subjects.”
DCMag - 9/30/2006 - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and writes - “Even in fully automatic mode, the S3 IS delivers cracking image quality with a massive zoom thrown in. The viewfinder is a little small but its a fairly small gripe for a great camera. The real strength is the ease with which you can use the semi-automatic and manual features, taking your photography to another level.”
PCWorld - 9/21/2006 - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and writes - “In our lab tests, the S3 IS delivered impressive overall image quality, its best attributes being color and exposure accuracy. The camera’s scores for distortion and sharpness, however, were below average. In my informal shots, the S3 IS generally delivered good results, though I did notice a fair amount of noise in landscape photos taken just after sunset and in close-ups taken during daylight in macro mode.”
Digital Camera Shopper Mag - (July 2006 issue) - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and have awarded the Editor’s Choice Award for Super Zooms. They continue to write - “In the field the S3 IS was a joy to use. Canon’s USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) lens provided very fast and practically silent focusing, which was consistently accurate.”
Think Camera - 8/31/2006 - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and rate it 8 out of 10. They continue to write - “There are similarly-priced digital SLRS that have better performance; pay more and you’ll get better image quality too. But they’ll be bigger and more complicated. The combination of the excellent zoom, good image stabilisation and wide range of features and settings make the PowerShot S3 IS a flexible camera in a surprisingly compact package. That makes it more disappointing that there’s no RAW option (although you can create a custom colour mode).”
Digital Camera Shopper Mag - 8/28/2006 - (July 2006 Issue) has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write - “Even in fully automatic mode, the S3 IS delivers stellar image quality with the added bonus of a huge zoom range, complete with highly effective image stabilization. However, its real strength is the ease with which you can use the semi-automatic and manual features, taking your photography to another level.”
Panasonic FZ7 vs Canon S3 IS vs Sony H5 at Digital Camera Info
Luminous Landscape - 07/25/2006 - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write -
“The Canon S3’s strength lies in its small size and long zoom reach, combined with Image Stabilization. While not a pocket digicam, it is coat pocket size, and therefore quite inconspicuous and portable. The use of AA batteries adds to the versatility, and a very high quality movie mode with a dedicated activation button are icing on the cake. At under US $500 retail this camera is a relative bargain.”
Digital Camera World - 07/25/2006 - magazine July 2006 edition has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write - “If you’re sure it’s super-zoom that you want, rather than an SLR, the S3″s certainly worth a look. The long stabilized lens, fast operation and extensive features are hard to fault, but image quality isn’t perfect and he weak screen and EVF could get frustrating.”
Pocket Lint - 07/24/2006 - has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write -
“Canon’s S3IS has generated lots of interest as even a cursory browse on the Internet will show, and given it’s results and the pricing, the S3 makes a lot of sense for those trading up from a basic digital compact but they don’t want the perceived bulk of a D-SLR. The Canon Powershot S3IS offers a huge specification level, enough resolution for prints up to and over A3 in size, and provides great image quality, overall, so any of you interested in a long zoom and compact digital camera should put the S3IS very near the top of your list.”
Canon PowerShot S3 IS - (6.0 megapixels)
PCMag has reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write -
“In my opinion, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is neck-and-neck with the current budget superzoom EC, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7. But the FZ7 is still about $100 cheaper, keeping it a better choice. That said, the S3 IS is a great all-around compact superzoom.”
Digital Camera Review - 07/09/2006 - test drives the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write - “The best in class S3 IS provides serious photographers with a no-nonsense mix of creative capability, technical versatility, and intuitive usability. Sports, action, and nature photographers will benefit most from the extra reach of the S3’s long zoom and the Image Stabilization system, but serious shooters looking for a digital imaging tool that handles like an SLR and provides all the convenience of a P&S digital camera are also going to love the S3 IS. Earlier this year I did an exhaustive real world test of the Panasonic FZ7 (the S3’s primary competition) and it’s my opinion (based on 30 years experience as a photographer) that the S3 is a better camera, across the board. Some reviewers have touted the S3 as a good choice for both beginners and advanced photographers, but that’s simply not the case. The S3 IS is MUCH MORE camera than the vast majority of casual photographers, snap-shooters, and novice shutterbugs are ever going to need (or use). The differences between the S3 IS and the S2 IS are minor when compared to the similarities, so the substantially cheaper S2 IS may be a better choice for some budget-restricted purchasers.”
Imaging Resource - 07/07/2006 - reviews the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write -
“The long-zoom digital camera market is getting pretty crowded these days, so it takes a lot for a product to really stand out. Despite the stiff competition though, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is indeed a standout product. Building upon the already very popular S2 IS model, the Canon S3 IS shows substantial improvements. At the same time, the excellent image stabilization system has been carried forward, and image quality is very good.”
Digital Camera Info - 06/22/2006 - reviews the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write -
“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.”
Cameras.co.uk - 06/13/2006 - reviews the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and they write -
“If the overall quality of the camera is more important to you then the price you pay then the Canon Powershot S3 IS is an ideal super zoom camera. It is packed with features and the picture quality is top drawer. I really struggled to come up with anything to put me off this camera.”
Steve’s Digicams - 06/12/2006 - reviews the 6 megapixel Canon Powershot S3 IS and indicate the the S3 IS offers a compelling combination of quality and versatility. They continue to write -
” It will please both the beginner and the advanced photographer with its consistently well-exposed and sharp results. The S3 IS presents a worthy alternative for consumer digicam users considering an upgrade to a consumer dSLR. While its image quality, responsiveness and viewfinder quality are not quite up to dSLR standards, the S3’s versatility, especially its movie mode and articulating LCD viewfinder, is unmatched by any dSLR available today. If you have a need for megazoom focal lengths, the S3 IS also represents a terrific value; while dSLR image-stabilized long focal length lenses sell for thousands of dollars, the S3 IS can be had for under $500, image-stabilized zoom lens included.”
DP Interface 06/10/2006 - reviews the 6 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and they write -
“All-in-all, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a great ultra-zoom with very good image quality and some unique features. Well, the Canon S-series ultra-zoom cameras are usually known as hybrid cameras because of their superior movie mode. So, some improvements ought to be made so the S3 IS will really become a bridge between camcorders and digital cameras. “
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p>DP Review - 05/19/2006 -has has an in-depth review of the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS and they write -
“There was a part of me that felt slightly disappointed that the S3 IS was such a minor upgrade, and that the new high ISO mode added so little. But there are some subtle but important improvements, and the S2 IS was a worthy recipient of its Highly Recommended rating. There are cameras out there that offer slightly better image quality (certainly in terms of sharpness), and I’m pretty convinced that the Panasonic image stabilization system is slightly more effective, but taken as a whole there is nothing out there that offers the feature set, handling and sheer fun factor of the S3 IS, and so it still - just - keeps hold of our top rating.”
Lets Go Digital - 05/11/2006 - has reviewed the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS and is particularly suitable for photographers that seek functionality, yet not the costs and size of a digital SLR camera, they go on to write -
“All the positive sides of the PowerShot S2 IS seem to have found their way to its successor. The Canon PowerShot S3 is an exceptionally compact digital camera that is easily carried along. The DIGIC II processor ensures a fast and proper processing of the image information, just as was the case with its predecessor.”
CNET Asia - 05/11/2006 - has reviewed the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS scores it a 7.6 out 10.
“Like its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a formidable prosumer with a 12x optical zoom lens and impressive performance.”
CNET - 05/03/2006 - has a new review of the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS and here’s the reviewers perspective.
“A very well-executed megazoom camera, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS reminds you why dSLRs still have competition for photo enthusiasts’ hearts.”
DC Resource - 04/29/2006 - has a new review of the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS and they write -
“While not exactly an exciting upgrade over its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot S3 is still an excellent ultra zoom camera that earns my recommendation. It offers just about everything you want in a camera, from a big zoom lens to optical image stabilization to manual controls to a fancy movie mode.”
Photo.net - 03/22/2006 - has previewed the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS and they write -
“Canon Powershot S3 IS is quite a bit larger than Canon’s diminutive “SD” series cameras, but it’s still fairly small. It measures 4.46 x 3.07 x 2.97 in.(113.4 x 78.0 x 75.5mm) compared to the Digital Rebel XT’s 4.98 x 3.71 x 2.63 in.(126.5 x 94.2 x 64mm). So it’s smaller (and lighter) than a Digital Rebel XT body - and it has the 36-432mm zoom built in!”
Digital Camera Info - 03/13/2006 - has previewed the 12x optical zoom 6 megapixel Canon PowerShot S3 IS and here’s their verdict.
“The Canon PowerShot S3 IS has a lot of solid functions, but its actual image quality has yet to be tested. Its predecessor, the S2, produced noisy images that didn’t have great colors for a Canon. Still, the S3 has a whole new image sensor. With a 6 megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD that is more sensitive, the Canon S3 has completely revamped and hopefully improved inner workings. This PowerShot has an optical image stabilization system that has been one of the main characteristics of the Canon ultra zoom line since its inception. This image stabilization mode works very well and keeps the bumps out of video and the blur out of still images. With the addition of the new ISO 800 setting, the camera adds an additional layer of blur protection, along with increasing the camera’s low light recording capabilities. The camera body has a 2-inch LCD on the back that folds outward and rotates. The screen solarizes, so it must be rotated frequently, but many people like the camcorder style.”
Canon Announces 12x Optical Zoom PowerShot S3 IS
Sample Pictures
[Sample Photos at Tech Tree]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at Pocket Lint]
[Sample Photos at Imaging Resource]
[Sample Pictures at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Pictures at Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Pictures at DP Interface]
[Sample Pictures at DC Resource]
Spec Sheet
[Canon PowerShot S3 IS Specs at Canon]
Owners Manual
[Canon PowerShot S3 IS Users Manual]
Press Summary
Canon launches improved monster zoom compact
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 21 February, 2006: Canon today announces the release of the 12x optical zoom PowerShot S3 IS. 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″ vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features and an additional Sports mode.
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