Welcome to Photo.net: A Community of Photographers

Home > Equipment > Canon > Canon Powershot S3 IS

Canon Powershot S3 IS

by Bob Atkins

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!

Like the S2, the S3 IS takes easily obtainable AA batteries (4). Not supplied with the camera, but recommended, are NiMH rechagables which Canon estimate should proved about 550 shots per charge.

As with most small sensor cameras, noise levels of the Canon Powershot S3 IS will be higher than those seen with DSLRs of the same pixel count, but even so, if it follows the trend of similar cameras, ISO 400 will be pretty good and ISO 800 should be usable. Actual noise levels won't be known until a production model becomes available for testing.

Given that the street price should be under $500, the Canon Powershot S3 IS certainly represents a very capable alternative to a DSLR for photographers who don't want to bother with changing lenses and issues of dust on sensors and who don't need low noise images at high ISO settings (ISO 1600-3200). It should certainly be capable of producing very good 8x10 prints and even at 11x14 the print quality should please many users.

The S3 IS has a "widescreen" mode with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is really just a crop of the full size image (2,816 x 2,112) to give a 2,816 x 1,584 (Widescreen) shot, but may be convenient for those intending to display images on a widescreen TV or monitor.

In addition to normal still imaging, the Canon Powershot S3 IS can shoot 640x480 resolution video at 30 frames/sec, plus record stereo sound - and can take 6MP still images while simultaneously recording in video mode! There's also a 320x240 mode which can shoot at 15, 30 or 60fps. A 512MB SD card can store about 23 minutes of the lowest quality video or about 4 minutes of the highest quality video.

Several full size sample images from the S3 IS can be downloaded from Canon's website

Here's Canon's press release on the Powershot S3 IS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006?The family-oriented Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a feature-packed six-megapixel hybrid digital camera that is equally at home with photo enthusiasts and digital diehards as it is in the hands of the point-and-shoot "where do I press?" set. Remarkably, whether engaged in VGA quality videography at 30 frames per second (fps) with stereo sound recording, high-resolution still photography, or capturing both at the same time, this affordable and adaptable camera remains the ultimate example of "easy to use."

The successor to the five megapixel PowerShot S2 IS digital camera, the PowerShot S3 IS enhancements begin with Canon's newly designed six-megapixel image sensor that together with Canon's proprietary DIGIC II image processor dramatically reduces "noise" for better image quality and achieves ISO equivalent speed ratings ranging from 80 to 800. This increased sensitivity allows the use of faster shutter speeds, thereby reducing the effects of camera shake and subject blur during hand-held photography in low light.

Adding to that unshakeable quality is the PowerShot S3 IS digital camera's shift-type optical image stabilization system. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon based its Lens Shift type of Image Stabilizer system on the advancements in the development and refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses.

This Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent. It is essential when engaging the camera's retractable 12x optical zoom lens because the extension of a long lens magnifies camera shake in direct proportion with the amount of lens magnification employed. (For those seeking still greater optical capabilities, Canon offers an optional 1.5x Tele Converter, a 0.75x Wide Converter and a high-quality dual element Close-Up Lens).

The PowerShot S3 IS digital camera's 12x zoom lens has an equivalent film focal length of 36-432 mm (f/2.7 at wide angle and f/3.5 at telephoto). Despite the extraordinary range of the zoom lens, it retracts securely into the camera when it is powered down. The optical zoom can be augmented by the camera's 4x digital zoom raising the maximum (35mm equivalent) focal length to that of a 1728mm lens. What's more, this UD lens features a high-speed silent zoom function powered by a micro motor USM drive, increasing ease of quiet, non-intrusive image capture. For extreme close-ups, the camera's macro and super macro mode permit shooting a subject as close as zero inches from the end of the lens barrel.

Movie Mode
In addition to recording in high-quality VGA (640 x 480 pixels) movie mode at 30 fps, the user can increase the frame speed to 60 fps in QVGA (320 x 240) movie mode. Similarly, the camera also features a QVGA 320 x 240-pixel setting with a choice of 30 or 15 fps. Continuous movie recording is possible up to a maximum file size of 1GB or 60 minutes, whichever comes first, (depending on the capacity of the user's memory card and its data write speed). What's more, regardless of the mode dial position or even whether the camera is in capture or playback mode, the PowerShot S3 IS camera automatically starts and stops recording movies with the simple press of a button on the camera back.

MovieSnap
Newly enhanced for the PowerShot S3 IS digital camera thanks to the model's new six megapixel image sensor, MovieSnap enables the user to capture high-resolution six megapixel still images while recording movies, ensuring that memories of milestones are preserved for video view as well as for picture frames, photo albums and e-mail sharing.

True to its hybrid nature, the PowerShot S3 IS camera's larger 2.0 inch Vari-Angle LCD screen swings out (as is common on video cameras) permitting the user to compose shots including self-portraits without having to twist and maneuver into uncomfortable positions.

New Features and Special Effects
Canon's PowerShot S3 IS camera features a Sports Mode that allows users to select high shutter speeds and the camera automatically selects the appropriate aperture for capturing beautiful action shots. The camera also includes a new widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution setting that facilitates creating panoramic-style prints.

Canon Powershot S3 IS Specifications


Sensor size 1/2.5" 6MP CCD
Resolutions 2816 x 2112, 2,816 x 1,584, 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
ISO ratings Auto, 80 ,100, 200, 400, 800
Zoom 36 mm - 432mm/2.7-3.5 (35mm Equiv) optical, plus 4x digital zoom
Image stabilization Yes
Manual Focus option Yes
Normal focus range Infinity - 50 cm
Macro focus range 10/0 cm
White balance 6 positions & manual preset
Shutter 15 sec - 1/3200s
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off
Exposure compensation -2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Metering Evaluative, Center Weighted, Spot
Aperture priority Yes
Shutter priority Yes
Continuous Drive Yes, 1.5 fps / 2.3 fps
Movie Clips Yes, 640 x 480, 15/30 fps or 320x240, 15/30/60 fps, with stereo audio
Self-timer 2 or 10 sec or custom
Time-lapse recording Yes
Orientation sensor Yes
Storage types SD/MMC card
Compressed format JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Quality Levels Super-Fine, Fine, Normal
Viewfinder EVF
LCD 2.0 " (flip-out & twist) 115,000 pixels
Video out Yes
USB Yes, 2.0
Batteries AA (4) batteries (NiMH recommended)
Weight (inc. batteries) 510 g (18 oz)
Dimensions 113 x 78 x 76 mm (4.5 x 3.1 x 3 in)

Pricing and Availability
Canon's new PowerShot S3 IS digital camera will be available in May for an estimated selling price of $499.99.

Readers' Comments


Add a comment



Olivier GALLEN , April 07, 2006; 09:14 P.M.

The Sony 6MP 1/2.5" seems very efficient. It is the same as in the Canon 800IS and, as you can see there, 400 ISO is quite good and even 800 ISO can be cleaned very well. Canon may have a real winner, here...
(and Fuji may have lost the crown regarding noise)

Seven Stuartson , April 08, 2006; 12:32 A.M.

I bought the Canon A540 recently, also a 6MP, 1/2.5" sensor. If it's the same sensor, don't expect much from the higher ISO settings. 800 is terrible even with the Ninja; 400 isn't much better. There's only so much time I'm prepared to spend getting rid of sensor noise. I doubt I'll be using the camera much, except at iso 80 where it is reliable and doesn't create too much post-processing work.

I expected better from Canon.

Robert K , April 09, 2006; 08:21 A.M.

How does this camera compare against similar models (current or aniticipated) from other manufacturers?

Roger Smith , April 12, 2006; 02:36 P.M.

Oliver, do you really think this mush: http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/parts/image_for_link/48340-3558-14-2.html takes the crown away from the Fuji F10 for high-iso capture?

Olivier GALLEN , April 12, 2006; 07:12 P.M.

Yes, because I focus on Sensor Technology... not on photosite size (Fuji 1/1.7" vs Sony 1/2.5" => 0.8IL), nor on ISO accuracy (Fuji being more optimistic than Canon => >0.2IL) nor on Noise Blurring.
=> One should compare Fuji 1600 ISO vs Canon 800 ISO to get an idea of the Technology. I also prefer less Noise Reduction in order to optimize the post-processing myself.

Can you get this from a Fuji F10 at 1600 ISO ?

(Cleaned from a 800 ISO Canon 800 IS)

Olivier GALLEN , April 14, 2006; 03:38 A.M.

For reference, here is the Fuji F11 1600 ISO image. The high frequency noise has been removed, but small details have been lost as well and some artefacts are present...
The main difference really comes from Fuji's strong NR vs Canon light & conservative NR (ie: whether you want immediate pleasing results OR better quality with post-processing). I MUCH prefer having control and better quality for keepers with a bit of work.

Roger Smith , April 14, 2006; 05:31 P.M.

It seems you are saying the Fuji's 1600 is equivalent to the Canon's 800 in sensitivity, which may be true. I tried to compare these images side by side but they were not shot under the same lighting conditions (the background and chart is much darker in one than the other). I wouldn't find either acceptable but if the camera is capable of RAW output (the Fuji is not), I agree I'd rather do the NR myself.

Bruce Neufeld , April 22, 2006; 09:00 A.M.

Maybe P&S isn't the right camera for you...

Seven Stuartson Photo.net Patron, April 08, 2006; 12:32 A.M.

I bought the Canon A540 recently, also a 6MP, 1/2.5" sensor. If it's the same sensor, don't expect much from the higher ISO settings. 800 is terrible even with the Ninja; 400 isn't much better. There's only so much time I'm prepared to spend getting rid of sensor noise. I doubt I'll be using the camera much, except at iso 80 where it is reliable and doesn't create too much post-processing work.

I expected better from Canon.

Well, I guess you need to use a DSLR. The DRebel line seems a good fit for the budget conscious...

Bruce

http://neufeldphoto.com/

Peter Mead , May 15, 2006; 07:13 P.M.

Recommend that you put the date written at the top of all your articles. Technology moves fast.

Umapathy C , June 29, 2006; 01:17 A.M.

Does anyone own a S3IS, i am planning for an upgrade. i just want to know wether it is worthy. The pain i have with my S2IS is the noise. in most of the other areas i am quiet convinced with this series. be it color, startup time, continious shooting, it preforms decently. battery life, i think it is one of the best in the catagory. and that too with 4AA cells. i remember clicking around 300 snaps in a go. video - the best that my money had ever bought.

But noise, makes me throw the camera in spite of all the goodness it has... is it been fixed with S3. if anyone can help me out, i will go for it.

John Andrews , August 17, 2006; 08:34 P.M.

I now use a S3 as a backup to my D300 and the thing I thought was most disturbing was the noise level. 400 is barely usable 800 is a waste of time. With that said in it's class (mega zoom Point and shoot) it is worth the money. good crisp images in good light and very flexible to use. I am spoiled after using the DSLR (d300 and 20D) but as a quick and flexible backup with a long lens it fits the bill and is not to expensive. For those that would like a better grade of picture look on ebay or where ever for a used D300 and a couple of lenses for about the same money as a new S3. The larger imager and the ease of framing and handleing are worth the investment. Oh as a side note the S3 is a better camcorder than most point and shoots I have had more fun takeing movies than shooting frames 640X480 stero sound and a 12x zoom

Image Attachment: IMG_0487.jpg


Add a comment