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7.0 out of 10

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

6.0 megapixels

Information found in: from 107 sources in 21 countries

Great Deal: $499.99

  • User Score (718)
    8.6 8.6 from 718 reviewers
  • Expert Score (30)
    8.0 8.0 from 30 reviewers
  • Design (11)
    6.4 6.4 from 11 reviewers
  • Value for money (53)
    7.0 7.0 from 53 reviewers
  • Features (57)
    7.0 7.0 from 57 reviewers
  • Ease of use (108)
    6.7 6.7 from 108 reviewers
  • Performance (3)
    7.1 7.1 from 3 reviewers
  • Picture quality (82)
    6.9 6.9 from 82 reviewers
  • Durability (47)
    6.6 6.6 from 47 reviewers
  • Reliability (3)
    7.7 7.7 from 3 reviewers
  • Overall quality (5)
    6.6 6.6 from 5 reviewers
  • Playability (43)
    7.2 7.2 from 43 reviewers
  • Battery performance (54)
    7.1 7.1 from 54 reviewers
  • Display (12)
    7.9 7.9 from 12 reviewers
  • Photo quality (2)
    7.6 7.6 from 2 reviewers
  • Video quality (16)
    7.9 7.9 from 16 reviewers
  • Equipment (6)
    7.1 7.1 from 6 reviewers
  • Portability (12)
    6.4 6.4 from 12 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(11)
7-8
(16)
5-6
(4)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(424)
7-8
(179)
5-6
(48)
3-4
(27)
1-2
(18)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    14 February 2007

    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. Read more

    • 12x zoom with image stabilization, Useable 4x digital zoom (for 48x scope-like range), Auto Hi and ISO 800 sensitivity settings, Very responsive shutter speed, Fast st...
    • High noise at high sensitivity settings, Rather contrasty default tone curve, Higher than average chromatic aberration at all focal lengths, Fast shutter speeds not av...

  2. Digital Photography Interface

    Digital Photography Interface
    7.2/10
    7 September 2009

    The Canon PowerShot S3 IS took the features of the S2 IS and added a few more, enlarged the LCD and painted the body black. Now this black colored ultra-zoom has 6 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, a rotating 2 inch LCD and some other nice features. I'll start with the nice 12x optical zoom lens with an optical image stabilizer. This USM driven lens allows from precise and silent zooming. Read more

    • Nice 12x zoom lens with optical image stabilization, Excellent battery life, Very good LCD/EVF visibility, Full manual controls with many accessories, Unlimited, fast ...
    • Expensive - 6MP ultra-zooms cost less and $499 is for 7MP ultra-zooms; cost of getting rechargeable batteries and large memory card adds on to the already expensive pr...

  3. DP Review

    DP Review
    9 March 2007

    Powershot S3 IS vs S2 IS; what's changed? Aside from the move to the new 1/2.5" 6 megapixel sensor and a larger screen the S3 IS is, as mentioned above, a pretty minor upgrade. The most immediately obvious difference is the color; very dark gunmetal as opposed to shiny silver. Sat next to the S2 IS the new camera looks a lot more serious, and is a lot more inconspicuous when you're out shooting. Read more

    • Good resolution, Good color, good exposure, generally accurate focus, 12x zoom offers excellent 36-432mm range, Image stabilization works well (and can be used in movi...

  4. PC World

    PC World
    8.0/10
    21 September 2006

    Many control buttons, a Read more

    • Swiveling LCD, many control buttons, 12X optical zoom, image stabilization
    • Low battery life

  5. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    9 July 2006

    The new Canon Powershot S3 IS is the successor to Canon's best selling Powershot S1 IS and S2 IS digital cameras. The S2 IS was last year's most popular ultra-zoom digital camera because its 12X image-stabilized USM zoom, excellent movie mode, compact SLR style body, and full manual controls nicely met the needs and expectations of the savvy consumers who make up the rapidly expanding prosumer digital camera market niche. Read more

  6. Steve's Digicams

    Steve's Digicams
    12 June 2006

    Continue on to Page Two Powershot S3 IS Specifications Camera Effective Pixels Approx. 6.0 million Image Sensor 1/2.5-inch type CCD (Total number of pixels: Approx 6.2 million) Lens Canon 12x optical zoom with optical image stabilization 6.0 (W) - 72.0 (T) mm (35 mm film equivalent: 36 - 432 mm) f/2.7 (W) - f/3.5 (T) maximum aperture Digital Zoom Approx. 4.0x (Up to approx. Read more

  7. DigitalCameraInfo.com

    DigitalCameraInfo.com
    13 March 2006

    - Super macro - Good flash coverage and options - Image stabilization system - Frequently used scenes on dial - Nice 12x zoom lens with USM Dislikes - Poor viewfinder resolution - Heavy barrel distortion at extreme focal lengths - LCD solarizes easily - Only 16MB card included Conclusion The Canon PowerShot S3 IS has a lot of solid functions, but its actual image quality has yet to be tested. Read more

  8. CNET

    CNET
    7.0/10
    3 May 2006

    A very well-executed megazoom camera, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS reminds you why dSLRs still have competition for photo enthusiasts' hearts. Read more

    • Fast and responsive; comfortable design; decent movie capture; flip and twist LCD; fast, high-quality lens with effective optical image stabilization.
    • Tiny LCD; lacks raw support; faux wide-screen capture.

  9. TechRadar UK

    TechRadar UK
    10/10
    9 February 2007

    Tonal separation, overall contrast and sharpness were equally excellent, while noise levels were nice and low, although noise did start to creep in at ISO200 and above. In short, the new S3 IS is a delight. Read more

    • Build quality and design are very good, Logical and intuitive menu and control system, Fun, Excellent optical image stabiliser
    • Viewfinder is a little small

  • User Reviews

  1. Decent 'medium' quality camera

    Amazon
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Brenda K Longacre, Amazon
    4 weeks ago

    I've had this camera for...oh about four years, going on five now. While I have the typical "lens error" and have for about a year now, I must say this camera is worth its weight in gold. There's a 'set custom white balance' setting that has saved my hide numerous times when its preset lighting options were far off. It's a bit weak in indoor shooting, the flash often washes out subjects but it's quite decent outside or with natural lighting. Read more

  2. Canon Powershot S3 IS

    10/10
    Reviewer: Chuckasaurus, pcworld.com
    3 weeks ago

    I'm not a professional photographer, and I don't know that much about digital cameras as this is only my third one. But so far, this camera has worked flawlessly, and taken beautiful pictures and outstanding video clips that were in full stereo.I have no complaints with this camera, and can only praise how well it works, and how nice the many features are. If your not too sure about whether or not to get this camera, I would say to just get it. Read more

    • Ease of use....quick start up....quality pictures....quality video.
    • None

  3. **updated twice*** Great Digital Camera - excellent features, incredible movie mode

    8.0/10
    Reviewer: t_o_n_y, epinions.com
    3 weeks ago

    **** July 12,2007 update ***** We've had this camera for 9 months now, and we're still awe at the mo Read more

    • Quality movie mode during which photos can be taken, multi-featured, great software, great Zoom
    • Lens quality less than others, movies take lot of storage space, whining issue

  4. "Awesome Camera for 18 months then unusable"

    CNET
    5.0/10
    Reviewer: kellywren, CNET
    27 July 2011

    An awesome camera for at least 18 months of use. Has made me weary of the Canon brand. But I do miss this camera. Read more

    • The best point and shoot I've ever owned. Rave reviews and award winning photos from this camera. Zoom is great. Even though only 6 mp the pictures are so sharp and cl...
    • Only con- Mechanical lens freezes up after about 18 months of use. (This is the second one I've had. The first one -an S2 IS- lens froze in the extended position rende...

  5. great camera canon S3is thanks Mr Canon!!

    Ebay
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: ggcaster, Ebay
    21 May 2011 See Product at eBay ($499.99)

    very good camera simple to use , great color gestion , maybe the control AF can be better?!I have before one Lumix FZ5 it was not one bad camera but it was difficult to have a true colors, with the canon without reglages you can shot with trust!! Read more or see product

  6. LetsGoDigital

    9.8/10
    Reviewer: George - United States, LetsGoDigital
    22 November 2011

    The only thing I can complain about are the lack of a bulb setting and a "weak" strobe light, everything else seems great! Having used an S2 IS for a week prior, one upgrade I really appreciate is the S3's showing a large picture of the mode you select, then it shrinks and moves it up to the corner as not block your view. Excellant for not needing to move the camera body to see what mode you've selected. Read more

  7. Cannon Camera / Pls don't use Sony in same Context

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: Trial & Error, Newegg
    24 October 2007

    That IDIOT that said that he preferred a sony. I think his name was N/A. Well that about says it all!!! EVERYONE who knows cameras knows that Sony digital still cameras SUCK!!!. The WORST photos i have ever dreamed....... So please take that propaganda somewhere else. Perhaps back to you marketing dept. I am very admte about this as i have spent money on a few sony cameras, and, not only do they NOT HOLD A CANDLE to Cannon, they shoot the worst photos you have ever seen. Read more

    • I just want to say that Cannon may have made some sorry printers in the day, but their digital cameras are the shizzATTT.
    • Not sure. Idont own this one yet. Nor have i spent more that 180 on a camera. I always get 1-2 years use at least under EXTREME abuse situations with Cannon. For insta...

  8. A nice camera for the money

    ReviewView
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: Afri, ReviewView
    22 January 2008

    Its a nice camera but its a bit much. It was easy to use and understand everything. It has auto flash with red-eye reduction which is nice to have. It was dropped a time or two and only got a few scratches but still worked. Read more

    • Size of screen and color
    • Cost to much

  9. I LOVE my camera!!

    review.mysears.com
    10/10
    Reviewer: uptown, mysears.com
    11 August 2008

    Having boys who are quite active in dirt bike riding, I needed a camera that could take good action shots. I am so happy with this camera, it's easy to use, and it takes great photos. Other cameras would take pictures of the dirt and dust that was left behind a speeding bike, now I get perfect pictures!! Read more

  10. Great camera!

    pcRUSH.com
    10/10
    Reviewer: avi8cor, pcRUSH.com
    5 November 2006

    Comments about Canon PowerShot S3 IS: I love my camera, it takes a really good picture even though I'm quite novice. I haven't explored all of it yet and I don't quite understand everything but I love that it has all kinds of options. Read more

    • Great Resolution, Nice Features and Settings, Rugged, Simple Controls
    • Not Good In Low Light, Res. poor at high ISO

  • WikiFreak Description

The Canon Power Shot S3 IS, introduced in 1996, is the upgraded version of the extremely popular Power Shot S2 ultra zoom digital camera, with 12x zoom and optical image stabilization. In the movie mode, the camera can record at 640x480 pixels and thirty frames per second with zoom. The audio mode supports stereo recording. The S3 model comes bundled with software for user friendly picture editing and movie clip editing functions. The software also allows remote control of the camera when connected throu…

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Edit

The Canon Power Shot S3 IS, introduced in 1996, is the upgraded version of the extremely popular Power Shot S2 ultra zoom digital camera, with 12x zoom and optical image stabilization. In the movie mode, the camera can record at 640x480 pixels and thirty frames per second with zoom. The audio mode supports stereo recording. The S3 model comes bundled with software for user friendly picture editing and movie clip editing functions. The software also allows remote control of the camera when connected through an USB port. All camera functions can be controlled and images can be directly stored on the computer. According to Image Resourcing, the S3 IS model will be popular with a wide range of users. Experienced photographers will like the Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority models.

New and amateur users will appreciate the Program AE and scene models as welcome options for taking photographs. Its picture quality is excellent. Image Resourcing rates this as a very good camera for its price range. The Digital camera review highlights the similarity between the S3 and S2 models. This review terms S2 as a revolutionary model and S3 as a model with minor improvements. According to this review, the camera is best for use in movie mode and the only limiting factor is the file size restrictions due to its memory card size. The Neocamera review identifies the movie mode and the stereo sound recording equipped with wind filter for quality sound as the biggest selling point for the camera. On the downside, it is felt that the camera generally produces soft images and suffers from loss of details starting from ISO 200. The review also points out that the view finder quality needs improvement and has low visibility at bright light

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  • Manufacturer's Description

The sleek PowerShot S3 IS digital camera offers you high resolution, an extra-long zoom, advanced yet easy-to-use movie functions plus great new shooting options. Also, with Image Stabilizer technology, images and movies taken with the S3 IS are sharp and smooth, even when the camera gets jostled. It’s everything you need to capture the fun, excitement and beauty of your active life - wherever it takes you!

  • Windows XP compatible
  • Mac compatible
  • UA Lens
  • 16:9 Wid…

Specifications

  • Format
    Compact
  • Release Status
    Discontinued
  • Max resolution
    2816 x 2112
  • Low resolution
    2272 x 1704, 2816 x 1584, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
  • Image ratio w:h
    4:3, 16:9
  • Effective pixels
    6.0 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    6.2 million
  • Sensor size
    1/2.5 " (5.75 x 4.31 mm, 0.24 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    24 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    CCD

Release Date

  • First seen
    18 April 2006

Ask the community

Need more advice? Ask the community a question.

Questions asked: 5 Answers: 3

Previous questions about this product

  • can we use the sanyo eleloop 2000mA batteries for this camera?

    can we use the sanyo eleloop 2000mA batteries for this camera?

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2009-06-12

  • HELP! need video asistence with canon powershot 23 is

    ello people i have a proplem wiht this camra i have purchets a larger memmory card for this camara (the one that came with it can only do aobut 10 min of video) however once i got it in to a editing procram everyting hit the fan 1. wen trying to finilice the work progect it wasnt compatable wiht wmp(windows media player for u pplz new at this :P) Maby just crappy softwhere... but then it took 10 yes 10 hours to export the viedo... im running a xps laptop wiht a dule core prosserser and a media upgrade.(this should be quick work) 2. when i upen up the pictures file now (where the vidos are stored) the windows EXPLORER CRASHES yes like the stinking "my pictures" file. is this just a crappy eding program causing this or the camra and need to look for a more long time fix. ne advice is helpful ty

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2008-11-28

  • How to shoot pix in 4inx6in?

    We really like this camera. Had for 2 plus years. But -- How do you set it to shoot pictures in 4x6 mode? When we download our pictures the are huge!!! 10 inches by 16 inches. We have to go thru the time consuming process of resizing each picture. There must be a way around this. We just got back from vacation and have 900 pictures to work through.

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2008-10-04

  • Which are the best settings to use on my Canon S3 IS for ligh...

    Which are the best settings to use on my Canon S3 IS for lightning photos

    Answered by KristoferB 2008-09-04:

    Slower shutter speed for better quality night shots, but how slow depends on how dark it is, and your camera, so trial and error is the best

    Answered by KristoferB 2008-09-04:

    ISO to about 100 or 200, the apeture to somewhere around

  • What settings should I set the camera to get the clearest, sh...

    What settings should I set the camera to get the clearest, sharpest pics at 4x6 and 5x7 size

    Answered by KristoferB 2008-09-04:

    it all depends on what you are taking pictures of and the lighting conditions, I really can't answer that question, you'll have to just try and

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