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Canon S3 IS
12X optical zoom • optional 4X digital zoom
6mm(W) - 72mm(T) • f/2.7(W) - f/3.5(T)
6 megapixel
(4) AA batteries • SD flash memory card

Like the S1, one of the S3's selling points is the good-sized LCD display which swings out - and flips over, so that those who use a display to frame their shots can use it when holding the camer high overhead or when shooting back over their shoulders. Personally, I almost always prefer the electronic viewfinder, which - like the LCD - also gives a "live view" of the image I'm about to take. Also like the S1, this S3 will spend most of its lifetime set to Manual, although it has the customary range of settings from Auto to an assortment of specialized situational settings.

SuperMacro. Unlike my S1, this model has a very good macro capability, and, by holding the macro button for half a second, it switches to super macro. While the closest shooting distance in macro is a hair less than 4", the subject being shot with super macro can be an amazing ZERO inches from the tip of the lens. If a bug landed on the lens, I could shoot it.

Following are three super macro shots (crops, and reduced in size; click image for full-size direct-from-camera JPG).

Telephoto. The obvious strength of this type of point-and-shoot is its massive telephoto lens. Coupled with its 1/2.5" CCD, the lens gives the film equivalent of 36mm-432mm (according to Canon). Here are some quick examples of the difference between 6mm and 72mm...

Again, those who need to see the full, untouched, direct-from-camera image should click on these thumbnails to launch a new window...

Downtown Ephrata, PA shot through a hotel window. 18mm shot of the middle of town, then zoomed in to 72mm. Click for 1200 X 900 images.

Above: SuperMacro handheld. f/7.1, 1/160 second, 64mm focal length
(Click for 1440 X 900 crop, less than actual size.)

S3 IS at 35,000 feet
Images from an airplane window, enroute from coast to coast. Click thumbnail for 1200x900 version.

The last image taken on approach to San Francisco International.

MY COLORS Test (click image for full-size original)

AUTO (base shot for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S3 IS
2/17/2008 9:06:38 PM
Shooting Mode Auto
My Colors Mode Off
Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/13
Av (Aperture Value) 3.2
Light Metering Evaluative
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed Auto
Focal Length 11.3 mm
IS Mode Shoot Only
Image Size 2816x2112
Image Quality Fine
Flash Off
White Balance Auto
AF Mode Single AF
Parameters:
Contrast Normal
Sharpness +1
Saturation +1

PROGRAM AE, MyColors set to Vivid

Canon PowerShot S3 IS
2/17/2008 9:07:06 PM
Shooting Mode Program AE
My Colors Mode Vivid
Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/10
Av (Aperture Value) 3.2
Light Metering Evaluative
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed Auto
Focal Length 11.3 mm
IS Mode Shoot Only
Image Size 2816x2112
Image Quality Superfine
Flash Off
White Balance Auto
AF Mode Single AF
Parameters:
Contrast Normal
Sharpness +1
Saturation +1

PROGRAM AE, Custom Colors

Canon PowerShot S3 IS
2/17/2008 9:07:40 PM
Shooting Mode Program AE
My Colors Mode Custom
Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/10
Av (Aperture Value) 3.2
Light Metering Evaluative
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed Auto
Focal Length 11.3 mm
IS Mode Shoot Only
Image Size 2816x2112
Image Quality Superfine
Flash Off
White Balance Auto
AF Mode Single AF
Parameters:
Contrast +2
Sharpness +2
Saturation +2

MANUAL SETTINGS (just the way I like 'em)

Canon PowerShot S3 IS
2/17/2008 9:08:41 PM
Shooting Mode Manual
My Colors Mode Custom
Tv (Shutter Speed) 0.5
Av (Aperture Value) 5.0
Light Metering Evaluative
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 11.3 mm
IS Mode Shoot Only
Image Size 2816x2112
Image Quality Superfine
Flash Off
White Balance Auto
AF Mode Single AF
Parameters:
Contrast +2
Sharpness +2
Saturation +2

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