Canon S3

[SplshMtn99]

I read on another site where someone with the same issue took the strap and put it across the lens then placed the cap on-Just be sure the little metal clip is not over the lens, so it won't get scratched. I tried it and have been using this method for a while - it does hold it tight - so tight that if you don't take it off before kicking the camera into shoot mode, the lens makes a terrible sound and doesn't extend! soooo - always check it before you start to shoot!! don't want to burn that motor up!!! It would be nice if it were a tad bit tighter, maybe the new S3 will have it fixed!

Took me a minute to figure out what you meant, but I get it now. That is a neat trick. Thanks.

And yes, I had bought something called an Olycap for my Olympus, & after forgetting to open the little hinged door a couple of times, it makes a bad noise sometimes. Won't go that route again.

 

[wvjovifan]

I just cut a thin strip of moleskin and lined the inside of the lens cap on my S2. You only need about a 2 inch X maybe 1/8 inch strip. Works like a charm. Someone had posted that awhile back on here. Make sure you take the cap off before turning on your camera!

 

[makinorlando]

I always use a lens adapter tube on my S2 to protect the lens, so I bought a $5 lens cover that snaps on to the tube. With the S2/S3 if something happens to the lens the camera is pretty much history. I was advised when I purchased the camera to always us the adapter tube when I am using the camera. I leave it on all the time.



http://f3c.yahoofs.com/auc/Q7HDejRJ...-s1_20is_20adapter300pix.jpg?auAmqsLBikEU5EZ2

 

[Jeanne B]

I always use a lens adapter tube on my S2 to protect the lens, so I bought a $5 lens cover that snaps on to the tube. With the S2/S3 if something happens to the lens the camera is pretty much history. I was advised when I purchased the camera to always us the adapter tube when I am using the camera. I leave it on all the time.

I do the same and I purchased the adapter from www.lensmateonline.com

 

[ukcatfan]

I always use a lens adapter tube on my S2 to protect the lens, so I bought a $5 lens cover that snaps on to the tube. With the S2/S3 if something happens to the lens the camera is pretty much history. I was advised when I purchased the camera to always us the adapter tube when I am using the camera. I leave it on all the time.

I second this. It is a great way to protect your investment. I have one on my S1. It makes it a little larger to store, but it is worth it in my opinion. If you are going to do this, go ahead and get a UV filter to protect the lens from scratches. A polarizer is also a good filter to have. You can get the same effect as almost all other filters from your software. You can also attach a hood with the adapter if desired.

There are telephoto and wide angle adapters available, but at that extra cost, why not go ahead and get a DSLR and get much better results.

Note: The S3 uses a different filter size than the S1 and S2, if I remember correctly. I believe it is a 58mm so filters will likely cost a little more than the 52mm.

Kevin

 

[Jeanne B]

Note: The S3 uses a different filter size than the S1 and S2, if I remember correctly. I believe it is a 58mm so filters will likely cost a little more than the 52mm.

I have the S3 and I have the 52mm adapter and filters, you have the option on lensmate to get either the 52mm or 58mm adapter.

 

[ukcatfan]

I have the S3 and I have the 52mm adapter and filters, you have the option on lensmate to get either the 52mm or 58mm adapter.

Have you experienced any vignetting? I beleive on the DPreview boards people were reporting that it was a problem with the 52mm version and that some people were returning them for the 58mm. It has been a long time since I read that, so my memory is hazy. Some people over on those boards go a little extreme though if you ask me. I would guess that if you are only using the tube and possibly one filter at a time that it would not be a problem. I can see where the 58mm gives more flexibility when more than one filter is used.

Kevin

 

[makinorlando]

I second this. It is a great way to protect your investment. I have one on my S1. It makes it a little larger to store, but it is worth it in my opinion. If you are going to do this, go ahead and get a UV filter to protect the lens from scratches. A polarizer is also a good filter to have. You can get the same effect as almost all other filters from your software. You can also attach a hood with the adapter if desired.

There are telephoto and wide angle adapters available, but at that extra cost, why not go ahead and get a DSLR and get much better results.

Note: The S3 uses a different filter size than the S1 and S2, if I remember correctly. I believe it is a 58mm so filters will likely cost a little more than the 52mm.

Kevin

I have them all the filters, the hood and the the telephoto and wide angle converters - I have not used them too much - I did use the wide angle at the beach this weekend, and for a few other things. I find at Disney I don't want to be bothered and have not really had the need for the telephoto with the zoom on the S2!

I will eventually be investing in a DSLR, but for now I love my S2!

 

[Jeanne B]

Have you experienced any vignetting? I beleive on the DPreview boards people were reporting that it was a problem with the 52mm version and that some people were returning them for the 58mm. It has been a long time since I read that, so my memory is hazy. Some people over on those boards go a little extreme though if you ask me. I would guess that if you are only using the tube and possibly one filter at a time that it would not be a problem. I can see where the 58mm gives more flexibility when more than one filter is used.

Kevin

I haven't noticed any vignetting but I'm just an amateur so some of the dpreview folks who are much more advanced than I am might see vignetting that I wouldn't even notice.

 

[motherbear]

I just bought the Cannon S3IS and it came today!!!! I ordered from Butterfly photo and got a good deal. The salesman called after I placed my online order and suggested a fast memory card and the 3 pc. filter set. I can't seem to be able to attach the filters to my camera. Do I need a lens adapter? I'm surprised that the salesman didn't suggest or tell me I needed this in order to use theses filters. I see the link above for the lensmate, if I do need an adapter is this what you suggest? I'm real excited about this camera!!!!!

 

[ukcatfan]

I just bought the Cannon S3IS and it came today!!!! I ordered from Butterfly photo and got a good deal. The salesman called after I placed my online order and suggested a fast memory card and the 3 pc. filter set. I can't seem to be able to attach the filters to my camera. Do I need a lens adapter? I'm surprised that the salesman didn't suggest or tell me I needed this in order to use theses filters. I see the link above for the lensmate, if I do need an adapter is this what you suggest? I'm real excited about this camera!!!!!

That is a very nice choice in cameras. I am sure that you will enjoy it. I really do not want to take the wind out of your sails on your excitement of your new camera, but I must share something. Unfortunately, I have heard that Butterfly has gone downhill in quality and honesty. They used to be one of the good guys. They now use high pressure sales tactics and hope that you do not know what they are doing. They knew that the filters needed an adapter. They wanted your money. You may have been lucky, but I would imagine that you paid a price higher than retail. You did not say if you bought the card. The typical prices for SD memory right now are $10-15 on 512MB, $20-25 on 1GB, and $35-45 on 2GB. Newegg.com usually has good prices on memory and are very honest. If Butterfly charged you too much, I would call and give them a piece of your mind. The Lensmate is not the only brand of adapter, but it is often regarded as the best. One is needed for the filters to work. You will also need a new lens cap.

Kevin

 

[motherbear]

Thanks Kevin....I have been very gullible I guess. I did buy the 1G faster memory card for 49.95. I thought looking at best buy they were more so it sounded good. I was also at work when they called so I was in a hurry. I can't do anything, except complain which I will do, but I 'm just thankful my camera looks great and doesn't seem to have any problems so far. I guess I will be buying a lens adapter. The filters I bought are 58 mm so I will check for one to fit this. Is the above web site, lensmate a good and reliable place to order a lens adapter from? I'm just a Mom not a professional that wants to take great pictures of my kids. I'm still very excited about my camera, wish I could stay home from work and play with it all day!!HA!! I should have asked questions before I ordered instead of just reading !!!

 

[ukcatfan]

Lensmate is reliable and reputable. Let me share a website with you that rates online stores. http://www.resellerratings.com/
Butterfly used to have a good rating a couple of years back. It is not so hot these days. http://www.resellerratings.com/seller4576.html

Kevin

 

[budbeerlady]

Hi, I am wondering how many pics the memory card that comes standard will hold? Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

Unfortunately, as with all cameras these days, almost none. Check out Newegg.com. They usually have really good deals on memory. You should set a spending limit and get at least two cards for your money. That way you always have a spare in case one fails while you are out. You especially do not want to get stuck paying WDW prices on memory. We are talking $10 for a 512MB at Newegg compared to something like $75-100 for the magical price.

Kevin

 

[whogirl'smom]

We bought an S2 before our trip this fall, and it only holds about 20-30 pics without a memory card. We got a 2G card at Circuit city for $80 so the website above sounds like a good deal to check into!

 

[ukcatfan]

I just bought a 1GB 60x SD card from them for $17 before shipping and it has a $10 rebate. I was buying a few other things, so its price after shipping was really close to $19 for me. They do not charge the shipping amount shown for each item. It will go up a little for each one, but not that much. Check your cart to see what the shipping will be in total if you are getting more than one item. They are very highly rated and very reputable. Also, the minumum shipping option is three day, so you get your stuff fast.

Kevin

 

[Servants of Evan]

You truly can't go wrong with Newegg.com Just search for flash memory and narrow your search to SD and you'll see everything. Obviously, you can narrow that search farther by size, brand or price. I have a S2 and we took far more memory than we needed for our trip -- 14 gigs. I bought the 133x and 150x speed cards for faster file writing -- important only if you're planning on using the S2's 640x480 30fps video option. That can make a very big file and you want the fastest write speed possible to combat that. I have purchased Corsair, Patriot, OCZ, and Transcend SD memory cards (2 to 4 gb) and haven't had a problem with any of them. None of them required formatting, just pop it in the camera and you're good to go.

Additionally (though you didn't ask it) I highly recommed you purchase some of the rechargeable NiMH batteries. Wally-world and Target have 2500mAh Energizer 'AA' sets (4 batteries) with charger for under $20. I bought one charger/battery combo and an extra set of batteries. This made it extremely easy to rotate batteries and always have a fresh set ready to go.

 

[nbodyhome]

I received a new camera for Christmas (Canon Powershot S2), and I walked around the parks on the 30th to try it out. I have the shots at neesie.org. The last 125 or so photos of the Disney ones were taken with that - of the Osborne Lights and Candlelight and such (I got great photos of Marlee Matlin, even though I wasn't out behind the ropes). The first 100 or so photos were taken in earlier December, at the RADP meets, Disneys Wilderness Preserve, and Pop Century and Osborne Lights.

I just bought a tiny tripod (and I mean tiny!) and a larger one, I just need to get a cable release and I plan to start doing night shots again at Disney. Then more shots in Europe in April!

 

[pospisil]

What great photos! Thanks so much for sharing them!

We have been waffling between a September or December trip next year, I think you've made up my mind for me. I HAVE to see the Christmas decorations.