Canon S3

[Steve's Girl]

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.

We were there Dec. 2 -9 and I loved that time of year. All the extra things they do for Christmas is so worth it! We are going back next year at the same time.

 

[nbodyhome]

Thanks! I live here, so I get to go anytime I want - which is quite handy. I love the zoom on my new camera. Between September and December...December is lovely, more crowded than September, and there could be the free dining again in Sept (we'll see if it opens up to the general public). But the Osborne Lights really rocked MGM this year, and the Candlelight is one of my favorite things. And the resorts are beautiful!

I'll be using my regular camera too for photos, I still really like using film as well (and I plan to take both cameras to London/Paris in April). I used to do photography as a major hobby (I had a site with Disney photos - nighttime ones mostly), so I'm really just getting back into it. Next years will be much better.

 

[ang]

I really enjoyed looking at your photos...great job!

 

[ndelaware]

Cranium Command was open????????


Great pics btw! :

 

[nbodyhome]

Cranium Command was open????????


Great pics btw! :

Thanks everyone! I am looking forward to taking MUCH better shots next year, though I think I didn't do too bad this year (no tripod and such).

And yup - Wonders of Life was open for much of December! I saw Cranium Command 5 or 6 times, did Body Wars once and the Making of Me 3 times. I wish they'd put CC and MoM on DVD!

 

[calismic]

So I have been browsing the photos section for the past week or so, and I've noticed some absolutely georgous photos taken with this camera. Being that my digicam is now going on 6 years old, its definately time for a new one! I was browsing my local Circuit City and Best Buy and noticed that while they do not carry the S2, they DO carry the S3 AND its on sale!

Are there any major differences between these two cameras? Is the S3 simply the newer model? Any recommendations on this camera? I'm a total amateur when it comes to photography. How is the ease of use? Would you recommend the S2 over the S3? Suggestions welcome, thanks!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I highlighted the differences between the two cameras. There is a price difference of $50-100 depending on where you look to buy. If you do a search here, there are lots of threads on both cameras. Good luck!

From the Manufacturer

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!

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-inch vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features, and an additional Sports mode.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS features:

12x optical zoom lens with USM and UD lens element
Optical Image Stabilizer
6.0-megapixel CCD
Larger size 2.0-inch vari-angle LCD
30-frame-per-second (fps) VGA movies with stereo sound and Photo in Movie feature
DIGIC II, iSAPS, and Flexizone AF/AE for fast, precise results and 2.3 fps continuous shooting performance
20 shooting modes and My Colors photo effects
High ISO Auto and ISO 800 for low light flexibility
Widescreen (16:9) recording

The PowerShot S3 IS caters for serious photo enthusiasts seeking extended zooming flexibility and fully featured movie recording in a versatile compact digital stills camera.

P.S. If you are a total amateur, it may take you an extra bit of time to get used to either camera. I recommend trying it out before you buy. I bought the S3 a couple of months ago and am still learning.

 

[Lachesis00]

My girlfriend who doesn't know much about cameras LOVES her S2. It takes amazing photos.

 

[calismic]

Well I've found the S2 for about $100 less so now I'm just debating whether the S3 would be worth the cost. Considering I'm coming off a rinky dink Kodak that 2.1megapixels anything should look better! I'm just amazed everytime I see a photo taken on the S2. Here's to hoping I can take a picture even remotely as nice!

 

[Lachesis00]

I am curious, what would you be taking photos of? That might help us, help you determine if the S2 would do the job.

Like I said, my girlfriend who knows nothing about photos, loves hers. The few photos she has shared look really nice.

I personally love Sony's for point and shoot. I had a 717 from 1997-2006 and LOVED, still love that camera. I loaned it to a friend who loves it

 

[ukcatfan]

To quote myself from this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16663539#post16663539

Here is a link that lists some of the changes. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/

It really was not a major upgrade. The S3 is more like a S2 v2.0 if you ask me. The S1 to S2 was a major upgrade. I do like the new live histogram and the black body color though. The addition of more scene modes and 1 more MP, would not make it $100 better for me.

Kevin

 

[jann1033]

either has a bunch of auto mode where you just point and shoot and "creative Modes" where you set aperture, shutter speed etc.
if you are basically more of a point and shoot type of photographer the features you would use on the s3 would be a larger lcd screen, 1 more mp( not a big deal unless you plan on making some photos bigger than (i think i can never remember) 11x14 or if you want to be able to crop uncle henry out of a big group shot.. i doubt you'd use the histogram much( usually use it to tell if you have correct exposure and if you use auto mostly you don't really need it). i think some did not like the sport mode as it raised the iso to 800 so there was a lot of noise( those blotchy speckles) in the mode. so if you are really just looking for a nice but little better p &s camera you can maybe learn a little from i'd save the $100 for memory, a case etc and get the s2.
but
if you want to get more seriously into photography and think you want to learn to set your own shutter speed, aperture etc, i'd get the s3 for the histogram
i think the sensor is different also but i can't tell the difference in anything posted on here..i know the sensor for the s2 took great shots.

 

[goofygas]

Any tips on how to get good action shots with this camera?

 

[ukcatfan]

The closer to the action that you are, the better b/c then you can use a faster shutter speed and still get a proper exposure. You might want to try shutter priority mode and let the camera pick the aperture and ISO. You must at least get a shutter speed that will freeze the action that you want frozen. Try to get in some test shots to figure this out for your situation. You might want to use drive mode so it will keep taking pictures as long as you keep the shutter pressed. Also, if possible do a half press pre-focus. We have not had our S2 very long and I rarely touch it, but I believe that they added a panning option to the IS. My old S1 did not have that option. It might help, but it won't work miracles. If there is no panning option, then I say turn the IS off.

Kevin

 

[snoodledoo]

Same camera, different question...what settings would you use for fireworks?

Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

Same camera, different question...what settings would you use for fireworks?

Thanks!

I have not tried it for fireworks, but I did have some good results from my S1. If I remember correctly, it was ISO 50, f/8, 2 sec. shutter. The correct settings will also vary depending on where you are shooting. I believe that the lens is the sharpest at around f/5.6, so you might want to start around there with the aperture. Try to maintain around a 2 sec. shutter at least. If it ends up overexposed, then make the aperture smaller or lower the ISO if possible. If it is underexposed, then you can bump up the ISO or open the aperture up. One last thing, turn off the IS and use a tripod.

Kevin

 

[KimEadler]

Same camera, different question...what settings would you use for fireworks?

Thanks!

The S2 has a setting for fireworks! Use the Scene mode, and toggle to the fireworks setting!

I haven't used it, but it should work!

 

[Servants of Evan]

Fireworks mode works wonderfully. Make certain you use a tripod to hold the camera steady and the photos will be great.

 

[snoodledoo]

Thanks!!

 

[nbodyhome]

I noticed someone else was using an S2 for the fireworks - I think the camera does an outstanding job without a tripod! I am just posting a direct link to mine, I have no idea how to post them here (the link will be taken down next week, since the P/P party will be done): http://www.denisesfitnessblog.com/disney/84/pirates-and-princess-party

You can scroll half way to see the fireworks pics. I have other photos on the site, the Disney section (which says "fitness at Disney" on the top) is a photoblog of walks at Disney. Then I'll be doing a few walks of Paris in May.