Canon S3

[schaery]

Oh bother. Sorry, I looked at the post wrong and I directed my question to LMarge. Okay, LPZ Stitch....help us out here with the lens question. Glad that we have an expert among us

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

[EDIT]Wow ... schaery calls me an "expert"! I don't think I'm an "expert" -- heck, I've only had my S3 since May! -- but, I *have* done lots of research/reading and experimenting, and I'm glad to share my learning.[/EDIT]

Eh, this is the general S3 thread ... I don't think *anything* S3/S5-related is off-topic!

I bought the Lensmate 52mm adapter because when I was doing my research I liked what I saw from the Raynox DCR-1540PRO and it was 52mm.

I went back and forth between the Raynox, the Sony VCL-DH1758 and the Canon for quite a while. I can't remember what steered me away from the Sony, but I think it had something to do with it being discontinued. The Raynox has just a little more reach than the Canon, and in all the pics I looked at I thought it was at least as good or just a bit better and contributes less CA/PF than the other two.

Once I decided that the DCR-1540PRO was the TC I was eventually going to get, I was able to stick with 52mm filters and they're cheaper, too!

I went with Lensmate for the adapter on the strength of user reviews, and I'm glad I did. Their adapter is excellent and their customer service was outstanding! Canon's, and most of the "bargain bin" ones, is plastic and the Lensmate one is aluminum. I've read lots and lots of reviews that the Lensmate one actual fits better than even the Canon and the cheap ones barely fit at all. All I can say is that the fit on mine is "perfect"!

 

[jfap]

Our , I mean my daughters S3 just came today. WOW that came fast we only ordered it on Monday.

Now the fun ( hopefully ) begins as we / she learns it, hopefully we will be pretty good at it by our trip to WDW.

May I ask where you ordered Your......oops, Your Daughter's S3 from?
Once I order one I know I'm going to want it delivered pronto.

 

[dburg30]

What lens did you buy? (edit: NM see you got the 28-135. Same as I have)

All I can suggest is practice (take pictures) as much as you can with the XT. Set it so you set the aperature and let it pick the shutter speed. Notice the difference in how much is in focus from front to back with a smaller opening (larger number, ie: f16) and notice how the front and back (usually more noticable in the background) are out of focus giving that nice 'dreamy' look when you use a larger opening (smaller number, like 3.5 or 1.8 if you lens can do 1.8) Once you see how that works, you are IMO well on your way to getting more bang for your buck. If you take pictures of the kids in front of something that is important, and you want the background to be in focus, use the f16 / f22 if possible. If you want more of that dreamy feeling, or just dont want the background to be a focus, let it blur more by opening it up.

I know these are very untechnical terms, and there is more to it then that, but I think if you start to see some of the more creative stuff come out of YOUR camera, without spending tons of time 'learning' you'll really start to like it more.

Another great thing to see the difference in using different aperatures is flowers. Take a close up of a flower at f/16 or f/22 in the daylight, then open the lens up all the way and check it out.

Just trying to let you try something so you can see the results, other then just stabbing in the dark and hoping.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

Thanks for the replies.

Can I just say and I know this sounds silly - but if I'm on a trip with my family at WDW and I whip out my camera with the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, just how easily am I going to be able to capture moments with a toddler and an infant? How fragile is that lens? Is it going to handle a trip with everything else I have going on? Our hands are full with our toddler and infant and I just don't know how I can juggle a piece of equipment like that lens? And just how fragile is that thing? I don't want to be so worried about my camera that I'm not enjoying the moment.

I hope some of you understand where I'm coming from. I need something to preserve memories and not every photo will necessarily be breathtaking. But, I want decent photos of my children. I'm not always out taking photos of flowers and trees and mountains. I love my XT and I'm considering the Canon 50mm lens for portraits. I know that the 28-135 is lighter than some lenses, but it's a lot heavier and bigger that my old one. It is coming down to sacrificing some quality for convenience I suppose.

I'm just frustrated. I wish I had a million bucks. Then, I could buy any camera I wanted, someone to carry the heavy lenses, and - wait! - I could just hire a personal photographer to follow us around everyday. That would be cool.

 

[dburg30]

Thanks for the replies.

Can I just say and I know this sounds silly - but if I'm on a trip with my family at WDW and I whip out my camera with the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, just how easily am I going to be able to capture moments with a toddler and an infant? How fragile is that lens? Is it going to handle a trip with everything else I have going on? Our hands are full with our toddler and infant and I just don't know how I can juggle a piece of equipment like that lens? And just how fragile is that thing? I don't want to be so worried about my camera that I'm not enjoying the moment.

It's going to be as fragile as any other camera. I mean it can take some bumps, but drops, scratches etc are going to be BAD on any camera

I hope some of you understand where I'm coming from. I need something to preserve memories and not every photo will necessarily be breathtaking. But, I want decent photos of my children. I'm not always out taking photos of flowers and trees and mountains. I love my XT and I'm considering the Canon 50mm lens for portraits. I know that the 28-135 is lighter than some lenses, but it's a lot heavier and bigger that my old one. It is coming down to sacrificing some quality for convenience I suppose.

Sure, there will be times when a P&S and just fine if not better, there will be times that an SLR will be almost needed for the shot. A P&S can be operated 1 handed a lot of times. An SLR has no shutter lag so when you push the button you take a picture right NOW. There are + and -'s to both.

I'm just frustrated. I wish I had a million bucks. Then, I could buy any camera I wanted, someone to carry the heavy lenses, and - wait! - I could just hire a personal photographer to follow us around everyday. That would be cool.

That's sounds like a plan to me!!!

 

[schaery]

[EDIT]Wow ... schaery calls me an "expert"! I don't think I'm an "expert" -- heck, I've only had my S3 since May! -- but, I *have* done lots of research/reading and experimenting, and I'm glad to share my learning.[/EDIT]

Eh, this is the general S3 thread ... I don't think *anything* S3/S5-related is off-topic!

I bought the Lensmate 52mm adapter because when I was doing my research I liked what I saw from the Raynox DCR-1540PRO and it was 52mm.

I went back and forth between the Raynox, the Sony VCL-DH1758 and the Canon for quite a while. I can't remember what steered me away from the Sony, but I think it had something to do with it being discontinued. The Raynox has just a little more reach than the Canon, and in all the pics I looked at I thought it was at least as good or just a bit better and contributes less CA/PF than the other two.

Once I decided that the DCR-1540PRO was the TC I was eventually going to get, I was able to stick with 52mm filters and they're cheaper, too!

I went with Lensmate for the adapter on the strength of user reviews, and I'm glad I did. Their adapter is excellent and their customer service was outstanding! Canon's, and most of the "bargain bin" ones, is plastic and the Lensmate one is aluminum. I've read lots and lots of reviews that the Lensmate one actual fits better than even the Canon and the cheap ones barely fit at all. All I can say is that the fit on mine is "perfect"!

Yeah, I have read that the Canon adaptor and lens was on the cheap (plastic) side but I didn't even know that I could use any other lens with the camera except for Canon. I just looked at the reviews for the Raynox and saw they only mentioned using it on the G3 so without your unexpert knowledge, I wouldn't have known I could use it: thumbsup2 Yea! Now I know what I'm getting for my bday in Oct. Is it cumbersome to carry around and use - or in plain English - should I take it to WDW with me in Dec or just stick with my S3?

 

[1rockinmamato2]

I may buy this camera, specifically for our trip to WDW. However, I am wondering if anyone could post some pictures take of people indoors with the S3? I've loved everyone's pictures so far!

Thanks!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Yeah, I have read that the Canon adaptor and lens was on the cheap (plastic) side but I didn't even know that I could use any other lens with the camera except for Canon. I just looked at the reviews for the Raynox and saw they only mentioned using it on the G3 so without your unexpert knowledge, I wouldn't have known I could use it: thumbsup2 Yea! Now I know what I'm getting for my bday in Oct.

Check out DCRP's Canon forum and the Canon S5IS Users sites for lots of information about your camera ... I'm a member of both sites -- as "DirePenguin" -- and I've learned a LOT about my S3.

In fact, it was the pictures in the Some S3 Pics thread on DCRP that convinced me that the S3 was the right camera for me!

1rockinmamato2: there's certainly pictures in the DCRP S3 thread taken indoors (with flash and without)....

Is it cumbersome to carry around and use - or in plain English - should I take it to WDW with me in Dec or just stick with my S3?

The DCR-1540 is pretty hefty (compared to the rest of the S3) ... and, it adds almost 3" to the overall length with all of the weight out at the end! However, I've found it easy to stabilize the whole camera because you've now got an additional comfortable place to put your left hand.

I only plan to take it to AK when we're at Disney next month. Luckily, it comes in a nice padded drawstring bag even if it doesn't fit in your camera bag!

I'm still (sort of) debating whether to take my new DCR-250 (macro lens) to Disney, as well ... it's kind of fiddly to work with and it's pretty specialized. I'm not really sure there's *that* many tiny things I'd want to be taking pictures of at Disney (I'm sure Macro/Supermacro modes are "good enough").

Of course, if I can get it to easily fit in my camera bag, it's going with me!

 

[schaery]

Third, most of the hosting services provide you with a link that you can cut-and-paste into your post. For the DIS, it's the IMG tag.

Okay, I'm lost here. I uploaded my pic to photobucket but can't seem to figure this part out.

 

[schaery]

Check out DCRP's Canon forum and the Canon S5IS Users sites for lots of information about your camera ... I'm a member of both sites -- as "DirePenguin" -- and I've learned a LOT about my S3.

In fact, it was the pictures in the Some S3 Pics thread on DCRP that convinced me that the S3 was the right camera for me!

1rockinmamato2: there's certainly pictures in the DCRP S3 thread taken indoors (with flash and without)....



The DCR-1540 is pretty hefty (compared to the rest of the S3) ... and, it adds almost 3" to the overall length with all of the weight out at the end! However, I've found it easy to stabilize the whole camera because you've now got an additional comfortable place to put your left hand.

I only plan to take it to AK when we're at Disney next month. Luckily, it comes in a nice padded drawstring bag even if it doesn't fit in your camera bag!

I'm still (sort of) debating whether to take my new DCR-250 (macro lens) to Disney, as well ... it's kind of fiddly to work with and it's pretty specialized. I'm not really sure there's *that* many tiny things I'd want to be taking pictures of at Disney (I'm sure Macro/Supermacro modes are "good enough").

Of course, if I can get it to easily fit in my camera bag, it's going with me!

AAARRR! I keep trying just to get a particular part of a message to come up in quotes but keep getting the whole message. Now you can understand my difficulty in learning to use my S3 . Anyway, I just took a basic PnS class last month and learned how to use my macro. I've taken some really cool pics with it of butterflies and flowers mostly. If I can ever get the photobucket things figured out, I'll put some on here. I've got a few neat pics from Epcot last Dec. too.

 

[twoeeyy]

May I ask where you ordered Your......oops, Your Daughter's S3 from?
Once I order one I know I'm going to want it delivered pronto.

I hope this is ok to post this like this.
I read this post originaly by MADGE Canon S3 on Sale ~ less than $250

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Courtesy of www.fatwallet.com:

Dell has the Canon S3IS for $329 - 17% off coupon code 0RBSW84RLD9N34 (Exp 8/30 5PM, 2190 Uses) - extra 10% off when you pay with Paypal = $245.xx with free shipping.

edited to add: some people may be charged sales tax. My order came up as $260.xx

Unfortunately the 17% coupon is now expired.

 

[schaery]

Try www.everyprice.com and www.buy.com. These websites show prices from different retailers. Make sure to read reviews about the retailers but generally the ones they showcase tend to be very reputable. Of course, Circuit City is a well-known name but their prices are more expensive than the lesser known stores.

 

[jann1033]

Thanks for the replies.

Can I just say and I know this sounds silly - but if I'm on a trip with my family at WDW and I whip out my camera with the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, just how easily am I going to be able to capture moments with a toddler and an infant? How fragile is that lens? Is it going to handle a trip with everything else I have going on? Our hands are full with our toddler and infant and I just don't know how I can juggle a piece of equipment like that lens? And just how fragile is that thing? I don't want to be so worried about my camera that I'm not enjoying the moment.

I hope some of you understand where I'm coming from. I need something to preserve memories and not every photo will necessarily be breathtaking. But, I want decent photos of my children. I'm not always out taking photos of flowers and trees and mountains. I love my XT and I'm considering the Canon 50mm lens for portraits. I know that the 28-135 is lighter than some lenses, but it's a lot heavier and bigger that my old one. It is coming down to sacrificing some quality for convenience I suppose.

I'm just frustrated. I wish I had a million bucks. Then, I could buy any camera I wanted, someone to carry the heavy lenses, and - wait! - I could just hire a personal photographer to follow us around everyday. That would be cool.

as far as fragility( is that a word ) i would say the 50 is much more fragile than the 28...the 28 is pretty sturdy ( not as sturdy maybe as an l but more than most other non l lenses except maybe tokina) obviously if you drop any lens or any camera, chances are it's going to break something...
it's funny but when i first got my 28 i remember thinking."wow a real piece of"glass" since it is more substantial than say my old sigma...

i can see the problem though with the kids and if you would feel better, just get a decent p&S for now. you just have to resign yourself to not having the features of a dslr...i usually keep my camera around my neck and lately have been using my 28 as a walk around lens but i do change it a lot...juggling a lens and camera to change the lens is lots harder holding on to a toddler at the same

i'm wondering, have you gone to a store and played around with the p&s? maybe do that and see if you think the slower speed or photo quality would bother you since you have been using a dslr.. at least by us circuit city and some other stores like that have a lot of cameras you can play with...i would think if you have a couple memory cards you could take some shots and see how you like them.( thinking they would let you do that to make a sale)

 

[DVC Jen]

I think you have already answered your own question.

You know how tough is will be having to deal with a toddler, baby all of their "gear" as well as the camera and an awkward lens.

Are you feeling guilt over spending the money on the dslr and lens and now wanting to get a pns? If so - don't!

It is your life - your vacation - your photos - do what is right for you.

I can totally understand why you wouldn't feel comfortable lugging all of it around.

The S3's and S5's are great little cameras. If you can afford to hold onto your dslr - do so. You may find in a year or two things get a bit easier and you can play with it and use it more often. Until then - if you are primarily printing 4x6 inch photos you don't NEED a dslr - but you do NEED to have as many hands as you can - and using one for a camera may just not be feasible for you at this point.

Just don't be shocked when you see obvious differences in quality - it will be there.

But with that said - you have to do what is practical for YOU and your lifestyle. A dslr is not right for everyone. If I just wanted a nice, easy to carry camera to capture snapshots of my children growing up I wouldn't think twice about the S3 or S5 - they are perfect for doing just that. They are just not so great for getting higher quality photographs or for someone REALLY into photography as a hobby or career.

 

[Taqwus]

I ended up using beach camera since I also got a deal on the 3 year warranty with them

 

[CarolA]

A few thoughts.

What resolution is your DSLR set at? As I read these threads LOTS of the posters are in RAW or HIGH. So when they say the "quality" won't be as good well that really depends. I shoot a lot of my DSLR in a lower setting to get more photos on the card so the quality is less. The place that is noticable is when I blow up to something larger then 4 x 6 inch shot.

Low light. Having had both the S2 and Canon Rebel (older not the XT) IMHO if you are just using "Auto" there's a small decrease in low light, but I don't find it horrid on the s2. Now where I do notice a BIG difference is in my manual settings for low light. The DSLR is just much easier to use IMHO and does a much better job.

Speed. With the S2 that was the BIG drawback. The DSLR was shoot one right after the other. S2... not so much. I just bought an S5 and haven't played with it yet, but I hear that issue has improved

Lens.... I do Girl Scout Volunteering. So far that's cost me about three lens. THey are fragile!!! For a place like Disney I would only take the basic lens expecially with kids. Things happen. (One of mine broke when the Brownie troop accidently hit the table and off onto the floor the camera went landing ON it's lens LOL ) For your DSLR if you don't already have them get the "filters" Its a lot cheaper to break them then the lens.


Flash. The S5 has a "flash boot" like your DSLR. For indoor family shots this might be worth looking into for either camera. The built in Canon flash is really only so so.
(My first Digital was Sony Cybershot. Got to agree it takes LOUSY photos. My cell phone does as well !!!)

 

[S. C.]

My first moon shot

48x Digital zoom, P mode, ISO 100, handheld since i don't own a tripod. Straight from the camera.

 

[twoeeyy]

t

his is one of our first shots using the color accent

 

[eek40]

Hi everyone, I ran this thru a few basic editing, noise reduction, and resized it, I am hoping it will post here! I finally feel like I have a picture that is worth posting. I need to read some more hints on the camera. Please let me know what you think, this was at the aquarium today!
Aimee

Ok any idea why it is so small?

I will try again!

Aimee