Canon S3

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I think you're on the right track ... if you decide you *don't* need any of the extras, you'll save yourself some $$$. The S3 is really versatile right out of the box.

I decided I had to get the Raynox DCR-250 when the "macro" bug (pun intended) bit me. I saw some incredible pics taken with it on the DCRP forums and I was hooked!

I've had really good luck with Powerizer batteries and the smart/quick charger that I got from www.batteryspace.com. It's just about twice as large as a set of 4 AA's, and it can charge AA's/AAA's 1, 2, 3 or 4 pieces at a time ... which is convenient because most of DS's toys use 3 AA's. The 2600mAh batteries last a LONG time in an S3!

 

[jfap]

Thanks.

I'll look into those batteries. Sounds like the same charger that my daughter has.

I'm getting really excited. Ordered camera yesterday and got email today that it has shipped. I'll be watching out the window everyday for that FedEx truck.

 

[TwingleMum]

I am thinking of buying a Canon S3 or S5. I read that the S5 has red eye reduction built into the camera which I really like because my one twins pictures always seem to have red eyes. any thoughts??? TIA.

 

[LMarge]

Welcome ColoradoMom! I echo the sentiments about your flower shot - it's beautiful! Great job and I can't wait to see more from you!!
Blessings,
Marge

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You took some really nice pics .

What noise reduction do you use? I use the Noiseware community free edition and don't really find that it is a pain, just an extra step. It sure does save alot of photos that I would otherwise delete!

Thanks! I think we use the same software. It's easy enough to use - it's just that there are so many of them to run through (probably several hundred by the time we're done).

I think what may have happened is that at night I'd increased the ISO but not lowered it back down in the morning - the settings apparently stay as you leave them. (I'd done it by accident before, and possibly during, the trip too.) I wasn't paying attention to the ISO each new photo session, but it's something I'll be watching from now on.

 

[TwingleMum]

Anyone any thoughts????

 

[AndrewWG]

Ok, I'll chime in although I'm sure that others will have better suggestions. If I were in the market for a p&s, I would probably go with the s3 and save the money. I don't think that the s5 has any REAL significant improvements that would help the overall photo quality. The s3 is a very capable camera and I would have no problem with purchasing it.

Andy

 

[Marty Joe]

The S5 has a hot shoe and a larger viewing screen... I did not think it was that big of a deal for around $150 (give or take). I am happy with my S3. Also, I've read on the DIS that the S5 will/may have more noise in low light because of more megs and same sensor, but someone with more experience can explain that better. Happy shooting... Marty

 

[TwingleMum]

The S5 has a hot shoe and a larger viewing screen... I did not think it was that big of a deal for around $150 (give or take). I am happy with my S3. Also, I've read on the DIS that the S5 will/may have more noise in low light because of more megs and same sensor, but someone with more experience can explain that better. Happy shooting... Marty

I'm a newbie what does more noise in low light mean??? Does it have a better processor? Faster recovery between shots??

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Thanks Everyone for the warm welcome

What a wonderful story schaery - Black Eyed Susans are so beautiful I think. I need to try to grow some!

Looking forward to learning all I can, and hopefully post some more pics.

Happy to belong

 

[AndrewWG]

More noise in low light means that in low light situations, the S3 photo will look less grainy (nicer) than the s5. The s5 should, in theory, give a more grainy looking photo then a photo taken under the same situation with the same settings on a s3. I think this is true in theory. I'm not sure what it is like in reality as I have not seen many photos from the s5 yet to really tell. Like the previous poster said, if you want a larger LCD screen and you plan on buying an external flash unit, the s5 is for you, otherwise the s3 should be just fine.

Don't be fooled by the thought that more MP's mean better photos. It is simply not true after a certain point. The s3 will give you just as good if not better photos than the s5, especially in lower light situations.

As far as a better processor and faster recovery time, I'm not sure. I doubt that it would make a very noticable difference if it does though. I used the s2IS for 2 years and never really had a problem with it.

Andy

 

[S. C.]

Great shots! Loved the report.

 

[Groucho]

I'd also bet good money that the S3 also has red-eye reduction mode. All that does is pre-flash a few times before taking the actual photo, theoretically shrinking the iris so there's less to reflect light back. Fixing red-eye afterwards in software is easy, though, and it always amuses me to see red-eye reduction used on things like Cinderella's Castle.

I think the S5 costs about $100 more than the S3 currently. For that money, you get a couple minor new features and slightly more noise in low light. I wouldn't bother unless you just have to have one of the new features.

 

[gokenin]

a local mill that is currently being gutted and rebuilt eventually

thought it had potential for B&W

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks so much. Being a newbie I don't know enough to really want a new feature on the S5 that I'd being willing to pay $100 more for. But if the S5 was a overall better camera I would invest the $100. But that doesn't seem to be the case.

 

[GoofyGuy777]

Hello Everyone,

I just found this forum and wanted to post some pic from my S3. This camera has been great !!! My counter has just rolled over and I have taken over 11,000 pic with this camera and is still working fine.

Parade of Dreams at DL

A giraffe sticking its head thru my sun roof

Mickey's Halloween Treat at California Adventure


Enjoy,

Steve

 

[diznylnd]

Hello Everyone,

I just found this forum and wanted to post some pic from my S3. This camera has been great !!! My counter has just rolled over and I have taken over 11,000 pic with this camera and is still working fine.

Parade of Dreams at DL

A giraffe sticking its head thru my sun roof

Mickey's Halloween Treat at California Adventure


Enjoy,

Steve

Great Pix Goofyguy777!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I'd also bet good money that the S3 also has red-eye reduction mode. All that does is pre-flash a few times before taking the actual photo, theoretically shrinking the iris so there's less to reflect light back.

The S3 does have a red-eye reduction mode, but it's not very good. Removing it PP is almost a requirement with the camera, but as you point out it's really easy.

The S5 actually has a red-eye removal (PP, but in the camera). The S-series cameras (and probably some others, too) will print photos directly to certain Canon printers without needing a computer ... being able to remove red-eye right in the camera is a nice feature for someone with one of these printers.

Fixing red-eye afterwards in software is easy, though, and it always amuses me to see red-eye reduction used on things like Cinderella's Castle.

Well, you wouldn't want the windows glowing all red, now, would you?

 

[desiab]

Just popped open the box to my new Canon S5 IS and I am so excited. These were a couple of my first shots. Go easy on me, I'm an amateur.

My daughter is looking rough after her nap, but insisted I needed to take her picture.

 

[kimluvswdw]

Is there any huge difference between the S3 and the S5, other than money. I don't want to spend the extra $$$ if the S3 is good enough.