Canon S3

[eznunzit]

Amy those pictures are great! I've been wanting to go to the Miami Zoo. This might just get me motivated. I started playing with the color options.

 

[eznunzit]

We started our Digital Photography class last night. We learned a lot. I signed up for the advanced class too since it is the software portion and I just bought PSE5. I use Power Point alot @ work and am familar with photo programs but am lost with this program. I can't wait to learn and improve!!

 

[garris3404]

I would suggest not using the digital zoom. I believe that you can turn off the digital zoom in the menus.

 

[SharonLowe]

All images shot with digital require some post processing including sharpening. You first photo looks okay - would really need to see it at 100 percent to verify. The second one, yes, I would agree the digital zoom is the issue - turn it off and don't use it.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I would suggest not using the digital zoom. I believe that you can turn off the digital zoom in the menus.

I'll have to check, but I believe it was off.

 

[fonsy]

I'm going to WDW for the MNSSHP, this is a very special trip for me (Last time I went to WDW was in 1996, and this is my husband first trip). So I really want a new camera and I tought about buying the S3 (based on all the great reviews). So my question is...will I be able to take good photos of the parades (specially the headless guy at MNSSHP), and fireworks? Does it take good pictures without using flash inside attractions or shows (Like Splash Mountain, or The Lion King, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid? Another thing, I hate my old Kodak digital, mainly because it takes forever to get ready to take the pic. from the moment you turn it on, and after taking the shot, it takes forever to get ready for another...so, is it better with the S3.
Thanks in advance. Oh, and if possible, can you show me some pics of the parades or fireworks so I have an idea (I know this kind of photos require practice from the shooter). One last question...Should I wait for the S5 that's coming out in July? I really don't know anything about cameras, but will really love to invest in a good one.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I'm going to WDW for the MNSSHP, this is a very special trip for me (Last time I went to WDW was in 1996, and this is my husband first trip). So I really want a new camera and I tought about buying the S3 (based on all the great reviews). So my question is...will I be able to take good photos of the parades (specially the headless guy at MNSSHP), and fireworks? Another thing, I hate my old Kodak digital, mainly because it takes forever to get ready to take the pic. from the moment you turn it on, and after taking the shot, it takes forever to get ready for another...so, is it better with the S3.

The S3 is ready to take a picture about 2-3 seconds after turning it on.

Shutter lag and delay between pics is not a problem with the S3. Shutter lag is only about 1/3 of a second including the time to autofocus. If you half-press the shutter to get the settings, from that point it's almost instantaneous. Also, in high-speed continuous mode, the S3 shoots 2.3fps ... it's pretty fast.

It's got a built-in fireworks mode that seems to do a nice job.

However, like just about every P&S on the market (except for several of the Fuji line) it's not great at low-light pics. You generally need to use higher ISO settings and the highest ISO setting on the S3 is very noisy ... almost impossible to use without Noise Reduction software.

It does great with slow shutter speeds (I've taken lovely pics by the light of a single candle) but taking pictures of a moving low-light parade is tough for any camera. It's tough even for the DSLRs ... you need a "fast" (large aperture) lens.

Thanks in advance. Oh, and if possible, can you show me some pics of the parades or fireworks so I have an idea (I know this kind of photos require practice from the shooter)

We have a whole thread about S3 pics; there are some fireworks pictures there (here's one). And, there's some Spectomagic pics (with an S2, I think) in the Spectromagic thread, but I can't seem to find it, now.

 

[fonsy]

Thank you so much LPZ Stitch.

 

[budbeerlady]

I took mine on it's first trip to WDW in December. I had only had it for about 2 weeks before we left. It took great firework photos of illumination (using the firework setting and then resting on something instead of dragging along a trippod.)

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[AbbysFamily]

The horseman may be tough with ANY camera, but there is some spectro pictures that I took with my S2... (And I'll come back with a couple of MSSHP parade shots tonight, when I get to the right pc)

 

[DVC Jen]

Our oldest daughter wants a camera for graduation. We checked some out and I have been following the reviews here. I think we have decided on the Canon S3. I am looking to buy it within the next week.

Then I saw someone mention that the S5 will be out SOON and the price of the S3 will go down.

Does anyone know how soon it will be out and should the S3 price drop immediately?

I just so hate to buy it and then find out a few days later the price drops significantly... but on the other hand, I don't want to not have the camera, memory card and bag in time for her graduation day.

Whoops - one more question...

She doesn't know anything about photography and or cameras, but wants to learn. 5 days after she graduates we had to WDW. How is the picture quality with the auto modes on the S3?

 

[Amy]

Jen, I have no idea when the S3 prices will start to go down; I think I read somewhere that the S5 will be out in July?? So I doubt the price will drop in time for graduation; but I could be wrong.

The picture quality of the S3 auto modes are pretty good. At first, I shot in Auto almost exclusively; the I discovered "P" (Program) mode - it's Auto, but you can adjust settings (like decreasing the flash output if you're really close to your subject; increasing/decreasing the exposure by + or - 2 stops, things like that). I've tried Night Scene and it's pretty good; haven't tried Fireworks mode yet.

One suggestion: even if you plan on shooting in Auto/P mode a lot, set the ISO, rather than leaving the ISO on "auto" and letting the camera pick the ISO - there's a button on the back of the camera that you push to cycle through the available ISO speeds. Until I learned this little trick, my photos were coming out really noisy.

If you can, get your daughter a copy of the Short Courses book for the S3 (http://www.shortcourses.com/bookstore/canon/book_canons3is.htm); it's so much more helpful than the manual that comes with the camera.

 

[Graeme]

I've got an S3 and was waiting to see what the S5 would come up with. It doesn't seem to me like it's really added a lot that will make a difference so I'm not going to get one, and I'm a serial upgrader!!

My advice would be to get an S3, enjoy it, and don't pay a fortune for a slightly bigger LCD, a few million pixels that you don't need, and a hot shoe for a flash you haven't got. S3s are cheap now anyway.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Many places offer a 30 day price garauntee. So wait until the last date you can confidently get the camera and hope the price goes down within the time frame for a rebate. I got $200 back when I bought my first digicam (sony 717) from best buy.

Mikeeee

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Personally, I don't see any reason to wait for the S5 when you can have the S3, now ... unless the main upgrade feature (a flash hotshoe) is REALLY important to you.

The general consensus on the other boards I read is that the S5 will be no better than, or slightly inferior, to the S3 in picture quality because they've upped the MP and the ISO, but it's the same little sensor so the higher settings are probably going to be pretty noisy. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

It's got the DIGIC III chip with "face detection", but lots of users speculate that the noise reduction is more aggressive and destroys some detail and clarity.

It also shoots slower than the S3.

It does have a bigger LCD and can take 4G movies (instead of the S3's 1G).

I've also seen July/August as release dates for it ... at about $499. Considering you can get an S3, now, for $278 that's a lot of money for a little upgrade. You'd be better off spending the extra cash on a lens adapter, a couple of filters and a TC....

 

[ang]

Hi, I was wondering where I can buy rechargable batteries at. I is there somewhere to buy them on the internet cheap?
Also, how many do you buy for your trip?

 

[stitch&ariel]

Hi All!

Well I have looked through the other thread at all the photos taken with this camera and they were great!!!
The only thing I wondered is if it took good photos of fireworks and photos at night?
I was wondering if people wouldn't mind posting any pics they have like that using the Canon S3, I think that so far from what I have seen this camera may be the one for me!!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

The S3 is fine for fireworks, it's even got a fireworks mode built right in.

But, what do you mean by low-light? Trying to shoot Spectromagic at WDW? It's not going to be as good as the DSLRs. The higher ISO settings cause more noise that you'll need to remove with software.

Low-light with long shutter times are excellent; I've taken lovely pics by the light of a single candle.

If you really want to see a huge thread about S3 pictures, check out this one on DCRP ... there are definitely shots of fireworks and low-light work in there.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I've been using the 2500mAh Powerizer batteries from BatterySpace ... they are reliable and at a good price. They also sell compact chargers at good prices, too.

Around home, I keep one set in the camera and one set as a spare.

At Disney, I plan to keep three sets (one in-camera and two spares) and recharge each night.

I'm also considering the new Eneloop batteries from Sanyo ... they recharge like normal batteries, but they don't lose their charge while sitting around....

 

[ukcatfan]

Thomas Distributing is a good source. They are the primary seller of the very popular Maha Powerex brand. You will also do just fine with some rechargeable Duracell or Energizer ones from Walmart or Target. Four should be around $9 and eight should be around $16. The best chargers have individual circuits for each cell. This prevents any one cell form getting damaged from an over charge. I have a Duracell model from Walmart that was $17 and it came with four cells. It is also better to get cells made in Japan instead of China. You can usually see where they were made through the packaging on the side of the cell.

Kevin