Canon S3

[Soupermom]

I also worry about damaging it when climbing over rocks. He wants a pocket camera --so we are looking into that for him.

So, what camera are you thinking of getting Splshmtn99? I've been pondering this thought also....

 

[moparop]

Hi folks... been lurking for a while in this thread. So much valuable info! I am in the market for a new camera and keep going back forth between the XT and S5. What made you decide to go this way instead of that?

Thanks!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Hi folks... been lurking for a while in this thread. So much valuable info! I am in the market for a new camera and keep going back forth between the XT and S5. What made you decide to go this way instead of that?

Thanks!

For me, quite simply; cost, convenience and versatility.

You need more (and more expensive) lenses on the XT to equal the zoom versatility of the S3/S5 (36mm - 432mm, f/2.7-3.5, and 665mm with a Teleconverter!). Long zoom lenses for the DSLRs can be more expensive than the bodies, especially if you *have* to have "L" glass. To have the reach of the S3 on an XT, you need a lens at least 270mm on the long end ... they get pricey....

Yeah, I know the IQ is better on the XT (*especially* in low-light), but it's not (IMO) hundreds or thousands (depending on what lenses you get) of dollars better.

Also, there's no video on a DSLR.

With my S3, I can go from taking a macro pic an inch (or less, right down to 0"!) away from, say, a flower, to a wide-angle shot of the whole meadow, to a close-up zoomed-in pic of someone standing on the other side of the meadow waving a flag at a bull, and then take some video of them running for their life ... all in a few seconds! No DSLR can do that!

 

[madge]

For me, quite simply; cost, convenience and versatility.

You need more (and more expensive) lenses on the XT to equal the zoom versatility of the S3/S5 (36mm - 432mm, f/2.7-3.5, and 665mm with a Teleconverter!). Long zoom lenses for the DSLRs can be more expensive than the bodies, especially if you *have* to have "L" glass. To have the reach of the S3 on an XT, you need a lens at least 270mm on the long end ... they get pricey....

Yeah, I know the IQ is better on the XT (*especially* in low-light), but it's not (IMO) hundreds or thousands (depending on what lenses you get) of dollars better.

Also, there's no video on a DSLR.

With my S3, I can go from taking a macro pic an inch (or less, right down to 0"!) away from, say, a flower, to a wide-angle shot of the whole meadow, to a close-up zoomed-in pic of someone standing on the other side of the meadow waving a flag at a bull, and then take some video of them running for their life ... all in a few seconds! No DSLR can do that!

my bank account thanks you for reminding me why I have the s3

I've seen a couple of the day after Thanksgiving ads, and have been reallly tempted by the prices I'm seeing. And if I upgrade to a dSLR, I'll feel like I should sell my S3 to cover some of the cost.

I want to have both, is that so wrong?!

 

[DisneyMom14]

moparop - just had to say I love your avatar - a Southpark Disser! That is too cute!

 

[moparop]

moparop - just had to say I love your avatar - a Southpark Disser! That is too cute!

Thanks! I saw the make your own character and I had to have it as an avatar!

 

[FletchFab5]

WOW - that is a cool pic of lightning!

OK - selfish question here. I don't have the time to search this board, and the search engine didn't work - so forgive me, but I really need to know a good case for the S3. The one on Amazon recommended is the Canon PSC-75 Deluxe Soft Case and many people say it is too small. I don't want a big bag, just a case for protection.

Thanks!!

I read all those reviews and was worried that case was too small but bought it anyway. It's perfect for the camera--you can't put lenses in it, or carry much of anything except a spare memory card, but it holds the camera no problem and protects it which is all I wanted it for. It's not hard to get the camera in and out of it.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

I read all those reviews and was worried that case was too small but bought it anyway. It's perfect for the camera--you can't put lenses in it, or carry much of anything except a spare memory card, but it holds the camera no problem and protects it which is all I wanted it for. It's not hard to get the camera in and out of it.

Thanks Carla - I think I will just go for it!

Thanks too Schaery! I tried Wal-Mart, but at my WalMart I couldn't find one where the divider moved enough to allow room for the camera. But there weren't many choices at our local store.

You all are an inspiration! I did get a few "MOM" pic's of the boys playing football this fall. Mom pics are those that can only be loved and appreciated by MOM

 

[SplshMtn99]

I also worry about damaging it when climbing over rocks. He wants a pocket camera --so we are looking into that for him.

So, what camera are you thinking of getting Splshmtn99? I've been pondering this thought also....

Just started looking. No idea yet. DH & I seem to each have different "wants".

 

[moparop]

I just joined the family too!! Of course, I got an S5, so I think that makes me like a second cousin or something. I've taken a few test shots, but haven't done much beyond that.

 

[jpeka65844]

I have an S5 and have a few questions:

1. Anyone have tips for shooting Osbourne Lights w/it? I started a thread but there were very few replies

2. Also, I wasn't planning on taking a special camera bag. I have a Baggallini messenger bag. Will that be enough protection or should I get something else?

 

[S. C.]

I just joined the family too!! Of course, I got an S5, so I think that makes me like a second cousin or something. I've taken a few test shots, but haven't done much beyond that.

Hi cuz. I'm a proud owner of an S3.

 

[DisneyMom14]

Ok so I think my hazy pics are just glare. I want to make sure that I have as many wonderful pics as possible in DW so I am purchasing a polarizing lens and UV filter (with the adapter of course). Anyone have any tips or have experience using them and want to share about them? I have NEVER used any extra lenses or filters, etc. as this is my first really nice camera.

Also, I have an 8gb sd card. Should I bring my laptop and upoad daily? What if I take video?

 

[AndrewWG]

Ok so I think my hazy pics are just glare. I want to make sure that I have as many wonderful pics as possible in DW so I am purchasing a polarizing lens and UV filter (with the adapter of course). Anyone have any tips or have experience using them and want to share about them? I have NEVER used any extra lenses or filters, etc. as this is my first really nice camera.

Also, I have an 8gb sd card. Should I bring my laptop and upoad daily? What if I take video?

Yes. Bring your laptop and download them nightly. In fact, if you stop by the hotel before heading out again, download them then too. Also, if you get time, it would be good to burn them to cd's or dvd's if possible. That way you are doubly protected. I am going to download them to my laptop and some "thumb" drives. I have about 8gb of thumb drives so they will go quick. I will also try to burn some of my favorites onto cd's. My laptop doesn't burn dvd's. It is WAY too old.

 

[AndrewWG]

I have an S5 and have a few questions:

1. Anyone have tips for shooting Osbourne Lights w/it? I started a thread but there were very few replies

2. Also, I wasn't planning on taking a special camera bag. I have a Baggallini messenger bag. Will that be enough protection or should I get something else?

Of all the things that everyone on here takes pics of, I have seen VERY LITTLE of the Osbourne lights. That is probably why not many people replied. I was hoping to see more replies to that thread too as I haven't even ever seen the lights so I have no idea what to expect.

What kind of protection are you looking for? I would just bring what's comfortable. Also, if it will fit into your bag, I would recommend bringing a plastic bag big enough to throw the whole thing into in case of freak rain. Sometimes it just pops up out of nowhere in Orlando. Really depends on the time of year you are going. I'm going in 2 weeks and I don't think it will be much of a problem, but I'm going in prepared just the same. In the summer, you can count on a regular rainstorm.

 

[Kim in SPR]

Well, it's my first post - tho I have been an avid fan and reader of the DIS since our trip to WDW in 2004. It was you all who compelled me to register and post to say thank you!

I have read through all 1000+ messages on this board and have copied and pasted literally 18 pages of tips. I recently bought an S3 from Amazon and LOVE it. I was going for the S5 but after reading on another board about some concerns over too many MPs for the sensor size, I decided on the S3 (and saved about $60). For any of you still looking, the S3 is still available at Amazon - for about $260.

I leave for Disney on Thursday for nine days. I primarily bought the camera because I have become very interested in photography and wanted something a step above my pocket PNS but not as expensive and extravagant as a DSLR - plus wanted it in time for our trip! I really made the right choice. I have been playing around with it a little bit but reading alot! Tomorrow I'm taking it to work to take shots of downtown. It will be a great place to experiment. I promise to post some. Thanks so much for helping me choose the S3 and then learn all about it!

Kim

 

[S. C.]

Well, it's my first post - tho I have been an avid fan and reader of the DIS since our trip to WDW in 2004. It was you all who compelled me to register and post to say thank you!

I have read through all 1000+ messages on this board and have copied and pasted literally 18 pages of tips. I recently bought an S3 from Amazon and LOVE it. I was going for the S5 but after reading on another board about some concerns over too many MPs for the sensor size, I decided on the S3 (and saved about $60). For any of you still looking, the S3 is still available at Amazon - for about $260.

I leave for Disney on Thursday for nine days. I primarily bought the camera because I have become very interested in photography and wanted something a step above my pocket PNS but not as expensive and extravagant as a DSLR - plus wanted it in time for our trip! I really made the right choice. I have been playing around with it a little bit but reading alot! Tomorrow I'm taking it to work to take shots of downtown. It will be a great place to experiment. I promise to post some. Thanks so much for helping me choose the S3 and then learn all about it!

Kim

to the forum, I'm glad you started posting. Looking forward to seeing your pics.

 

[tyedye]

What setting would be best to use for sports like youth soccer for focus? Spot, Center, or what?

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

What setting would be best to use for sports like youth soccer for focus? Spot, Center, or what?

Do you mean metering? Metering is; Evaluative, Center-weighted or Spot. Evaluative is probably best for outdoor sports, possibly Center-weighted to reduce blown highlights in white uniforms.

For AF, you only have a choice between Continuous and Single. Continuous uses more battery power, but the camera will focus faster because it doesn't have to wait until you press the shutter button.

 

[polkadotladybug]

I have tried shooting short videos with my Canon S3 and I can't seem to get a relatively smooth video - it seems to be almost like stop motion? What settings should I have it on? My memory card is a 2 gig. I currently have it set on 640x480 30 fps - what am I doing wrong?

I've heard video on the Canon s3 is pretty good, but I'm not getting those results...

Thanks for any help!

Carol