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Canon Powershot S3 IS is quite a bit larger than Canon's diminutive "SD"
series cameras, but it's still fairly small. It measures 4.46 x 3.07 x 2.97
in.(113.4 x 78.0 x 75.5mm) compared to the Digital Rebel XT's 4.98 x 3.71 x 2.63
in.(126.5 x 94.2 x 64mm). So it's smaller (and lighter) than a Digital Rebel XT
body - and it has the 36-432mm zoom built in!
Like the S2, the S3 IS takes easily obtainable AA batteries (4). Not supplied
with the camera, but recommended, are NiMH rechagables which Canon estimate
should proved about 550 shots per charge.
As with most small sensor cameras, noise levels of the Canon Powershot S3 IS
will be higher than those seen with DSLRs of the same pixel count, but even so,
if it follows the trend of similar cameras, ISO 400 will be pretty good and ISO
800 should be usable. Actual noise levels won't be known until a production model
becomes available for testing.
Given that the street price should be under $500, the Canon Powershot S3 IS
certainly represents a very capable alternative to a DSLR for photographers who
don't want to bother with changing lenses and issues of dust on sensors and who
don't need low noise images at high ISO settings (ISO 1600-3200). It should
certainly be capable of producing very good 8x10 prints and even at 11x14 the
print quality should please many users.
The S3 IS has a "widescreen" mode with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is really
just a crop of the full size image (2,816 x 2,112) to give a 2,816 x 1,584
(Widescreen) shot, but may be convenient for those intending to display images on
a widescreen TV or monitor.
In addition to normal still imaging, the Canon Powershot S3 IS can shoot
640x480 resolution video at 30 frames/sec, plus record stereo sound - and can
take 6MP still images while simultaneously recording in video mode! There's also
a 320x240 mode which can shoot at 15, 30 or 60fps. A 512MB SD card can store
about 23 minutes of the lowest quality video or about 4 minutes of the highest
quality video.
Several full size sample images from the S3 IS can be downloaded from
Canon's website
Here's Canon's press release on the Powershot S3 IS
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006?The family-oriented Canon
PowerShot S3 IS is a feature-packed six-megapixel hybrid digital camera that is
equally at home with photo enthusiasts and digital diehards as it is in the hands
of the point-and-shoot "where do I press?" set. Remarkably, whether engaged in
VGA quality videography at 30 frames per second (fps) with stereo sound
recording, high-resolution still photography, or capturing both at the same time,
this affordable and adaptable camera remains the ultimate example of "easy to
use."
The successor to the five megapixel PowerShot S2 IS digital camera, the
PowerShot S3 IS enhancements begin with Canon's newly designed six-megapixel
image sensor that together with Canon's proprietary DIGIC II image processor
dramatically reduces "noise" for better image quality and achieves ISO equivalent
speed ratings ranging from 80 to 800. This increased sensitivity allows the use
of faster shutter speeds, thereby reducing the effects of camera shake and
subject blur during hand-held photography in low light.
Adding to that unshakeable quality is the PowerShot S3 IS digital camera's
shift-type optical image stabilization system. Unlike electronic image stabilizer
systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon based its Lens
Shift type of Image Stabilizer system on the advancements in the development and
refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses.
This Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in
shutter speed equivalent. It is essential when engaging the camera's retractable
12x optical zoom lens because the extension of a long lens magnifies camera shake
in direct proportion with the amount of lens magnification employed. (For those
seeking still greater optical capabilities, Canon offers an optional 1.5x Tele
Converter, a 0.75x Wide Converter and a high-quality dual element Close-Up
Lens).
The PowerShot S3 IS digital camera's 12x zoom lens has an equivalent film
focal length of 36-432 mm (f/2.7 at wide angle and f/3.5 at telephoto). Despite
the extraordinary range of the zoom lens, it retracts securely into the camera
when it is powered down. The optical zoom can be augmented by the camera's 4x
digital zoom raising the maximum (35mm equivalent) focal length to that of a
1728mm lens. What's more, this UD lens features a high-speed silent zoom function
powered by a micro motor USM drive, increasing ease of quiet, non-intrusive image
capture. For extreme close-ups, the camera's macro and super macro mode permit
shooting a subject as close as zero inches from the end of the lens barrel.
Movie Mode
In addition to recording in high-quality VGA (640 x 480 pixels) movie mode at 30
fps, the user can increase the frame speed to 60 fps in QVGA (320 x 240) movie
mode. Similarly, the camera also features a QVGA 320 x 240-pixel setting with a
choice of 30 or 15 fps. Continuous movie recording is possible up to a maximum
file size of 1GB or 60 minutes, whichever comes first, (depending on the capacity
of the user's memory card and its data write speed). What's more, regardless of
the mode dial position or even whether the camera is in capture or playback mode,
the PowerShot S3 IS camera automatically starts and stops recording movies with
the simple press of a button on the camera back.
MovieSnap
Newly enhanced for the PowerShot S3 IS digital camera thanks to the model's new
six megapixel image sensor, MovieSnap enables the user to capture high-resolution
six megapixel still images while recording movies, ensuring that memories of
milestones are preserved for video view as well as for picture frames, photo
albums and e-mail sharing.
True to its hybrid nature, the PowerShot S3 IS camera's larger 2.0 inch
Vari-Angle LCD screen swings out (as is common on video cameras) permitting the
user to compose shots including self-portraits without having to twist and
maneuver into uncomfortable positions.
New Features and Special Effects
Canon's PowerShot S3 IS camera features a Sports Mode that allows users to select
high shutter speeds and the camera automatically selects the appropriate aperture
for capturing beautiful action shots. The camera also includes a new widescreen
16:9 ratio resolution setting that facilitates creating panoramic-style
prints.
Canon Powershot S3 IS Specifications
Sensor size
1/2.5" 6MP CCD
Resolutions
2816 x 2112, 2,816 x
1,584, 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
ISO ratings
Auto, 80 ,100, 200, 400, 800
Zoom
36 mm - 432mm/2.7-3.5 (35mm Equiv)
optical, plus 4x digital zoom
Image stabilization
Yes
Manual Focus option
Yes
Normal focus range
Infinity - 50 cm
Macro focus range
10/0 cm
White balance
6 positions & manual preset
Shutter
15 sec - 1/3200s
Flash modes
Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow
Sync, Off
Exposure compensation
-2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Metering
Evaluative, Center Weighted,
Spot
Aperture priority
Yes
Shutter priority
Yes
Continuous Drive
Yes, 1.5 fps / 2.3 fps
Movie Clips
Yes, 640 x 480, 15/30 fps or 320x240,
15/30/60 fps, with stereo audio
Self-timer
2 or 10 sec or custom
Time-lapse recording
Yes
Orientation sensor
Yes
Storage types
SD/MMC card
Compressed format
JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Quality Levels
Super-Fine, Fine, Normal
Viewfinder
EVF
LCD
2.0 " (flip-out & twist) 115,000
pixels
Video out
Yes
USB
Yes, 2.0
Batteries
AA (4) batteries (NiMH
recommended)
Weight (inc. batteries)
510 g (18 oz)
Dimensions
113 x 78 x 76 mm (4.5 x 3.1 x 3
in)
Pricing and Availability
Canon's new PowerShot S3 IS digital camera will be available in May for an
estimated selling price of $499.99.
The Sony 6MP 1/2.5" seems very efficient. It is the same as in the Canon 800IS and, as you can see there, 400 ISO is quite good and even 800 ISO can be cleaned very well. Canon may have a real winner, here... (and Fuji may have lost the crown regarding noise)
I bought the Canon A540 recently, also a 6MP, 1/2.5" sensor. If it's the same sensor, don't expect much from the higher ISO settings. 800 is terrible even with the Ninja; 400 isn't much better. There's only so much time I'm prepared to spend getting rid of sensor noise. I doubt I'll be using the camera much, except at iso 80 where it is reliable and doesn't create too much post-processing work.
Oliver, do you really think this mush:
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/parts/image_for_link/48340-3558-14-2.html
takes the crown away from the Fuji F10 for high-iso capture?
Yes, because I focus on Sensor Technology... not on photosite size (Fuji 1/1.7" vs Sony 1/2.5" => 0.8IL), nor on ISO accuracy (Fuji being more optimistic than Canon => >0.2IL) nor on Noise Blurring.
=> One should compare Fuji 1600 ISO vs Canon 800 ISO to get an idea of the Technology. I also prefer less Noise Reduction in order to optimize the post-processing myself.
Can you get this from a Fuji F10 at 1600 ISO ? (Cleaned from a 800 ISO Canon 800 IS)
For reference, here is the Fuji F11 1600 ISO image. The high frequency noise has been removed, but small details have been lost as well and some artefacts are present...
The main difference really comes from Fuji's strong NR vs Canon light & conservative NR (ie: whether you want immediate pleasing results OR better quality with post-processing). I MUCH prefer having control and better quality for keepers with a bit of work.
It seems you are saying the Fuji's 1600 is equivalent to the Canon's 800 in sensitivity, which may be true.
I tried to compare these images side by side but they were not shot under the same lighting conditions (the background and chart is much darker in one than the other). I wouldn't find either acceptable but if the camera is capable of RAW output (the Fuji is not), I agree I'd rather do the NR myself.
Seven Stuartson Photo.net Patron, April 08, 2006; 12:32 A.M.
I bought the Canon A540 recently, also a 6MP, 1/2.5" sensor. If it's the same sensor, don't expect much from the higher ISO settings. 800 is terrible even with the Ninja; 400 isn't much better. There's only so much time I'm prepared to spend getting rid of sensor noise. I doubt I'll be using the camera much, except at iso 80 where it is reliable and doesn't create too much post-processing work.
I expected better from Canon.
Well, I guess you need to use a DSLR. The DRebel line seems a good fit for the budget conscious...
Does anyone own a S3IS, i am planning for an upgrade. i just want to know wether it is worthy. The pain i have with my S2IS is the noise. in most of the other areas i am quiet convinced with this series. be it color, startup time, continious shooting, it preforms decently. battery life, i think it is one of the best in the catagory. and that too with 4AA cells. i remember clicking around 300 snaps in a go. video - the best that my money had ever bought.
But noise, makes me throw the camera in spite of all the goodness it has... is it been fixed with S3. if anyone can help me out, i will go for it.
I now use a S3 as a backup to my D300 and the thing I thought was most disturbing was the noise level. 400 is barely usable 800 is a waste of time.
With that said in it's class (mega zoom Point and shoot) it is worth the money. good crisp images in good light and very flexible to use.
I am spoiled after using the DSLR (d300 and 20D) but as a quick and flexible backup with a long lens it fits the bill and is not to expensive. For those that would like a better grade of picture look on ebay or where ever for a used D300 and a couple of lenses for about the same money as a new S3. The larger imager and the ease of framing and handleing are worth the investment.
Oh as a side note the S3 is a better camcorder than most point and shoots I have had more fun takeing movies than shooting frames 640X480 stero sound and a 12x zoom
