Testseek.co.uk have collected 47 expert reviews of the Canon PowerShot S3 iS and the average rating is 81%. Scroll down and see all reviews for Canon PowerShot S3 iS.
(81%)
47 Reviews
Average score from experts who have reviewed this product.
Users
(86%)
35 Reviews
Average score from owners of the product.
81010047
The editors liked
Optic zoom in video
Stabilized zoom
Nice firm grip
Moveable LCD screen
Manual modes
Rapid access to all functions
Excellent image quality. Big 12x zoom. Great low light performance. Not much bigger than standard compact.
Build quality and design are very good
Logical and intuitive menu and control system
Fun
Excellent optical image stabiliser
Great handling
Feature packed
Great image quality
Excellent macro function
Good price
The editors didn't like
Slightly more noise than with the S2IS
Price
Could have had a better startup time
Only comes with 16MB SD card. Small electronic viewfinder.
Viewfinder is a little small
Intrusive noise at higher ISOs
Purple pixel fringing
Focus hunting at longer focal lengths
Screen and viewfinder hard to see in bright conditions
Excellent color reproduction and accuracy
Super macro focuses at 0 inches
Good flash coverage and options
Image stabilization
Frequently used scenes on dial
12x lens with USM
Good movie mode and functionality with stereo audio
Poor viewfinder resolution
Poor LCD minimal resolution; solarizes easily
1 GB limit on movies
Eats alkaline AA batteries
Power switch too stiff
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS comes to the ultra-zoom digital camera market with a unique set of features. It has the 12x optical zoom lens that qualifies it as part of the ultra-zoom market and couples it with an optical image stabilization system that wo...
Abstract: The 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 its powered down. This UD lens featur...
Good resolution, Good color, good exposure, generally accurate focus, 12x zoom offers excellent 36-432mm range, Image stabilization works well (and can be used in movie mode), Packed with features, Very quiet, Solid construction and good handling, Fast an...
Occasional focus hunting at the telephoto end of the zoom in low light, ISO 800 mode is too noisy to be really useful, ISO 200 noise reduction too strong, No rechargeable batteries supplied in the box, Occasional highlight clipping due to over exposure of...
Where the S2 IS offered a huge performance leap over its predecessor, the S3 IS is in reality a minor upgrade, and with good reason; there was a lot less that needed improvement. Aside from the newer sensor, the welcome addition of a direct ISO button...
Abstract: The Canon PowerShot S3 IS ($499) is an update to last years very popular PowerShot S2 ultra zoom camera. The S3 isnt a revolution compared to the S2 -- in fact, the upgrades are fairly minor for the most part. New features on the S3 include: Us...
Abstract: I am often asked to make camera recommendations and this review is prompted by just such an inquiry. Sometime ago in a previous review, I looked at two super zoom cameras; but every month (in the digital camera world) brings new and usually (but not alwa...
Abstract: I have used the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5, the Panasonic FZ7 and the Canon PowerShot S2 IS and wanted to try the new Canon PowerShot S3 IS. I bought the Canon S3 IS and after using it and comparing it to other stabilized-zoom cameras, I sold the S3 on eB...
Abstract: The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is not your average digital compact camera with a large zoom range. It is in fact a multimedia device. After all, this camera enables you to do so much more than take photos; you now have the choice of video clips with stereo ...
Brilliant pictures, Big Zoom, Advanced Functionality
Burst mode could be better The Final Word An absolutely brilliant ultra zoom model that combines a 12X zoom lens with exceptional picture quality and all the usual functionality.
An absolutely brilliant ultra zoom model that combines a 12X zoom lens with exceptional picture quality and all the usual functionality.