[Abhijit Sur]

Has any one used Cannon s3 digital camera? I want some feedback regarding performance and specifications.

[sleeper]

Abhijit Sur, on Nov 4 2006, 05:25 PM, said:

Has any one used Cannon s3 digital camera? I want some feedback regarding performance and specifications.

Check the following link

photography

[H.Nick]

You mean the S3 IS?

I'm happy with my S2 IS

[Heike]

Hi!

I was annoyed in April in Periyar that I couldn't zoom in the many wild animals close with my small "Ricoh Caplio". The Capolio only had 3 x visual zoom lens.

Two months ago I was looking for a Camera with more zoom lens.

I finally bought the "Canon S3 IS".  

My reasons:

For the money one doesn't get another Camera with 12 x visual  zoom lens

One doesn't need special accumulators. The Camera needs only the   simple NiMH-batteries/accumulators.
(She works also with the simple AA -size alkaline batteries. However, these don't hold for a long time.)

In published tests the Camera came off always well.

And she takes really nice and sharp pictures!!!!  

I thought first: "A swivelling display? What do I need this for?"
I wouldn't like the swivelling display miss today any more.
I can for example take a photograph a little more discreetly now by adjusting the display so that I take a picture on the right or on the left of myself.  

I have taken a picture of a duck family who swam on a lake some days ago. At the PC I cut a chick out of the duck family and extended it on screen size. The part is quite clear since the Camera has 6 megapixel!

The disadvantage of the Camera:  

The Camera isn't small, easy and handy.
She doesn't fit in the trouser pocket and one needs 4 batteries!

Heike

[H.Nick]

Those batteries last well until you start using the flash --- then they are dead on just a few shots. Buy a couple of sets, at least, of rechargables, as high a capacity as you can. But at least, if you have to, you can just use 4 plain ordinary throw-away AAs.

The 12* zoom takes you to the 35mm-film-camera equivalent of 400mm. That would need a very steady hand or a tripod --- but for the camera's Image Stabilisation, which works wonders, especially at full zoom. I got good handheld pics of the recent lunar partial eclipse!  With a film camera, most of my photos would be blurred these days

It goes from that to macro --- as close to the lens as you can get. So after you've finished photographing the birds you can do the beetles!

Just about everything can be manually set if you are so inclined. In Auto mode it does everything except set the zoom and frame the picture (If you need flash you have to manually open up the flash: I prefer it that way). Usually I use 'P' mode: everything auto, but stuff can be easily over-ridden  when you need.

Heaps of special 'scene' settings and stuff, most of which I don't bother much with, but the panoramic photo mode is neat. You can line up each photo with the previous one in the viewfinder, and stitch them together as one image with the software that comes with the camera.

Ah... viewfinder. It's got a viewfinder. The LCD is hardly tiny, but it is not huge, either --- and I find it hard to use LCDs without my reading glasses on. Much easier to put my eye to the viewfinder. Especially in bright tropical sunshine. And half-arms-length away, held in mid-air, just never seems to me the right posture for holding a camera...

The twisty LCD screen is useful (as Heike says) for those 'what, me? taking photos? naaaa ' stealth shots, or when you would have to have your ear on the ground to see some beetle ---or holding the camera over your head to see over the crowd.

The lens cap is rubbish, and falls off unless you trap the string in it --- but the camera really doesn't like being turned on with the lens being obstructed, so maybe they made it that way on purpose.

Auto focus can sometimes just refuse to focus on what your looking at, especially in low light. Not too foten, though, and manual focus is available.

Apart form the fact that it is unmistakably plastic, it seems well-made and feels like a much more expensive camera.

I think the S3 has more megapixles than the S2 and looks nicer in black. Not enough difference for me to upgrade, though. Unless you really want to own the latest model (and I expect an S4 will be along in a year or so...) check out the relative specifications, and maybe look for a bargain S2...

[Abhijit Sur]

Thanks all for the valuable tips. I was initially inclined to buy Nikkon cookpix. Later I found in various reviews that Cannon S3 IS is the best available option. Most of the experts suggest that SLR Nikkon cameras are best but auto focus digital cameras from Cannon are best.

[Somnath]

Abhijit, it is coincident that I am also thinking about a digital camera and trying to get some related info. During this process I was just comparing brands:
http://www.dpreview....dmcfz7&show=all - hope it may help you.

And friends, any comment on this comparison is welcome. It will definitely help us. So plz if you want to share your experience (bad / good) or suggestions do not hesitate.  

- Somnath

[Somnath]

Thank you Paagla Dashu.  
You know the type of photographs I try to click, mainly landscapes, mountains, architecture (in short – travel photography). I am using Nikon F65 (film SLR) with 28-100mm Nikon lens. I am absolutely satisfied with the performance of my camera. And thought a telephoto lens will enrich my armory but the development of digital photographic equipments forced me to think about it once again (economical in long run). Accordingly I narrowed down to these three models. I prefer this segment because reasonable quality (6 mp), 12x optical zoom, some manual control over the automatic mode (and good performance while using as point and shoot. Here I am considering my family members who will be able to use it), ability to capture a few minutes of video (I’ll use a bigger memory card).
I am not ready to compromise on quality of landscapes (36mm is OK with me). BTW, Nikon F65 will remain my first choice. And regarding budget as my friend will bring it from USA - around $300 (excluding memory card / accessories).

PD, I am eagerly waiting for your thoughts.

[Somnath]

Paagla Dashu, on Nov 6 2006, 02:04 PM, said:

Somnath,

Between the three models you have narrowed down to - the choice is very simple.

S3IS.

Go for it.

Thank you PD.
Hmmmmm….. I’ve seen the photographs taken by this beautiful machine, I am just thinking about its performance at telephoto end (not that sharp / crispy). And a bit disappointed for another set of pix where foreground is dark but there are bright snow capped mountains at background – as you know contrast is a factor. PD, do you think comparing the price & performance with FZ7, S3 will be a better choice   ? (considering available test photographs / reviews available in web).

I didn’t get any chance to see the result of Panasonic FZ7, anyone?

Edited by Somnath, 06 November 2006 - 02:30 PM.

[Abhijit Sur]

Now we can finalize on S3IS.

Now tell us what is bad about Nikon coolpix series. Only for discussion sake!!1

[Somnath]

Abhijit Sur, on Nov 6 2006, 03:47 PM, said:

Now tell us what is bad about Nikon coolpix series. Only for discussion sake!!1

I’ve used Nikon cool pix L1 (6 mp, 5x zoom). Not satisfied with the quality of pix. As I said I use Nikon film SLR and not ready to leave that camera just for its superior quality. Somehow, the sharpness is missing in Nikon digital (don’t have any first hand experience about the recent development). And just another point, it takes longer time between two snaps.
Abhijit you can refer to this review section:
http://www.megapixel...tml/reviews.php

you’ll be able to see some photographs in ‘Image quality’ and ‘Test Photo’ section for each model. Just a quick update – subject is more or less same but plz note the exposure for different models, it not always same.

[H.Nick]

Somnath, it must be difficult moving from a high-quality 35mm SLR to a consumer-level digital.

[Somnath]

H.Nick, on Nov 6 2006, 09:15 PM, said:

Somnath, it must be difficult moving from a high-quality 35mm SLR to a consumer-level digital.

Nick, honestly speaking I am really confused. I can’t expect SLR like control / quality from a consumer digicam and unable to afford a digital SLR right now . And if I do not take a decision it will be late. Because both my dad and sister are planning for a useless (for me) camcorder. Now, tell me for occasional use who wants to invest a good amount of money?

[Somnath]

Paagla Dashu, on Nov 7 2006, 02:03 PM, said:

......  you may be surprised how smart some of these cameras like S3 can be in the Auto mode - and it does give you a wide variety of manual controls.

Hi PD,
Yes, I am convinced about that segment of S3   . I find this is a balanced segment (for my purpose as well as budget).
PD, G7 is 10 mp (so the clarity is definitely much better) and, OK, there are some more features but …… the price? Around $550 !!!!  

[Somnath]

Finally, I’ve received my Panasonic FZ7   . just experimenting with its metering and performance ….. Hmmmmm…… I think it was a rite decision to go for FZ7. But the final test will be on my next trip.

[Judi]

   That's great, Somnath ......... but don't wait for your next trip, why not send us pictures of Kolkata (just to get your hand in, you understand ).

[priya]

I agree with Judi!!!!  C'mon Somnath - some people scenes would be great.  A few practice runs.........and we'll be the judge and jury.

[Somnath]

Hmmmm….. Judi, not a bad idea. I can try to become a tourist in Kolkata. But yes….. Priya, thanks for the clue. 12 x optical zoom can produce good result……. people scenes……. I’ll try to get some pix in front of BPO / call centers    near my office. Lovely    people !!!!!

Edited by Somnath, 22 March 2007 - 03:46 PM.

[cyberhippie]

Bit the bullet yesterday and bought a Nikon D50 SLR and Tamron 28 -300 zoom!

Nice short lense for travelling. I'll get back to you on the camera as it's going to be a huge learning curve I think!

[Somnath]

cyberhippie, on Mar 25 2007, 03:19 PM, said:

Bit the bullet yesterday and bought a Nikon D50 SLR and Tamron 28 -300 zoom!

Nice short lense for travelling. I'll get back to you on the camera as it's going to be a huge learning curve I think!

Ahhhh…… Nikon dSLR   !!!! And 28-300 mm  
Happy shooting CH.