Highly recommended (Canon Powershot S3 IS)

Member Name: xanderd

Product:	Canon Powershot S3 IS
Date:	03/06/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 12x zoom, variable brightness flash, panoramic stitch, high quality video, easy to use

Disadvantages: Flash consumes battery, detail lost against bright backgrounds, too bulky for nights out

This is a great camera and I highly recommend it.

I have been using it for 2 years now and have produced some great shots. it has also stood up to being dropped and severely splashed under a waterfall!

The super macro mode is fantastic for providing super close ups at 0 range, although a light reflector is recommended to avoid dark photos in this situation.

The video mode is good, but the main draw is the 12x optical zoom which is one of the highest available in this price range. The button placement is intuitive and battery length is good. I was able to buy a 3rd party adaptor ring to fit ND filters for more professional options. The pop up flash has variable intensity although it can be a bit harsh (I made a filter out of a milk carton) and drain the battery.

the screen swivels which is invaluable in taking high and low angle shots.

The only downsides I have found with this camera are reduced batery life when using flash, and reduced image quality when taking pictures of fine detail against a bright background i.e. branches against white sky. Obviously also, it is a little too bulky to carry around on nights out - so I use this as my day camera and take a cheap compact camera for parties/bars etc.

Summary: Excellent value and quality

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