Aug 20, 2007 10:00 AM
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The Canon Power Shot S3 IS succeeds the S2 IS with 6.0MP resolution, the same high-powered 12x optical zoom lens with built-in image stabilization, and enhanced movie capabilities.
The Canon S3 IS incorporates UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) lens into the lens element to reduce the much dreaded chromatic aberration (purple fringing).
As in the Canon S2 IS (and S1 IS before that), the Canon S3 IS retains the Optical Image Stabilizer to reduce camera shake; and the quiet, super-smooth and super-fast ultra-sonic motor (USM).
The Power Shot S3 IS can take VGA (640 x 480 pixels) movies at 30 fps. A new movie mode now allows you to take very smooth QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) movies at 60 frames per second.
Optical zooming and recording in stereo sound is possible while shooting a movie. Additionally, digital zoom and manual focus are also available, as well as adjusting the exposure, or locking the AF or exposure while shooting a movie. Movies can be taken continuously (depending on the storage capacity of the recording media) until the clip size reaches 1GB or the clip length reaches 1 hour.
Now there's no need to interrupt your movie when you see a great shot. With the new "Movie Snap" feature, just press the shutter to capture a full 6MP still image at any time while recording a movie.
ISO setting can now go as high as ISO 800 to allow low light shooting. Super Macro mode takes you to shoot as close as the front element of the lens., i.e. from 0 to 10 cm (0 to 3.9 in.).
The Vari-Angle LCD is now 2.0 in., and a new "Print Menu" includes all the menus for printing. The Print/Share Button makes for easy direct printing and downloading of pictures. Pict Bridge compatibility allows for direct printing from camera to printer (regardless of the devices' brand and model) without using a computer.
The Canon S3 IS, with its great features, high resolution and a super long 12x optical zoom with image stabilization, will appeal to beginner and serious amateur photographers.
