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Note: This camera was first sold in Feb 2006. It has been replaced by the Canon S5 IS.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
B-
HQ Grade: B-
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 4 out of 5
"Apart from the noise, great camera"
  • 4 out of 5
"Photographer in Training..S3 filled all needs.."
See rating based on 1324 user reviews
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Question Possibly Answered (20 points for the best answer)
Robert R (Rzone) 1 pts
September 2, 2007 11:48 PM

can I to use this camera like a webcam,what kind of cable I need

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Answers This question has replies but the author has not yet indicated whether it's answered after a long time. Can you answer the question, or post a clarifying follow-up?
Matt (MAK1981) 6009 pts
September 4, 2007 7:21 AM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
This can't be used as a webcam... very few digital cameras can. However, there may be a way to use it as one if you have a TV tuner on your computer. If you have one, check your manual to see if it can be done. If you don't have a TV tuner, it's probably not worthwhile to buy one, as even a cheap one costs $60-$100, and is a hassle to install correctly and get new compatible drivers and whatnot.
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Robert R (Rzone) 1 pts
September 5, 2007 1:29 AM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Thanks
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bukit97 (bukit97) 12611 pts
September 5, 2007 2:35 AM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 2 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Robert,

You can't use S3is as a webcam and it's not worth looking for ways and means to make it work as such because for $10 you can buy a proper webcam complete with cables and softwares.

There are many disadvantages of using a digital camera to double up as a webcam and this probably explains why only few cameras have the function.

I have a digital camera that can work as a webcam but never use it besides testing the function once or twice.
My main concern is camera shutter is a delicate part of the camera and it's accuracy is of great importance to ensure that pictures are correctly exposed.

If, by using the camera as a webcam, the shutter has to be kept wide open for hours in a day and several days in a week, by the end of the month, most probably the shutter speed would not be accurate any more. Look upon the $10 webcam as an insurance or whatever to protect your S3is, it's definitely worth investing in a proper webcam than to risk spoilling your S3is.

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