Unbiased digital camera reviews, advice, and prices
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 It has been replaced by the Canon S5 IS.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.."
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Question Answered!
Peggy Kay (Pe) 0 pts
December 4, 2007 2:35 AM
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Which Canon with viewfinder and stabilizer is best under $300

I have a Canon 540..I feel I need the viewfinder for sun photos and like the option of chargeable and AA battery option/
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This question is also associated with Canon SD750, Canon A630 and Canon SD850 IS.

Answers This question has been answered!
Andrew Skinner (blackdoorphotos) 18535 pts
December 4, 2007 6:37 AM
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Peggy,

I would go with the Canon S3 IS. It has a huge optical zoom (12x), and runs on AA batteries. You can get a good rechargeable set, with a charger, at Target, or online at eBay for around $20. If you're looking for a more compact camera, I would recommend the Canon A630 might be a better choice. It has less optical zoom, but is smaller and still meets your requirements. Good luck and happy shooting.

Andrew
Best Answer
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Peggy Kay (Pe) 0 pts
December 4, 2007 7:43 AM
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thanks for help...I'll look into it this week.
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Andrew Skinner (blackdoorphotos) 18535 pts
December 5, 2007 7:31 PM
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Peggy,

Glad we could help. Please come back with any other questions.

Andrew
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Peggy Kay (Pe) 0 pts
December 13, 2007 2:40 AM
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Andrew this is Peggy again. been away a week and took a camera class and love the SLR cameras but I need something compact....so the A 630 may be best..I presently have a Canon 540 but it has no stabilizer--I keep replacing AA batteries..I buy the Lithium 7X power but it gets pricey. My question should I get a camera with Lithium rechargeable battery and buy a back up battery when traveling..do they last long the lithiums or stick to the AA. ....if I go lithium I could go to one of the ELFPH size cameras...thanks for you reply..this is going to be a Christmas gift form my son....he wants me to get great photos of his kids (my grandkids)...Happy Holidays Peggy
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pvs (pvs57) 10 pts
December 13, 2007 7:59 PM
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The A630 is an excellent choice, but it does not have the IS feature. The quality of the photos are wonderful and it is easy to use.
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Andrew Skinner (blackdoorphotos) 18535 pts
December 17, 2007 9:08 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Peggy,

I've used cameras with rechargeable NiMH batteries and found them to be a great option to the pricey Lithium batteries. If you're looking for something in the ELPH line, you can try the Canon SD850 IS. It has an 8MP resolution, a viewfinder, and image stabilization. It also has a rechargeable lithium ion battery. I would recommend buying a backup battery. It is always good to have extras around. Good luck and happy shooting.

Andrew
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Peggy Kay (Pe) 0 pts
December 18, 2007 12:56 AM
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Before I received your latest reply I told my son (he is buying me this for Christmas) to get the Canon A750 IS and will get a NiMH recharger and batteries. I am a teacher and always have a camera on me..and want the option of changing batteries quickly and often toss them (or lose them)..Thanks for your help....Happy Holidays Peggy
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Andrew Skinner (blackdoorphotos) 18535 pts
December 18, 2007 5:24 PM
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Peggy,

Glad we could be of assistance. Please come back with any more questions. Happy shooting and best wishes this holiday season.

Andrew
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