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Note: This camera was first sold in Feb 2006. It has been replaced by the Canon S5 IS.

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Canon PowerShot S3 IS

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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This camera is ranked

3rd of 40 in 6 Megapixel
33rd of 63 in Extended Zoom
53rd of 82 in Canon
35th of 87 in $350 - $600
31st of 71 in Over $600

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Answered!

Sue P (sue1379) 1 pts

October 14, 2008 10:07 PM

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Help! On vacation -- viewfinder/LCD screen trouble

When I look into the viewfinder or the LCD screen on my Canon PowerShot S3IS what I see now is not a clear image in the shoot mode. It looks like a covering of small pixels....dots?? I can still see what I am shooting but it is distracting. Have I changed something without knowing? Can I reset it?

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Larry (logcabiny) 4897 pts

October 14, 2008 10:20 PM

Reset by removing batteries for a few minutes and then replacing them and restarting camera. Otherwise, read in manual under "Resetting camera to default settings".
Also, with the lens out look directly at the lens and be certain there isn't a lot of dust on the lens surface.
Best wishes.

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Sue P (sue1379) 1 pts

October 15, 2008 4:22 AM

Thanks for the speedy reply! I tried your suggestions which were great -- and probably should have worked, but have not solved the problem. I'm thinking I may have to get it checked out when I return home. Thanks again for your help Larry!!

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Aditya D (Adhere) 7462 pts

October 16, 2008 10:07 AM

Are you talking about maybe a dark patch on some of your photos? If so, there could be spot of dirt, or some dust on the inside or outside of your lens, causing the light not to shine through and leaving a dark patch on your image. Try using a microfiber cloth and some water to see if you can clean the lens and take out a spot, but be careful.

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Help! On vacation -- viewfinder/LCD screen trouble

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