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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 It has been replaced by the Canon S5 IS.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.
  • 1 out of 5
"horrible, grainy pictures"
  • 2 out of 5
"Good until it breaks"
See rating based on 1114 user reviews
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Editors' Comments

Canon's extended zoom camera gets a bit of a makeover. An update of the S2IS, the S3IS is a sleek camera with a cool, gun-metal grey paintjob that says this camera is here to do business. The 6 megapixel sensor and 12x optical zoom combine to create tremendously detailed and versatile images, all kept in line by Canon's powerful image stabilization... read more

Specifications

  • 6 megapixels
  • 12x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom (conversion lenses optional)
  • auto and manual focus
  • auto and manual exposure
  • JPEG file format
  • ISO 80-800 (High ISO auto)
See more specifications...

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Answered Questions for the S3 IS

Q: Canon S3 memory card error
A: It appears that the camera was damaged and Canon is repairing it. Thanks anyway. read more
Q: what is the best settings to get action shots of racecars on a race track going about 100 mph
A: I've got the S3 IS as well so I'll try and talk you through it step by step. There are... read more
Q: have a cannon powershot s315, can anyone offer tips for taking pictures of my aquariums/fish?
A: Here's a few tips:* keep that camera steady* Switch OFF that flash!* Give the tank a spring clean* Minimize reflection... read more

See more answered questions for the S3 IS...

Open Questions for the S3 IS

Q: LCD monitor is blank. It lights up, but no text or picture.
20 points for best answer - No replies
Q: what to do when it says lens erro
4 points for best answer - 1 reply
Q: focus light stays on
5 points for best answer - 1 reply

See more open questions for the S3 IS...

Store Ratings and Offer Details for the Canon S3 IS

Store Rating Store Name Price Visit Store
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4.0 out of 5 1119 Store Reviews eBay $409.95 Go!
3.0 out of 5 136 Store Reviews Amazon Marketplace $409.00 Go!
4.6 out of 5 1309 Store Reviews 47digital
via Amazon.com
$698.33 Go!

Share your opinion and read others' reviews of the Canon S3 IS

  • 4.47 out of 5

Average rating based on 1114 total reviews: 4.47/5

DigitalCamera-HQ User Reviews

Submit your own S3 IS review!

  • 1 out of 5
horrible, grainy pictures (nikki dean - 5/4/08)

This is my third Cannon camera....I also have an SLR and a point and shoot digital camera. Any picture taken indoors is grainy. Very disappointed... read more

  • 2 out of 5
Good until it breaks (MJL - 4/9/08)

Got this camera as a gift, awesome, lots of features great pics, until the 'LENS ERROR restart camera' started happening. I was 4 months over... read more

  • 4 out of 5
Now discontinued but will do just fine. (Mark - 1/10/08)

Yea! Target clearance $245! Just in time. I have a Minolta A1 which apparently has a potential imager defect requiring a Class Action solution. I... read more

See all S3 IS user reviews...

Professional Reviews

  • 3.3 out of 5
Megazoom (CNET - 5/15/06)

CNET acknowledges that the S3 IS sits in that fuzzy area between regular digital cameras and digital SLRs, but sees it as a decent compromise for those not willing to wade in the deep end just yet. read original review

  • 3.4 out of 5
Enthusiastic Recommendation (DC Resource - 5/15/06)

DC Resource likes the S3 IS, but offers the Panasonic FZ30 or Fuji S9000 as possible alternatives. read original review

See all S3 IS professional reviews...

Canon PowerShot S3 IS News

10/12/06

Canon's S3 IS vs. Sony's H5: Which Is Better?

These extended zoom cameras are getting a lot of praise. Which one is right for you?

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