Canon - PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera Review

A few years ago, the S3IS was a top of the line digital camera, just a step below the pricy DSLR's.  With a nice 12x optical zoom and a slew of options for picture control like a digital shutter speed and aperture controls, it feels like a DSLR.  Its bulky size, quick battery drain, and quirky sensitivity balance out the good aspects for, in total, a simply average camera.  And now, with 12+ megapixel cameras retailing for under $100, the S3IS is really only for a specific user.

If you are somebody who likes to play with depth of field and can navigate the menus to do so, wants a lot of optical zoom, but doesn't want to shell out the money for a DSLR, you are the right type of user for this camera.

If you're looking for a pocket camera, very high resolution with a high megapixel count, or simply something that is easy to use, steer clear of the S3IS.

In my personal experience with this model, I had to exchange the first S3IS I purchased due to the zoom no longer working...after a mere month!  Now on my second unit for about a year and a half, the "off" button is loose.  The only way to shut it down is to pop the battery cover.  Others I have spoken to don't have such bad luck with this model.  Despite its problems, the options and great zoom lens make it a good camera - if that's very important to you.