Canon S3 IS

[Llist]

I'm looking at possibly replacing my Olympus SP-350 and have liked what I see and what I've heard about the Canon S3 IS. Wondering how well the Image Stabilization works. My Olympus doesn't have that and only has 3x Optical Zoom. Couldn't get all the pics I wanted when we were on vacation and, darn it, I think I got sand in it so I think I may need a new one ;) May as well look while dh is entertaining the idea. Any opinions about this would be helpful. Also, any other suggestions would be great. I've read some reviews but I know you guys know you cameras.

Thanks everyone.

[Chuck S.]

Laura, I have one and it's a very nice camera. The Image Stabilization works well, perhaps giving you one or two stops more (slower shutter speeds) that you can use without too much shake. It also has a nice long zoom and an excellent movie mode. It's being replaced by the S5, which has more pixels (not necessarily a good thing) and a hot shoe for an external flash (a good thing, but not needed by everyone). Prices for the S3 have been trending downward - now less than $300 US in many stores.

I'd recommend you and DH go to a camera store and handle the camera before making a decision. What feels good in one person's hands may not feel right at all to the next person.

[Llist]

Chuck - Thanks for the advice. Seeing as I'm not in such a hurry, I'll find the time to "drag" the hubby into our local Cord Camera to look at some. If I can't get him in there maybe I'll just go on my lunch hour one day. He really doesn't care what I get as long as I'm happy with it. After our last trip to the beach he's been really supportive of my new hobby. I'm so lucky!

[Chuck S.]

Laura: Remember that the S3 IS a discontinued model, so they may sell out before too long. If the really do settle in at a price around $275, that will be very attractive vs. the S5 IS, which will sell around $450-$500 for quite some time.

[Llist]

Thanks Chuck... I'll make sure to go tomorrow. Can't wait to see what they have. Any other suggestions for a good P&S with a good optical zoom, image stab. and takes good pics? Don't want to limited to one in case they don't have it and want to have several to look at. If not, I'll just see what they have. Thanks again!

[Chuck S.]

Laura, here's a link to a "Best" list on Steve's Digicams, a source I use along with dpreview.com. Check out the list of 10x to 12x zooms in particular. It's a starting point...

Steve's Best (http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html)

[Tina_B]

I have both the S2 IS and the S3 IS. I like them both but find myself using the S2 more often for close up shots. Maybe I just don't understand the macro thing that I get blurr on the S3. I love all the features and am still learning how to do all the settings without using auto all the time. The reason for having two cameras is that the flash unit went out on the S2 and is a costly repair. I use the S2 for outside and no flash photos and when I don't want to chance losing the S3.
Tina B

[Chuck S.]

Tina, you'll get a blur on macro if you try to use macro with the zoom extended much beyond it lowest point. When you press the macro button, look at the little flower icon that appears on the LCD viewing screen. If it's gray, you're zoomed out too far and macro won't work. As you start to zoom in, you'll see a yellow bar appear in the viewfinder. Zoom in until the indicator is to the left of the yellow bar; at that point, the macro icon should be white and you'll be able to get the autofocus to work.

This isn't unique to the S3. I ran into it with my G7 and thought I had a defective camera....:o

[lindajay]

I think Kayser has the S3, as well. I believe she and I were both deciding between the S3 and the Sony DSC-H5, at the same time. She went with the Canon and I went with the Sony. We've both been happy with our choices. The Sony H5 has comparable features. Now the H7 and H9 are out, but I think you can still find the H5. It's been a terrific camera for me.

[Chuck S.]

If you want to compare the features of two models, dpreview.com has a convenient 'side-by-side' page. Here's a link to it:

DPR Side by Side (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp)

[PegPowell]

I wanted to get the Canon S5 and had been watching for prices. I was able to get it for $400-quite a score.:D