Canon PowerShot S3 IS Review

The PowerShot S3 IS can cope with a certain panache to all situations shooting. With a 6-megapixel sensor and a good image stabilizer, it is distinguished mostly by its impressive zoom capabilities.

Verdict Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a camera with a 12x zoom hyperpuissant of, very well done.

Good.
fast and responsive; ergonomic design; videotape satisfactory; retractable LCD screen and swivel; goal rapid and high quality with an image stabilizer effective.

Bad.
LCD small, lack of RAW format; shooting big screen distorted.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Between the PowerShot S2 IS and S3 IS, Canon has changed little. The new model features a CCD of 6 megapixels, against 5 megapixels for his predecessor and a few new features but, ultimately, the two models are identical. This is not necessarily a bad thing: the S2 remains a remarkable camera and S3 is continuity.
The case does not change, but the silver contrast more with the dark gray plastic shimmering new model with the silver colour of his predecessor. For more details on design and basic characteristics of the S2 and S3, read the test product on the PowerShot S2 IS.

For the S3, Canon has increased the size of the LCD screen and removable swivel. The diagonal pass by 4.6 cm to 5.1 cm, what remains disappointing. The manufacturer has also added a 16 / 9 ridiculous: Not only did he cut and flatten images format 4 / 3 standard, but the screen is too small to make the screen 16 / 9 is functional. Most Useful: a new movie mode can record with a resolution of 320 x 240 60 frames per second (fps) and produces small images impeccable, like the VGA mode at 30 fps. Unfortunately, the camera does not always support the RAW format.

Oddly, despite the different sensor, photos of S3 are virtually identical to those of S2. Perhaps because both use the same objective 36-432 mm f/2.7-f/3.5 presenting a very important focal beach and the same image processor Digic II. They display a wide range of tones, despite some cuts in light and dark areas, colors very accurate and well saturated and sharpness acceptable to one side to another image. The aircraft is doing well in terms of noise. It remains low until about ISO 200, then becomes increasingly pronounced. Although the new model would increase the sensitivity to light up to ISO 800 (manually or by enabling ISO Boost mode of exposure programmed), noise becomes uncomfortable with this setting. Overall, photos of S3 are satisfactory but somewhat retain their numerical aspect, either on screen or printing.

The performance of S3 IS are equal to or greater than those of S2. The time to start is only 1.5 seconds, which is rather fast and extremely satisfying for a camera that must deploy a long goal. The time of the shutter reached approximately 0.4 seconds in an intense light. It is multiplied by two (0.8 seconds) when the lights falling. The S3 IS is relatively reactive: 1.1 seconds usually between every shot, which must be added a second for reloading flash, if any. If it tops out at 1.5 fps burst mode, you can take as many successive shots as you wish maximum resolution without being limited by the buffer. This mode is to use far more useful for a quick burst mode but limited. He certainly enough to photograph subjects in movements like dogs in full race or children playing in a park.

The autofocus is fast in most cases, but some of our shots, it seemed that the development had not been locked before the capture. We have not encountered any problems with the S2 suffered SuperMacro mode, it has functioned perfectly, even when the goal was nearly glued to the topic. The image stabilizer is very practical and has been losing about two notches shutter.

We are not big fans of electronic viewfinders (FLE) and the S3 IS failed to make us change our mind. Although it is perfect for framing, we hate that the image freezes when you press the shutter. The LCD is undeniably readable under most lighting, but we prefer a traditional viewfinder rather than risking instability by holding the camera at arm’s length. By combining features, performance and relatively compact design, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS undeniably makes the devices zoom hyperpuissant a convincing alternative to the Reflex.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Filed under Canon, Digital Cameras |

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