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Powershot S3 IS test video

Testing the video settings, and zoom on my camera while on vacation in Gettysburg. Taken near The Eternal Light Peace Memorial. S3 IS video stats ...

What would be the best add on lens for a canon powershot s3 is?

Nov 06, 2008 by moderndaycutthroat_x3 | Posted in Photography

I don't know if I should sell my Canon Powershot S3 IS or just get a new add on lens.
I am interested in doing many different type of photography, but mostly music photography, such as at concerts.
I would also like to take photo as promotions for bands though too.

Add-On lenses are horrible for point & shoot cameras. Don't waste your money...you will be deeply disappointed.

How to attach a Canon Powershot S3 IS to a telescope?

Mar 28, 2007 by andy_lo17 | Posted in Cameras

I have a 60 mm Tasco Luminova telescope with interchangeable eyepieces (25, 12.5 and 4 mm), and a 3.3x Barlow. How do I attach my Canon Powershot S3 IS camera to it?

I don't know much about this telescope & camera. You may be able to attach it using the Canon lens adapter LAH-DC20, but don't take my word for it, find out for yourself.

However, generally speaking, when attaching a camera to an astronomical telescope it is better to use an SLR camera with the camera lens removed, so that the image from the telescope's main lens (without the eyepiece) is focused straight onto the camera sensor. With a camera like the S3, you can't remove the lens, so you'll have to place the camera just behind the prime focus (and use macro mode.)

Why is the Canon Powershot S5 IS cheaper than the Canon Powershot S3 IS?

May 01, 2008 by [n][v] | Posted in Cameras

Why is the Canon Powershot S5 IS cheaper than the Canon Powershot S3 IS? This suprises me, does anyone know the reason why?

It isn't.
The "official price" of S3 is higher than that of S5, because digital camera prices keep going down, so at the time of release, S3 was selling for more than S5 sold at time of its release.

However actual price you can get those cameras for is higher for S5:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Image-Stabilized-Zoom/dp/B000EMWBV0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209603598&sr=8-1#
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000Q3043Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209603615&sr=8-1

Make sure you click "click here to see the price" on S3 page, because it's sold for under it's "official" price, Amazon can't publish the price in the open.

LEM.

What could be wrong with my Canon Powershot S3's Super Macro?

Apr 18, 2008 by Jessie | Posted in Cameras

I have a Canon Powershot S3 IS, and for some reason I can only get the Super Macro to work on the "Color Accent" setting. Is this normal or is there something wrong with my camera, or is there something Im doing wrong so that I cant use it on anyother settings? Why do you think I cant get it to work on any other setting? Pleeeease help.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with your camera. You just don't have it in the correct shooting mode, that's all.

Super Macro works in ALL shooting modes EXCEPT Auto, movie mode and the special scenes which are located on the top (mode dial).
So, you should select P on the mode dial (which is just like Auto) but gives you the flexibility to adjust settings.
You can also use it in Tv, Av, or M mode.

Have a look on page 40 of your Advanced User Guide. Just under the heading, 'Magnified Close-up Shooting (Super Macro) it says, Shooting Mode...and next to it you will see which modes you can select Super Macro.
These handy shooting mode references can be found on almost every page of the user guide, if you haven't noticed.

Also, have a look at the very helpful reference chart at the back of the book...'Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode'. It shows you which shooting mode all functions are available in, and on which page of the user guide it can be found. My advice is for you to always refer to this chart if you are unsure of what works where, and where to find it.

Question about converter lenses and filters for Canon Powershot S3 IS?

Aug 30, 2007 by Chesskid | Posted in Cameras

I'm thinking of purchasing a lens hood, wide angle converter lens, and filters (polarizing and UV) for my Canon Powershot S3 IS. I'm just wondering if I can use all three (hood+converter lens+filter) at the same time? Or do I get to use only one accessory at one time?

If you buy the product in the link below, looks like you can use all three. It provides a 58mm mount so you can add on your filters and converter lenses but also provides a hood to protect those accessories, and for $30, I'd say it's a good deal.

What do you think of the Canon PowerShot S3 IS digital camera?

Mar 18, 2007 by lou | Posted in Cameras

I'm going to buy it when I save up enough money, I found it on amazon.com for about $300.00. Is it a good camera?

I want to take pictures like this:

http://i18.tinypic.com/2wce2ip.jpg

<3

p.s. the guy that took that picture, has the canon powershot, only the S2 version, not the S3.

think I'm capable of taking pics like that? haha :D

I purchased the Canon Powershot S3 IS two weeks ago after extensive research on prosumer model digital cameras. I really need a DSLR for the photography that I do, but at the moment it is out of my price range, but I needed to replace my digital camera.

Anyway, it's a great camera, and I love using it! The 12x zoom , swivel LCD screen and quality of video clips were all selling points for me. The photo quality is good ... not close to DSLR quality, but decent enough, and better than many digital cameras.

A few things to note:

The S3 is not strictly a point and shoot camera ... on full auto the photo's are unsatisfactory. I recommend setting it on Program and learning how to tweak the settings for various situations.

Photo's on higher ISO settings have a lot of noise. Recommend adjusting other settings for low light settings first. ISO 80, 100 and 200 are great.

Take the time to really learn how to use the camera. There are some online forums that can be of help. If you are a novice photographer, learn the basics of photography, try www.about.com in the photography sections.

This camera will take you a long ways if you spend the time to learn all you can, and take lots of pictures to get the feel for various shooting situations.

How to take time lapse photos from Canon powershot s3 IS???

Nov 29, 2007 by cnonline | Posted in Cameras

There is an option of time lapse in Canon powershot s3 IS, but I don't know how? I don't want to read manual. Does any one know this??

yes, hit that one button to take you to the menu, then there's another button to take you to modes, then another button that takes you to time lapse mode, then another button to take you to which one you want.

Northern lights photography with Powershot S3?

May 05, 2008 by Shutterbug | Posted in Photography

I have a Canon Powershot S3 IS and I am very interested in taking pictures of the northern lights. Is there a particular lens I need to do this? Im also trying to learn the best way to take normal nighttime shots.

Well, where are you located first of all? Your going to need to be close or above the 60th parallel (Near the yukon border in Northern BC) And it's going to have to be fall/winter (October, november, december, thru till even february will be fine) They usually come out as early as 9:00 (lucky) to 12 or 1 in the morning (typical). Now I have a Nikon D40x which is an SLR (single lens reflex) which has interchangable lenses, and the way i'm studying your camera, you don't really have a choice in changing the lens, unless I missed something. You don't really have to change lenses to get pics of the lights though. You just have to have the right exposure (how long the shutter is open) and aperture (how open the shutter is, the more open, the more light, and vice versa) settings. Now, when I took mine, my settings I personally recomend are:
-Daylight White Balance
-ISO 400 (can be lower or higher depending on sensitivity of your camera)
-F/4.0, 30-40 seconds or F/2.8, 15-20 seconds
-Histogram enabled
-Low LCD brightness
These settings got me some good pictures, but be careful with the exposure time since stars have a nasty habit of getting trails on them past or at 30 seconds! These settings can also apply to taking general nighttime exposures as well, just play around with them a bit. (that's the nice thing about digital, you can just look at how the pics came out!) Just remember, bundle up when taking pics of the northern lights, they can dazzle you, but you can be for sure you be dazzled when you come in to frostbite from -30 temperatures! Good luck, and most of all, have fun!!!

Which would be a better choice : the Canon Powershot S3 IS or the Olympus Stylus 550UZ?

Sep 10, 2007 by tangerine_crunge | Posted in Photography

I have the S3 already, but I've been having problems with it - grainy pictures, and I don't feel like I have enough control over the settings, among other things I just can't put my finger on! Should I try to switch to the Olympus Stylus 550UZ? It seems like a good camera. Any opinions?
I already have the ISO set as low as it can be set [80]
As soon as light is compromised in any way, such as for example just before the sky turns dark before it's dusk, the pictures get ridiculously grainy and even blurry sometimes [the problem is not camera shake, it's just not focusing properly]
I find that one of the only benefits of my camera is the super macro mode, i have been able to get some really good shots with this feature.

Pictures are okay when taken in broad daylight or in a well-lit room. but I can't get the effects I want if I always have to have harsh lighting.

Stick with the S3 and start using a more realistic ISO setting. I shoot mine at 400 most of the time.

The reason you're getting the grainy look and blur is that at ISO 80 you're just not giving the sensor enough to work with.
1. Shoot in Program mode, NOT Auto.
2. Choose a higher ISO. 80 is fine if you're working in daylight. But it's WAY under what's needed under almost any other situation.

Don't worry. The S3 performs very well at the higher ISOs, at least 400.

Sure, the Olympus is great. But save your money. You've already got a great camera!

Light graffiti with a Canon Powershot S3?

Dec 08, 2008 by It&#39;s Matt! | Posted in Cameras

Is it possible to take "light graffiti" pictures with a Canon Powershot S3? I've heard of people taking them with the S3 but don't know how. Can someone explain it to me?