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Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a new Canon superzoom camera and an upgraded version of its popular predecessor S2 IS. This SLR look-alike camera is complete with a 6.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, 12x optical zoom lens, image stabiliser and all the photographic features a digital camera hobbyist or even a professional photographer would want.

Like most SLR cameras, Canon PowerShot S3 IS looks very professional in an attractive dark grey color. The camera weighs only 410 grams and it is not much larger than an everyday compact although it is not the smallest around. You can wear the camera in its case across your body very comfortably. The well-positioned controls are big and chunky making it easy to reach, especially the flash setting/microphone button on the top.

However, I’m a little dispappointed with the battery life. The PowerShot S3 IS runs on four AA batteries, allowing you to take up to only 110 shots before they need replacing. I got it a set of good quality rechargeable batteries though, so that it will last longer and take far more shots - I don’t wanna miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot. The supplied 16MB SD card is standard but it’s only enough for about 10 photos or less, so you are going to need a high capacity card to go with the camera, 2GB of memory would be ideal.

The camera works well outdoors, indoors and in lowlight. I was especially impressed with the camera’s picture quality and the level of detail produced is impressive although there is some purple fringing. The camera has an astonishing 12x optical zoom lens that produces good quality images by repositioning the lenses. The lens extends and retracts quietly. Images taken with the zoom are of a very high standard but it struggles to focus and look blurred at full zoom, thus, it is definitely not a paparazzi camera. Like most superzoom cameras, PowerShot S3 IS also has an image stabiliser that helps to compensate for any camera shake and ensures a sharp picture.

Apart from that, the camera also has 11 different scene modes to allow you take shots in most conditions. Personally, I enjoy using the sports mode which allows you to shot continuous images. I was able to take five shots in 7.26 seconds. You can also shoot movies using the movie mode at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 and it allows you to take up to 60 minutes or 1GB of footage.

One of my favorite features of the camera is the twisting LCD screen. It can be folded back against the camera when not in use to protect it. For self-portrait enthusiasts, you can also turn the screen right round to take self-portraits.

All in all, Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a value-for-money superzoom camera packed with features and the picture quality is top drawer. I simply can’t come up with anything to put me off this camera. I expected a lot from a top brand such as Canon and PowerShot S3 IS delivers it. The camera didn’t take me long to work out what’s where and made me feel like an expert. It is stylish, comfortable to handle and easy to use; likelyto appeal to anyone who wants a good shot.

Click here to buy Canon Powershot S3 IS Digital Camera
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