Canon PowerShot S3 IS
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is the latest in an extremely popular line of long zoom cameras, following the 5.0-Mp S2 IS, the 3.2-Mp S1 IS, and the 2.6-Mp Pro90 IS. The basic spec (aside from the sensor) is pretty familiar; 12x optical zoom, flip 'n' twist LCD, tons of photographic control and advanced movie mode with stereo sound. The S2 IS was one of the best big zoom cameras, but this is a highly competitive sector of the market, and the new S3 IS still have what it takes to keep Canon the favorite of amateur photographers.

Headline features

• 12x optical zoom lens with USM and UD lens element
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• 6.0 Megapixel CCD
• 2.0” Vari-angle LCD
• 30fps VGA movies with stereo sound and Photo in Movie feature
• DIGIC II, iSAPS and Flexizone AF/AE for fast, precise results and 2.3 fps continuous shooting
• 20 shooting modes and My Colors photo effects
• High ISO Auto and ISO 800 for low light flexibility
• Widescreen (16:9) recording

• Price – Approx $400 ( 20000 INR)

The Canon S3 IS accommodates a wide range of users with its variable level of exposure control. Experienced shooters will appreciate the Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes, while beginners will find the Auto, Program AE, and Scene modes useful. With a full range of creative effects, the added attraction of 12x zoom Canon optics, and optical image stabilization -- a feature found on only a handful of digital cameras, most of them more expensive, the Canon S3 IS should appear high up on the lists for photographers looking for a long-zoom camera.

The Canon S3 IS bumps resolution up to 6.0 megapixels (for 2,816 x 2,112 pixel images up from 2,592 x 1,944), increases the sensitivity range to ISO 800, features a slightly larger LCD (2.0 inches vs. 1.8), includes a Movie button available in any Record mode, and adds a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

All in all, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is quite a camera, with an amazing range of capabilities and good picture quality, all at an affordable price. I just loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Performance. The Canon S3 IS doesn't keep you waiting: Not when you start it up (even though the lens has to extend); not when you've taken a shot; not when you're shooting in Continuous mode; and not when you're shutting down. It’s a fast performer. It isn't instant, like a digital SLR, but I never felt like I had to wait for it. Otherwise I would have missed some of the best picks I’ve taken. And not having to wait meant I felt free to turn it on or off at will, saving the battery for long time.

‘It's a photographer's dream. And now I’ve it’