Canon Powershot S3IS

+ The Canon S3 IS appears to have everything that could be expected in such a compact camera. The image stablizer is particularly effective, enabling optical + digital zoom to be used without a tripod in good light. Macro mode is another advanced feature. All very impressive!

- Early days but no adverse comment so far.

For me the S3 is worth considering as a substitute for a digital SLR - and at a much lower price.

+ Everything about the camera is very good and exciting to use but the 12x optical zoom lens is exceptional. The macro facility is also superb.

- None. Minor points are the neck strap can get in the way of the swing out lcd screen and the flash hood is very easy to lift up by mistake when taking out of the camra bag.

I wanted the best non-SLR on the market and was waiting for the canon G7. I waited over a year and was then informed there may never be one so I went for the S3 IS. I have no regrets accept the G7 has now been released so I probably now have the second best non-SLR digital camera. The G7 however only has a 6x optical zoom but is 10mp with RAW and DIGIC 111 Image Processor.

+ Superb built-in lens, equivalent to a 36mm to 432mm SLR lens with Canon's Image Stabilisation. Live histogram a real bonus, camera responds very fast and has full manual control if you need it. Uses AA batteries, forget alkaline and get NiMh rechargeables - A set of 2500mAH will last for over 600 shots! Stereo sound is superb quality and great for adding to slideshows and dvd presentations. Swivel live viewfinder display a real creative plus, camera controls feel good and very easy to use without resorting to the manual. Movie mode is the best available on a digital camera, macro and super macro modes also great to have!

- Very noisy at ISO400 and even more so at ISO800 (although handy to have the options). LCD display and viewfinder LCD display not very high resolution, making manual focusing very difficult (though auto focus is excellent anyway). Best image quality at around f4.5, smaller aperture gives little noticeable improvement in depth of field and loses some sharpness. No indication of battery level until just about to go flat! Manual focusing a bit fiddly so rarely used. Video mode doesnt support PAL 25 or 50fps, only 30fps so will need some conversion for best quality. No widescreen on video, although available for photos.

Images need a little post sharpening for best results, or you can set the custom settings to boost sharpening and reduce contrast a little for better dynamic range. ISO100 produces best dynamic range. Optional Canon wide converter is a must (gives you 28mm wide end) though too expensive in my opinion. Uses SD cards and will work with most 4GB memory cards. Raynox DCR250 macro converter is a definite must for this camera, it will hook you on macro!

+ 1. Very good image quality staright out from the camera. Have to research on the custom settings like contrast, sharpness, saturation, RGB etc.. 2. Powerful zoom lens with sharp results thru' out the zoom 3. Image stabization really works 4. Fast performance 5. Included Softwares are good 6. Turn and twist LCD is really useful in extream situations 7. Excellent movie mode with stereo sound and dedicated movie button 8. Seperate ISO button 9. Very quiet while zooming, thanks to Canon's USM 10. All the buttons/controls are well placed. 11. Excellent handgrip

- 1. Struggle to focus in low light conditions in the long end zoom 2. EVF is not much resoluted 3. In Auto/Program mode images are little overexposed in bright sunlight. Can be reduced in other manual modes.

Overall its a fun camera and I'm very happy with Canon S3 IS. Photography enthusiatics would love this camera.

+ Well built, excellent picture quality, very good camera

- None really now that lens cap seems to stay on

I have previous model and brought this one for my son, both excellent except that lens cap will not stay on my one

+ optical zoom

- screen could be brighter

very good allrounder without having to carry a bag of lens

+ Reviewer left no comment

- The lens cover is worse than useless, falls off too easily