[Thatsnotmynaim]

Hi Guys & Gals,

Looking at getting a Canon S3 (or similar) to compliment my DSLR so that I can take it places where a DSLR is too big, awkward or conspicuous. I had a quick play in a shop today and must say it is very compact for what it’s spec is. What drew me to the S3 was the larger zoom lens without the camera being too large, we have a 28-105mm compact Ixus 500 which is too short for some things.

I have a couple of questions for any S3 users out there :-

1. The view finder looked very weird, well not very clear. Is that because it does not have a real optical viewfinder? If so do users normally use the screen instead and does this drain the batteries quicker?

2. The camera uses 4 x AA batteries rather than Li-ion, is that a pain, do they not last as long etc as Li-ion?

3. I have just been trying to find some more information on the Canon website, but it seems to have gone, it was there yesterday, but today it seems to have gone at the same time as loads of new cameras have come out? One new one that caught my eye, after I thought the S3 was for me was the PowerShot G7. It’s not as much of a zoom as the S3 (x6 instead of x12), but looks like it has all the ticks in the right boxes. Anyone had any experience of the G7 or other Canon G models? Are they better or worse than S models in the range line up?

Thanks in advance.

[ush flynn]

the viewfinder wont be anywhere near as bright or as clear as an slr viewfinder, your only looking through a bit of plastic remember. Also the diopter could have been out slightly. i have a G5 and have had a G2 also. They were around a lot longer than the S series cameras. I would say the S series are better suited for travel with thier long focal ranges and AA batteries. The G series was always an enthusiasts camera. Tons of features and superb image quality. Even had a built in ND filter which was nice!

About the S series. The AA batteries are there so that you can get backups anywhere (again for travel mainly) but remember this isnt your only option. There are now very good rechargeable Ni-MH batteries which will last you a hell of a lot longer. Then more recently you can buy Lithium AA cells which last longer again, and are also available as rechargeables though will cost you a little bit more money (remember if your going this route you would have saved that money buying a camera with a li-ion battery)
The viewfinder on both is poor because its seen as a backup to the LCD screen. Most users will use that to compose shots and with the tilting screen its a lot more flexible than most. The G5 is great at getting into corners of rooms or funny angles without having to go prone or even on your knees. Even shooting from the hip to be a little less conspicuous is handy!

[Thatsnotmynaim]

Thanks for the reply ush, that clarifies where the G range sits in comparison to the S range. I have just compared a few specs and the G7 is looking pretty good over the S3. G7 is 50 smaller, 20% lighter, Li-ion v AA's, 2.5" v 2.0" screen, ISO 1600 v 800, only downside I can see is zoom of 210 v 432, but then if I wanted that I'd take my 30D + 100-400 IS. The G7 also uses the same batteries to my old EOS 350d so I have a spare or two and also accepts my EX580 flash if I wanted it too.

[alfienoakes]

Hi, I've had an S3 since launch and been fairly happy with it so far. To answer your questions:

Originally Posted by sjameson

1. The view finder looked very weird, well not very clear. Is that because it does not have a real optical viewfinder? If so do users normally use the screen instead and does this drain the batteries quicker?

2. The camera uses 4 x AA batteries rather than Li-ion, is that a pain, do they not last as long etc as Li-ion?

1. The viewfinder works fine for me. It does have an adjustment to focus it for your eyes, so perhaps that needed adjusting? I use both the viewfinder to ensure a steady shot, and also the LCD when it's just convenient. I've not done battery tests between the 2, but it's logical that it'll eat more juice using the LCD. But see (2) below.

2. I've only used 2700mAh Ni--Mh rechargables and the battery life has been excellent. On holiday recently I took approx 8Gb of pics and videos (the video is fantastic on this cam), can only recall changing the batteries once, maybe twice, over that time. Not sure what you will get out of Li-ion.

Sorry can't answer your third question. Overall I've been very happy with the S3, it's certainly got me back into photography enough to splash out on a new D80 It can be quite noisy at times and requires some post processing to get the best out of the images, but that could just be me. Some example pics in my gallery here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gribbsy...7594275128817/

[salubrious_k]

The viewfinder is a bit weird to get used to after using an optical viewfinder of a DSLR, but despite having limited resolution and brightness it does everything you need, and I don't find myself using the LCD on the back except when reviewing shots with friends (if I'm reviewing shots on my own I use the EVF).

As to batteries, I think normal AAs you get about 120 shots from them (half with flash) before they run out, but get yourself some nice 2500mAH+ rechargeables and the camera lasts for about 600 shots (half with flash).

I really like the S3, and it complements a DSLR very nicely I think. I just wish my wife would let me use it more! (c;