Canon S3 IS

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about “the 2 year swing” and my intentions to buy a new digital camera. Since then I purchased the Canon Powershot S3 IS and could not be happier. I liked my Nikon Coolpix 4100 for what it was worth, but the Canon is just so much more powerful, with a multitude of shooting modes and options.

At about 3x3x4.5 and .91 pounds, it is significantly bigger (albeit slightly lighter) that my 1.5×3.5×2.6 and 1 pound Nikon, but as I mentioned in the previous post, size was not a major factor in the decision. Zoom was the prominent factor, and with 12x Optical Zoom, I went with the right choice. There is also the option of getting newer, more powerful lenses for it, which is absolutely great. Plus, with 6 mega pixel photos, they come out not only close, but clear and crisp. Another great feature about the camera is the amount of shooting modes it has- 12 to switch from, with an number of options to play with on each one. For sports composite, which I used a lot on my Nikon, all I have to do is hold down the button to take as many shots as I want. My favorite shooting mode, however, is the Manual mode.

Last semester I took a photo class where we learn about how to control the shutter speed, the amount of light that entered the camera, how to utilize the focus and a few other factors essential for good photos. With the Nikon I was not able to put this knowledge into practice. With the Canon not only can I do all of the above, switch between manual presets and control the flash, a simple option that was left out in the making of the Nikon.

While there is so much more to talk about with my new camera (like the movable, “tumble” screen), I just wanted to touch on my favorite features. If you want to take great, professional looking pictures- this camera might be the best in its price range (~ $400). If you would like to see some pictures I have taken, you can go to my Flickr site and take a look at my Washington DC and [most recent] Yankee Game pictures. Later!