Canon PowerShot S3 IS digital camera

Canon has announced the PowerShot SE IS digital camera, a 12x optical zoom model with a 6 megapixel CCD sensor. The camera has optical image stabilization and extensive video recording capabilities. Expect to see the camera hit stores in early May 2006.

Click on the headline of this article to see the Canon press release.

Canon Powershot S3 IS

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of the 12x optical zoom PowerShot S3 IS. Successor to the popular PowerShot S2 IS, the latest addition to the PowerShot S-series incorporates a 6.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, Canon's renowned optical Image Stabiliser technology and video functionality rivalling that of dedicated digital video camcorders. Sporting a striking new finish in gunmetal grey, the compact PowerShot S3 IS answers the demands of advanced photographers with several improvements over its predecessor, including an increased sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 800, a larger 2.0" vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features and an additional Sports mode.

The PowerShot S3 IS features:
12x optical zoom lens with USM and UD lens element
Optical Image Stabiliser
6.0 Megapixel CCD
Larger size 2.0" Vari-angle LCD
30fps VGA movies with stereo sound and Photo in Movie feature
DIGIC II, iSAPS and Flexizone AF/AE1 for fast, precise results and 2.3 fps continuous shooting performance
20 shooting modes and My Colors photo effects
High ISO Auto and ISO 800 for low light flexibility
Widescreen (16:9) recording
The PowerShot S3 IS caters for serious photo enthusiasts seeking extended zooming flexibility and fully featured movie recording in a versatile compact digital stills camera.
Optics
Still the most powerful zoom in a Canon digital compact camera (36 - 432mm f/2.7-f.3.5), the PowerShot S3 IS' lens incorporates the same leading technologies used in Canon's professional EF lenses. An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) drives rapid and near-silent zoom operation; an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element significantly reduces chromatic aberration in telephoto shots; Canon's optical Image Stabiliser2 (IS) technology counteracts camera shake to reduce image blur when shooting stills or recording video, essential for handheld shots at longer focal lengths. IS allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower for reliable flash-free photography in low light conditions.
The PowerShot S3 IS's 12x optical zoom combines with digital zoom to deliver 48x magnification for recording both stills and video. For even wider framing options, optional Wide and Tele converter lenses extend the focal length from wide 27mm to super-tele 648mm (35mm film equivalent) for an impressive 24x optical zoom. A Super Macro mode with 0cm shooting distance and optional Close-Up lens 500D (58mm) allow for detailed macro photography.

Increased ISO speed
In addition to Image Stabilisation, the PowerShot S3 IS features a new High ISO Auto setting and ISO 800 to further extend the camera's low light shooting capabilities. High ISO Auto automatically sets exposure using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, enabling faster shutter speeds in low light and increased image stability at the telephoto end. A dedicated ISO button allows for easy switching between ISO sensitivities.

Movie functions
Powerful video functions make the PowerShot S3 IS far more than just a high performance digital still camera. A dedicated movie button means users do not need to switch modes to start recording, so spontaneous moments can be instantly captured in full motion. Users can record smooth 30fps VGA quality movies of up to 1GB3 with stereo sound, or create 60fps QVGA clips for sharp slow motion playback. The Movie mode also allows users to pre-select exposure and white balance, zoom throughout the camera's focal range and manually adjust focus while shooting. A Photo In Movie feature enables the capture of full resolution digital stills during video recording.

Creative shooting
The PowerShot S3 IS offers 20 shooting modes including full Manual mode, Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority. Together with 2.3 fps continuous shooting, a new fast-shutter Sports mode with improved auto focus accuracy provides unprecedented capabilities for capturing action sports sequences. Special Scene modes - such as Night Snapshot and Snow - assist with tricky lighting conditions, while Colour Accent and Colour Swap modes enable dramatic colour effects to be applied to both images and movies. Canon's My Colours photo effects have been enhanced for this model, and can now be applied to images both before and after shooting.
The PowerShot S3 IS features a new Widescreen mode (2816 x 1584 recording pixels) for capturing still images in 16:9 format - perfect for viewing images on widescreen television or printing wide (10 x 20cm) photos with a SELPHY Compact Photo Printer4.

Printing and other features
A new, dedicated Print menu simplifies printing of multiple images. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. New PictBridge features include the ability to print shooting data and optimise faces in portrait shots when connected to a compatible Canon PIXMA printer. The camera's ID photo and movie stills features are also available when connected to a SELPHY CP Series Printer. A handy Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.
The camera's menu system now features support for Arabic, bringing the total number of supported languages to 23.

Pricing and availability
The PowerShot S3 IS will be available from early May 2006, priced at 449.00 RRP inc. VAT/ 649.99 RRP inc. VAT.