Canon PowerShot S3 IS Point & Shoot Camera
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a 6MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Point & Shoot Camera
Get notified when one lists.
We'll text or email you the moment a Canon PowerShot S3 IS Point & Shoot Camera is listed on GearFocus.
Have a Canon PowerShot S3 IS sitting in your bag?
You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.
Available Now on GearFocus
Canon Powershot A620 Digital Camera 7.1MP 4X Optical Zoom Video 1GB SD Card
Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS/IXUS 95 IS Digital Camera 10MP 3x Optical Zoom
Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Key Features — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
6MP 1/2.5-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 2816x2112 pixels, suitable for standard prints and everyday photography.
Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-based OIS reduces camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer zoom lengths.
12x Optical Zoom Lens: Wide-to-telephoto zoom range covers a variety of shooting distances without sacrificing image quality to digital zoom.
Vari-Angle LCD Display: The 2.0-inch articulating screen can be tilted and rotated for comfortable framing from high, low, or awkward angles.
DIGIC II Image Processor: Canon's dedicated image processing engine handles noise reduction and color rendering directly in-camera.
AA Battery Power: Runs on four standard AA batteries, making it easy to find replacement power while traveling without proprietary chargers.
Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 6MP |
| Processor | DIGIC II |
| ISO Range | 80 – 800 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| Max Photo Resolution | 2816x2112 |
| Burst Rate | 2.3 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 480p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Image Stabilization | Optical (OIS) |
Description — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a point-and-shoot camera centered on a 1/2.5-inch sensor with 6MP resolution and powered by the DIGIC II image processor. It captures stills at a maximum resolution of 2816x2112 pixels and supports burst shooting at 2.3 frames per second. The ISO range runs from 80 to 800, and the camera features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help manage camera shake.
A standout feature is the 2.0-inch vari-angle LCD with 115,000-pixel resolution, which allows the screen to be positioned for overhead, low-angle, or self-portrait shooting. Video recording is available at up to 480p at 30fps or 15fps. The body measures 113 x 78 x 76mm, weighs 410g, and is constructed from plastic with no weather sealing.
Storage uses SD cards, connectivity includes USB, and power is supplied by 4 x AA batteries.
Pros — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
- ✓Vari-angle 2.0-inch LCD display allows flexible shooting angles not common on basic point-and-shoot cameras
- ✓Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting
- ✓ISO range of 80–800 provides usable sensitivity across a variety of lighting conditions
Cons — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
- ✗6MP maximum resolution (2816x2112) is modest by modern standards, limiting large print output
- ✗Video maxes out at 480p resolution, which is well below current HD standards
- ✗No weather sealing, making the camera vulnerable to dust and moisture
Reviews — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Videos — Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Review — ConnorReviewsandMore