New Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6mpx Digital Camera

The new Canon PowerShot S3 IS digital camera features 6-megapixel sensor VGA-quality video mode with stereo sound recording and optical image stabilization system.





Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon based its Lens Shift type of Image Stabilizer system on the advancements in the development and refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses. This Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent. It is essential when engaging the camera's retractable 12x optical zoom lens because the extension of a long lens magnifies camera shake in direct proportion with the amount of lens magnification employed. (For those seeking still greater optical capabilities, Canon offers an optional 1.5x Tele Converter, a 0.75x Wide Converter and a high-quality dual element Close-up Lens).

The PowerShot S3 IS digital camera's 12x zoom lens has an equivalent film focal length of 36-432 mm (f/2.7 at wide angle and f/3.5 at telephoto). Despite the extraordinary range of the zoom lens, it retracts securely into the camera when it is powered down. The optical zoom can be augmented by the camera's 4x digital zoom raising the maximum (35mm equivalent) focal length to that of a 1728mm lens. What's more, this UD lens features a high-speed silent zoom function powered by a micro motor USM drive, increasing ease of quiet, non-intrusive image capture. For extreme close-ups, the camera's macro and super macro mode permit shooting a subject as close as 0-inches from the end of the lens barrel.

Canon's new PowerShot S3 IS digital camera will be available in May for an estimated selling price of $499.99.

The PowerShot S3 IS specifications:

Type of Camera: Compact digital camera with built-in flash, 12x Optical / 4x Digital / 48x Combined Zoom
Type: 6.0 Megapixel, 1/2.5 inch type Charge Coupled Device (CCD)
Total Pixels: Approx. 6.2 Megapixels
Effective Pixels: Approx. 6.0 Megapixels
Focal Length: 6.0-72.0mm f/2.7-3.5 (35mm film equivalent: 36-432mm)
Digital Zoom: 4x
Focusing Range:
    Normal: 1.6 ft./50cm-infinity (WIDE), 3.0 ft./90cm-infinity (TELE)
    Macro: 3.9 in.-1.6 ft./10-50cm (WIDE)
    Super Macro: 0-3.9 in./0-10cm (WIDE)
Autofocus System: TTL Autofocus (continuous/single)
Optical Viewfinder: Low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color viewfinder
LCD Monitor: 2.0 inch low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD with variable-angle function
LCD Pixels: Approx. 115,000 pixels
LCD Coverage: 100%
Maximum Aperture: f/2.7 (W) - f/3.5 (T)
Shutter Speed: 15-1/3200 sec. (settable in Tv or M)

Source: press release

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