Canon PowerShot S3 IS 6.0MP Digital Camera - Black

An underdog performer

While very dated now, this camera still holds it's own in the field.
The S5 iS is the successor to this camera.

I acquired another after having sold my first a long time ago, simply because it's far more convenient to carry in situations when my larger DSLR and lenses aren't appropriate.

Image quality is excellent, the optical(as opposed to digital) zoom is a long-reach type, it allows a user to explore and use many features of a 'true' SLR such as fully-manual control of exposure settings, it's very compact, tripod-mountable, and uses standard AA batteries.
Its capabilities can even be extended with a wonderful add-on known as CHDK(Google it),
which opens up a plethora of useful, additional functions. SD memory cards are abundant and cheap, meaning you won't have any huge costs in supplying the camera with memory storage. It's small and light, easy to carry just about anywhere. Uses Canon optics, which are firmly among the best in the industry. AA-batteries available nearly everywhere. Read full review

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AWESOME rip off

.........NO....NO....SDHC memory card, ...and ''NO'' memory card [SDHC], well so what because ...NO owner manual....for the use of all the buttons..........A GREAT CAMERA, that has been.........''stripped''.........of any reSALE....parts....like buying a used car that ''RUNs GREAT'' after the ''buyer'' buys a battery, carburetor, electronic ignition ,,,,,and JUST 4 NEW TIRES....you will LOVE it..... Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: centralfloridap...

Affordable Excellence

I bought this camera to replace an S3 IS that I had that quit working about a year ago. I keep this in my artillery for any macro work that needs to be done because few cameras I have found can surpass the S3 IS ability for this function. And although the viewing screen is small, it is so flexible and maneuverable that it makes using the camera easy. It's a very good option for a first digital camera for noobs that just want to learn. If you have a child that wants to get in to digital photography, this camera is an ideal and affordable place to start, for ease of use and for the smaller size for smaller hands. But as I said, I value it for its incredible macro capabilities.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: crutchesman

Great camera, excellent value

I have owned one of these excellent cameras for years. Much to my dismay, for some unknown reason, my trusty Canon S3 jammed and was inoperable. My first thought was to try to repair it, but when I checked on Ebay, I found that replacements were available for short money.
I know that technology has come a long way since this model was introduced, but replacing a great, familiar camera, that totally suits my needs for twenty bucks and change was a no brainer. In addition, I could still use my filters, hoods, and other accessories.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: 208re-cell

Great camera with all the features I want.

Easy to use. Fantastic macro feature. It's my quick go to camera !

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: srednavp

I love this camera. My last one's flash...

I love this camera. My last one's flash stopped working. Glad to replace it with a working one. Thanks!

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: oklahoma_oddities

Really nice camera!

Great camera for macro shots. Zoom is good too. Easy to figure out controls. Bright flash. Tilting image screen makes it easy taking difficult to reach shots.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: ib9UNwhURcO@Del...

A real gem !

The Canon S3 IS a real gem! I've used these cameras for over 10 years and, while they only have 6 megapixels, I've found it impossible to talk myself into using anything else. The layout of the buttons and swivel screen, the ease of use, and the quality of the pictures themselves all keep me hooked. The camera is also considerably compact for its capabilities. The "Achilles heel" of this camera is the zoom lens ~ it tends to eventually develop issues and stop working. When the lens went out on my first S3 IS Canon replaced the lens under warranty. It then lasted 6 more years. I've since replaced this camera several times when the lens issue arises. Before bidding/buying, ask the seller to test the camera carefully to see if the lens makes any grinding noises or shows any indication of "stickiness" (and do this yourself once you’ve received it). Also, have the seller check for corrosion in the battery compartment. Sure there's new technology and always will be. This camera holds its value even in the midst of it all. Worth every penny! (Take time getting to know how it works ~ well worth the effort!)Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: maineclearance

Enjoying the Camera nonetheless

Makes good pictures but little hard even with the manual we found online and printed to know how to do what.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: dragcar1969

Camera review

Purchased this camera for my daughter who loves taking pictures and she loves it. The camera is easy to use and takes good pictures.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: acquiredgoods