Canon PowerShot S30 3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Title : Canon PowerShot S30 3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Author : Canon Cameras US
Release Date : 20011025
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $599.99
Amazon.com Price : $422.97 (30 %)
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Editorial Reviews :
Canon's 3-megapixel S30 hits the marketing sweet spot between features and ease of use, making it ideal for a wide range of photographers. It offers point-and-shoot simplicity while still providing advanced settings for more experienced photographers. Features like video capture, stitched panoramas, and continuous shooting offer a huge bonus in terms of fun and versatility for photographers at all levels of experience.
Getting started with the S30 couldn't have been simpler. We just slid open the lens cover and started shooting. Setting the camera to automatic mode, we were able to take vivid photos with accurate colors and outstanding detail. The 3x optical zoom--10x if you factor in the digital enhancement--made all the difference in our outdoor photos, letting us frame our shots perfectly.

A quick look at the options dial of the S30 shows that its capabilities extend well beyond quick snapshots. Even novices can take advantage of the camera's video mode, which can capture short videos. Though nowhere near camcorder quality, these videos are perfect for putting on a Web page or sending via e-mail, and the built-in microphone records sound for videos or notations on individual photos.

A bit more complicated is the photo-stitch mode, which lets you take panorama photos by lining up multiple pictures to cover vast areas and then stitching them together into a grand panorama on your PC. The handy continuous-photo mode enables you to shoot up to three images per second, ideal for capturing sporting events or wildlife.

The camera comes with only a 16 MB CompactFlash card, and you'll definitely want to purchase an additional memory card as a 16 MB card only holds approximately 16 3-megapixel images. Beyond that quibble, there's not much fault to be found with the Canon S30. It combines the ease-of-use novices require with the advanced features serious photographers expect.

Pros:
* 3-megapixel resolution
* 3x optical and 3.2x digital zoom
* Captures short videos with sound
* Excellent picture quality both indoors and out
Cons:
* Only comes with 16 MB of CompactFlash memory

Buyer Reviews :
I bought this for a trip to Australia. It's beautiful, easy to use and produces high quality pictures. You will probably need a number of accessories, so you should consider their cost when making this purchase. (Same is true for other digital cameras.) My accessory suggestions:
1. You need more memory. I bought a 256MB flash memory card which was enough to store about 150 pictures.
2. You might consider getting a second battery if you're going to be using the camera much between charges.
3. You will need to buy a camera case. I bought it locally so I could find one that held my accessories comfortably and compactly.
4. I also bought an underwater housing for the camera. I took 50 or so photo's while scuba diving on the GBR. Worked perfectly. If I had known, I would have rented a slave flash unit for even better underwater shots.

(by Tom Clement)

Features/Technical Specs :
* 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints up to 11 x 14
* 3x optical plus 3.2x digital (for 9.6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
* Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 16 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
* Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
* Uses proprietary NB-2L lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

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