S3 and Auto

As a newcomer to digital cameras (I have only used film compact cameras in the past), I like what is see in the S3 camera. Especially the IS and the 12X optical zoom. Now, at least at first, I will most likely be using the auto modes. In doing a little research in this forum I discovered a number of folks having problems with the auto mode not giving sharp pictures. Is this something I will need to take into consideration before purchasing this camera? Or is there some way around this? I like the idea (at times) of just taking the camera out and pointing and shooting, lazy I guess.
Thanks for your help...
Mike

I think if you at least use it in Program mode (so you can control ISO settings) you will be happy. The problem with auto is that it typically sets the ISO to a higher setting resulting in noisy pictures. Program mode is very similar to Auto in that the camera selects what it wants for Aperature and shutter speed. You simply set the ISO you want and shoot away! My wife uses the camera in this mode and gets very nice pictures most of the time.

I think after you start playing you will find the Tv (shutter priority) mode and Av (Aperature priority) mode just as easy to use and your results will be even better. I've had my S3 for three weeks now and am really starting to love it. I had an old Nikon 950 and typically used it in Program mode as it was very cumbersome to use in any other mode. I find the S3 to be much easier and user friendly. Don't be intimidated by all of the settings this camera has. Simply pick one or two at a time to learn and before long you will have the camera mastered.

Good luck with your search and hope you enjoy whatever camera you get!

Doug

I almost forgot, the 12X zoom and IS are GREAT!!!! I have been amazed at some of the pictures I have gotten.

Doug

For the longest time I kept mine in "P" mode and ISO 100. The only thing I had to think about every time I picked up the camera was to change the whitebalance (lighting). I mapped it to my shortcut button and now I can change from Sunshine to Cloudy to Flourescent to Tungsten but just mashing the same button and cycling through the list.

Grab camera, adjust whitebalance and maybe ISO (if it's low light) and fire away. Not much work and great payoff. Plus all the other options are there as you learn and grow.

peace\dewde
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My G1/S1/S3 Gallery -> http://picasaweb.google.com/dewdeman

'Didn't have a camera by my side this time, hoping I would see the world through both my eyes.' --John Mayer

Thanks for the ideas. It might be a little intimidating at first, but if you never experiment you will neve learn any thing new. I went to Amazon to see what other users thought and virtually all were very impressed with this camera. I think I will give it a try.

ragmopp said:

Thanks for the ideas. It might be a little intimidating at first,
but if you never experiment you will neve learn any thing new. I
went to Amazon to see what other users thought and virtually all
were very impressed with this camera. I think I will give it a try.

Click to expand...

The biggest problem new users of digital camers have is they want to quickly push the shutter release button. That will almost always result in blurred photos. You MUST half-press the shutter release button, then WAIT a bit (fraction of a second) for the focus, etc. to stabilize, then finish the press.

To familiarize yourself about the camera, this is a good site. It is much easier than thumbing through the manual.
http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pss3is/components-e.html

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http://www.pbase.com/dickh/

Another thing to consider is a way to protect the lens. When it is extended, you might hit it to the side inadvertantly and it may not snap back into place.

Many of us have bought an extension tube that fits over the lens, avoiding that problem. http://www.lensmateonline.com

I, and others, have the 52mm size plus a U/V filter and the Lensmate snap on lens cover. Total cost is about $40, but it's a worthwhile investment.
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http://www.pbase.com/dickh/