Canon S3 vs other cameras

Doc wrote:
> Hi, , , ,
>
> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>
> I recently bought a Canon S3is, and it is a great camera.The pictures
> have a clarity and vivid colors that I have not exprienced on any other
> camera. And CopperTop batteries do the trick very well.
>
> The price is withn reach of most people, and the brand name is one of
> the best for quality, and ranks right up there with Nikon and Leica. I
> just don't see how you can beat the Canon S3is.
>
> Doc
> ======================================
>
When I was upgrading, I considered the then current S1IS but settled for
the higher resolution smaller size A95. Today, I would have a harder
time choosing but would be inclined towards the S3IS, only the size is a
negative. I do prefer the optical viewfinder but wouldn't let that
override other factors.
Dave Cohen
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"Doc" <drpepper5.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:1157295323.842874.321960@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Hi, , , ,
>
> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>
> I recently bought a Canon S3is, and it is a great camera.The pictures
> have a clarity and vivid colors that I have not exprienced on any other
> camera. And CopperTop batteries do the trick very well.
>
> The price is withn reach of most people, and the brand name is one of
> the best for quality, and ranks right up there with Nikon and Leica. I
> just don't see how you can beat the Canon S3is.
>
> Doc
> ======================================
Oh! Heavens!

I must rush down to the shops tomorrow and trade in all my Nikon Bodies and
lenses.

Roy G
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

Doc wrote:
> Hi, , , ,
>
> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>
> I recently bought a Canon S3is, and it is a great camera.The pictures
> have a clarity and vivid colors that I have not exprienced on any
> other camera. And CopperTop batteries do the trick very well.
>
> The price is withn reach of most people, and the brand name is one of
> the best for quality, and ranks right up there with Nikon and Leica. I
> just don't see how you can beat the Canon S3is.
>
> Doc

For me, having multiple AA batteries was a deal killer, as I much prefer
the single package of a Li-ion battery. The Leica lens used on another
brand is also better than that on the Canon S2/S3, according to my own
tests.

But you pays your money and takes your choice.....

David
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

I bought the Sony H5 which beats the S3is on noise, resolution, a 3"
Lexan covered Lcd, longer exposure times up to 30 seconds, and up to
1000iso, and 7mp. But it falls down on battery life, but so what I pop
in new aa.
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"John McWilliams" <jpmcw.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:R_qdnXM-A9ZmYWfZnZ2dnUVZ_rudnZ2d@comcast.com...
Doc wrote:
> Hi, , , ,
>
> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>
To each his own. I've not found a camera that takes AA batteries that is
full featured.
--
john mcwilliams

As is the case of most posts here john, I think most responders have missed
the point of the main topic. I think Doc, the original poster, is simply
saying that in the case of the S3, the ability to us AA batteries is indeed
a ultra-plus. Is the ability to use non-proprietary batteries a lock for
the sale, no. I am about ready to push the "buy" button on the S3, until
posts like this one come up. I feel part of Doc's post is that he's wanting
to see what the consensus of the group is on the topic of the S3 and it's
ability to use readily available batteries. I for one am barely more than a
novice with digital photography, and Doc may also be. I value the opinions
of this group because we have hundreds of people reading it that are light
years ahead of me, (at least) in knowledge. So when people post topic's
like this one, I for one, want to hear your opinions on maybe why the
battery situation may NOT be the only thing someone should be looking for in
a new camera, and why.
Now as I said, I'm ready to buy the S3 at any moment. But, I would love to
hear from the groups much more knowledgeable users on why I maybe shouldn't
get it but another model for example. That's the kind of info I'm looking
for. Yea, I can go to numerous websites and look at specs and pictures and
try to decide which camera to buy, but I'd rather go by the advice of this
group and utilize your knowledge on the cameras, rather than read a review
on them somewhere.

Take Dave Taylors post, I assume he's talking about a Panasonic. I wish he
would tell me why he prefers it to the S3 specifically, that would be
valuable info for me.
I have also heard good things about the H5, but tried it and can't bring
myself to consider it because it feels very bulky, and is very ugly, but
maybe it's the best camera for the money. I don't know these things, You
guys do, lend us some of your expertise or at least explain your rational of
why you like a certain brand or feature.
Thanks for all the great info already and please keep it coming so I can
make a well-informed purchase.
Scott
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"Roy G" <roy.gibson1 DeleteThis @REMOVE.tesco.net> wrote in message
news:hLCKg.8834$H11.2204@newsfe7-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Doc" <drpepper5 DeleteThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:1157295323.842874.321960@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>> Hi, , , ,
>>
>> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
>> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
>> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
>> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>>
>> I recently bought a Canon S3is, and it is a great camera.The pictures
>> have a clarity and vivid colors that I have not exprienced on any other
>> camera. And CopperTop batteries do the trick very well.
>>
>> The price is withn reach of most people, and the brand name is one of
>> the best for quality, and ranks right up there with Nikon and Leica. I
>> just don't see how you can beat the Canon S3is.
>>
>> Doc
>> ======================================
> Oh! Heavens!
>
> I must rush down to the shops tomorrow and trade in all my Nikon Bodies
> and lenses.
>
> Roy G
>
HUH? Now you're comparing apples with oranges...
the thread is clearly about COMPACT's...
so don't scream something about SLR here. Unless you found a way to exchange
lenses on S3 ?

My preference is/was AA, too, but it was last factor i was looking for.
Quality, zoom, functions, etc. Now my 30D has Lithium, but i still bought
it. It's just...so small thing couldn't be a deciding factor - unless one
who's buying has very little knowledge about photography and wants a compact
just for ponit'n'shoot. But, buying S3 for such purpose is , sorry to say
and no offense ment - stupid. Too expensive, too much functions that will
NEVER be used, easy to get lost in those functions for such a person.
Just my opinion.
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"Protoncek (ex.SleeperMan)" <protoHAHAHncek.DeleteThis@bonbon.net> wrote in message
news:44fb12da$1_2@x-privat.org...
>
> "Roy G" <roy.gibson1.DeleteThis@REMOVE.tesco.net> wrote in message
> news:hLCKg.8834$H11.2204@newsfe7-win.ntli.net...
>>
>> "Doc" <drpepper5.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
>> news:1157295323.842874.321960@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>>> Hi, , , ,
>>>
>>> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
>>> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
>>> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
>>> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>>>
>>> I recently bought a Canon S3is, and it is a great camera.The pictures
>>> have a clarity and vivid colors that I have not exprienced on any other
>>> camera. And CopperTop batteries do the trick very well.
>>>
>>> The price is withn reach of most people, and the brand name is one of
>>> the best for quality, and ranks right up there with Nikon and Leica. I
>>> just don't see how you can beat the Canon S3is.
>>>
>>> Doc
>>> ======================================
>> Oh! Heavens!
>>
>> I must rush down to the shops tomorrow and trade in all my Nikon Bodies
>> and lenses.
>>
>> Roy G
>>
> HUH? Now you're comparing apples with oranges...
> the thread is clearly about COMPACT's...
> so don't scream something about SLR here. Unless you found a way to
> exchange lenses on S3 ?
>
> My preference is/was AA, too, but it was last factor i was looking for.
> Quality, zoom, functions, etc. Now my 30D has Lithium, but i still bought
> it. It's just...so small thing couldn't be a deciding factor - unless one
> who's buying has very little knowledge about photography and wants a
> compact just for ponit'n'shoot. But, buying S3 for such purpose is , sorry
> to say and no offense ment - stupid. Too expensive, too much functions
> that will NEVER be used, easy to get lost in those functions for such a
> person.
> Just my opinion.


And very valid too.

The pity is that these "The greatest ever camera" quoters never seem to have
much in depth knowlege of photography. I suppose if they did they would
realise that there is no such thing as the "greatest ever", not even the
Leica M6.

It is always horses for courses.

Roy G
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"Roy G" <roy.gibson1 RemoveThis @REMOVE.tesco.net> wrote in message
news:PyEKg.3206$7D6.2411@newsfe2-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Protoncek (ex.SleeperMan)" <protoHAHAHncek RemoveThis @bonbon.net> wrote in message
> news:44fb12da$1_2@x-privat.org...
>>
>> "Roy G" <roy.gibson1 RemoveThis @REMOVE.tesco.net> wrote in message
>> news:hLCKg.8834$H11.2204@newsfe7-win.ntli.net...
>>>
>>> "Doc" <drpepper5 RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
>>> news:1157295323.842874.321960@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>>>> Hi, , , ,
>>>>
>>>> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
>>>> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
>>>> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
>>>> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>>>>
>>>> I recently bought a Canon S3is, and it is a great camera.The pictures
>>>> have a clarity and vivid colors that I have not exprienced on any other
>>>> camera. And CopperTop batteries do the trick very well.
>>>>
>>>> The price is withn reach of most people, and the brand name is one of
>>>> the best for quality, and ranks right up there with Nikon and Leica. I
>>>> just don't see how you can beat the Canon S3is.
>>>>
>>>> Doc
>>>> ======================================
>>> Oh! Heavens!
>>>
>>> I must rush down to the shops tomorrow and trade in all my Nikon Bodies
>>> and lenses.
>>>
>>> Roy G
>>>
>> HUH? Now you're comparing apples with oranges...
>> the thread is clearly about COMPACT's...
>> so don't scream something about SLR here. Unless you found a way to
>> exchange lenses on S3 ?
>>
>> My preference is/was AA, too, but it was last factor i was looking for.
>> Quality, zoom, functions, etc. Now my 30D has Lithium, but i still bought
>> it. It's just...so small thing couldn't be a deciding factor - unless one
>> who's buying has very little knowledge about photography and wants a
>> compact just for ponit'n'shoot. But, buying S3 for such purpose is ,
>> sorry to say and no offense ment - stupid. Too expensive, too much
>> functions that will NEVER be used, easy to get lost in those functions
>> for such a person.
>> Just my opinion.
>
>
> And very valid too.
>
> The pity is that these "The greatest ever camera" quoters never seem to
> have much in depth knowlege of photography. I suppose if they did they
> would realise that there is no such thing as the "greatest ever", not even
> the Leica M6.
>
> It is always horses for courses.
>
> Roy G
>
>
well, partly, if you buy certain camera, it's more or less "the one" for
you, otherwise you won't be happy with it. But ,sometimes wishes are bigger
than your pocket and if you don't know where to stop, you won't be happy
with your current choice. When i bought S1, it was just perfect. Also when i
replaced it with S2. But now with 30D i have yet to see all joys of "real"
photography...
I guess it never ends...huh--?
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"SJ" <skjoy.RemoveThis@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:c9GdnfxTQZemg2bZnZ2dnUVZ_qGdnZ2d@adelphia.com...
>
> "John McWilliams" <jpmcw.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:R_qdnXM-A9ZmYWfZnZ2dnUVZ_rudnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Doc wrote:
>> Hi, , , ,
>>
>> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
>> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
>> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
>> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>>
> To each his own. I've not found a camera that takes AA batteries that is
> full featured.
> --
> john mcwilliams
>
> As is the case of most posts here john, I think most responders have
> missed
> the point of the main topic. I think Doc, the original poster, is simply
> saying that in the case of the S3, the ability to us AA batteries is
> indeed
> a ultra-plus. Is the ability to use non-proprietary batteries a lock for
> the sale, no. I am about ready to push the "buy" button on the S3, until
> posts like this one come up. I feel part of Doc's post is that he's
> wanting
> to see what the consensus of the group is on the topic of the S3 and it's
> ability to use readily available batteries. I for one am barely more than
> a
> novice with digital photography, and Doc may also be. I value the
> opinions
> of this group because we have hundreds of people reading it that are light
> years ahead of me, (at least) in knowledge. So when people post topic's
> like this one, I for one, want to hear your opinions on maybe why the
> battery situation may NOT be the only thing someone should be looking for
> in
> a new camera, and why.
> Now as I said, I'm ready to buy the S3 at any moment. But, I would love
> to
> hear from the groups much more knowledgeable users on why I maybe
> shouldn't
> get it but another model for example. That's the kind of info I'm looking
> for. Yea, I can go to numerous websites and look at specs and pictures
> and
> try to decide which camera to buy, but I'd rather go by the advice of this
> group and utilize your knowledge on the cameras, rather than read a review
> on them somewhere.
>
> Take Dave Taylors post, I assume he's talking about a Panasonic. I wish
> he
> would tell me why he prefers it to the S3 specifically, that would be
> valuable info for me.
> I have also heard good things about the H5, but tried it and can't bring
> myself to consider it because it feels very bulky, and is very ugly, but
> maybe it's the best camera for the money. I don't know these things, You
> guys do, lend us some of your expertise or at least explain your rational
> of
> why you like a certain brand or feature.
> Thanks for all the great info already and please keep it coming so I can
> make a well-informed purchase.
> Scott


Along with Doc and Scott above I am a novice at photography but wanted
something more than my Panasonic DAM LOC was giving me. I wasn't ready for a
DSL but wanted a camera that did "other" things. Not sure why but the
ability to use AA's was in my list - like most other people I suppose the
thought that in emergency's you can readily buy these in most shops no stuff
and can carry spares about without too much extra expense (compared to
buying an extra lithium battery) Zoom...yep, that or wide angle - I use my
camera mainly when walking in the hills. When I started looking I had in
mind the Panasonic FEZ - but the 1st time I held it I was unsure - it felt
so big in my hands (my God this sounds perverted!!) and then the shop keeper
gave me the FEZ which in comparison was so light yet felt ok. Off I went to
read up and was a bit unsure as reports on "noise" etc gave me some concern.
Just then the Canon S3 was launched....wow, sounds just what I want and I
called into a shop in Bristol a few days later and as soon as I held it I
thought "ye, this is the one" The lad in the shop was very enthusiastic and
an owner of an S2. He didn't push me to buy there and then and I told him I
had seen it online considerably cheaper than his shop (Comet) was offering
it for - £308 compared to £449. He said they could not price match that and
asked where to as he would be getting one also. Anyways, a few days later it
arrived and I have been the owner now for just over two months. Guess what -
I am disappointed. It is a great camera to use but as yet I have not taken a
picture I thought was anything better than I have had from my Panasonic!! I
have taken 1000's - I take it out most days when walking the dog, tried all
settings in different lights etc and there is one thing that has me
baffled - NOISE...well, not being an expert I assume it's noise? Most
noticeable are the "grainy" skies it produces. Clear blues skies at ISO 80 I
would have thought would be fine but I have taken the same shots with the
two cameras (at the same time) and if anything the Canon loses out. One
lunchtime my mate and I took some pictures in work and when I mailed the
results to him later he thought the Panasonic was giving better results??? I
have been to a birthday bash today and taken about 100 shots - all ok (well
most) but if I wanted to take family shots I could have bought something
easier on the hand and pocket I guess? I still haven't given up hope that I
am doing something wrong but after a short honeymoon period I am now
thinking to swap off and have a look at this Panasonic FZ50. This is only my
opinion and hope that it hasn't put anyone off the thought of buying the
Canon.
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

Thanks Alan, that's the kind of advice I like and think is most useful.

"Alan" <notatthisaddress RemoveThis @btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:l6GdnVO9yN0crmbZRVnyrw@bt.com...

"SJ" <skjoy RemoveThis @adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:c9GdnfxTQZemg2bZnZ2dnUVZ_qGdnZ2d@adelphia.com...
>
> "John McWilliams" <jpmcw RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:R_qdnXM-A9ZmYWfZnZ2dnUVZ_rudnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Doc wrote:
>> Hi, , , ,
>>
>> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
>> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
>> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
>> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>>
> To each his own. I've not found a camera that takes AA batteries that is
> full featured.
> --
> john mcwilliams
>
> As is the case of most posts here john, I think most responders have
> missed
> the point of the main topic. I think Doc, the original poster, is simply
> saying that in the case of the S3, the ability to us AA batteries is
> indeed
> a ultra-plus. Is the ability to use non-proprietary batteries a lock for
> the sale, no. I am about ready to push the "buy" button on the S3, until
> posts like this one come up. I feel part of Doc's post is that he's
> wanting
> to see what the consensus of the group is on the topic of the S3 and it's
> ability to use readily available batteries. I for one am barely more than
> a
> novice with digital photography, and Doc may also be. I value the
> opinions
> of this group because we have hundreds of people reading it that are light
> years ahead of me, (at least) in knowledge. So when people post topic's
> like this one, I for one, want to hear your opinions on maybe why the
> battery situation may NOT be the only thing someone should be looking for
> in
> a new camera, and why.
> Now as I said, I'm ready to buy the S3 at any moment. But, I would love
> to
> hear from the groups much more knowledgeable users on why I maybe
> shouldn't
> get it but another model for example. That's the kind of info I'm looking
> for. Yea, I can go to numerous websites and look at specs and pictures
> and
> try to decide which camera to buy, but I'd rather go by the advice of this
> group and utilize your knowledge on the cameras, rather than read a review
> on them somewhere.
>
> Take Dave Taylors post, I assume he's talking about a Panasonic. I wish
> he
> would tell me why he prefers it to the S3 specifically, that would be
> valuable info for me.
> I have also heard good things about the H5, but tried it and can't bring
> myself to consider it because it feels very bulky, and is very ugly, but
> maybe it's the best camera for the money. I don't know these things, You
> guys do, lend us some of your expertise or at least explain your rational
> of
> why you like a certain brand or feature.
> Thanks for all the great info already and please keep it coming so I can
> make a well-informed purchase.
> Scott


Along with Doc and Scott above I am a novice at photography but wanted
something more than my Panasonic DAM LOC was giving me. I wasn't ready for a
DSL but wanted a camera that did "other" things. Not sure why but the
ability to use AA's was in my list - like most other people I suppose the
thought that in emergency's you can readily buy these in most shops no stuff
and can carry spares about without too much extra expense (compared to
buying an extra lithium battery) Zoom...yep, that or wide angle - I use my
camera mainly when walking in the hills. When I started looking I had in
mind the Panasonic FEZ - but the 1st time I held it I was unsure - it felt
so big in my hands (my God this sounds perverted!!) and then the shop keeper
gave me the FEZ which in comparison was so light yet felt ok. Off I went to
read up and was a bit unsure as reports on "noise" etc gave me some concern.
Just then the Canon S3 was launched....wow, sounds just what I want and I
called into a shop in Bristol a few days later and as soon as I held it I
thought "ye, this is the one" The lad in the shop was very enthusiastic and
an owner of an S2. He didn't push me to buy there and then and I told him I
had seen it online considerably cheaper than his shop (Comet) was offering
it for - £308 compared to £449. He said they could not price match that and
asked where to as he would be getting one also. Anyways, a few days later it
arrived and I have been the owner now for just over two months. Guess what -
I am disappointed. It is a great camera to use but as yet I have not taken a
picture I thought was anything better than I have had from my Panasonic!! I
have taken 1000's - I take it out most days when walking the dog, tried all
settings in different lights etc and there is one thing that has me
baffled - NOISE...well, not being an expert I assume it's noise? Most
noticeable are the "grainy" skies it produces. Clear blues skies at ISO 80 I
would have thought would be fine but I have taken the same shots with the
two cameras (at the same time) and if anything the Canon loses out. One
lunchtime my mate and I took some pictures in work and when I mailed the
results to him later he thought the Panasonic was giving better results??? I
have been to a birthday bash today and taken about 100 shots - all ok (well
most) but if I wanted to take family shots I could have bought something
easier on the hand and pocket I guess? I still haven't given up hope that I
am doing something wrong but after a short honeymoon period I am now
thinking to swap off and have a look at this Panasonic FZ50. This is only my
opinion and hope that it hasn't put anyone off the thought of buying the
Canon.
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

Thinking the fz50 will make you happy I dont know, wait for reviews. You
might want to compare your S3is to another one, without over doing post
processing it should be clean, without noise at 80 iso.
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

On Sun, 03 Sep 2006 09:04:34 -0700, John McWilliams <jpmcw RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote:

> Doc wrote:
> > Hi, , , ,
> >
> > Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
> > and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
> > If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
> > will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
> >
> To each his own. I've not found a camera that takes AA batteries that is
> full featured.

What feature is the Canon S3 IS lacking?
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras 

"SJ" <skjoy RemoveThis @adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:c9GdnfxTQZemg2bZnZ2dnUVZ_qGdnZ2d@adelphia.com...
>
> "John McWilliams" <jpmcw RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:R_qdnXM-A9ZmYWfZnZ2dnUVZ_rudnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Doc wrote:
>> Hi, , , ,
>>
>> Well, I have been using digital cameras since the early 1990's or so,
>> and I have found ONE THING to be a deal killer. Proprietary batteries.
>> If the camera doesn't use AA's or other readily available batteries, I
>> will not buy it. That is a deal killer!
>>
> To each his own. I've not found a camera that takes AA batteries that is
> full featured.
> --
> john mcwilliams
>
> As is the case of most posts here john, I think most responders have
> missed
> the point of the main topic. I think Doc, the original poster, is simply
> saying that in the case of the S3, the ability to us AA batteries is
> indeed
> a ultra-plus. Is the ability to use non-proprietary batteries a lock for
> the sale, no. I am about ready to push the "buy" button on the S3, until
> posts like this one come up. I feel part of Doc's post is that he's
> wanting
> to see what the consensus of the group is on the topic of the S3 and it's
> ability to use readily available batteries. I for one am barely more than
> a
> novice with digital photography, and Doc may also be. I value the
> opinions
> of this group because we have hundreds of people reading it that are light
> years ahead of me, (at least) in knowledge. So when people post topic's
> like this one, I for one, want to hear your opinions on maybe why the
> battery situation may NOT be the only thing someone should be looking for
> in
> a new camera, and why.

I have the S3 (they've been on sale at Amazon for $356) and think it's very
good. Battery life using 2500 NiMH batteries is phenomenal. My two
complaints are the labeling of the buttons on the button: unreadable except
in bright light. I suppose you'll learn the purpose for each button without
referencing the symbols, but it's a nuisance when first using the camera.
The other complaint is the view finder (the EVF)- it's a complete waste, a
constant blur, at least to my eyes. That articulated LCD goes a long way
towards nullifying the woeful EVF, however.
 >> Stay informed about: Canon S3 vs other cameras