Canon's 2008 entry into the consumer digital camera market was the PowerShot S3 IS, a 6 megapixel point-and-shoot camera with a substantial lens and 48x combined optical (12X) and digital zoom (4X). The massive zoom is equivalent to a 36-432mm wide angle to telephoto zoom lens. The aperture range on this camera makes it good for low-light photography. All Canon cameras come with a user guide, but if you've bought the camera used or misplaced the guide you can download a copy from Canon.
Instructions
Setting Up the Camera
1. Attach the neck strap to the camera. Loop one end of the strap through the metal brackets on each side of the camera, and then pass the end of the strap through the plastic holder to secure it in place. It's a good idea to always have the strap around your neck or wrapped around one wrist while taking pictures.
2. Turn the camera over and slide the latch on the battery cover outward to release. Insert four AA batteries into the battery bay. Open the memory card slot cover on the right side of the camera and insert the included memory card. It will click into place.
3. Flip the power switch to the camera icon to turn on the camera. Open the LCD viewer screen and rotate it to flip around 180 degrees, then swing it back into place on the back of the camera. If this is the first time the camera has been powered on, you'll be asked to enter the time and date.
Shooting Photos
4. Set the mode dial to "Auto." Using the camera in automatic mode when you first get it is a great way to get started. The Canon S3 IS also has full manual modes, which are helpful for adjusting to different light levels and for creative shots.
5. Frame your shot by looking at the LCD screen. If you would prefer to use the viewfinder, press the "Disp" button to toggle between the LCD and viewfinder. Use the zoom lever on the front of the camera (around the shutter button) to engage the optical zoom. A meter will appear on the LCD (or in the viewfinder) to tell you how far you are zooming. Once the bar is full, zooming in again will activate digital magnification for greater zoom.
6. Press the shutter button lightly to focus the shot. The camera will beep once the shot is in focus. Press the shutter button fully to take the picture. A preview of your shot will appear on the LCD for about two seconds allowing you to review it.
7. Press the "Review" button to enter "Playback" mode. Scroll through your images with the control pad, and zoom in using the photographic zoom controls. Press the "Trash Can" button to erase an image, and press the "Set" button to confirm deletion.
8. Connect the camera to a computer using the provided USB cable. Turn the camera on, and the computer will automatically prompt you to choose what to do with the photos. If you installed the included Canon software, you can use it to access photos each time the camera is connected.
Tags: shutter button, camera computer, into place, memory card, Press shutter, Press shutter button