Average Rating: 
Rating:  - glad i bought this camera
I shopped around and read a lot of reviews before I bought the
S30. I am an amateur photographer with a little more experience than most people and wanted manual exposure settings and manual focus. Many digital cameras out there do not have manual focus. This camera is an awesome machine for the size. the controls are intuitive. My pictures have been turning out great on auto settings.I had been thinking of buying the Sony cameras with the CD-r capability, but have to say that downloading pictures with the Canon is a breeze. The computer even detects the camera as soon as you plug it in to the USB cable. Software was easy to install on both Windows ME and XP and works well to touch up pictures.
Rating: - I love this camera
This is my first digital camera and I am so happy with it.This is what you get... A heavier weight than most digital cameras. I wanted to know that I was holding a camera, not a plastic toy.
Nice, easy to use software. The stitch assist software that comes with the camera is fantastic!!
The ability to take mini movies (if a little small and short) The microphone picks up the ambient sound pretty well.
Multiple choices of picture resolution, but why not use the max resolution if you have the memory (see below).
Fully automatic to fully manual settings, so you you can practice your photography without wasting expensive film.
Uses standard compact flash memory (no expensive proprietary memory or limited to 128MB)
This camera will pay for itself (in terms of saving money on picture development) in about a year.
A LOT of fun using it and recording some great memories! Using it...
I took about 400 shots over two days at Sea World at various resolutions. The high speed picture mode captured the action perfectly under many different light conditions.
It's great for taking long exposure shots (use a tripod).
The 3x zoom doesn't sound a lot but really helps to get better pictures at lower resolutions.
The stitch mode on the camera really helps you line up the next shot for panoramas and completely takes the guess work out of it.
The flash seems pretty strong (much better than my old standard compact camera) Downsides
It really drains the battery. I went through three in one day. Which is why I recommend getting two more when you purchase (if you can afford it)
The cover for the USB port on the camera looks a little flimsy, so I wouldn't use it too much What I would recommend.
128MB, or 256MB memory cards
At least three batteries
A dedicated card reader for the PC
Rating: - Great Camera!
I've owned the Canon Powershot S30 for about two months now and am still amazed daily at how well this little camera can take pictures! Pictures come out so clear it is amazing! The prints I have made from my computer look EXACTLY like professionally developed prints. All of my friends have been amazed at the quality and clarity, "You did this from a computer and digital camera!" they have often responded. Not only is the picture quality superb, but the ease of use is wonderful. The LCD screen features handy little guides that help to frame and focus your pictures just right. Pre-focusing lets you know if all your elements are right for the perfect picture. I haven't yet ventured into all the more advanced features of the S30 yet, but I hope to soon. From reading the owner's manual, there appears to be an endless amount of experimentation yet to be had. Suggestions for use of this camera include purchasing a bigger Compact flash card. I use of 256mb card and haven't completely filled it yet. Also look into an extra set of batteries because this camera can drain some power! These can be quite difficult to find, unlike many other Canon accessories. You only the original CANON brand battery. I have only been able to find this battery on the Canon website, but I have yet to check with the more upscale camera stores in my area. I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone wanting to print there own pictures. This camera has completely replaced by other non-digital Canon camera! A good accessory for this camera is a good quality photo camera. Epson has a wonderful model for under cost.
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