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

by Canon

Product Details

Product Manual [7.00mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 4.4 x 2.3 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005QFZF
• Item model number: S30
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (154 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,006 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 17, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

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

Amazon.com Product Description

Canon's S30 and S40 cameras fill a gap in the company's digital lineup. Nestled between the ultra-tiny Elph models and the feature-packed PowerShot G and Pro models, the S30 and S40 combine most of the portability of the former with nearly every advanced feature of the latter.

With the exception of their CCD sensors (the S30 is a 3-megapixel model, while the S40 is 4-megapixel), the cameras are essentially identical. Each features a brushed aluminum body with a sliding clamshell lens cover, a 3x optical zoom Canon lens, and a 1.8-inch LCD on the back of the camera for previewing and reviewing shots.

For beginners, the cameras are point-and-shoot simple. Just twist the dial to Auto and start snapping pictures. For more experienced photographers, both models include aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes, plus manual focus, exposure compensation, slow-sync flash, spot metering, and adjustable ISO (from 50 to 400 on the S40, and 50 to 800 on the S30).

Movie mode lets you capture video clips with sound. At 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 pixels, the movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. The cameras also include an unusual voice-memo feature, which lets you record up to 60 seconds of audio with each image.

To provide maximum battery life in the smallest possible space, the cameras use a proprietary lithium-ion battery (both the battery and a charger are included). The battery charges quickly and holds a reasonably long charge, but if you're planning to use the camera for extended outings, a spare NB-2L battery is a good idea. A larger-capacity memory card is also advisable if you want to shoot more than a dozen photos at a time or if you decide to really take advantage of the Movie mode. The cameras use Type I or Type II CompactFlash cards, including the Microdrive. To print your photos at home, the S30 and S40 connect directly to Canon's CP-10 and S820D printers for easy printing--you don't even need a computer.

If you're looking for a camera with the sleek, compact style of a point-and-shoot with the extensive manual controls of an advanced amateur camera, the S30 and S40 are both great choices.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

131 of 132 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great camera--small yet packed with performance, November 20, 2001

By 

Christopher T. Slaterbeck "Christian Reviewer" (Westminster, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon PowerShot S30 3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I have been playing around with my Powershot S30 for a couple of weeks now, and I must say I am very impressed. This is my first digital camera. 35mm photography has been a hobby of mine for over 10 years now, so I wanted to get a digicam that wouldn't let me down. And the S30 hasn't. It has almost all the features of my Canon Rebel 2000 (except interchangeable lenses, filters, and a hotshoe), but with a fraction of the size. The pictures are great. I have noticed that indoor flash pics tended to be a little too bright, but that was easily fixed by adjusting the flash exposure compensation down by 1/3 or 2/3. The camera takes pictures quickly (not as fast as my SLR, but that's to be expected) and the pics are of high quality. The battery life is relatively short, but a fully charged battery was more than enough to get me through over 100 shots, using the LCD screen for all of them, the flash for most, and spending a fair bit of time reviewing the photos. I *love* the fact that the camera records all the settings you used along with the shot.
The camera is small and rugged, so it can easily be taken everywhere. Even the battery charger is fairly small. I definitely recommend getting a 256MB card (check out newegg.com) and a USB reader. At highest resolution and least compression, I can fit 157 pics on the 256MB card. The only thing I've used the 16MB card that comes with the camera for was to transfer some pics to it so a friend who wanted "doubles" could go to Ritz camera and print them out for herself. Definitely recommend!!!!!!!

146 of 148 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3 Megapixels doesn't get any better in a package this small!, November 19, 2001

By 

Rob Deep (Aurora, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon PowerShot S30 3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I picked this camera up a few days ago after doing pretty extensive research online and talking to some people on bulletin boards. I wanted 3mp camera in as compact form as possible that used CF cards and had a rechargeable battery. Then I discovered Canon's new S30/S40. No doubt the S40 is a great successor to the S30, but I have no need for 4mp. I've only had the camera a few days and I'm already very content with my decision.

It has a build quality like no other camera I've held. I'd say it has a 95% metal casing, only the battery door is plastic, and they mesh perfectly with the design. The sliding lens cover is great. Works flawlessly as a on/off switch and protection for the lens. Gives the camera a great smooth finish too. The LCD is bright and has good visibility in sun light. The buttons are well placed and easy to work with. My only minor complaint is the rubber door covering the usb and power jack. I question it's durability after long term use, but it should be ok.

So how do the pictures looks? Fantastic. If I could sum it up in 3 words, I would say: Sharp, bright and clear. The flash is powerful enough to take great low-light/night shots. Just don't get to far away :) Battery life is average. One of the drawbacks to such a small camera, but the battery recharges fairly quickly. Keep the LCD off for mucher greater battery life! Oh, and get a large CF card. The 16mb that is included won't cut.

No problems using the camera with Windows XP Pro through my monitor's USB hub. Canon's software is kind of bloated, but functional. If you prefer, just use XP's built in Digital Camera support.

Overall, excellent camera for people who want something portable (like the S110, although not quite as small), and a 3 megapixel resolution.

91 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this camera, January 4, 2002

By 

the limey "thelimey" (Murrieta, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon PowerShot S30 3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

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