Top Controls: On the left is the Flash mode button which is the Audio Memo button in playback. On the right is the Shutter Release with the zoom lens control ring around it. Below it is the Drive mode button (Single, Continuous, Self-timer). The Mode Dial has positions for AUTO (point-n-shoot mode), Program AE, Tv (shutter speed-priority), Av (aperture-priority), Manual, Custom (user-configurable with your own settings), Movie, Stitch Assist, Scene, Sports, Night Portrait, Landscape, Portrait. And the combination Power / Record/ Playback dial.

Back Controls: The Movie mode shutter button (chrome with a red dot), the FUNCtion button gives you access to an on-screen menu for changing ISO speed, White Balance, Image Effects, Flash Compensation, Exposure and Focus Bracketing, Image Size and Quality. The FUNCtion button also serves as the Delete button in playback. Below that is the Metering mode button (JUMP button in playback). The "S"hortcut button can be set to quickly change (resolution, movie framerate, ISO, white balance, photo effect, My Colors, Image Stabilizer, AE or AF lock or display-off time.) The DISPLAY button selects the EVF or LCD and controls the amount of info displayed on the screen.

The 4-way selector is used for changing settings, navigating menus and selecting images in playback mode. In A/S/M modes it sets shutter speed and aperture values. The SET button accepts menu selections and in record mode it lets you move the AF focus point. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu system.

On the front of the camera located above the lens are two microphones that record stereo audio to be included with your movies.

I/O ports: on the right side is the 7.4v DC INput jack for the optional AC adapter and the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed data port. On the left side is the A/V Output, video is selectable for NTSC or PAL, the audio is stereo.

The S3 stores images and movies on Secure Digital (SD) cards. Canon includes a 16MB SD card but you'll be better served with at least a 512MB sized card and a high-speed 1GB or 2GB SD card if you plan on recording a lot of high quality VGA-sized movies.

Storage Capacity (approx.)

The S3 is powered by four standard AA type batteries, Canon supplies alkalines but we recommend high-capacity NiMH rechargeble AA batteries. Rechargeable batteries save you money and can be reused hundreds of times.

Canon estimates that the approx. battery life with alkalines is 110 shots using either the EVF or LCD and a total of 13 hours of playback time. Using 2300mAh NiMH batteries you can expect approx. 550 shots with the LCD or 570 shots using the EVF and a total of 15 hours of playback time. (CIPA standard testing)