S3 IS and my chances ?

[Changeling]

I just got through looking at the professional photos of nudes & Glamor on this web site, absolutely stunning (some!).
With a Canon S3 IS and whatever attachments, what are my chances of taking "Real" photographic quality pictures of the quality on that link??

Just plain give it to me straight!! I don't wish to be pampered are, "well, if this, and that, you might" BS!
Can you are not?
Changeling

[rhys]

I don't think you'll get the dynamic range from an 8-bit JPEG format that you can from 12-bit RAW format. Also the fact the sensor is so much smaller will lead to optical problems such as fringing etc.

The S3 IS is a very good camera. I have the S1 IS and I use that for family-type stuff and the occasional video. For anything remotely serious I use my XT.

If you shot photos to publish on a website then you might get away with an S3 IS. If it's to go in print then no you won't. Dynamic range is the issue.

If cost is a problem then Canon EOS film cameras go pretty cheap these days. Buy one of those then when you've made enough of a profit from the film photos, buy a Canon digital SLR and move into digital SLR photography.

I hope I've helped and not offended.

[LBaldwin]

While I agree with Rhys, I also feel that you put too much stock in gear. The best images are created by folks who know their gear, it's limits, and work around them to acheive a wonderful image. If you have a good sound understanding of photography, how to use what you have is really secondary. Will you be shooting the NFL, I don't think so. Can you do some quality scenics, portraits etc, yup.

Study your subject matter intensely, then work wit what you have. Learn to use reflectors, indirect lighting, diffusers etc.

Les Baldwin

[strmrdr]

I disagree with Rhys, while technically an dslr will produce better pictures some of the most stunning prints iv ever seen were shot on p&s cameras of lesser quality than the s3.

I have printed and have seen many more pictures printed from a 8bit jpg format at 8x10 and larger that turned out kicken.

Get the lighting right and ignore the elitists.

[Woolburr]

I too have seen some incredible prints shot with nothing fancier than a small budget P&S....I am not sure why some people are so offended when a person with lesser gear tries and succeeds. There is no earthly reason why you can't take positively stunning photos with an S3IS...go out and enjoy honing your craft.

[PhotosGuy]

There is no earthly reason why you can't take positively stunning photos with an S3IS True. Somewhere here I saw a great link to a pro who does great work using only a P&S camera.
EDIT: This might be it, but I'm not sure. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesec/)
I don't think you'll get the dynamic range from an 8-bit JPEG format that you can from 12-bit RAW format. Also true.
Auto White Balance - works really well (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=234507) While this thread started out with the AWB subject, there's a great illustration on page 2 that illustrate easily seen information loss in a web jpeg shot in the camera & one derived from a RAW file.

An SLR will make it easier to get the results that you want, but you should learn a lot as you work around it's limitations. Have fun with it!

[Changeling]

Guys, thanks a lot, I am so glad I asked this question. Your combined answers have given me the information and perspective to do what I have in mind !
I really do appreciate all your answers.
Changeling