Best way to learn about S3/shooting in general

Hello everyone, I've been reading as many relevant threads here as possible, based on the camera I just bought 3 days ago, the S3 IS. Before this one, I've only owned a very standard PnS, the Kodak DX7440, though was very well pleased with the results I got from it. it also had a decent set of manual controls that I used about 95% of the time, especially for night shots.
Obviously the S3 is a totally different story from the Kodak, and I'm already feeling a tad overwhelmed with what I may be able to accomplish with the S3, especially since I don't know a hell of a lot about what feature, at which setting, during whatever time of the day (given light/compostition/sur​roundings) will do what etc..
I figured then, that out of the myriad books swimming around, there may even be one specific to the S3, or at least close enough. Either that, or at least a book which I can use to learn about manual settings, tips and tricks etc..
So, to those of you who used to be in my position, and DID use a book for guidance, what would you recommend for me to get started ? And I do specifically mean a book, because of course I'm going to experinent with different settings, but it would also be helpful to know how to operate specific functions of the S3 etc...
Thanks for reading.
Doug

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a good start.
I've learned more on POTN than I did the previous 30 years.
Keep shooting...and welcome to POTN.

I bought and learned a lot about photography and the S3 IS from the following book:"A Short Course in Canon Powershot S3 IS Photography" Check it out at:
http://www.shortcourse​s.com

Garth

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is very good but is not S3 specific.
POTN is a good resource to get help on many topics.
S3users.com is an excellent source for S3 specific questions and everyone is very friendly and helpful.
One thing that can help you learn about the S3 a little quicker is to enter the challenges on POTN and S3users.com. You are given a topic to shoot and can see how others shoot the same thing.

You should also download the S3 manual at: http://www.usa.canon.c​om …egoryid=223&mod​elid=13077
Why do you need that if you have the paper manual? Because you can search for terms and functions you have questions about, very handy.
Also look at: http://web.canon.jp …/pss3is/compone​nts-e.html lots of good info on the S3.

Thank you very much everybody, I'll certainly be looking into all of the resources which were listed. Spur, I was actually wondering if the online manual was sort of different, and now I guess I have my answer on that, thanks ! I probably should have commented that not only do I want to learn how to take a proper/better shot in general (as do most people) but that I really want to get the most out of the S3 specifically, so learning its finer points is crucial. I guess the manual can help resolve some stuff.

Thanks again,

Doug

P.S. Entering those contests sounds like a great idea, and lots of fun, I'll definitely eventually get into some of them, when I'm a tad more confident with how to generally operate the S3.

Doug, If you go to the link below, there is a long thread about the S2 settings, suggestions, etc., which also apply to the S3. I found them very helpful. Included in the thread are some good sites and other links which may be of use to you as well.

http://www.dcresource.​com/forums/showthread.​php?t=10364

mes448 wrote in post #3465702
Doug, If you go to the link below, there is a long thread about the S2 settings, suggestions, etc., which also apply to the S3. I found them very helpful. Included in the thread are some good sites and other links which may be of use to you as well.

http://www.dcresource.​com/forums/showthread.​php?t=10364

Awesome, thanks !

Doug there are several articles and tips for the S3 at: http://www.bagelturf.c​om/canons3/index.html

Lol... thanks again Spur. This should really keep me busy for quite some time !!

My way of learning something brand new (my S3IS is my first digital camera) is to take the user manual and the camera and go through each page and do each action, setting, option, etc. one by one with the camera and see the resulting photo or image. Nothing like seeing the result. For much of it, I just put the camera on my tripod and went through item by item and examined the results; went outside for night practice, downloaded to the computer, printed from the camera...the whole nine yards. Lots of neat little epiphanies. Just my way and I had fun with it!

Sure sounds like an intensive way to go about things retexan, might try that one day...

Today, I , (Well my wife) bought "Understanding Exposure", (revised edition) and I must say that Peterson's style of writing is perfect in that he doesn't assume that he's talking to any specific type of audience, and his thoughts come across clearly, and concisely and with just the right amount of information per subject.

His shots are brilliant, and he makes me feel that I'll really be able to accomplish a lot more with his direction. I'm enjoying it a hell of a lot so far ! Thanks for the recommendation guys He has another book which looks good too, called "Beyond Portraitism" (or at least that's what I remember of the title), and will maybe pick that up too. Cheers !

Doug

BTW, I took my first set of shots today, walking around Union Square (14th St) and such, and will probably post them when they're uploaded @ Photobucket after dinner.

retexan599 wrote in post #3466179
My way of learning something brand new (my S3IS is my first digital camera) is to take the user manual and the camera and go through each page and do each action, setting, option, etc. one by one with the camera and see the resulting photo or image. Nothing like seeing the result. For much of it, I just put the camera on my tripod and went through item by item and examined the results; went outside for night practice, downloaded to the computer, printed from the camera...the whole nine yards. Lots of neat little epiphanies. Just my way and I had fun with it!

When I first got my S3 I did the same thing. In fact i kept the manual in my car. So on longer trips I would go through the manual and try things while he drove the long distances. It wasn't long before I started to figure it out and have those "a-ha" moments!

I just picked up a S3 Also , I will be taking a trip to Niagra Falls tomm I hope i get some good pics. can somone tell me whats a TRIPOD? and what settings would be best for falls.? I love this camera.