Canon Elph Z3 Zoom APS Camera Kit

With all the attention Canon's Digital Elph series has been receiving, it's easy to forget that the first Elph models were film cameras. This latest-generation model has much in common with its predecessors, including a chrome-and-aluminum body, diminutive dimensions, and use of the Advanced Photo System (APS) format.

Refinements for this model include a longer, lower shape--less like a deck of cards and more like a cell phone--and a backlit status LCD that emits a cool blue glow at the push of a button. Several other features were revised to improve photo quality, including a redesigned lens and a newly developed passive autofocus system. Additional features include a 2.3x zoom, spot metering, self-timer, and a five-mode flash with red-eye reduction.

A lithium CR123A battery provides power, and the camera uses APS film, a format jointly developed by five leading photo companies in 1996. The APS format is designed to take advantage of a number of technological advances developed in the decades since the introduction of 35mm film. Here are the main advantages to the APS format:

• Size and convenience: An APS cartridge is smaller than 35mm, and the film is completely enclosed, which simplifies film loading.
• Midroll rewind: Many cameras let you switch film midroll, allowing you to shoot in both color and black and white. Each roll has an indicator on top that lets you know if the film inside is unused, partially exposed, totally exposed, or developed. After developing, the negatives remain inside the cartridge for protection and long-term storage.
• Three print sizes: Most APS cameras let you choose from three proportions for your prints--"classic," which is a 3:2 ratio like 35mm; "HDTV," which is a 16:9 wide-screen format, and "panoramic," which is a long 3:1 print.
• Magnetic information storage: The film is coated with a magnetic layer much like a videotape. This layer can store information from the camera that can be used during developing and printing to make the best possible prints. This also means that photo time and date information can be printed on the back of each picture instead of the front.

The two biggest drawbacks to the format are size and availability. The negative is approximately half the size of 35mm, so each photo has less detail than an equivalent 35mm negative. This can result in pictures that look grainy, especially when enlarged. Though the format is popular, it's still relatively new, so the film can be harder to find than 35mm film and developing may be slightly more expensive.

I have another APS camera with 10x zoom, but it is not lightweight, and partially used rolls of films hide inside. What I love about the APS-format is the ability to take a roll of film out of one camera and insert it into another, even if some pictures are already on the film. So, I can check whether film is used or not, quite easily with the automatic film loading and advance features

APS-format also lets me set the coverage of the camera in three frame types. One is focused on center object without much background. Next is for group shots that elongate the lens area slightly more. The panoramic view is a large rectangular coverage. The self-timer function means that I also get to be in the picture. It seems that I was in very few family photos because I was always the one behind the camera; now I am a participant.

One of the pictures I took in this format is of my niece at her wedding as she danced with and kissed her new husband. It is a striking photograph because it is focused on them, and you see the floor, decorations, lighting, and can feel the dance and their movements to get a true impression of this moment.

Generally, I forget when I took a picture unless it is coded on the photo, especially since I may let the film sit in a camera too long. This excellent feature and stays on time and date.

Because I love this little Elph I give it 5 stars, and wish you great success with your photography as well.

Victoria Tarrani


Just the right size!   June 11, 2002
Kim (St. Louis, MO)
37 out of 38 found this review helpful

On my last vacation I got so tired of carrying around a large camera that I did not take many photos... However, when the old one played out I seized the opportunity to see what I could find in a smaller version... I fell in love with this little guy right away... However, when I got home, I started reading reviews of older APS cameras and became concerned. So I immediately shot one roll of film.. inside, outside, close, far away and took it to an hour developing center (more and more places are developing it now)... Along with that roll I took two 35mm rolls.. When I received the prints I compared them side by side and saw no difference in the quality of the prints... Also, it was only approximately 2.00 more per roll to develop than the 35mm.

What I love about this camera besides the convenience of the size is that you can take 3 different sizes of pictures with a flip of a switch and the date imprint on the picture.

The only drawbacks that I found was the lack of zoom (but I knew there would be a trade off for the small size) and the fact that I took one early evening photo which did not turn out very well... However, I discovered there is a 1000 speed film for the APS which hopefully will take care of that problem.

Bottom line: a great little everyday camera that is lightweight, easy and fun to use....


Great Camera, has a problem, but just be careful   September 29, 2002
35 out of 37 found this review helpful

I bought the Z3 about a week before we took a cruise to the Carribean, love the way it looked and handled,shot both Fuji and Kodak 400 speed film, have also shot this speed with and Elph 2 I have, the Z3 is a complete runaway, had the photos developed on shipboard, they did an excellent if not very expensive job, the results were just sensatiional, If I held it up to a 35mm print, you could not tell the difference, gorgeous color, great exposures, tack sharp lens and auto exposure system, this is a real winner except for one weak point, when you shut the camera off, the lens retracts inward, you can easily bang the door into the retracting lens, which I did on 3 occassions, twice knocking the door off the track, I fixed it myself by popping it back on, no damage, I think Canon could use a fix here, other than that, I,ll still give it a 5 rating, its a winner.


Stick with 35mm   February 3, 2003
28 out of 31 found this review helpful

In the camera store that I work at, we rarely sell APS cameras now that their novelty has worn off and this is why:

The frame size for APS film is LESS THAN HALF the size you get with 35mm film. This means that if you blow your pictures up, you will see much more of the grains. Also, there is a noticable difference even between using a 100 speed film (which you should give you the sharpest pictures) and the 200 speed film. The film quality is just bad and the selection is very limited.

APS film is more expensive, and it also cost more to get developed. It is even more if you shoot panoramics. As far as the film goes, if you purchase the value packs you can get 6 rolls of 35mm film for the price you would pay for 3 rolls of the same speed of APS film in many stores.

Instead of this camera, I suggest the Pentax IQzoom 130M. It has more than twice the zoom for LESS money! It also features an easy to use panorama mode if you like having that option. A 35mm camera is not hard to load, and the superior quality is well worth the 3 extra seconds it will take you to load film. You'll get more camera for your money and you'll be so much happier with your pictures.


Took this camera on 8 nite /9 day Colorado River Raft Trip   June 16, 2002
V. Glickstein (Florida, USA)
20 out of 21 found this review helpful

Space was at a premium on this trip and I wanted Panorama easily available. Also sunscreen would be heavily used (can damage camera frames) so metal case was ideal. Camera performed wonderfully and was so small it was easy to carry around and protect from water in Aquapac case. I didn't realize what a problem sand would be - again the Aquapac protected from both sand and water from rapids. The photos are great. I am enjoying using this camera to take photos of my triplet granddaughters also. It tucks into my purse or pocket with an extra roll of film. I have SLR APS which is about 8 times bigger and it is so much harder to drag it around as much as I love it! Thanks Canon.