My Canon S3IS is about 4 years old. It used to

The camera has the fault, the cost to repair is not worth doing it. Replace the camera.

No. The S3 IS requires a memory card.

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Sounds like the pictures are hidden. Take out the memory card of the acmera and plug it in to a computer that has a card reader. Click the file and folder options of your computer then click the box that says SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS. You should be able to view your pictures now using the computer.

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A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, sometimes with lines, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open). To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see this link for further info and a simple fix that may help.

You can access this via the FUNC button, this shows a very confusing list of icons. These are explained in the user manual which can be downloaded from Canon
http://software.canon-europe.com/products/0010335.asp
you can choose My Colors either while shooting or add the effects afterwards

Try in reset the camera to factory settings.

If still you have the same problem, then the iris mechanism is not working properly.

This means that you will need a qualified repair service to check into your camera, and have it repaired.

Bets regards,

Try the procedures in this tip.

You have 2 choices here, one is send the camera into Canon for exchange or replace the Camera, this would be based on cost. You can't fix it as no parts are available from the manufacturer to the public.

Hi - You can download the software from the link underlined in blue below:

canon s3is

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Informatica

Look at the viewfinder on the camera.

Now look on the LEFT side of the viewfinder; just above the swivel-screen.

You will see a little thumb wheel there.

That is the focus for the viewfinder. Move it up and down to bring the viewfinder into focus. (Don't forget to do this while you are looking through the viewfinder so you can see what you are adjusting.)

Easy fix. :)