clipped from: www.deremate.com.ar   

To keep your images sharp and shake-free, the PowerShot S3 IS employs a true optical image stabilization system. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon based its Lens Shift type of Image Stabilizer system on the advancements in the development of Canon’s EF and video lenses. This Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent. It is essential when engaging the 12x optical zoom lens because the extension of a long lens magnifies camera shake in direct proportion with the amount of lens magnification employed.