In Canon S3 IS digital camera, What will be the preferred range to shoot in 12X optical zoom?

Do you mean DISTANCE from your subject?

If so, the prefered distance would be that which shows as much as the subject as you want.

my friend your questions are non questions, I did photography school and TV school and have worked professionally for a while and have no idea what you want to know...so hes a geuss

the preferred range will be the one best for the subject you are shooting

a

or you mean price range?

the manual tells you the range