Canon EOS ELAN 7E 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-90mm Lens


Compras Nikon
Bluetooth
The Canon Elan 7E features the eye-controlled focus system, the fastest means of focusing and metering a photographer can find. By using more focusing points and greater off-center coverage than other cameras in its class, this camera is able to take an exact reading in approximately 1/20 of a second. When a photographer brings the camera to their eye, their glance is tracked by the focusing system, allowing framing and focusing to become a single uninterrupted creative process. An easy one-time calibration is all that's needed to activate the eye-controlled focus system. Once this calibration is complete, the camera is able to precisely detect which part of the viewfinder the photographer is using. It then automatically focuses the lens with amazing accuracy.

This system delivers crisp, sharply focused images whether the camera is in a vertical or a horizontal position. The Canon Elan 7E is even able to store the distinct calibrations of up to five different photographers. Using an EF 300mm f2.8 IS lens, it can track a subject moving at 186 mph until it's a mere 66 feet from the camera. This fast-focus system, combined with the ability to shoot at almost four frames per second, makes the Canon Elan 7E the perfect choice for capturing those demanding sporting events or special occasions when you don't want to miss a single moment. And, considering its continuous shooting speed, the Elan 7E is also remarkably quiet. This feature gives the photographer the opportunity to shoot the perfect wildlife scene without disturbing or scaring the subject.

Part of the Elan 7E's focusing system is the seven-point wide-area autofocus. The eye-controlled focus system was designed to work especially with this precision feature. Seven focusing points are arranged in a wide cross pattern with a central "cross-type" sensor. The wider-than-usual area gives the photographer the ability to achieve a remarkably sharp, focused image instantly. This function works whether the subject is off-center, stationary, in motion, in low light, or even in low-contrast situations. The shot will still come out sharp and crisp, and without the need to recompose the shot. By using the focusing-point selection keys, the user is able to select any of the seven focus points simply by pressing a key. Representing a bold innovation in speed and usability, this feature gives an additional amount of image control back to the photographer.

A highly advanced metering system, comprised of 35-zone evaluative metering sensors, is linked to the seven focusing points. Whether shooting indoors or outside, day or night, a seamless integration of exposure and focus ensures remarkable clarity and contrast in any image. This system gives the photographer accurate control over situations that combine light and shadow or that feature strong backlight. When metering subjects against very dark or very bright backgrounds, partial-area metering measures 10 percent of the viewfinder around the chosen focusing point. This provides accurate image results when dealing with shadows or highlights. The photographer can also use the Elan 7E's center-weighed metering function. This mode places greater emphasis on what it reads as the center of the frame by measuring the entire scene. No matter which function the photographer chooses, precision metering is guaranteed--whether the camera is in a vertical or horizontal position.

Giving the photographer even more creative control is the command dial. This allows manual-control light, speed, aperture, and depth of field. Shutter priority lets the photographer choose the shutter speed, while the Elan 7E automatically selects the correct aperture. This function is especially useful when capturing action shots. With aperture priority, the photographer picks the aperture setting while the camera chooses the correct shutter speed. This is helpful when control over the depth of field is essential. Using the eye-controlled focus system to define the "sharp zone," the photographer can calculate the precise depth of field automatically. It's even possible to check the depth of field using the preview button.


1 Died after 2.5 years
Till yesterday I was all praises for this camera and would have given 5 stars. Its got the features for a beginner to reach a serious amature role with low cost. Well yesterday it died on me. I have had the camera for 2.5 years and shot probably around 100 rolls with it.

Now its a great camera. Its given me some awesome pictures. I like the metering except the fact that is does not have spot metering. This is a disadvantage. More over the the partial region of the camera is not well defined. I have the eye control. 85% it works and its great. But it does fail and irritates me at times. Low light focus is not so good but with the speedlight(420EX) it focus in a sec. What a difference. The depth of preview button is at time hard to find

I love the fash 4 frames per second. I used it twice but it gave me great results. I love the feel of the camera.

With all its defects I love the camera and might go in for the same.


2 Very Happy Canon User
I read the previous reviews and agree with most everything. This is a great camera that can be easily used by a beginner but has the features wanted by experienced pros.

The one thing I was disapointed in is that it did not say anywhere, until I already purchased the "E" model and read the manual, that the EYE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK IF YOU WEAR CONATCT LENSES. The "E" model was a waste of money for me due to this and that is the reason I gave this camera 4 out of the 5 stars.


3 Fantastic beginners camera
For the record, I have been using this camera for over 2 years now and I shoot mainly nature and people.

The Canon Elan 7E/EOS30 is a fantastic all around camera for beginners/intermediate photographers.

At the time of buying this camera, there was a confusion whether to choose the rebel or the elan 7E. I would very strongly recommend anyone to consider buying the intermediate Elan 7 as compared to the basic rebel. The rebel has a very "plasticky" feel to it and if I remember correctly, there is a single knob to set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Once you move away from shooting it as point and shoot, you will realize that the single knob can get incredibely irritating.

As for the "E" i.e. eye focus, I never really used it too much but am planning to shortly. So you can save some money by getting the Elan 7, if you so wish since the Eye feature is essentially just a gimmick. Now I also wish I had got the date feature, since down the road it might be an useful tool. (say, 40 yrs, from now, you want to know when the picture was taken ;) )

The most wonderful thing about the ELan 7E is that it allows you to grow with it...It offers a whole bunch of features, that I think will take you from a beginning stage (point and shoot) to a more advanced stage (total manual) phase. After shooting over 20 rolls of film and slide, I still find myself reading the manual and noting down some new feature to try out on my next roll.

Small piece of advice for beginners.. I realize now that the money you spend on lenses might be worth almost more than the money you spend on the camera. Coz even the best camera cannot produce a decent picture with a bad lens. I would strongly recommend avoiding the standard lens(28-90mm, I think) that comes bundled with it (even if the total package is cheap). I bought the body separate and a canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 and I have never regretted the decision. Its a relatively sharp lens at both ends and is always mounted on my camera for shooting almost anything. If you are on a tight budget get the Canon 50 mm 1.8 II which sells in most shops ... I am now slowly saving up for a L series lens.

Besides the usual preset options like portrait,landscape,closeup,sports,night mode,the Elan 7E offers a whole bunch of features that I found really useful. Here are some of them,

1) Depth of field preview button.
2) DEP (depth of field AE) - this really helps if your lens does not have a distance scale (like the 28-105mm). Say for e.g., you need to preset the depth of scale from 0 to infinity, this feature helps you to achieve that effect without the distance scale on your lens.
3) AE lock
4) Exposure compensation - you can set the exposure compensation upto + or - 2 stops in half stop increments and you can do it without taking your eyes of the viewfinder.
5) Auto exposure bracketting - for those really important pictures that you dont want to miss :)
6) bulb exposures - allows you to have as long a exposure as you want. I found this really useful. I hear that some cameras have limitations on how long they can be exposed. (RS - 60E3 shutter release cable is really useful for this)
7) multiple exposures
8) mirror lockup etc etc etc.

The built in flash suffices for all my needs. Lots of people recommended the battery pack, but I would suggest anyone buying this camera to first check it out themselves. I find the grip good enough for me.

All in all, I just love this camera. I have been having great fun for past 2 yrs with it and am confident of having lots more fun for few more years at least and I dont think you will get a better performance for this price...If you have the money, just get it & start shooting !!

Strengths:
1) Solid feel and good looks
2) Enough bells and whistles to keep you curious and interested for quite some time.
3) focussing point selection with seven focussing points (auto or manual)
4) whole bunch of lenses to choose from
5) built in flash
6) Rugged build - have used extensively in real hot weather(AZ) as well as sub zero temperatures (MI)
7)Relatively light and compact.
8)Best price/performance ratio

Weaknesses:
1) I feel an LCD would have been invaluable tool to have during low-lit situations
2)Lack of spot metering - this is one feature I would have loved to use.
3)Auto focus fails to activate when you try to shoot closeups(macros), cloudy landscapes or under low light situations
4) Depth of field preview button is hidden...I have never been able to activate it without taking my eyes off the viewfinder !


4 Fantastic beginners camera
For the record, I have been using this camera for over 2 years now and I shoot mainly nature and people.

The Canon Elan 7E/EOS30 is a fantastic all around camera for beginners/intermediate photographers.

At the time of buying this camera, there was a confusion whether to choose the rebel or the elan 7E. I would very strongly recommend anyone to consider buying the intermediate Elan 7 as compared to the basic rebel. The rebel has a very "plasticky" feel to it and if I remember correctly, there is a single knob to set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Once you move away from shooting it as point and shoot, you will realize that the single knob can get incredibely irritating.

As for the "E" i.e. eye focus, I never really used it too much but am planning to shortly. So you can save some money by getting the Elan 7, if you so wish since the Eye feature is essentially just a gimmick. Now I also wish I had got the date feature, since down the road it might be an useful tool. (say, 40 yrs, from now, you want to know when the picture was taken ;) )

The most wonderful thing about the ELan 7E is that it allows you to grow with it...It offers a whole bunch of features, that I think will take you from a beginning stage (point and shoot) to a more advanced stage (total manual) phase. After shooting over 20 rolls of film and slide, I still find myself reading the manual and noting down some new feature to try out on my next roll.

Small piece of advice for beginners.. I realize now that the money you spend on lenses might be worth almost more than the money you spend on the camera. Coz even the best camera cannot produce a decent picture with a bad lens. I would strongly recommend avoiding the standard lens(28-90mm, I think) that comes bundled with it (even if the total package is cheap). I bought the body separate and then a canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 lens and I have never regretted the decision. Its a relatively sharp lens at both ends and is always mounted on my camera for shooting almost anything. If you are on a tight budget get the Canon 50 mm 1.8 II which sells in most shops for under $100. I am now slowly saving up for a L series lens.

Besides the usual preset options like portrait,landscape,closeup,sports,night mode,the Elan 7E offers a whole bunch of features that I found really useful. Here are some of them,

1) Depth of field preview button.
2) DEP (depth of field AE) - this really helps if your lens does not have a distance scale (like the 28-105mm). Say for e.g., you need to preset the depth of scale from 0 to infinity, this feature helps you to achieve that effect without the distance scale on your lens.
3) AE lock
4) Exposure compensation - you can set the exposure compensation upto + or - 2 stops in half stop increments and you can do it without taking your eyes of the viewfinder.
5) Auto exposure bracketting - for those really important pictures that you dont want to miss :)
6) bulb exposures - allows you to have as long a exposure as you want. I found this really useful. I hear that some cameras have limitations on how long they can be exposed. (RS - 60E3 shutter release cable is really useful for this)
7) multiple exposures
8) mirror lockup etc etc etc.

The built in flash suffices for all my needs. Lots of people in this website recommend the battery pack, but I would suggest anyone buying this camera to first check it out themselves. I find the grip good enough for me.

All in all, I just love this camera. I have been having great fun for past 2 yrs with it and am confident of having lots more fun for few more years at least and I dont think you will get a better performance for this price...If you have the money, just get it & start shooting !!

Strengths:
1) Solid feel and good looks
2) Enough bells and whistles to keep you curious and interested for quite some time.
3) focussing point selection with seven focussing points (auto or manual)
4) whole bunch of lenses to choose from
5) built in flash
6) Rugged build - have used extensively in real hot weather(AZ) as well as sub zero temperatures (MI)
7)Relatively light and compact.
8)Best price/performance ratio

Weaknesses:
1) I feel an LCD would have been invaluable tool to have during low-lit situations
2)Lack of spot metering - this is one feature I would have loved to use.
3)Auto focus fails to activate when you try to shoot closeups(macros), cloudy landscapes or under low light situations

4) Depth of field preview button is hidden...I have never been able to activate it without taking my eyes off the viewfinder !


5 Great upgrade from EOS rebel but avoid Eye Control
I upgraded to this camera from the EOS Rebel 2000. This time around, I did things right by just buying the body instead of getting the body+lens option. I did this b/c the quality of the lenses that come with the combined package usually are optically a joke. This time, I picked this camera up with 2 separate lenses...Canon 28-135mm IS USM and the Canon 100mm macro USM lenses. Both of these lenses have a super fast and quiet ultrasonic motor...the crappy lens that comes with the combo option will likely not have this option. You get what you pay for.

I am very very pleased with the performance of this camera. The weight feels very good in my hands...the knobs and buttons are well placed. Although this camera does not have a spot meter, it has a partial meter which will serve you fine.

If I could do it all over again, I would have gotten the plain old Elan 7 w/o the eye control. I find that eye control is not effective with only 7 focusing points...also, the need for repeated calibration to perfect this is annoying. I find myself using the center focusing point only and recomposing. Save yourself some cash to spend on lenses/filters/etc. and forget the eye control or the quartz date options.

While this camera has a very quiet whisper drive, don't let the marketing fool you since the slap of the mirror still sounds the same as you trigger the shutter.

Love this camera...it doesn't feel flimsy at all. Great buy for an intermediate photographer. I would also recommend picking up the 420EX speedlite as it was designed to work specifically with the Elan 7/7e.


6 A Good Camera
I received this camera as a gift and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
The instructions were easy to follow and gives tips throughout on becoming a better photographer.

The camera was light and easy to carry and button use was simple. My only complaint was I felt the flash was inadequate but overall its a good camera.


7 Perfect. But.......
I have thoroughly enjoyed this camera for several reasons:

1. There is no better point and shoot camera.
2. It has well written instructions, that allow me to learn advanced photography.
3. It is relatively light (without the flash)
4. All of the buttons are easy to use while taking pictures.
5. The eye tracking works well.

But,
1. The flash is not adequate in the dark unless you are inches away. I got the 420 flash and have been very satisfied.
2. It does not have the time and date stamp. Not sure why considering the cost of the camera.
3. The eye tracking works well, but is not completely automatic. You have to know which modes to use it on.

I would get the camera again.

p.s. I was torn between an SLR and Digital Camera. I am happy that I got a SLR camera. I have my photos developed online, and choose which pictures that I want to have scanned at high resolution for Digital Photo Art.


8 SLR for amateur to professional photographers
Elan 7/7E also known as EOS 33 in Europe is a great SLR camera for ameteurs and professionals who are seeking light and affordable equipment. ...this is worth a buy. If you've worked with EOS series before then you won't need to even look into a manual for the camera. Everything on the body is self explanatory. It has some great features which include:
- creative zones (all adjustments are made by the camera)
- maual zones (user defined settings)
- depth of field preview
- 7 focusing points
- Elan 7E has eye control focus built in.
- several custom functions (e.g mirror lockup)
- fast/slow rewind
- aluminium body vs Rebel's plastic.
- shoot 4 frames per second.

There are however some minor draw backs and these include:
- no all Sigma lenses, which were assembled prior to 2000 will work with this camera. You should check with Sigma (www.sigma-photo.com)
- If you are working in rainy days, EOS 1v just might be a better fit, but then again you have to quadruple the price.

In a conclusion you can get far with your photography needs and EOS 33. Great value for the performance and pressesionalism.


9 Wonderful Camera!
I purchased this camera almost a year ago after my old manual Canon was stolen. I was very hesitant to switch to an autofocus/autoexposure system after using a totally manual SLR for a few years. But I have to say that the Elan 7E has totally won me over and is now my favorite camera.

The eye controlled focus works great, it will amaze you. For best results be sure to calibrate it under a variety of circumstances - the more you calibrate it, the more accurate it will be. I love this feature so much - it is definately worth the price difference between the 7 and the 7E. While the regular autofocus is good on it's own, I've discovered that the eye control feature can really be helpful under circumstances that fool the regular autofocus. I leave the eye controlled focus on all the time now.

This is a dependable, fairly rugged camera for serious amateurs or aspiring pros. It has tons of features, half of which I haven't even had the time to experiment with. The controls and the layout of the buttons are well designed and intuitive, and it's comfortable to hold in your hand. My only gripe is that the depth of field preview button is too small and hard to find. I tend to use the DOF preview a lot when shooting macros and I always fumble when I'm trying to find it. I wish the button was either bigger or located on the back of the camera.

Overall this camera is a dream to use and I would totally recommend it to anyone. As for the USM lens that comes with this kit, it covers a good focal distance range and the USM lens are fast at autofocusing and much quieter than others I've tried. I can't comment specifically on this lens as I bought this camera elsewhere and chose different lenses to go with it.


10 An outstanding camera
ELAN 7e is an outstanding camera with a very impressive performance. From the day I have purchased this body, it has functioned flawlessly. I believe that this body is suitable for serious amateurs who wish to work either fully manually, semi-manually or full-automatic modes, whichever they desire. I have preferred Canon to other brands for the following reasons: 1. The dials are more handy and easy to access to 2. Canon provides USM lenses capable of working very silently. 3. Unmatched reputation of body endurance 4. The built-in eye-controlled auto focus system allows very fast and accurate way to focus (and it is a miracle, it has not focused on a single wrong focusing point as of yet.). In my opinion, it IS worth the extra you pay for it! 5. The body is very sturdy. 6. Canon has a wide service network. 7. Infrared remote controlling is enabled, allowing as much as needed time to compose the picture and place yourself in it. The diopteric adjustment is also useful for myopes like me. It has a lot of additional features that come in handy. I have to emphasize that I am not a professional so I can only recommended this body to serious amateurs. For beginners in photography, Canon Rebel will be just as good. If you intend to buy this body, do not go for 28-90mm lens but prefer the 28-105 F/3.5-4.5 II USM lens instead and definitely purchase a tripod.
11 Check this one out!
Absolutely the finest camera I have ever owned! A bit pricey for the dilettante, but certainly worth the money for anyone serious about their photography.
12 in good Canon tradition
After years of happily using my Canon AE-1,F1 and F1N I finally ventured into the 21st century with this EOS 7E. I was stunned to see how wonderful Canon continuety even applies to their latest models: many of the user features familiar from AE-1, AE-1 program, F and T models have evolved and the feature set-up of the camera is extremely easy to learn if you have ever had ANY type of Canon SLR. So if your are an electronophobe: don't worry, this camera will not take you weeks to learn. Also, as always with Canon: you can have any level of operator involvement - this camera allows you to shoot in fully automatic as well as in totally manual mode, and everything in between. This is great as you are learning to handle the camera and maybe tackle serious photography as a beginner: you can start fully automatic and then gradually gain more manual control. The camera is extremely quiet, even the winder and the mirror reflex, so it is very good for wildlife shoots. The eye-controlled autofocus also helps in this area as well as in any type of sports or action photography. The flash reloades pretty quickly, and the winder does 4 frames per sec, not superfast, but it is integrated into the camera, which makes it worthwhile. The camera is much lighter than the EOS-1 models, which are the more heavy-duty pro models. Those have an external winder that is pretty bulky, but does 10 frames/sec. I opted for the compact and light 7E, a camera that already incorporates many EOS-1 features and I believe will satisfy even the most discerning hobby photgrapher.
13 Great product. Very glad I moved up from the Rebel 2000
I moved up to the Elan 7e from a Rebel 2000 soon after it came out. I was feeling a little bit limited by the Rebel and really felt the need to upgrade. I've been very happy with that choice.

The Elan is a great product. It packs a lot of features and control into an attractive, strong, and well-sized package.

The eye control focus is neat, but I don't use it much. The only major weakness is the strobing flash autofocus assist. Luckily, you can turn it off.

I can heartily recommend this product, and the entire Canon system.


14 Fun and Complex piece of machinery
I decided to upgrade my SLR camera. I've had a Canon T-50 for about 14 years and really liked it but now I would like to do some more creative things with the aperature and shutter speeds whereas the T-50 didn't have any controls for creativity but was a great point and shoot SLR.

This camera is much bigger than my T-50 but has tons more features. I just love auto focus now. This camera lets you focus on whatever your eyes look at and focuses quickly and quietly. And film transport is basically silent compared to the T-50 which is so loud that whenever I would take a photo the noise would draw everyone's attention.

The lens that comes with this is the lower end but is USM (Ultra Sonic) and is fine for point and shoot and does have a nice wide angle and fairly good zoom (90mm).

This camera isn't quite as solid as my T-50 as that camera could be tossed around and held up beautifully over the years but this camera needs more TLC as it is more plasticy but considerably better than Canon's other SLRs (excluding the higher ended EOS's such as EOS 1D and EOS 3).

The flash is adequate for most close up purposes but suggest an external one for large groups at a distance where you can also set the angle of the flash.

Over all this is a fun camera. Has so many features to experiment with. And the tracking focus is awesome for photographing anything moving fast such as cars, horses, etc.
I'd recommend it to anyone and prices seem to have dropped since it was introduced. Enjoy!!


15 Great Camera
I love this camera cause it does everything I want it to. It has all the auto features I've been looking for. More importantly the manual controls are easy to use.

The built in eye control is wonderful. I happen to have bad vision and use contact lenses or glasses. I have set the eye control for use with my contacts and glasses and can switch the camera's eye control to presets that work with my vision needs, after all I don't always wear glasses.


16 The Amateur's point of view
I bought this camera by blindly following advice from my uncle, who is a photographer. I am a complete amateur, my last camera being a canon point and shoot. However, this camera can be set on complete automatic, a great feature for when I am not up to experimenting but really want to capture a great picture. It also has different modes including portrait, scenic, fast action, and night scenes, which pick the appropriate aperture and shutter speed settings to create the best picture. As I am learning about shutter speeds and apertures, I love the fact that by setting one, my camera automatically sets the other to compliment it, it really helps as I can concentrate on one thing. The eye focus control is silent, fast, and very precise. You have to calibrate it to your eye movements but it comes with five settings so that other people can use it too. I love the easy focusing- it is great for when you just want to take the picture fast.

For the experienced photographer this camera also offers a full manual mode. It has so many great features, the manual is packed with well written instructions, pictures, and tips. I would definitely reccomend this camera for someone that is looking for a great camera to start a system. It is a little more expensive than the Rebel 200, but worth every penny. I can't wait to learn how to take full advantage of it!


17 A well-made, ergonomic camera thats a pleasure to operate.
Overall, a fine camera, with only one minor complaint: The back door seems a little less robust than the rest of the camera.
18 Great Camera!
This is an excellent camera! It is a fantastic blend of professional and advanced consumer camera. Although not as well sealed or built as the EOS 3 or 1, it is a very sturdy camera, certainly better than the other EOS. The built in flash is handy, but if you are serious about your photography, invest in a 440ex Flash. The battery grip (BP300) is an acessory that you cannot live without. The autofocus on this camera may not be as fast as the EOS 3 or 1, but it is much better then Nikons. I currently have two EOS 7 bodies, both with grips, and I find them a joy and pleasure to use everyday. Not too heavy, with a well built exterior. All in all, an excellent camera, that opens the doors into a vast and comprehensive Canon system. Remember that the camera only holds the film, and the lenses are the most important part of the camera!
19 Art Student
I bought this camera last spring and have been very happy with how easy it is to use. Canon spent a lot of time studying the ergonomics and succeeded in how the buttons and dials were placed. However, there was not a place to attach a sync cord. There is a place to attach a cord to an external light meter but the cord from the power box does not fit there. I ended up purchasing a hotshoe adapter. Other than this specialized situation I have been very happy with this camera.
20 Canon EOS Elan7
User friendly for beginning photographers with all the bells & whistles required for professional use.
21 Puts Nikon's N80 to shame.
I find that most often, when people are looking for an advanced-intermediate type camera, they usually narrow it down between the Nikon N80 and the Canon Elan 7/7e. I used to be a Nikon guy, but after working in a camera store for about a year and in that time playing with all the different cameras, this one won me over. Sold my Nikon stuff and bought a Canon system.

The N80 in comparison handles like a wet diaper. The focusing is slow and it's noisy. The Canon is much faster and quieter, especially if you stick an Ultrasonic lens on the end of it. To get this kind of speed out of a Nikon lens, you'd have to buy the multi-thousand dollar lenses with AFS motors (the only lenses Nikon makes where the focusing motor is in the lens instead of the body...hmmmm...where did they get that idea from I wonder). The Canon's motor drive is almost twice as fast (4fps as opposed to Nikons 2.5fps), which may or may not be important to you. The Canon also has mirror lockup, which I find useful--the Nikon does not.

Don't fall for the "nothing beats a Nikon" hype. Like anything that says "Nikon" on it, you're paying for the name. Try one of these out--you won't regret it.


22 Canon Does It Again
The Elan 7E is a great camera. I bought it to replace my Rebel S camera that I bought back in 1992 (I dragged my Rebel through numerous countries and National Parks. Its been rained on, dropped and banged around and it has never given me a day of trouble). I bought the Elan because I wanted the more advanced features that my Rebel didn't have. At an amazing 4fps (frames per second) shooting rate, it is hard to miss the action with this camera. EOS cameras are so simple to use that you will get great pictures even if you don't know anything about photography. If you are going to buy this camera, get a RC-1 wireless remote. It simplifies the process of placing oneself in the photo or when you don't want to shake the camera when pushing the shutter.
23 Bifocal Users Beware of Eye Control
Great camera. I've had mine for 3 months now and love it. It's solid, rugged (partial-aluminum body), and smooth. Spend a little extra money, however, and get a better lens--not the "kit" lens. A 28-105 or 28-135IS is perfect--and better made than the lenses that come with the kits.

Two concerns, however: 1) the focusing screen is fixed so, if you want to really do some fine-tuned manual focusing, you've just got the matte screen which is very difficult to use for fine focus; 2) the fine print in the manual regarding eye control warns that bifocal users can expect to have problems because that feature can be fooled, depending on which part of the eyeglass lens the user is looking through.

If you don't absolutely need eye-control focus, save your money and buy the Elan 7 (same camera minus eye control feature).


24 all around great camera
This camera is definitely a GREAT camera. From the amount of features on it, and being a real gadget nut, I would definitely classify it as a high-end guy toy. It's as much fun as having a remote control with 5000 buttons and a 600 inch TV to use it on. From someone who has been using an SLR with manual everything for the past 25 years, upgrading to the ELAN 7E has been just plain fun. The technology on auto-everything cameras used to bug me because I thought it took out some of the creativity and thought from photography, but the tech wizardry on this camera is advanced enough that I can really enjoy the automation. For example, the eyepoint focus. Yeah, it's a gimmick, but darned if the thing isn't just a kick to use. The autofocus is quiet and quick, and the ergonomics of the camera controls have been worked out quite well (I would definitely recommend the external battery pack for vertical shooting. A second shutter release is positioned on the corner 90 degrees off from the regular shutter release for easier arm placement). The camera has a good feel in the hands, and has just enough heft that it's not jiggling around in your hands every time your heart beats. The LCD panel, once you're able to decipher all the arcane symbols on display, rapidly becomes easy to interperet. A quick glance and you know just how the camera is set up. A note about this camera- READ ALL OF THE DIRECTIONS! There's enough technical gee gaws to keep an electrical engineer happy for a month (not to mention a photograper), and it's completely worthwhile to read up and learn the true versatility of this camera. The pictures that I've taken so far have shown that this camera is worth every penny, and would be a fine investment for any photographer, amateur or pro. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go buy a whole lot of film...
25 Great Camera
I just upgraded from the Rebel G (which was a great intro camera) and have been delighted. Just returned from a trip to Bora Bora - harsh environment, bumped around in bag, etc. Not a single problem - shot twenty rolls of film in a week without a hitch. It doesn't weigh as much as you might think (even with the battery pack) and is very easy to use. The dials are well thought out in position and function. You can P+S or do your own thing. Lots of powerful (and useful) features.

The eye focus is interesting, but mostly a "gee whiz" thing. I use it only about 1/3 of the time. Impresses my friends; mostly useful for shots of people.

The built in flash is very nice. I used it exclusively in Bora Bora (for a wedding) and got excellent results. Works great as a fill flash outside. Although I do suggest investing in an external flash.

Overall it is a fantastic camera and I highly recommend it. I have been very pleased with it. Make sure to get the battery pack.


26 Great new SLR from Canon
I've been a many years user of Canon cameras. My latest EOS 630 served me very well for the last 12 years.

Needless to say i was very excited when I got this one. The user interface is very well done. The controls are very easy to use and located in convinient places.

The film advancing motor is very quit, in fact the shutter door sounds much louder then the film advancing.

Build-in flash works very well. The red eye feature is much better than on any other camera, since it doesn't flash the flash light but uses a special bulb for that.

I highly recommend to get 28-135 IS USM lens with it. The image stabilization worth the extra money, since it allows you to take pictures in very low light without flash or tripod.

I didn't found the eye-controlled AF very usefull. It's nice as a toy, but you can live without it.


27 This is the one!
This camera is the one I've been waiting for. If you've used the Rebel 2000, you know how the new metering system has brought wondrous canon to a whole new level. But the Elan has always been the camera to have: it has lock up so that you can focus on a flower without giggling when the shot is taken. You have more manual operations once you get familiar enough to get out on your own. Professionals use this one-- but it's not imposing. Since you're looking at the body only, you might already know that the best lens aropnd is the award-winning tamron 28?-300. Near or far,you don't need another lens. One thing a good friend told me: for flashes, always use manual 30 at 6.7--and do +1/3 indoor, or +2/3 outdoor it gives solid color, everytime. Good luck with finding your own favorite camera -- but this is the one for me.
28 cost of camera only
customer review was fine but we are interested in the camera only, what would the price be for a Canon EOS elan 7e Thanks Rosemary gunderman
29 CANON EOS Elan 7/7E
The EOS ELAN 7E is Canon's latest camera to feature their Eye Controlled Focus. Quite simply, Eye Control is the fastest, easiest method of selecting a focus point.

The autofocus tracking speed of the EOS ELAN 7 /7E rivals that of the leading top-of-the-line cameras available today. With a top shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second and fastest in its class 4 fps film advance, the ELAN 7/7E is a prime choice for demanding sports or wildlife photographers. The ELAN 7 and 7E is now smaller and more compact, with controls placed intuitively, in a user-friendly design, for a superior shooting experience. The construction of the camera body is newly reinforced, with strategically placed metal top and front cover plates, for rugged reliability in any environment. And WhisperDrive? transport brings near silent shooting, when used with Canon's exclusive USM lenses.



Sunday, 07-Sep-2008 10:53:22 CDT
Quote of the Day:


Bistromathics is simply a revolutionary new way of understanding the

behavior of numbers. Just as Einstein observed that space was not an
absolute, but depended on the observer's movement in space, and that
time was not an absolute, but depended on the observer's movement in
time, so it is now realized that numbers are not absolute, but depend
on the observer's movement in restaurants.
-- Douglas Adams

Yet creeds mean very little, Coth answered the dark god, still speaking
almost gently. The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.
-- James Cabell, "The Silver Stallion"