5 comments about Canon EOS Elan II 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA BUT I AM HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE TRYING TO FIND WHERE TO BUY THE 80-300 ZOOM LENS WOULD YOU PLEASE SEE IF YOU CAN HELP ME.!



2. I've had this camera since 1997 and I love it. It has some cool features, you can be fully auto or fully manual. I have a 75-300mm USM zoom along with the 28-80mm USM that came with it. I kind of wish I'd have paid the extra [...] and gotten the IIe, but I still get great shots. It's not too heavy, focus is quick and quiet, exposure is pretty accurate. I haven't had any problems with it.



3. I found this camera used in a store, and it looked like a pretty good deal, so I called my uncle (a camera brainiac, and a very good photographer) and he said it was a great deal, so I bought it. That's all I thought I was getting; a good deal on a used camera. It's so much more than that. I have actually done some really stupid things when taking pictures (setting the aperture and shutter speeds in such a way that the picture would be ruined is my most common offense) and the picture always comes out perfect. It's actually difficult to take a bad picture with this camera! The Elan II is a very nice camera that is simple enough for beginners, but at the same time, advanced enough for professionals. Taking good pictures is a snap, and most of the controls are self-explanitory and easy to understand. I have never had a problem with this wonderfully engineered camera, and I feel confident that, wether you're a regular pro, or a regular joe, you'll find this camera easy, and fun to use.



4. I love my Elan II E. Unfortunately, I broke it in Italy this year. It lasted many thousands of shots over 9 1/2 years. The part which broke was the door clasp. Keep in mind, it lasted nearly a decade! I'm going to buy the Canon 7NE to replace it. Love the system!



5. The Elan IIe is truly a camera for everyone. I bought mine with internship money in 1994, and I still have it today. It survived the rains in Siena a couple of years ago, and even a 5 foot drop in a canoe back in 1999. It's grown up with me, and as I learn more about taking pictures, I've been able to rely less on the auto-metering, and auto exposure settings, and take total control like the big boys. What can
   I say, I love this camera! It lets you go from no-know to semi-pro in a snap!

4 comments about Canon EOS Elan 7ne SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. Okay, first off, I'd like to say that this is my first AF SLR--I stepped up from my dinosaur of a camera, Canon AE-1 manual focus, and right now I am quite overwhelmed by all the features in this little thing. I'm still in the learning stages of all this technology but let me tell you this, I am having fun! It amazes me that Canon can offer quite an impressive camera for the price.
   
   I just received my first few rolls from the developer and the pictures came out amazing--so clear and the colors are very vibrant. Just to let you know, I'm using the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. I took the suggestions of many and passed up on the "kit" lens and I'm sure glad I did so. I would highly recommend the f/3.5-4.5 lens, but unfortunately for the rest of you, Amazon has discontinued it. But you could order it from one of the many other photo shops (B&H, Adorama, etc).
   
   Do I have any regrets on this purchase? Absolutely not! I love this camera and even though I've owned it for less than a month, I'm actually thinking about stepping up to the EOS 3 and using this as a backpacking/hiking body. Hmm...what to do, what to do? Do I purchase another body or start a collection of L-series glass? ...that is the question.



2. I am enjoying my new Canon EOS Elan. I find it comfortable to hold and easy to use. I have not yet had the opportunity to try out all the features, but the few films I have exposed in auto mode and had developed satisfy my needs at this point. The rewind mechanism is VERY quiet which is nice if you plan to use the camera at a public event.



3. I bought this camera in 2002 (when it was the Elan 7e), the only difference is body texture, lit display, and a slightly faster autofocuser. The camera works great and the pictures are great. It takes 4 fps. I don't use this camera anymore since going digital with my EOS 40D but if I would recommend a film camera at a good price, this would be the camera. If you still use film, this is a camera that is hard to beat at the price.



4. I picked up EOS Elan 7NE a few days ago (since it is not available at Amazon I had to order elsewhere), after I noticed that 35mm film cameras in advanced hobbyist/enthusiast range are getting rare, and I'm a dedicated film shooter. I plan using Elan alongside my trusty AE-1's; I just wanted something more modern, with AF etc and what won't brake the bank. 7NE definitely fits the bill; I ordered this body with EF 28mm-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM lens which is supposed to be significantly better then entry-level 28mm-90mm that comes with available Elan kits at better online camera stores.
   
   Camera is feature-packed; luckily the 100-page small booklet manual is well written and consistent in giving enough info to get you going. I'd like to add that the camera is somewhat bigger then I thought (I'll try to upload a shot of 7NE and AE-1 side by side for size comparison), however size shouldn't be a drawback. Overall it feels solid and is easy to hold, controls are well laid out, and I have overall a good feel about it. I shot a test roll of B&W PlusX with it the other day and it came out decent even on full-auto mode. I also tried the eye-controlled focus, and yes it works as advertised.
   
   BTW, there is large variety of used Elan and EOS bodies available for low prices on auction site, however I wanted to get a spankin new 100% functional & dent-free camera so there wouldn't be any surprises; since the 7NE body is so affordable, why not to buy brand new.

5 comments about Canon Sure Shot A-1 Water Resistant 35mm Camera.

1. This camera was very handy to have around. It did everything you would want in a point and shoot (timer,flash no flash,waterproof etc.)The body seemed fairly sturdy. So I thought. One of the hinges on the back broke--water got in---camera was trash. All in all it did a good job before this dreaded event. I would recommend the camera for anyone interested in lots of outdoor activities where water-rain could be an issue.



2. I recently bought a Sure Shot A-1 because I've ruined 2 other very expensive cameras with saltwater & sand. I was a little skeptical about this camera because it is relatively inexpensive and simple compared to my SLR or the Minolta underwater camera. Well, I've shot about 10 rolls now, on the beach, in saltwater, swimming with the kids in Hawaii and hiking. This little camera takes terrific pictures in all settings. I'm especially impressed with the exposure control system which could have easily been tricked with lots of scattered light....but was not. The fill flash works well, even at high noon on Maui, breaking up harsh shadows and brightening colors.

   I've also used the negatives with my Nikon Coolscan IV with great results as well...the digital images from the Sure Shot/Coolscan combination have been nearly as good as my Nikon Coolpix 990.

   Two thumbs up on the A-1




3. I enjoyed this camera in Cancun where the water was very clear, haven't used it underwater anywhere else yet. You have to get fairly close for the underwater pics but they come out nice. The camera also works well on land. Photos come out clear, but you'll want to shoot a little closer that you might think. The color in the scenic shots came out beautiful. Good camera for vacation. I'd recommend it to a friend.



4. ....This camera was darn-near perfect, no matter where I used it, be it under water or all the way to the top of Mount Etna. I made the rounds of the entire island, Germany, Israel, Spain, and a whole bunch of detachments in other places. As good as it was, it was bound to die eventually. I found it's only flaw, you can't cheat on the directions. They say to dampen the seal before swimming, and there's a reason for that. If you don't, it will leak under pressure and short out the whole thing. So be warned, READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOK! It's there for a reason. One bonus, it works to 20 feet, even though they say 16.5. So listen to someone who misses a faithful camera, wet the seal and this bad-boy will serve you for a long time. (I have 2 years of great pictures to prove it)



5. I bought a second hand A1 with reservation. I have a Canon 20D SLR with L-lens and a point and shoot Powershoot A95. On the fishing trip in July 2006 to Alaska, I was thinking of taking my fancy cameras, however, I was affraid of getting water into these cameras because the people that I travel with were really serious fishermen and they were going to be in the water most of the day. Thus, I took my A1 with me since I know the it is resistant to water. I have the camera in my chest wader most of the time so I can be ready for action shots. I finally took my film to Costco to develop in January 2007 (6 months after I took the pictures). To my surprise, the pictures turn out good. I think the pictures are just as good of a quality as my point and shoot digital Power Point camera. I am happy with the quality of the pictures. This camera will definitely be with me this coming summer trip to Yosemite's Merced river swimming trip. I got my used via the internet for fifty dollars...
   
   Have fun taking pictures

5 comments about Canon EOS IX Lite APS SLR Camera w/ 22-55mm Lens.

1. This camera has all the functionality of other Canon cameras, but is smaller, and has the APS capability. I have no complaints whatsoever and am completely satisfied!!!



2. ...I have the choice of all the Canon EOS lenses to use and 2700 dpi images for use in digital photography in combination with a Canon film scanner. The only draw back is that the film must be developed first.

   The film scanner can make digital images that can be written to an inexpensive CD. The images are magazine quality. You can scan an entire roll of film in less than five minutes and write them with a high speed CD/RW in another five minutes. The APS format dramatically saves scanning time.

   Also, I would suggest using an upgraded flash that is specifically designed to work with this unit.

   Have fun.




3. I'm not quite sure what Bargain Bob is talking about, but he describes thin unit (and a film scanner) as the poor mans digital camera. With the price of the camera plus the scanner, you could purchase a very nice didgtal camera, so don't fall into that trap. If you want film, buy a film camera, if you want digital, but a digital camera...don't just get a scanner.



4. Bought a EOS IX lite originally - had lousy pictures - was going to give up on the APS system - but then saw on EBAY the EOS IX ( not lite )and gave that a try - WOW! the difference is incredible. The pictures were sharp and clear - my advice is to NOT buy the EOS IX lite but rather find an old EOS IX - you will not be sorry.



5. This camera is one of my all time favorites!
   Even though I am well into the digital revolution I can't
   bring myself to sell this camera. Rarely use it now but for years
   it delivered very good images.
   The best qualities of this camera are the ability to use the panaramic
   format and the speed and ease of operation. There were many shots
   that I captured because this could be implemented immediately and easily when surprised by interesting subject matter.
   The negitive is small but when processed via Kodak includes very specific information allowing for development of the picture that is remarkably similiar to what you actually observed at the time of capture.
   Full rich color and sharp pictures made this camera a joy to use.
   Boy weren't those simpler times!

5 comments about Canon Elph Sport APS Camera Kit.

1. This is a simple point and shoot auto-focus model which fits nicely into small bags/purses or a coat pocket. Traveling should be fun in any weather and being able to capture memories should be too. Cameras shouldn't shrink with just a few raindrops like the Wicked Witch of the West. The Canon Elph Sport holds up to everything I've been through the past four years: quicksand, ocean waves, swimming pools, road trips, baby drool, hurricanes, blizzards, and much more. The colors come through vividly. Now with black and white Advantix film being available, I can take more classic photos as well. This summer, I tried surfing and the only success was the great photos. The carrying case is great - In it, the camera floats in the ocean. I recommend this camera for anyone who does not want to worry about their camera getting wet on family vacations (think beach trips or theme park rides here) or during frequent outdoor adventures.

   TECHNICAL NOTES: It does not have a zoom option, but it includes a self-timer feature. It doesn't use up batteries quickly. I've replaced it maybe twice in four years.




2. If you are considering buying an APS camera, then you should look no further. Note, however, that APS film is a bit more expensive than regular 35mm film, but it is much more versatile (standard Normal, Group, and Panoramic modes, etc). The reason why this camera so great is most obviously its design. The case is waterproof as well as shockproof. After taking it with me hiking, I tripped three times, each time with the camera in my hand (in its little case), and showed no signs of damage, and still worked great underwater. For me, this is great, as I usually end up losing things in my messy room, and hence they usually get banged around. This camera is durable, and therefore there is no worry. Its waterproofing is great feature, as I am constantly taking pictures on my boat, at the beach, or outside where there is always the chance of rain. You don't have to worry about keeping your camera dry, nor does it become a problem if you leave you bag with the camera in it someplace where it might accidentally get wet. The design is extremely easy to use, and the pictures are great (use 400 speed film, its the most versatile). The only bad thing is that you have to fairly responsible about cleaning the camera after salt-water use. Now, I have never done this, and the camera still works fine. Furthermore, this thing is tiny, suprisingly smaller than the most compact 35mm's. You'll be suprised at how small it is (it's not too small though). It also has bumps on the back to help you grip the camera with one hand. To anyone who is concerned about zoom, on most compact camera, APS or 35mm, they barely make that much of a difference. And to anyone considering going digital, I say just get a scanner. Your picture quality will be much better. Recommended without reservation. Its the kind of camera you can just throw in your bag and never have to worry about. One last thing, when you first put it underwater, you will see bubbles coming out. I was concerned, but found out it was just air on the outside of the waterproofing.



3. My camera has really stood up to the elements and multiple beatings. It has worked well for me taking pictures underwater and in the surf, and has also been to the top of multiple 20,000+ feet mountains. Dropped countless times on rock, snow, sand, and also dunked as much into water. I have learned to force the flash on anything but super sunny days - the pics come out a bit dark in conditions other cameras would have no problem with, and i've found it could really use a filter in intense light situations. Nothing you wouldn't expect from a specialty use camera. Just bought a second spare one for when the first one finally does give up - which i don't think will be for a long time.
   Good camera and good value!



4. I received this camerera as a prize and would recommend it to anyone. We use this camera as our primary camera for everything! I took it in with me when my daughter was born, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and I have now handed it to my now toddler. If you have had a toddler, they can break anything with the exception of this ELPH SPORT. I have had this camera for 4 years and have nothing but good things to say!



5. not what I wanted, was called and offered a replacement because they did not have the camera I ordered. This camera was supposed to be new but it was obviously refurbished. It broke the first time I used it and the display is not functioning properly.

5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel K2 35mm Date SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I was looking for a film 35mm SLR and found this one on Amazon, I love it, I have the Canon Rebel XT and wanted a Canon SLR. I love how the film automatically advances the film and displays how much film you have left, and the speed of the film. I also like this camera because you can set it to AV/TV/M and play with the apertures, and shutter speed, and if you don't want to use these features you can set it to the basic zones where everything is automatic. I am still getting used to the settings but my pictures so far have developed very nicely.



2. Easy to use, takes good pictures. Can't wait to get more lens to try it out in farther pictures. Instrution book was eay to follow. Everyone in the family can use this camera.



3. I have been using this camera for a high school photography class, and it is definitely well worth the price. The lens it comes with is great. The camera is extremely user friendly. Though it is plastic, it feels very durable, and has survived 2 drops (USE YOUR STRAP NO MATTER WHAT! :P) without a mark. I feel I will be using this camera for a long time to come.
   
   Side note: the lens can be used with any canon cameras that support it, including digitals!



4. The information provided in the product description helped me choose what camera I wanted. The Canon Rebel with the 28-210 Lens kit is great!!!



5. simply great,effortless focusing and zooming and shutter is smooth enough to take high quality shots.battery consumption is low,images are sharp,crisp and controls are very easy to operate upon.
   excellent product from canon,

5 comments about Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera.

1. I've owned my Z135 for three years now and, in general, I love it. Outdoor pictures are wonderful and rival my expensive Minolta SLR. However, indoor shots are not consistently good. I've never figured out exactly why some turn out well and others don't. The flash seems to modulate well most of the time but significant wash out occurs at times. Red eye is a problem (but not significantly worse that other point-and-shoots I've used). This camera is very tough; I've carried it all over the world without a problem.



2. I bought this camera before my trip to South Dakota and was thrilled with the resolution of the pictures. People always complimented me on them as if I were a professional, and I thank Canon for that. I still get great pictures,however, I do have some complaints: Candid shots are gone before the shutter goes off; The date stamp is impossible to work with, and is permanentally stopped at 1992 (why 92 I don't know). The date winds up in the worst places in the picture. I won't ever set a date stamp again unless it's tiny and ends up on the extreme corner of a shot--I don't think this exists.

   I do love the pictures though even at the 135 zoom.




3. I have taken 1000s of photos with this camera over the years. It only jammed up on me one time with a 36 exposure roll of film, I never went over a 24 exposure roll after that.

   Unfortunately the camera door closure uses a little piece of plastic - and that one cheap piece ended the life of this camera - unless I can get a new door. So I would say not as durable as some others indicated. Since the door also encases some electronics this isn't likely to be a quick swap of doors.

   The amazing part about this camera is one little battery would last me what seemed like a year sometimes (I am sure it was close), even when taking 50 photos a week! Many of those photos were with using the flash.

   Most of my photos look professional quality - friends always ask what camera I used to take such good photos. I also take photos of our dogs - and the zoom works wonders as you can get back away and take a nicely lighted portrait. Or catch them in action from across the yard. Has been great on trips also (has been to 4 continents with me and small enough not to be a burden carrying around.

   Yes I would definitely purchase another - or maybe consider the Z155 which for some reason is slightly less expensive at this time. I just wish they had put the extra effort in the camera door closure .. likely mine would be the last camera I needed for a long time.




4. I have had this camera for more than 2 years now and have never been let down. This camera has documented several important events and vacations for me and always does a great job. People compliment me and ask how I learned to take such good pictures. Perfect for trips and vacations and ok for events and family photos.



5. I came home from a month's vacation in Japan back in 1999 with this nice little camera I picked up in Tokyo. After taking some of the most stunning photos on my way up Mt. Fuji and around the southern Japan
   country side I thought this was just the best at the time. I got home
   and started using it more indoors where it didn't perform the way I'd
   hoped, but some of the photos were just so perfect, the ones not so good
   I chalked it up to whatever I was drinking? But....the major flaw that
   occured with this camera was suddenly the two duracell ultra 123 lithum batteries for this camera @ $16.00-18.00 were getting eating within a 24 hours after I put them in the camera. It was a mistake to have purchased
   this in Japan as I was told there was something seriouly wrong and it
   would COST to have it fixed. I was also told that the camera's flaw was
   the design of having the pop up flash on/off where it could accidently
   come on while in the camera bag. I decided I didn't want to sent this out
   and put out more $$ for this. I found taking the batteries out was the
   smartest thing to do but if you forgot, the next day their dead, didn't much care for dealing with this anymore... and now with all the new
   digitals out, this will be a backup if I can find the batteries in the
   near future?? Has anyone experienced anything like this on their Canon
   Z135???

5 comments about Canon EOS Elan IIE 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens.

1. The Canon EOS Elan IIe offers something for everyone - from the expert to the beginner. It can be completely automatic, point-and-shoot, or you can make it completely manual or any combination in between. Canon has adjusted some of its dials from previous Elans to make it easier to make adjustments without looking at the top of the camera - very helpful when you're looking at a subject through the view.

   One thing that sets the Elan IIe from other camera is its eye control focus system. Three boxes are in the view finder. Look at any one of those boxes, the Elan flashes red, and the camera focuses on that spot. Look in between two of the boxes, and you focus the camera on whatever is between them. While this sounds very high-tech, its incredibly easy to use, works with glasses, and has pre-sets for up to three people since the the camera "learns" more about its user the more the person uses the system. I found this to be incredibly accurate and easy to use. It's useful when your framing a picture with the subject off center.

   The camera takes amazing pictures...I mean amazing. It's a great camera for a family - the beginner can use the point and shoot mode, and the family photographer can use all the manual configurations. It can be as simple or complex as you'd like with all the functionality and flexinbility you'll need.




2. I've owned a Canon EOS Elan IIe for over two years now. In general I've been pleased with it, but there's definitely room for improvement. Things I like: the body is lightweight, the controls are easy to use, and there are some great automatic settings that make it easy to take good shots in a variety of conditions (action shots, scenery, portraits, etc.). Also nothing has broken or malfunctioned, which is saying a lot because my camera has been through consistently rough treatment - it gets thrown in a backpack and knocked around quite a bit.

   The primary thing that gives me trouble is focusing. The auto-focus usually works OK - the view has three small boxes in it, and the camera senses which box you're looking at and automatically focuses on whatever is in that box. In most cases, that's great. But sometimes the auto-focus screws up. When I take a picture of my dog, for instance, it will focus on the tip of his nose instead of his eyes. So sometimes I override the auto-focus, but the manual focus is difficult to use because there's no split-circle indicator to show you when something is in perfect focus.

   Other than that, I've been very pleased with the EOS, and I'd recommend it to someone who wants a powerful, easy-to-use camera that gives you a lot of flexibility.




3. I've had my Elan IIe for a year now. It has traveled all over the US providing me and my family with great pictures of our adventures. With other AF SLRs, I used to be happy if a roll of film delivered just one or two really good shots --now I get one great picture after another whenever the full autofocus is used.

   I have to admit, I am still learning all of the manual functions... but that is what's so terrific about this camera; its user can move into and out of manual and autofocus controls while learning how to operate the Elan IIe.

   The personalized eye-focus option is perfect for families who like to take turns getting behind the camera. I have mine calibrated for use with contacts in or glasses on -and it takes great shots either way.

   It is a tough camera that performs well in all kinds of inclement weather and conditions (try a rocking sailboat in the rain photographing breaching humpback whales from several hundred feet! --and still I got some great shots).

   I agree with other reviewers, however, that the only real downside to this camera is the lack of focusing points in manual focus mode. I have learned to autofocus and then fine tune in manual --but that doesn't work very well for fast-moving subjects. Also, its autofocus is limiting for extreme close-up subjects. If the user doesn't have a good idea about manual settings (or the desire to even try them)-the sole use of autofocus will limit your picture taking.

   This is a great camera for anyone who wants to jump to the next level and break away from the confines of a full-time auto controlled SLR.




4. This camera is hands-down the best 35mm camera for its time. The eye control feature allows you to pin point the subject no matter what the background. For entry-level use, there is a simple center focus that will allow even the least experienced user to take great pictures.

   As with all cameras, film matters. Use the lowest speed possible and try to match the film with the development process.

   For baby shots, the red eye reduction works better than any previous camera I owned.




5. I've owned this camera since it first came out in the early 1990's. It's traveled all over the world with me in the most hostile (hot or cold, wet or dry) environments. Even dropped it once. The lenses was killed, but the camera was none worse for the wear. I've captured thousands of great images with it. In fact, sometimes I pull it out of my old camera bag to reminisce about the wonderful memories it helped to capture. I simply love this piece of photographic engineering.
   
   Although I've switched to digital, I kept my Elan II for the times when I feel like using film. Despite its advanced age (and my abuse), it still takes gorgeous photos. The light metering and AF systems never fail to nail the shot.
   
   This review was meant to be more emotional than technical because something so perfectly functional can evoke strong feelings, even in a technocrat like me. If you want a film SLR, the Elan II is a fantastic value. Buy it if you can find it, because I'm not giving up mine.

5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel K2 35mm SLR Camera w/ EF 28-80 II Lens Kit.

1. I was looking for a film 35mm SLR and found this one on Amazon, I love it, I have the Canon Rebel XT and wanted a Canon SLR. I love how the film automatically advances the film and displays how much film you have left, and the speed of the film. I also like this camera because you can set it to AV/TV/M and play with the apertures, and shutter speed, and if you don't want to use these features you can set it to the basic zones where everything is automatic. I am still getting used to the settings but my pictures so far have developed very nicely.



2. Easy to use, takes good pictures. Can't wait to get more lens to try it out in farther pictures. Instrution book was eay to follow. Everyone in the family can use this camera.



3. I have been using this camera for a high school photography class, and it is definitely well worth the price. The lens it comes with is great. The camera is extremely user friendly. Though it is plastic, it feels very durable, and has survived 2 drops (USE YOUR STRAP NO MATTER WHAT! :P) without a mark. I feel I will be using this camera for a long time to come.
   
   Side note: the lens can be used with any canon cameras that support it, including digitals!



4. The information provided in the product description helped me choose what camera I wanted. The Canon Rebel with the 28-210 Lens kit is great!!!



5. simply great,effortless focusing and zooming and shutter is smooth enough to take high quality shots.battery consumption is low,images are sharp,crisp and controls are very easy to operate upon.
   excellent product from canon,

5 comments about Canon EOS Elan IIe 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I've had my Elan IIe since 1998, bought on the advice of my former roommate who's also a part-time pro, and it's done exactly the job I needed it for. Much more sturdy than the EOS/Rebel line, the Elan IIe's got a good solid but lightweight frame (aluminum, I think). I wholeheartedly recommend paying the extra 100-200 USD or so to get into the good low-end SLR market without going too cheap (don't forget, buy cheap, buy twice!).

   Autofocus technology has improved over the last few years; but although I hear the Elan 7 is nifty with seven autofocus points to the IIe's three, I haven't seen one to say if it merits the bang for the extra buck. Of manufacturers, Canon has had the best autofocus tech reputation for years. The IIe has quite good eye control on 3 autofocus points, if occasionally finicky. It adapts to individual users' eyes, with or without glasses.

   Unlike one review I saw elsewhere, I have had plenty of use for the autofocus on landscapes or other nature shots requiring depth of focus. Want to go manual for closeups, portraits, specific situations? It's a flick of a switch on a Canon EF lens. I agree that spot metering is quite limited, but this puppy has three different metering settings that break up the field of view in different balances.

   I also dig the main dial setting for aperture-size priority while the camera automatically adjusts for shutter speed (to be sure, almost all automatic SLRs now have this option as standard). Bracketing exposures is also fairly easy (and necessary to get that precious photo just right over three exposure possibilities), and can be done manually or automatically. If you can't spin all of one or two easy-access dials, what are you doing playing with SLRs?

   For the techologically-intimidated or situations where you have no time to adjust, the main control dial has several easy to use modes that require no thought/adjustment. A little time spent with the camera will quickly and easily help you graduate from the point and shoot hordes. The manual is one of the clearer gadget manuals I've ever seen.

   Add my emphatic vote to those who advise going for deals with an upgrade possibility on a Canon 28-105mm zoom, and do *not* get stuck with a 28-80. The former is just a great all-around lens. Traveling as I do, I've discovered the need to add over time two other Canon lenses, a 75-300 mm (f 4.0-5.6, USM) telephoto zoom, and a 24mm wide angle (f 2.8) fixed lens (nice and sharp!). Sure, you might get a little sharper with Nikon lenses, but you'll pay another few hundred dollars for the privilege, not to mention the significantly greater weight of a more expensive Nikon body. For amateurs like myself, I can't justify that modest extra bang for the buck, especially given the utility and value of my setup while hiking in parks or stomping around fascinating East European cities and countryside.

   I try to take care of gear, but my Elan IIe did take a few heart-stopping bounces down some concrete stairs. While some nearby Montenegrins may have picked up several new English obscenities over the next five minutes, this camera picked up just a few scratches on the body and much more importantly, kept the lens alignment. Naturally, I strongly, strongly advise against trying to repeat such a heart-attack-inducing experiment, and probably got exceedingly lucky, but was impressed with the durability of this camera.

   Like I say, this entry-level camera rocks; you should only look at the next step down to see what you should skip.




2. I've been taking 35mm pictures for 35 years, and this is my favorite camera so far. I shot a couple of hundred rolls of film with this and it really feels like an extension of my vision. The light metering is sophisticated and usually does a great job even in tricky situations, the optical quality of the 28-105 Canon lens is stunning, and the frame is sturdy and durable. What's not to like?

   Well, there's the manual to begin with. There is no way you can access and understand all of the features that this camera has (and there are a LOT of features) by reading the manual. They just do a poor job of explaining, for example, the three metering modes and the three autofocus modes. I've had mixed sucess with the eye-controlled autofocus and find it a distraction now, and poor luck with the depth of field mode (if I could only get eye-controlled depth of field to work reliably). Depth of field preview? Pretty basic, my 35 year old SLR had it, the IIe's is not very functional. And for all the ballyhoo about the autofocus modes, the predictive focus mode hunts around so much that your subject will be long gone before the camera locks on to it (just try taking pictures of a puppy).

   Comparing this camera to the Rebel, I would wish for a combination of the two: I would like the light weight and functionality of the Rebel with the sturdyness and some of the flexability of the IIe. For a beginner, stick with the Rebel and a good lens (NOT the 28-80), you'll be much happier. As for me, I should be hunting up one of those MagicLantern manuals for the IIe and practicing with the eye-controlled autofocus.

   I would rate this camera 5 stars for what it can do, but decided on 3 stars based on what it should do and doesn't or says it can do but doesn't do very well.




3. The Elan II benefits from Canon's EOS system's advantages, like great lenses and speedlites. I've been using this camera to photograph from wildlife (mainly macro) to rock concerts (28-105 sigma lenses) and have been pleased to find that this camera really meets my needs. It's fast, reliable and obbeys your commands, even if you tell them with your eyes! :)
   It's a good buy and can be used by pros and amateurs.



4. I've owned my Elan IIe for about 4 years, and love it. Although it's been upgraded to the Elan 7e, I see no need. The IIe has such distinct features and ease of use, I haven't used another camera that compares. Excellent construction, and very durable.



5. After shooting digital for a few years, I started to realize just how much I miss slides. Let's face it. Looking at shots on a computer monitor just does not compare to an almost life-sized image on the wall. Plus, although digital captures fine detail REALLY well, I still like the colors that only good slide film can give you. So I figured I would buy a good film body - one that can use the same collection of EF lenses that I already have for my digital. I wanted something more upscale than a Rebel. SO I figured I would pick up one of the many Elan bodies that SO many people are practically giving away in these days of digital. And I can honestly say that I am NOT disappointed. The controls are VERY intuitive - at least if you are already used to using a Canon DSLR. And virtually EVERY shot I have taken with this camera has come out at least decent. I would DEFINITELY say that this camera has it all over my Rebel XT when it comes to both exposure and autofocus accuracy. So if you still want to shoot some film, why not get an Elan IIe? As I said before, people are practically giving these things away these days. You can find bodies all day long for less than $100.