It is slightly different from the EOS Elan II in that it features eye-controlled focus. This allows the user to control the point of focus by looking at specific parts of the image; an onboard sensor follows eye movement and the lens automatically changes focus as the eye moves to points within the frame.

This model features an LCD screen showing exposure information and LED readouts showing custom functions. The viewfinder provides all the information you need to set up your shots, including depth of field, flash, shutter speed and aperture, and much more. The EOS Elan IIe allows for film speeds from ISO 25 to 5,000. The speed is set automatically in 1/3-step increments; it can also be set manually from ISO 6 to 6,400 in 1/3-step increments.

Film is loaded automatically and advanced to the first frame when the camera back is closed. You have the choice of single-frame or continuous shooting at approximately 2.5 frames per second; the film counter reveals frame number. Film is rewound automatically at the end of the roll, or after 36 exposures with a midroll rewind option. The Canon EOS Elan IIe uses any Canon EF lens.

I bought the Elan-IIE together with the standard EOS 75-300 and 28-80 USM (Ultrasonic) lenses in September 1998 and haven't looked back since. The camera has been flawless in every exrecise I've put it through (and living in Africa with a travel bug in my bonnett, you can bet there were many). I've only used two replacement batteries so far for well over 2000 shots - not a bad return considering I'm not shy with the flash. I've also bought the battery pack for the Elan-IIE (a must buy for the serious photographer), but haven't had much use for its extra capacity or AA-battery support as yet.

Although the Elan-IIE features Eye Control focusing, I've rarely used this feature, and find the camera's three-point autofocus system (set to manually select the centre focus point) more than efficient for most situations. I've also found the camera's exposure settings extremely accurate, even in difficult lighting conditions, although a spot meter or the EOS 3's advanced exposure settings would come in handy for the more serious enthusiast.

Regard the Elan-IIE as your ticket to Canon's photo family and you won't be dissapointed. Just make sure you invest in quality glass (Ultrasonic or a similar technology from 3rd party manufacturers is a must) and even when you upgrade one day to the latest and greatest EOS body, the Elan-IIE will stay with you as your backup of choice.


great, reliable entry-level SLR!   August 10, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

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.


Elan IIE - A Great Camera   January 4, 2001
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I had a Cannon Rebel stolen from my car last year, and set out to replace it a few months later. This time I did not want to feel like I had not bought enough of a camera, but I did not want to spend over $800 with a lens and accessories.

I landed on the Elan IIE, and I am very happy with it. It takes a great picture, is durable (I have been pretty rough with it), and as easy to use as you want it to be. It has features that will do anything you want it to automaticly (including following your eye to the focus point you chose) but allows you to experiment with manual functions. I chose a 28-200 Zoom lens to go with it and I am very happy with the package, and wandered across this page looking for my second lens... I am an amatuer photographer who trys to take professional quality photos, this camera is perfect, it costs a lot more for the next better level of camera... but this is definately worth spending the extra $250 (at least with the zoom lens, polarizer, case, etc...) instead of getting the Rebel 2000.

I had regreted the Rebel months after buying it, and I would still have it for years had it not been stolen... I like the Elan enough I am almost happy the Rebel went away.


Great SLR camera at a low price   June 12, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This camera offers every feature a developing photographer would want. The cannon ElanIIe is the type of camera that is easy to use and yet offers many advanced feateures. The camera is sleek looking and light. I often hike in many Ameraican national parks and I have been very happy with the photographic results of the cannon ElanIIe. The camera requires low-maintaince and is compatiable with many lenses. It may be the best overall bargain currently in an SLR camera!