It is slightly different than 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 on-board 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. The 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. A 28-80mm zoom lens is included with this model.

Product Description
You want your creativity to flow as easy as possible, and this camera gives you precise control and ease at your fingertips. The EOS Elan IIe is a perfect example of form following function.Key controls are easy to understand, easy to use, and positioned for easy access. Feedback-confirming control inputs and camera functions are provided via two comprehensive displays. With its command dial and metering mode lever, quick control dial, AF mode dial, film advance mode lever and LCD panel, EOS Elan IIe offers advanced automatic exposure control for perfect color in any light - indoors or out, day or night. It's as automatic as you want it to be, but as much under your command as required to achieve a creative result. Controls fall readily to hand, designed and marked for confidence at your fingertips. What's more, Canon's exclusive AIM system integrates standard AE, flash AE and autofocus information for optimum results. In addition, this camera features eye control focus. The EOS Elan IIe's cool styling and innovative technology make it easier than ever to be at your creative best.

I recently was tempted, as may be many of you, by the new Nikon N80, which is the first non-Canon camera to even come close to offering these features at a competitive price, and was disappointed to find the Nikon reputation for durability and quality perhaps overstated: the aperture setting dial on my example worked sporadically, which was a real annoyance in manual shooting. Some will say I just got a lemon but having owned no less than seven flawless Canons, I expect a lot. Plus, Nikon's budget lenses aren't nearly as sharp or contrasty as Canon's and while the camera is even quieter than the Elan, the lenses are quite noisy compared with Canon's ultrasonics which now comprise nearly its entire line.

Excepting the more intricate and sophisticated autofocusing systems in other cameras, including Canon's own Rebel 2000, and a handful with faster motordrives, the Elan offers the premier feature set among its peers and access to many fine Canon optics in an attractive, versatile and durable body.


Great amateur camera   October 5, 2000
 30 out of 30 found this review helpful

I've owned the Elan IIe ... and have taken some truly outstanding pictures with this camera. At the time I considered Nikon, but Canon's extensive feature list won me over. This camera is for the advanced amateur that needs/wants more features than the Rebel offers, but doesn't need the tighter spot metering that the A2 offers (nor the cost).

Its only weekness is in dealing with extreme constrast (sky) across the top of the frame. Its metering zones are broad enough that the sky often gets too much weighting. Experience will get you past this, but it is a shortcoming that still bites me occasionally.

The eye control focus works great. Depth of field preview (agin eye controlled) is a feature not otherwise available at this price point/level. And the extensive range of lenses for the camera is hard to beat. In my opinion either the versitile 28-105 or, for those with the money, the 28-135 IS are the best companions for all around shooting. Even better, there are plenty of used lenses available for the Canon line, for when you think a 20 mm shot would look cool, but don't want to shell out the big money for such a limited use lens. The 380EX flash works just fine for most settings (again, more money gets the 550EX, which will handle any flash need you may have), though the combination does tend to underexpose slightly. The camera body offers a +/- 2 flash stops, for those that find a consistant exposure problem with flash.


A GREAT CAMERA   June 11, 2000
 19 out of 25 found this review helpful

This is a great camera for just about anyone who has any previous knowledge of how to use a camera. At times it is a bit hard to understand the manual , but overall it is a breeze to use. The best part about this camera is that, for the price, it takes amazing pictures. I was amazed at the depth of the color. Also canon offers a whole line of top quality lenses for their whole EOS line. My view was top quality.


Great buy - Amazing Pictures   December 4, 2000
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

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.


Excellent camera for the novice and experienced alike   September 6, 2000
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

With a wide range of tools and features, this camera has much to recommend it in any case. But the ability to set "profiles" for different users (focus settings saved for different preferences) makes this a truly useful camera. A novice's best friend, the quick focus and easy dials and readings turn out terrific pictures without any hardship. If you are more experienced, the many options for manual photography are equal to or surpass most other cameras in this price range. The eye-directed focus feature is intriguing and kind of cool, though not what you would use all the time. This kit ships with a 28-80mm lens, great for "all around" photography. I recommend this camera highly; when my first was stolen from a rental truck I didn't hesitate an instant to replace it.