This system delivers crisp, sharply focused images whether the camera is in a vertical or horizontal position. The Canon Elan 7 is even able to store the distinct calibrations of up to five different photographers. Using an EF 300mm f/2.8 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 4 frames per second, makes the Canon Elan 7 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 7 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 7'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 7'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 7 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.

Product Description
Canon EOS cameras have long been the top choice of serious photographers worldwide. Celebrated for their user friendly design, professional precision and uncompromising quality, this new family of EOS ELAN cameras is faster, sharper, more rugged and more intuitive than ever before - with many new features that outperform any other camera in their class.EOS ELAN 7E is the latest camera to feature Canon's exclusive Eye Controlled autofocus. Quite simply, eye control is the fastest, easiest method of selecting a focus point. The autofocus tracking speed of the EOS ELAN 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, ELAN 7E is a prime choice for demanding sports or wildlife photographers. The Canon EOS line boasts a new ergonomic design. ELAN 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. New shooting possibilities open when you shoot in silence. WhisperDrive transport brings near silent shooting, when used with Canon's exclusive USM lenses. In most any situation you find yourself, the versatile selection of exciting system accessories and lenses for the Canon EOS ELAN will meet your needs.

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.


This is the one!   December 10, 2000
 49 out of 55 found this review helpful

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.


all around great camera   June 4, 2001
 44 out of 45 found this review helpful

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...


Wonderful Camera!   August 8, 2002
 34 out of 34 found this review helpful

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.


Great new SLR from Canon   January 16, 2001
 31 out of 35 found this review helpful

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.