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!


in good Canon tradition   May 30, 2002
 28 out of 28 found this review helpful

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.


Puts Nikon's N80 to shame.   August 18, 2001
 27 out of 28 found this review helpful

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.


An outstanding camera   July 26, 2002
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

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.


Bifocal Users Beware of Eye Control   June 28, 2001
 20 out of 22 found this review helpful

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).