Canon EOS ELAN 7E 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-90mm Lens

This system delivers crisp, sharply focused images whether the camera is in a vertical or a horizontal position. The Canon Elan 7E is even able to store the distinct calibrations of up to five different photographers. Using an EF 300mm f2.8 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 four frames per second, makes the Canon Elan 7E 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 7E 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 7E'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 7E'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 7E 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.

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.


in good Canon tradition   May 30, 2002
Tina Morris (Rockville, MD USA)
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.


An outstanding camera   July 26, 2002
Mehmet C. Mocan (Boston, MA United States)
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.


The Amateur's point of view   January 21, 2002
29 out of 30 found this review helpful

I bought this camera by blindly following advice from my uncle, who is a photographer. I am a complete amateur, my last camera being a canon point and shoot. However, this camera can be set on complete automatic, a great feature for when I am not up to experimenting but really want to capture a great picture. It also has different modes including portrait, scenic, fast action, and night scenes, which pick the appropriate aperture and shutter speed settings to create the best picture. As I am learning about shutter speeds and apertures, I love the fact that by setting one, my camera automatically sets the other to compliment it, it really helps as I can concentrate on one thing. The eye focus control is silent, fast, and very precise. You have to calibrate it to your eye movements but it comes with five settings so that other people can use it too. I love the easy focusing- it is great for when you just want to take the picture fast.

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!