Canon EOS Elan 7 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

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. 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 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.The autofocus tracking speed of the EOS ELAN 7 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 is a prime choice for demanding sports or wildlife photographers. The Canon EOS line boasts a new ergonomic design. The ELAN 7 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 reinforced, with strategically placed metal top and front cover plates, for rugged reliability in any environment. The 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 camera with my sigma lens is extremely quiet, fast, and responsive. Although I still consider myself a beginner to intermediate level photographer, this camera has all the advanced features that can be used in professional photography. If you're one of those types like me who always asks the question, " Will I outgrow this camera? Will I want something better soon with more features? Is it worth the extra $$?"Answer: Get the Elan 7. You will not be disappointed.


Simply the Best for an amateur   November 15, 2002
Mike Cushing (Bloomington, Illinois United States)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

If you want power, control, and quality in your photographs, look no further than the Canon Elan 7. Any variation is equally as good (7E,7EQD,w/lens,etc...). This past summer I purchased a Rebel G from a pawnshop and was amazed at how nice it was, considering the low price in retail stores and the fact that it was all plastic, but I soon began to notice some of it's shortcomings. The AF system was grossly outdated, as was the AE, the drive was loud and whiny, the shutter was too slow, and it just seemed to be made for somebody that would never really want to use it beyond family gatherings. Then I found out about the Elan 7. 7 focusing points that can pick out the finest line in the darkest room. 4 frames per second motor drive. Extremely silent if properly set up. All the latest technology in photography, outside of color metering, which is only available in super high-end professional 35mm cameras. The control layout is easy to learn within an hour or so, and nothing is out of reach if you are properly holding the camera. Acessories and lenses number in the thousands (counting third-party lenses, which are just as good, and less $$$). All metal construction, including the lens mount and the body plates. Still light enough to comfortably wear around your neck. And, well, you get the idea. I'm running out of room to go on, and there are so many things left over. So, to end it all out, from fully manual operation to fully automatic operation, the Canon Elan 7 has everything any non-professional could ever need.


From beginner to expert photographer, you love this camera!   October 24, 2001
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Going from a total manual slr to the Elan 7.....I can't rave about this camera enough. From portraits, to city scapes, ocean shots to a crowded family gathering - you'll LOVE THIS CAMERA! The photos are sharp, clear (use fugi) and professional. I would skip the kit purchase and opt for an alternate lens like a 28-200 or 300 like a previous reviewer also did. If you're in the market for a great camera you'll have forever at an affordable price, you won't be sorry if you purchase the Elan 7 (also skip the 7e it's not worth the extra you pay for redundancy.


i like it alot   August 10, 2001
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

strengths: autofocus, easy manual modes, everything about it. weakness: ? overall: the controls and dials are very easy to learn. The autofocus is fast and accurate. i love being able to control EVERY single detail on the camera. its amazing experimenting with the shutter, aperture, depth of field, exposure, and flash. the structure is very nice. its very easy to use, even when its in manual mode. the pictures come out beautifully. i couldnt be happier with anything else.


Great EOS camera   June 30, 2003
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I've been "into" photography for a very long time. I started out with a Mamiya-Sekor 35 mm SLR. That camera was built like a tank and could take a lot of abuse. Its best feature, however, was that it was an all-manual camera and so I had to learn about exposure from the ground up. I did not trust auto-exposure cameras but eventually I broke down and bought a Minolta XE-7. That camera shared its body, and many other features, with the Leica R3. Again, like the Mamiya, the XE-7 was a solidly built and rugged camera but its aperture-priority mode had its limitations. Then the Minolta X700 came along and it featured dual-mode exposure automation. The Minoltas were both great cameras, but I wanted a little bit more.

When AF hit the market I switched over to a Canon EOS 10s because I liked it better than anything else that Minolta had to offer 10 years ago. I am glad that I did.

That was my entry into the EOS world. I recently bought my son a Rebel GII and the same week I bought the EOS Elan 7. I love the camera.

The EOS Elan 7 is a smooth, quiet and easy to use camera. It takes great pictures, under almost all conditions. It has features to satisfy the "pro wanna-be" in me (I can run the camera in full manual mode and the camera is still very fast and responsive). Or, if I am feeling particularly lazy, I can let the camera's brain do all the thinking for me and I still get great pictures over 99% of the time. The controls are easy to use and the functions are all very intuitive, so that I don't have to carry the manual with me at all times. In fact, after having used the EOS 10s for so long, the Elan 7 feels right at home in my hands. The Elan 7 has definitely cured me of my "Nikon-envy."

I followed the salesperson recommendation and bought the standard 7 model, w/o the eye focusing feuture. I am glad that I did because I can now use the extra money to buy accessories such as the battery grip.