45 points eye controlled Area-AF Sturdy and tropicalized 5 metering types Bright viewfinder Easy user interface Several customizable functions Great grip

Polycarbonate external body 97% covering (but pictures, both printed negatives or framed slides, are never at 100%!)

It was my dream. I managed to get my EOS 3 last october. The best reflex camera you can buy for 35mm, not too expensive for its features (new 1250 Euros), which are outstanding: first of all its AF system, the Eye Control on 45 (!) points, quick and almost always on target; a strong tropicalized body, 5 metering types: Evaluative on 21 zones, Average, Central, Spot and Multi-Spot with up to 8 readings; a bright viewfinder with 97% covering (perfect with slides - it corresponds to frame covering); interchangeable focusing screens (10 types); fast built-in motor and a lot of peronal functions. The user interface is very easy, the in-hand feeling is fantastic, with a huge rubber-covered grip. The camera is heavy enough to be steady. Then it's fully compatible with all EOS 1 series accessories, both old and new, boosters included. I had possibility to use the Nikon F100 and I've to say that is a step under the EOS 3.The EOS 1V is better for its magnesium alloy body, its 100% viewfinder (but less bright), the possibility to download film data (with an expensive cable-software kit) and the 10 fps speed with booster PB-E2 (EOS 3 stops at 7); but it lacks Eye Control which is very useful, especially in sports photography. And the EOS 3 costs the half of EOS 1V.

Customer Service

Never used

Similar Products Used:

EOS 500N, EOS 50, EOS 55, EOS IX, EF-M, EOS 10

Tuff body structure Super Fast AF E-TTL Flash 7 cross sensors 45 point focus,Fast and accurate servo

No vertical shutter release on BPE1 Eats up batteries both minor and can live with it.

I've been using Canon EOS cameras for 12 1/2 years I've purchaced the EOS3 in 01/2001. This is this best camera i've ever used. I love the solid feel and the superfast AF, the excellent metering system, and control layout like the EOS 1N. This is my first true pro machine. I love this camera. I also want the EOS1v but the price is too high. Canon has done it's homework with the EOS3. I am now going to purchase the PBE2,550EX,STE2,the EF70-200usm 2.8. This camera out performs everything in it's class even the Nikon F100 it's arch rival. One of the nice features of this camera is that mostly eveything you need is already built in the body without the use of expensive add ons like some other camera have. I do like Nikon too but dollar for dollar the Canon EOS system wins out.Especially The AF and Lens system. this camera is for the serious shooters who knows what they are doing. A Professional camera by all means.

Customer Service

Sent camera in to be checked out I did something wrong. received back in 1wk Great and friendly customer service.

Similar Products Used:

EOS 630,10S,A2 w/VRG-10

Fastest AF in the World! Reliable Eye Control Focus 45 AF Points Very Rugged Design, like a rock 4 Fps shooting or 7 Fps with booster ETTL Flash and 1/200 Flash Sync Spot Meter, Evaluative Metering Modes Amazing low light focusing capablities, especially with central focusing points

No weaknesses, however it would be nice to have a 100% viewfinder and be able to download shooting data

The Canon EOS 3 is undoubtedly one of the best cameras ever made. This camera is amazingly versatile. I use it for every kind of photography: Sports, Wildlife, Portraiture, Travel, Landscapes, Architecture, Photojournalism, u name it, this camera can do it. Very Reliable! Although I have never dropped it, it has seen tough times...From rain to freezing cold, this camera can do it! Eye Control Autofocus is very reliable and has never caused mishap. I wear eyeglasses and the ECF still is able to work most of the time. If it ever were to miss a focusing point, I can just refocus it or in urgent times, grab the Manual Focus override on any of my Canon Lenses, so I never worry abt ECF failing me. ECF works much better for me than automatic focusing point selection, because I know what I want to focus on, and look at that, but the camera doesn't. And the 45 focusing points add meaning to focusing points, ECF on the Elan 7E is pointless with only 7 points. If the EOS 3 and EOS 1v shared the same price tag, I would still take the EOS 3 for its Eye Controlled AF, one of few (but important) features that set it apart from the 1v.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon FD F-1, Canon EOS Elan 7E, Canon EOS IX, Canon EOS Rebel 2000, Canon EOS Rebel GII

45 point ECF; Fast motor (especially with PBE2); Sturdily built

Quite heavy; Uncomfortable neck strap.

A good camera that easily copes with all my needs. The 45 point ECF is extremely useful.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS rebel 2000

- Robust body - Fast AF - 45 AF Point (super imposing on screen) - bright viewfinder - Frame counter on viewfinder

- Noisy shutter - Custom Function door is easily opened

This is one of the best 35 mm AF SLR camera in term of price/performance. In a rapid growth of digital world, Canon EOS 3 is a best camera to buy for 35 mm!

Customer Service

none !

-Strong Built -Backlit LCD -Improved Exposure meter in Viewfinder -Wireless ETTL -multiple spot meter -Excellent vertical grip/control with PB-E2 -uses most accessories of 1, 1n and 1v.

-weak bottom plate (with BP-E1 or PB-E2 is not a problem at all) -not 100% viewfinder (minor point) -noisy shutter/mirror (minor point)

I bought this camera for its superior built, AF and wireless ETTL. To take advantage of the 7fps feature, I also bought the PB-E2 with it. The camera turned lived up to its reputation! Great stuff and the built is a lot better than the lower end 50 and 5QD. Comparing to 1n, the feel is almost the same with the PB-E2. 1n still marginally stronger. I like the backlit LED allowing me to see the setup in the dark. I think the most impressive feature to me is the wireless ETTL. I have tried several times using 3 ETTL flashes (2x 550 EX and 1x 420 EX) and the results were quite stunning. The model light works quite well as well giving me the opportunity to view the light setup. Another good feature I find is the extra exposure bar in the viewfinder. This gives me an idea how much the background is over/under exposed which is similar to 1n. However, there is an additional column indicating the flash exposure. I find this a huge plus over 1n. The dedicated booster (PB-E2) provides vertical controls that old 1n doesn't. For vertical shots, this is very helpful. There are only three Canon SLR has it: 5QD, 1v and 3. On the downside, the bottom plate is kind of weak. With either BP-E1 or PB-E2, this is not a problem. No shutter curtain. Not 100% viewfinder and slightly noiser shutter/mirror than 1n. To me, these are minor points. Bottomline, this is a good camera. You can't go wrong with this one.

Customer Service

Excellent. Got my firmware upgraded for free.

Similar Products Used:

Canon A1, Canon EOS 620, 50e, 5QD, EF-M, 1n Pentax K1000

*Fast AF *Accurate Exposures *Excellent feel and great balance *Looks, feels, acts professional *The great Canon system to make everything complete *Excellent flash system *Great reputation

*Flash sync is only 1/200th. Could use 1/250 like in 1V or F100 for matter of comparison. *Noisy shutter. You can't be the unnoticed photographer in a quiet setting. The PB-E2 helps make it not so intrusive. *AF Assist light only activates in One Shot AF, would be nice to have in AI Servo mode. *Expensive accessories

After stumbling aroung in the dark ages with my dad's Minolta XD-11 for a year, I decided to buy my own camera. I went back and forth over Nikon and Canon and had my mind set on buying the Elan 7E. The day before I was to click the "Buy It" button, I was searching around eBay to find a better deal if I could. I stumbled across an EOS 3 that was used/refurbished and 10 condition being sold by B&H Used Dept. A week later I had an EOS 3 after only paying $600-- the deal of the century! This camera is the most feature-packed camera for the price, keeping in mind the system Canon provides. (I have a friend with a Maxxum 7--the best camera for the price and features--but he hates the Minolta system in comparison to Canon.) ECF gets a lot of guff for being slow and unreliable but I beg to differ. It's great for candid shots or things that don't require split-second reaction. I find I use it about 60% of the time and it is reliable 90% of the time given proper lighting situations. If you shoot sports for example, take it out of ECF and choose the center point or somewhere near the center to track your subject. You'll have a sharp picture every time, even with consumer lenses. Another great feature the Canon line offers is the ability to register the exposure lock button (*) as the AF button throuth CF 4. This makes the shutter only function as the release (as well as exposure lock depending on setting). This is an invaluable tool to sports photographers because with the default setting you run the risk of missing a shot while the camera tries to focus on an already-sharp subject. I can't say enough good about Canon's ETTL flash system. Canon sure has done a lot of research to find this perfect system. Hats off to the R&D teams at Canon. The camera as a tool is very useful. It fits into the hands very well and all the controls are placed with the user in mind. The Nikons don't feel as nice to those with long fingers. I never felt that I had a good grip on the camera when using the D1 for example. A note to those with large hands, buy the PB-E2 so you don't have your pinky hanging off the bottom of the camera. It also helps balance well with every lens, especially those longer lenses. It's also nice to have the 6fps and you can rig it to go 7fps with the pin trick. A side note on battery power: If you rarely use the camera, you're ok. If you use the camera on a regular basis, invest in either the PB-E2 or the BP-E1 and use AA litiums and you'll never go back. I used to go through a battery a month with the 2CR5s but now I go through a set of 8 AAs in 7 months. Not a bad contrast and a welcome change. Lithiums are lighter than alkalines and work 10X better in cold weather. I haven't had any issues with metering or underexposure of any sort. I find the Multi segment metering a very accurate and useful tool. The 8 spot metering points are very useful in tricky lighting. Finally, I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants to move up to a more capable camera. It has all the important features of the EOS 1V while being somewhat reasonably priced. I can't wait for a DSLR based off this wonderful camera.

Customer Service

None needed, yet

Similar Products Used:

Nothing to compare other than playing around with Maxxum 7, N90, F100, D1, EOS 1D, EOS 1V

Feels solid and I like the sound of the shutter crashing down. Confidence inspiring for me. I don't know about this vibration thing either, I love to shoot long exposures at 135mm and every shot is razor sharp.

I actually would not mind a bit more info in the view finder. In Australia, these are expensive cameras.

First up, some background. I have been using Pentax bodies starting from the very manual K1000, I then used an old z-50 with manual focus lenses. I used a Nikon F80 when I worked for a Media production agency and this was my first venture into the mid-range market. Now I am freelancing and decided to buy my own "good" camera. After some research, most of it on this website, I decided to go with the EOS-3. I like the features offered with the EOS-3 and not offered on the EOS-30. This was my main reason for choosing this model. I chose Canon over Nikon (or any other really) for price versus features and general user opinion. When I first sat down with the camera I was blown away by the features it offers, absolutely everything I need and much more. While the instruction manual is pretty skinny and skims over some of the more technical functions (like calibrating the eye-control), I was able to start shooting the same day, just hours after unpacking the camera. I also bought the 28-135mm USM IS lens with the body. These two products are simply fantastic (sure, I can only compare it with $300 equipment) and my first roll of Fuji Sueperia 400 I put through the camera have produced some of the most stunning photos I have ever taken. Eye-control focus is a gadget, it should not be the reason you buy this camera. I have found it to be a fun thing to use in good lighting conditions but I would never trust it over the 45 zone system, not when the shots are critical. I may be coming from years of manual, fixed focal length lenses and very simple cameras, but I can say that I know how to use and push those cameras as far as they can go. Now with the EOS-3 I hope to spend the next 5 years pushing it as far as it can go too. Overall, I think anyone that does not like this camera should probably be using an EOS-1 because there standards are as high as any professional. For the rest of us though, this is a beautiful piece of plastic.

Customer Service

I am hoping to never find out.

Similar Products Used:

Nothing I've used, including the Nikon, was as easy to use as the Canon.

Easier to use than Elan 7. Good solid feel.

Your all right, the shudder port rubber cover will get lost..

Purchase used at Adorama, an experience I will never do again. Camera is easier to use than my Elan 7. Shutter slap is loud, but I'm more worried about vibrations which with a long lens, are noticeable; Mirror lockup for sure. Read through the reviews everybody missed the point on the EOS3 upgrade patch which gives you CF19 and fixes the under exposure problem. Go to this link for more info http://www.techphoto.org/urllink.epl?html=/photo/equipment/canon/eos-3patch.epl

Customer Service

I guess my first call is to get the patch.

Similar Products Used:

Elan 7, Minolta 7000

All of the controls have been placed in location to the hand allowing for quick changes without severe manipulation. Quick eye control focus in most lighting situations

A little heavy

I purchased the EOS3 after using the Elan 7 for a few months. I have been extremely happy with the upgrade and the 45 point focusing system is a real bonus. The PB-E2 motor pack comes in handy