Good general layout but some controls are fiddly

Bulky
Reliability

The camera suddenly failed to respond when I was on a trip of a lifetime in the Middle East. The reliability of this camera is really disappointing. Metering is not accurate when the built-in flash is used. Nevertheless, this is a reasonably priced and well featured camera.

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Canon 620
Nikon F80

not expensive
solid
many feature

the battery compartment loose easily

Good enough as a general purpose camera.

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Asahi Pentax Spotmatic system

Many pro features in an intermediate camera, fits well in the hands, good construction, quiet motor drive, many custom functions, fast autofocus, reliable metering (but not accurate, read weaknesses)

Meter tends to consistently underexpose by .5 EV, poor placement of mid-roll rewind button (right below function button), autofocus can get quirky in seemingly normal situations, no true spot meter

This is a great step up from the Rebel G, or any other entry level SLR. The metering inaccuracy seems to be a problem mainly with the newer Elan IIs, and is easily fixed by rating film speeds 1/3 stop slower. The 9.5% partial metering circle is good enough instead of a true spot meter, but occasionally it is limiting. The custom functions are awesome. I absolutely love the feel of this camera in my hands, and once I got used to all of the added technology I really enjoyed shooting with this camera. The autofocus performs very well with my EF 75-300mm USM lens. As a side note, I have not had any problems with the battery and I use only the Sanyo replacements. This camera packs a lot of capibility into a very reasonable price.

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon Rebel G

Very accurate metering, eye control auto focus helpfull in some situations, full line of EOS lenses,very accurate metering. Great backup to my A2e

None, for the price,you can't beat it.

I bought probably bought the first one in Las Vegas in 1996, and have loved it a lot with no problems.

Customer Service

Never had to use it

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Canon A2e, also nice, Minolta X-700 & various others

-Great versatility
-Grows with the photographer
-Eye-controlled focus
-Great camera in idiot mode and priority modes
-Fast and quiet
-Cheap
-With the BP-50, it feels perfect in my hand
-AF assist only bothers my dog who is scared of everything

-Now out of production?
-No true spot metering
-Built-in flash is close to useless, but the camera doesn't think so

You won't need more features for years. This, in my opinion, is the only camera for the beginner who is serious about good pictures. It is very cheap and it will last you for a loooooonnnnng time. The price and features are completely disproportional to what most places want you to pay for the same features.

For the man on a budget, this is not a compromise, and the Canon system is completely competitive to the Nikon system while being much cheaper.

To me, you couldn't choose something better. I haven't tried out the 7e, and I'm sure lots of people will change over, but the 7e has not made this any less of a great camera. The dedication and concentration should be on the pictures, not on the equipment. This is not a race for technology, although many like to make it that way. You will not feel cheated by this camera. It is absolutely and totally wonderful. What it lacks in features, which is not much, is simply attributed to that it is not a pro level camera.

When I was choosing between the A2e and the Elan IIe, after getting all the information it was an easy choice. The Elan IIe beat out the A2e on almost all counts, even though the A2e is more expensive. You can't go wrong here. Get it with the BP-50, which is almost a necessity, the 380EX, the cable release (remote switch RS-60E3) or the wireless control (RC-1), the 28-105 USM, and the 100-3000 USM and you've got yourself a full package of great gear that will take you as far as you need to go for a long time, at a price that equals an EOS-3 body alone. A winner on all counts!

Good picture taking!

Customer Service

None needed yet

Similar Products Used:

Rebel G, Rebel 2000 (Don't compare)

Nikon FM, EL, N60 (FM, EL are great (see my reviews for them) I find the Elan IIe to outperform the N60)

Built Strong
A lot of good functions
AF and MF
Built in Flash
Easy to use for anyone biginner or expert

A lot of functions to learn
heavy
Big

It is very easy to use and has many functions.

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nikon

This is a great choice for the advanced amateur. I chose it for the Eye-Controled Focus, which has always helped me take pics of moving children. All functions are clear, easy to access. The body is very well build (ergonomically), moving from one mode to another is very easy. I use the camera for almost 6 yrs and do not feel I need an upgrade. The AI focus is a great feature.

None so far.

Excellent choice for advanced amateurs.
Everything works exactly as expected.

Customer Service

None so far.

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Canon t70 - probably a good choice some 20 yrs ago.

Incredible number of features. Has performed well over 2 years. Easy on the battery. Favorite feature is multi-frame exposure

Almost too smart for a casual user. A lot to learn, but well worth it.

Would definitely recommend to anyone considering a stronger camera with more features than a standard Point and Shoot.

Customer Service

Access Camera (on-line) was excellent. Never used Canon except for processing of rebate.

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Minolta, Fuji

Amazingly easy to use for a beginner. Great features.
I bought the 28-105 Canon lens, which I highly recommend, though it added considerably to the overall cost.

Flash is quite weak, but as others have mentioned the camera doesn't think so.

This is a wonderful camera. I have had it for one month and took it to my Hawaiian Vacation and it produced wonderful pictures using the auto-focus features. As noted above, I recommend buying a separate flash.

Customer Service

Comes with one year Canon warranty

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This is my first non-point and shoot camera.

Handling, features, lense choices. (especially "L").

No spot meter (not really a biggie).

I have the EOS 55 (Japan model Elan IIE Qd + panoramic) in ALL BLACK (very cool). I have added the BP-50 and have many lenses (three L's). It has been very reliable, and accurate. The Canon USM lenses are unbeatable. The eye focus works VERY well. This camera is a "best buy" for sure!

Customer Service

Hasn't been needed

Similar Products Used:

eos 50, eos 3, Nikon 6006 (junk).