This is a great camera body. I decided to buy the Elan II over the IIe because the eye control didn't work very well for me when I was doing my hand on eval at the camera stores. It also didn't seem like a feature that I would use much. The feature set on the camera is superb. I shoot using all the program modes and the camera rarely makes a mistake in the exposure. I also use the creative modes, primarily for close up work.

I personally have not experienced anything that I could call a weakness in this camera body. All the problem I've had are strictly my fault.

Great camera for the money. When I bought this camera last year I was also looking at the Nikon's in the same class. When it came right down to it, I felt that the Canon offered a slighty better value in the entry level pro-sumer class. This body will do everything the intermediate photographer would want. It provides a great base on which to build a quality lens collection. I shoot primarily nature/landscapes and travel. This body coupled with my 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS lens is a killer combination for both. I've had the camera for about a year now and have put a couple of hundred rolls of film through it without the slightest hitch. I recommend the battery pack (BP-50) if only because 2CR5 batteries are very expensive when travelling, but it also lend a nice feel and vertical shutter release.

My only advice when purchasing this camera (or any camera for that matter) is skip the kit. The lens that comes with the kit is mediocre at best. Save the $60-$70 and put it toward a good quality lens. You're pictures with thank you.

Customer Service

Haven't needed any. Don't anticipate needing any.

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My last SLR was a Pentax ME-Super that I got maybe 13 years ago, still have it but don't use it for lack of good le

Easy to use. Lets the photographer create and have fun in taking pictures.

The autofocus sometimes takes too long in focusing.

I really enjoy using this camera. I love it and would not think twice in suggesting it as a good camera for someone to purchase.

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The Rebel G by Canon.

An awesome camera for the money. Everything from Full Auto to Full Manual. Accurate meter. multiple meeter modes. I'm a real fan of the shiftable program with a simple turn of the dial. Built in flash great for fill flash.

New function dial design much more durable than the older Elan design.

Compared to Rebel models: metal lens mount (more durable), improved ergonomics (two dials) and more features (depth of field preview, mirror lock up, leader out film wind)

"Spot" meter too wide,

Batery has contact troubles, but is easily fixed with a piec of paper. Best yet print out the custom function codes on the paper so you don't have to remember them.

A great camea. (period) and at a great price. Unless you really need/want the few extra features of the higher end Elans, save your money, buy the Elan II and get a better lens.

As for II vs. IIe, I don't use the autofocus much, so am happy with the II and with a few extra $'s in my pocket, if you use autofocus alot, the IIe would be worth it.

Customer Service

No experience

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EOS Elan (old version)

The eye-controlled focus is no joke. Autofocus is sharp and fast, especially with Canon's USM lenses. I also use a Sigma 100-300mm lens. The camera does a good job focusing with it too. The built-in Speedlite does a great job, and in the "green" mode, it pops itself up automatically. I wear contacts and glasses, and the camera gives you three calibration settings for the eye-controlled focus. I use one for my glasses, one for my contacts, and one for when I don't wear any correction. This is very convenient.

Using the custom functions requires a good memory or access to one's manual. Also, the material makes it feel "cheap" yet I know that it is a strong composite plastic designed to make the camera lighter.

As a student journalist, I find this camera to suffice for my needs. The dependability that comes with the Canon name is seen in this product. This camera offers a host of features often seen in only pro-line models, such as mirror pre-lock, depth-of-field preview, and auto-exposure bracketing. Also, the wide accessibility of a whole gamut of lenses and accessories is nice. This is a great camera, but as I learn more, I am sure that I will upgrade to something with more power. To anyone who wants an awesome toy to use while learning to shoot great photos -- or even to the aspiring photojournalist -- this is your camera.

Customer Service

I had a question about a rattle I heard inside the camera and emailed Canon. I received a response the next day informing me it was normal; it has an internal switch that detects horizontal or vertical orientation.

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Nikon N70, Canon AE-1, Sigma SA-300N

Great Build, advanced features like Eye Control focus and DOF preview.

None so far.

Great camera for the money. A good choice for someone who is looking to become a more serious photographer. (Don't scrimp on the optics though, pay the money up front and go Canon all the way)

Customer Service

NA

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None

Eye controlled focus is now indespensible. Tough. I've dropped it a couple of times and no problems

The rear dial would be great if you could control say aperature with it and the shutter speed with the dial by the shutter release

Best buy for the money. Very happy with this purchase and can't wait to use it on my weddings.

Customer Service

never needed yet.

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Rebel, Pentax 645, K1000, point & shoots

Lite, fairly quick, a monkey could use it (its so easy to use).

Battery sometimes reads low and then it doesn't. Wouldn't take pictures one night (I'm thinking it might have been too cold. -10 celsius). That's not good!!

I like it except for the problems I had the one night. I would like to know what the problem was?

Customer Service

Haven't used it.

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Nikon from 1975

Lightweight, not to small. Very easy to learn how to operate. Takes great pictures. I like to use the creative modes. I get best results with 400 speed film outdoors and 800 speed indoors. Works great with Sigma 28-200 and Canon 380EX flash. I use the flash all the time indoors and out.

No spot meter. Battery meter shows full one minute, empty the next. Another post mentioned that it is a problem with the contacts. Try a piece of paper in the battery compartment to make battery more snug to contacts.

Great camera! I can recommend it highly!

Customer Service

Haven't had to use it.

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Looked at Nikon N70, functions seemed too complicated. Minolta XTsi, almost all the dealers I talked to said go with Ca

All features.

None

AWESOME !!!

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None