Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon EOS Elan IIE 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens

I've owned many Canon cameras from the original Rebel through the near-pro A2 and the Elan II is far and away one of Canon's best products to date for the amateur/advanced amateur photographer. At its price point, no competing camera offers this combination of features that are of actual picture-taking value, particularly for the experienced photographer, like mirror lockup for tack-sharp macro work, the option of eye-controlled focus which greatly simplifies shooting under active circumstances, and depth of field preview for critical evaluation of sharpness. One advantage you won't hear touted (for obvious reasons) is the weatherproofing of Canon bodies. I frequently use the Elan in the rain with no protection whatsoever and have never had a problem from it given proper drying methods afterwards. A final boon is the optional vertical grip/battery pack that provides for the alternative use of much less expensive and more efficient (than lithiums in cold weather) alkaline batteries.

I recently was tempted, as may be many of you, by the new Nikon N80, which is the first non-Canon camera to even come close to offering these features at a competitive price, and was disappointed to find the Nikon reputation for durability and quality perhaps overstated: the aperture setting dial on my example worked sporadically, which was a real annoyance in manual shooting. Some will say I just got a lemon but having owned no less than seven flawless Canons, I expect a lot. Plus, Nikon's budget lenses aren't nearly as sharp or contrasty as Canon's and while the camera is even quieter than the Elan, the lenses are quite noisy compared with Canon's ultrasonics which now comprise nearly its entire line.

Excepting the more intricate and sophisticated autofocusing systems in other cameras, including Canon's own Rebel 2000, and a handful with faster motordrives, the Elan offers the premier feature set among its peers and access to many fine Canon optics in an attractive, versatile and durable body.

I've owned the Elan IIe ... and have taken some truly outstanding pictures with this camera. At the time I considered Nikon, but Canon's extensive feature list won me over. This camera is for the advanced amateur that needs/wants more features than the Rebel offers, but doesn't need the tighter spot metering that the A2 offers (nor the cost).

Its only weekness is in dealing with extreme constrast (sky) across the top of the frame. Its metering zones are broad enough that the sky often gets too much weighting. Experience will get you past this, but it is a shortcoming that still bites me occasionally.

The eye control focus works great. Depth of field preview (agin eye controlled) is a feature not otherwise available at this price point/level. And the extensive range of lenses for the camera is hard to beat. In my opinion either the versitile 28-105 or, for those with the money, the 28-135 IS are the best companions for all around shooting. Even better, there are plenty of used lenses available for the Canon line, for when you think a 20 mm shot would look cool, but don't want to shell out the big money for such a limited use lens. The 380EX flash works just fine for most settings (again, more money gets the 550EX, which will handle any flash need you may have), though the combination does tend to underexpose slightly. The camera body offers a +/- 2 flash stops, for those that find a consistant exposure problem with flash.

The Canon EOS Elan IIe offers something for everyone - from the expert to the beginner. It can be completely automatic, point-and-shoot, or you can make it completely manual or any combination in between. Canon has adjusted some of its dials from previous Elans to make it easier to make adjustments without looking at the top of the camera - very helpful when you're looking at a subject through the view.

One thing that sets the Elan IIe from other camera is its eye control focus system. Three boxes are in the view finder. Look at any one of those boxes, the Elan flashes red, and the camera focuses on that spot. Look in between two of the boxes, and you focus the camera on whatever is between them. While this sounds very high-tech, its incredibly easy to use, works with glasses, and has pre-sets for up to three people since the the camera "learns" more about its user the more the person uses the system. I found this to be incredibly accurate and easy to use. It's useful when your framing a picture with the subject off center.

The camera takes amazing pictures...I mean amazing. It's a great camera for a family - the beginner can use the point and shoot mode, and the family photographer can use all the manual configurations. It can be as simple or complex as you'd like with all the functionality and flexinbility you'll need.

I've had my Elan IIe for a year now. It has traveled all over the US providing me and my family with great pictures of our adventures. With other AF SLRs, I used to be happy if a roll of film delivered just one or two really good shots --now I get one great picture after another whenever the full autofocus is used.

I have to admit, I am still learning all of the manual functions... but that is what's so terrific about this camera; its user can move into and out of manual and autofocus controls while learning how to operate the Elan IIe.

The personalized eye-focus option is perfect for families who like to take turns getting behind the camera. I have mine calibrated for use with contacts in or glasses on -and it takes great shots either way.

It is a tough camera that performs well in all kinds of inclement weather and conditions (try a rocking sailboat in the rain photographing breaching humpback whales from several hundred feet! --and still I got some great shots).

I agree with other reviewers, however, that the only real downside to this camera is the lack of focusing points in manual focus mode. I have learned to autofocus and then fine tune in manual --but that doesn't work very well for fast-moving subjects. Also, its autofocus is limiting for extreme close-up subjects. If the user doesn't have a good idea about manual settings (or the desire to even try them)-the sole use of autofocus will limit your picture taking.

This is a great camera for anyone who wants to jump to the next level and break away from the confines of a full-time auto controlled SLR.

With a wide range of tools and features, this camera has much to recommend it in any case. But the ability to set "profiles" for different users (focus settings saved for different preferences) makes this a truly useful camera. A novice's best friend, the quick focus and easy dials and readings turn out terrific pictures without any hardship. If you are more experienced, the many options for manual photography are equal to or surpass most other cameras in this price range. The eye-directed focus feature is intriguing and kind of cool, though not what you would use all the time. This kit ships with a 28-80mm lens, great for "all around" photography. I recommend this camera highly; when my first was stolen from a rental truck I didn't hesitate an instant to replace it.