Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon EOS Elan 7 E Date 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

This camera is definitely a GREAT camera. From the amount of features on it, and being a real gadget nut, I would definitely classify it as a high-end guy toy. It's as much fun as having a remote control with 5000 buttons and a 600 inch TV to use it on. From someone who has been using an SLR with manual everything for the past 25 years, upgrading to the ELAN 7E has been just plain fun. The technology on auto-everything cameras used to bug me because I thought it took out some of the creativity and thought from photography, but the tech wizardry on this camera is advanced enough that I can really enjoy the automation. For example, the eyepoint focus. Yeah, it's a gimmick, but darned if the thing isn't just a kick to use. The autofocus is quiet and quick, and the ergonomics of the camera controls have been worked out quite well (I would definitely recommend the external battery pack for vertical shooting. A second shutter release is positioned on the corner 90 degrees off from the regular shutter release for easier arm placement). The camera has a good feel in the hands, and has just enough heft that it's not jiggling around in your hands every time your heart beats. The LCD panel, once you're able to decipher all the arcane symbols on display, rapidly becomes easy to interperet. A quick glance and you know just how the camera is set up. A note about this camera- READ ALL OF THE DIRECTIONS! There's enough technical gee gaws to keep an electrical engineer happy for a month (not to mention a photograper), and it's completely worthwhile to read up and learn the true versatility of this camera. The pictures that I've taken so far have shown that this camera is worth every penny, and would be a fine investment for any photographer, amateur or pro. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go buy a whole lot of film...

I purchased this camera almost a year ago after my old manual Canon was stolen. I was very hesitant to switch to an autofocus/autoexposure system after using a totally manual SLR for a few years. But I have to say that the Elan 7E has totally won me over and is now my favorite camera.

The eye controlled focus works great, it will amaze you. For best results be sure to calibrate it under a variety of circumstances - the more you calibrate it, the more accurate it will be. I love this feature so much - it is definately worth the price difference between the 7 and the 7E. While the regular autofocus is good on it's own, I've discovered that the eye control feature can really be helpful under circumstances that fool the regular autofocus. I leave the eye controlled focus on all the time now.

This is a dependable, fairly rugged camera for serious amateurs or aspiring pros. It has tons of features, half of which I haven't even had the time to experiment with. The controls and the layout of the buttons are well designed and intuitive, and it's comfortable to hold in your hand. My only gripe is that the depth of field preview button is too small and hard to find. I tend to use the DOF preview a lot when shooting macros and I always fumble when I'm trying to find it. I wish the button was either bigger or located on the back of the camera.

Overall this camera is a dream to use and I would totally recommend it to anyone. As for the USM lens that comes with this kit, it covers a good focal distance range and the USM lens are fast at autofocusing and much quieter than others I've tried. I can't comment specifically on this lens as I bought this camera elsewhere and chose different lenses to go with it.

After years of happily using my Canon AE-1,F1 and F1N I finally ventured into the 21st century with this EOS 7E. I was stunned to see how wonderful Canon continuety even applies to their latest models: many of the user features familiar from AE-1, AE-1 program, F and T models have evolved and the feature set-up of the camera is extremely easy to learn if you have ever had ANY type of Canon SLR. So if your are an electronophobe: don't worry, this camera will not take you weeks to learn. Also, as always with Canon: you can have any level of operator involvement - this camera allows you to shoot in fully automatic as well as in totally manual mode, and everything in between. This is great as you are learning to handle the camera and maybe tackle serious photography as a beginner: you can start fully automatic and then gradually gain more manual control. The camera is extremely quiet, even the winder and the mirror reflex, so it is very good for wildlife shoots. The eye-controlled autofocus also helps in this area as well as in any type of sports or action photography. The flash reloades pretty quickly, and the winder does 4 frames per sec, not superfast, but it is integrated into the camera, which makes it worthwhile. The camera is much lighter than the EOS-1 models, which are the more heavy-duty pro models. Those have an external winder that is pretty bulky, but does 10 frames/sec. I opted for the compact and light 7E, a camera that already incorporates many EOS-1 features and I believe will satisfy even the most discerning hobby photgrapher.

ELAN 7e is an outstanding camera with a very impressive performance. From the day I have purchased this body, it has functioned flawlessly. I believe that this body is suitable for serious amateurs who wish to work either fully manually, semi-manually or full-automatic modes, whichever they desire. I have preferred Canon to other brands for the following reasons: 1. The dials are more handy and easy to access to 2. Canon provides USM lenses capable of working very silently. 3. Unmatched reputation of body endurance 4. The built-in eye-controlled auto focus system allows very fast and accurate way to focus (and it is a miracle, it has not focused on a single wrong focusing point as of yet.). In my opinion, it IS worth the extra you pay for it! 5. The body is very sturdy. 6. Canon has a wide service network. 7. Infrared remote controlling is enabled, allowing as much as needed time to compose the picture and place yourself in it. The diopteric adjustment is also useful for myopes like me. It has a lot of additional features that come in handy. I have to emphasize that I am not a professional so I can only recommended this body to serious amateurs. For beginners in photography, Canon Rebel will be just as good. If you intend to buy this body, do not go for 28-90mm lens but prefer the 28-105 F/3.5-4.5 II USM lens instead and definitely purchase a tripod.

I bought this camera by blindly following advice from my uncle, who is a photographer. I am a complete amateur, my last camera being a canon point and shoot. However, this camera can be set on complete automatic, a great feature for when I am not up to experimenting but really want to capture a great picture. It also has different modes including portrait, scenic, fast action, and night scenes, which pick the appropriate aperture and shutter speed settings to create the best picture. As I am learning about shutter speeds and apertures, I love the fact that by setting one, my camera automatically sets the other to compliment it, it really helps as I can concentrate on one thing. The eye focus control is silent, fast, and very precise. You have to calibrate it to your eye movements but it comes with five settings so that other people can use it too. I love the easy focusing- it is great for when you just want to take the picture fast.

For the experienced photographer this camera also offers a full manual mode. It has so many great features, the manual is packed with well written instructions, pictures, and tips. I would definitely reccomend this camera for someone that is looking for a great camera to start a system. It is a little more expensive than the Rebel 200, but worth every penny. I can't wait to learn how to take full advantage of it!