Toomas's Photo Website
 Intro to EOS
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Introduction to Canon EOS cameras
by Toomas Tamm
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Warning: This page was last updated in year 2000 and therefore contains outdated information! Film cameras introduced in year 2001 and later are not covered. No digital cameras are covered. Sorry! |
This page describes Canon EOS single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera bodies. You will also need a lens, and may want to get more than one. Buying an external flash and a tripod is also highly recommended.
All the bodies are compared side-by-side in the EOS feature list.
For price information, check out B and H Photo. There are many cheaper mail-order companies in New York, several of which are dishonest and should be avoided. Read other buyers experiences before you call them! If you are located outside USA, budget for about $50 extra for shipping and add any local taxes which the customs office may want to charge (can range from 15% to over 100% in some countries).
Canon uses different names for cameras sold in the USA and elsewhere. Except for some differences between the EOS 5 and A2E, equivalent cameras are identical except for the name.
| USA | Rebel 2000 | IX Lite | Elan II | A2 | 3 | 1N | 1V | |
| Elan IIE | A2E | |||||||
| International | 88 | 300 | IX 7 | 50 | 5 | |||
| 3000 | 50E |
Before proceeding to specific models, I will point out that the various problem areas and missing features I have listed below are not intended to scare you away from buying a Canon altogether. My limited experience with other camera systems does not permit me to write similar descriptions of those, but I am sure that there is no problem-free camera model on the market today.
I am rather trying to give a more balanced view compared to the various advertising sites which contain only praises and "ad-speak". Being a Canon EOS owner myself, I am quite pleased with the system and would buy Canon again if there would be a need.
This is the cheapest offering from Canon and is not regularly
available in the United States. It appears to be a re-vitalization of
the Rebel XS / EOS 1000 which was the pre-predecessor of EOS Rebel
2000 / EOS 300.
It has a lightweight all-plastic body, three focusing sensors and six
light-metering segments, lots of exposure modes from full automatic to
full manual. The built-in flash covers the field of view of 35mm lens.
For a beginner, it is a quite serious camera which will let you grow
as your knowledge about photography grows.
My personal recommendation: If you can live with the knowledge
of not having the latest and greatest in entry-level camera technology
(such as the EOS 300/Rebel 2000), it is a good value for the price.
However, have also a look at the next level, EOS 300.
The entry-level model in the USA, and the most commonly available one
elsewhere in the world, this camera is surprisingly
well-featured for its price. While made entirely of plastic, the
plastic bodies very rarely break in actual use. It is also very
lightweight and as such may appeal to professionals and serious
amateurs as the backup body.
All essential features for a modern SLR camera are there: seven selectable
focusing sensors, predictive and one-shot auto-focus, evaluative (35 zones!) and
spot metering of light, programmed,
shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual exposure modes,
flash covering 28mm lens. The flash system is capable of utilizing
E-TTL flash. The beginners can utilize the
PIC exposure modes, such as portrait, sports, or night scene.
These modes also provide a way to force the camera to using spot metering
(macro mode) and predictive auto-focus (sports mode) which are less convenient
to select otherwise. A new feature, not available on its predecessors,
is the depth-of-field preview, which lets you evaluate the sharpness of the
photo at the aperture chosen.
Being an entry-level model, several cost-saving features have been
incorporated into the camera. The lens mount is made
of plastic and may be unable to support heavy professional
lenses. The AF-assist and red-eye reduction functions are served by
a combined bright white
light which can be annoying to the subjects.
Some functions (such as selecting the focusing sensor, or using manual mode)
are less convenient than on the other EOS bodies.
The 300 (as well as the 3000 described earlier) uses an unusual film loading
technique, which will protect the film from being spoiled when the back of
the camera is opened by accident:
After film
has been loaded, it is wound to the end of the roll and then exposed
from the last frame towards the beginning. The frame counter counts down (from 24 or 36),
showing the number of remaining exposures.
This feature has the side effect of
creating an extra delay when loading the film, and using extra battery power
if mid-roll film changes are attempted. As far as the
latter are concerned, the film leader can not be
left out after rewind either.
The motor drive operates at about 1.5 frames per
second, and the fastest shutter speed is 1/2000 s.
The fastest
X-synchronization speed is 1/90 seconds, while the
flash units capable of E-TTL are also able to synchronize
at all available shutter speeds (up to 1/2000).
My personal recommendation: if budget is limited, go for it. While
some nice widgets are missing, this camera probably has the best
price/performance ratio of all current SLR offerings on the market, Canon or
otherwise.
This camera body uses the new APS (Advanced Photo System) film. It is
smaller than the 35mm models, but appears larger than the EOS IX, even though the published dimensions of these two bodies are very similar.
Like all EOS cameras, it is compatible with all Canon's
EF lenses and accessories. Two lenses were released together with the body - the EF 22-55mm f/4/0-5.6 USM and EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM.
While most convenient for use with the APS film, they are actually fully usable with the 35mm EOS cameras as well.
Due to the smaller frame size of the APS
film, the image quality will be somewhat lower, and the angle of view
of the lenses will be narrower.
EOS IX7's features are similar to those of the Rebel 2000/EOS3000, plus special features available only with
the APS film format, such as
communicating information to the photofinisher's printing machine and
making mid-roll film exchanges easier to accomplish. The film is wound at 1 frame per second
and the fastest shutter speed is 1/2000s with fastest X-synchronization speed
at 1/125s.
My personal recommendation: if you think you need the features
of APS film, and EOS IX seems too expensive, check it out. If you prefer the
35mm film's larger negative size, have a look at EOS 300 or EOS 50E.
Like EOS IX7, this camera also uses the new APS (Advanced Photo System) film. It appears
smaller than any other Canon's SLR, and is compatible with all Canon's
EF lenses and accessories. Due to the smaller frame size of the APS
film, the image quality will be somewhat lower than in 35mm, and the angle of view
of the lenses will be narrower.
EOS IX's features are somewhere between those of the Rebel 2000/EOS 300,
and the Elan IIE/EOS50E. Compared to the EOS IX7, it has infrared
remote-control capability, 2.5 frames per second motor drive, and a
faster shutter (1/4000s max, 1/200s
X-synchronization). Also, the body is made
of thin stainless steel instead of plastic. There are three focusing
sensors and six light-metering segments.
Like most other APS
cameras, it can write data on the APS film's magnetic strip,
communicating information to the photofinisher's printing machine and
making mid-roll film exchanges easier to accomplish.
A model with eye-control focusing point selection, called EOS IX E,
is sold in Japan. I have not heard of it being availbale elsewhere.
My personal recommendation: if you think you really need
the features of APS film, and are willing to live with its smaller
negative, and are prepared to pay the unreasonable (in my opinion)
price, check it out.
The next step up from the Rebel series, the Elan II feels more solid in the
hand and comes with several nice features the Rebels are missing. Aimed
at the serious amateur, or possibly as a backup for the professional.
Being an older model (introduced in 1995), it has only three focusing
sensors and six segments in the light meter, but othewise all
the light metering and exposure modes from Rebel 2000 are there, as well
as the small flash.
Most of the "cheap camera" features listed for the Rebel 2000 are solved in the Elan II:
The lens mount is made of metal. The AF assist beam is red and can be
turned off. There is a separate red-eye reduction lamp which can also
be turned off. Film loads as usual, starting at frame 1. The motor
drive at 2.4 frames per second is, however, still too slow for some
applications. The highest shutter speed is 1/4000 s, and the fastest
X-synchronization can be achieved at 1/125 s.
The models with an "E" in their name have Eye-Controlled selection of
focusing sensors. This means that, after an initial calibration, one
can command the camera to focus on a specific subject just by looking
at the sensor which points at it. There are three sensors to select from.
Also the diaphragm can be closed down for
depth-of-field preview by looking at a specific icon in the
viewfinder. The non-E models do not have the eye control ability, but the
same functions can be achieved using buttons and dials.
If you are trying to check out the eye-control system in the shop while
buying the camera, be sure to calibrate it for your eye first.
Also, the eye control system will benefit from multiple re-calibrations
during actual use, especially if done in various light conditions.
Other nice features of the Elan II include custom functions (about 10
bits to slightly modify the camera's behavior), a dial on the back for
easy setting of exposure compensation or aperture values, capability
of leader-out rewind which makes mid-roll film exchange
possible, and the ability to make use of E-TTL flash. The
mirror can be pre-fired 2 seconds before exposure, reducing camera
shake for critical shots (especially macro). People with large hands may
benefit from the BP-50 battery pack/vertical grip, which has its own
shutter release button, on/off switch, and can take both lithium and
alkaline batteries.
The
ergonomics of the camera is better than that of the Rebel 2000, with more
levers and dials which become intuitive to use in a very short
time. The dial on the back is a great ergonomic feature, allowing for
easy input of exposure compensation or aperture information.
The EOS 50 is also compatible with Canon's RC-1 remote controller which is a
nice alternative to self-timer for taking self portraits, and also can
be used instead of a cable release. Both the self-timer and electronic
cable release socket are still available for those who prefer them.
Several people have experienced random temporary failures of their Elan II's
caused by poor battery contacts. The easy solution is to place a
folded piece of paper between the battery and compartment door.
The evaluative (6-segment) meter is known to have a tendency towards
underexpose when there is a bright object (typically sky) in the
frame. The latter is quite serious in same cases, and use of partial
meter and exposure compensation is recommended as a workaround.
Some people also find the partial meter to cover too much of the frame
(9.5%) and the 1/125 second X-synchronization
speed too slow. The camera's mirror is noisier than that of the older
EOS 100 (Elan) and EOS 5 (A2E), but the motor drive itself is very
quiet, and the silent rewind mode is almost soundless. The BP-50 battery
pack lacks the dial
next to the shutter release button, which makes its use as a vertical
grip a little awkward at times.
Despite of these known shortcomings, the Elan II/EOS 50 is a very
competitive and attractive model incorporating almost everything
a serious amateur would need.
The EOS 55 is available only in Japan, comes in black as well as
metallic colors, and has Quartz Date and Panorama adaptor as well as
the Eye control features.
As of September 1997, the EOS 50 (without eye control) is officially discontinued.
My personal recommendation: the best option for a serious amateur. Get
the eye control if the budget permits; but you can live without it if
money is short. Buy the RC-1 remote control as well.
This model is targeted at the advanced amateur or professional on
budget. The EOS 5/A2E is oldest in Canon's current lineup and is being replaced
by the EOS 3.
Nevertheless, the EOS5/A2E is still a very modern and advanced
camera, incorporating most of the ergonomics and technology of the
Elan II/EOS 50, plus some remarkable improvements:
The light metering system of the A2 has 16 segments (the Elan II had
only 6) and the underexposure problem seems to be gone. The motor
drive is faster (5 frames per second) and quieter. The highest shutter
speed is 1/8000 s, with the fastest X-synch speed at 1/200 s. There are
five focusing sensors
and they can be eye-selected in the EOS 5 and A2E. There are 16
custom functions and a socket and special mode to connect to a studio
flash system. The built-in flash zooms as you replace or zoom the lens.
One can replace the focusing screen with another one (6
selections available).
Similar to the previous models, the EOS 5/A2(E) also incorporates a lot
of Canon's usual technology: predictive and one-shot autofocus,
built-in TTL flash with 4-segment metering, separate red-eye reduction
and AF-assist beams, mirror lock-up, depth-of-field preview
(eye-controlled and button-controlled), mirror pre-fire for reduced camera shake,
exposure compensation (separate for ambient light and flash), auto
bracketing (3 shots total), multiple exposures, the back
dial for exposure compensation/aperture inputs, manual override of DX coded
film speed, very silent mirror and film wind/rewind mechanisms, and
even the PIC exposure modes for the beginners.
The VG10 vertical grip, while lacking alkaline-battery capability,
duplicates the shutter release button, the main dial next to it,
and the two buttons on the back (AE lock, focusing point selection).
Users with large hands or taking lots of vertical frames should check
this accessory out.
Due to patent problems, there are some differences between the
U.S. A2(E) and the international EOS 5. In manual exposure mode, the
EOS 5 shows you the difference between metered and selected exposure,
while the A2(E) only shows whether you are over- or
underexposing. Also, the built-in flash does not pop up automatically
when it would in the EOS 5. Some Americans find these differences big
enough to get a grey-market EOS 5 and thus risk lack of warranty
coverage by Canon USA (although Canon USA appears to have honored the
international warranty of an EOS 5 so far).
Being an older model than the Elan II, these cameras lack
eye control when the EOS5/A2E is held vertically (for portraits),
as well as the E-TTL flash control system. The older A-TTL
system is still there, however.
The most common point of failure seems to be in the mode-selection dial at the
left hand side of the camera: when bumped or turned without properly
pressing the unlock button, it
can lose its click stops and in some cases, all functionality. The
repair is costly, requiring replacement of the whole top panel.
My personal recommendation: If you like it now, get it now.
It is likely to be discontinued soon in favour of the EOS 3, leaving
you between the less-featured EOS 50E and the much more expensive EOS
3.
Introduced in late 1998, this body contains all the latest features in
Canon's EOS system, and is a strong competitor to the EOS 1N. It is
also quite similarly priced. The target market is both advanced
amateurs and professionals. The construction includes a metal
framework, weatherproofing, ability to connect to the booster
originally designed for the EOS 1N, and compatibility with the "pro"
line of Canon accessories (focusing screens, remote controls, etc).
Just like the EOS 1, it has no built-in flash, no AF assist lamp and
no PIC modes, which further shows its target market
among the professionals. Unlike the EOS 1, however, it does not have
the 100% viewfinder, and no "RS" version is available. Also, the film
advance system uses infrared sensor, just like the cheaper bodies.
The focusing system uses a wide-area sensor which is divided into 45
focusing points, arranged in an oval pattern. The camera can control
the selection of the correct sensor, or one can be selected with
eye-control or even manually. The light metering system uses 21
segments, and besides the usual evaluative, partial (8.5%), and spot
(2.4%) patterns, a multi-spot metering mode is available where several
individual spot readings are averaged for the final exposure.
The flash system includes, besides the "usual" TTL, A-TTL and E-TTL
capabilities also an ability to control multiple flash units from the
same camera, with a wireless protocol.
All the usual advanced-camera features, such as, e. g. depth-of-field preview or
mirror lock-up, are also available. There are several battery-pack and
booster options, which increase the shootimg speed up to 7
frames/second and/or provide
extra battery power and vertical shutter release.
Some early EOS-3's had an underexposure problem (up to 2/3 stops),
which could be corrected under warranty. Surprisingly, some of the
people with these problems were also asked to take their lenses to the
shop even though the eventual adjustments seemed to involve the camera
body only. The problems have been attributed to inaccuracies of
communicating the full aperture of the lenses to the camera.
My personal recommendation: Those who need a serious body for
advanced amateur or professional use should check it out. It is
unlikely that you would be disappointed.
This is Canon's previous professional body, and can appeal for some
advanced amateurs as well. In early 2000, it was superseded by the EOS 1V.
The body is weatherproof and very rugged;
in addition to the lens mount the film rails are also made of metal.
The viewfinder covers 100% of the image area on film. With a booster one
can take 6 frames per second. There is an additional "fine spot"
meter in the light metering system.
The built-in flash is gone, as well as the AF assist lamp and
the PIC modes. Apparently professionals will use an external
flash and do not need to be told how to expose for a portrait.
The 1NRS model has a semi-transparent (pellicle) mirror, which does
not move up during exposure. This allows for a 10 frames per second
shooting rate at the expense of losing 2/3 stops of light.
Various other tiny bits are there to assist the professional: the
exposure can be set with an accuracy of up to 1/3 stops, the function
on the rear dial can be customized, the selection of focusing screens
includes 9 varieties, the mirror can be locked up for exposure (EOS 50
and 5 have mirror pre-fire) and you can add a booster to increase the
film winding speed.
Movement of film is measured by a sprocket wheel, not an infrared
sensor as in other Canon bodies. While this makes use of infrared film
possible, changing film mid-roll will become more
complicated.
There is no eye control capability, and the body cannot make use of
the E-TTL flash system. It is also the bulkiest and
heaviest of all Canon bodies. Some functions which are set via dials
in the other models are moved to buttons in the EOS 1N, probably to
increase reliability and weather-resistance. Thus the ergonomic approach
is a bit different, which may be a problem if a non-professional body
is used as the backup. The differences are not major, though.
My personal recommendation: if you make money from your photos, and
have decided for Canon, you might have a look. But check out
the Elan II, the A2E and especially the EOS 3 and EOS 1V as well -- those offer some features which the EOS
1N simply does not have. Being less rugged, some professionals use the
cheaper bodies
as expendable film holders, leaving more money for the lenses which actually
form the image on film.
This is Canon's current professional body, and can appeal for some
advanced amateurs as well. Canon stresses the mechanical ruggedness
and durability of the body. High-tech alloys, polymers and sealants are used
to enable it to survive in the most harsh conditions. The shutter
is able to take at least 150,000 exposures without failing.
The viewfinder covers 100% of the image area on film. With a booster one
can take up to 10 frames per second. The focusing system has 45 metering
points, and the light meter has 21 zones. There are various methods
to select among them.
Lots of customization can be done to the camera, part of this requires
hooking the camera up to a computer. Shooting data is automatically
recorded for up to 200 rolls of film (less rolls if more data per frame
needs to be recorded). This data can not, however, be read or manipulated
without connecting a computer again. A nice feature is also the
capability to record a unique ID number on beggining of the film, which
makes latter matching of exposure data and physical rolls easier.
Surprisingly, Canon has left out the eye control capability. This seems
to be the only part of Canon's technology which they still consider too
immature or of little use to professionals.
Just like in the EOS 3 and the earlier EOS 1N, buttons are used instead
of dials for selecting some functions, apparently being more resistant
to wear and tear.
My personal recommendation: if you make money from your photos, and
have decided for Canon, this might be the first choice. But check out
the EOS 3 as well.
E-TTL
- Canon's name for a flash system which uses a pre-flash and the
camera's regular multi-segment light metering system to determine
flash and camera settings for a good balance between flash and ambient
exposure. You will need a Canon flash with "EX" in its name to take
advantage of E-TTL.
PIC
- Programmed Image Control: exposure modes for specific shooting
situations, such as portrait, landscape, sports and macro.
Point-and-shoot
- a camera which does not have interchangeable lenses and
usually offers little control over exposure. The typical small camera
most people have nowadays.
SLR
- Single Lens Reflex - a camera which allows for viewing through
the same lens which is used for taking the picture. A moving mirror,
matte focusing screen, and a pentaprism are used to project the image
into the photographer's eye.
Feature list of Canon EOS cameras
Disclaimer: The information
has been collected from Canon's advertising materials and various
sources on the Internet.
I will take no responsibility for the correctness of this material or
the consequences of following my advice.
You can send comments and alternative viewpoints to the author.
Canon EOS 3000, EOS 88
Canon EOS 300, EOS Rebel 2000
Canon EOS IX7, EOS IX Lite
Canon EOS IX
Canon EOS 50, EOS 50E, EOS 55, EOS Elan II, Elan II E
Canon EOS 5, EOS A2, EOS A2E
Canon EOS 3
Canon EOS 1N, EOS 1NRS
Canon EOS 1V
Glossary
Canon USA corporate site
EOS mailing list archives
EOS Frequently Asked Questions
Canon Camera Museum by Canon - info on all Canon cameras ever made.
Camera feature list in Photo Zone
Canon area of photo.net
My own photo page, containing some Canon-related information
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| Last modified: 18 June 2000 |
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