Canon EOS Elan 7 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

by Canon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000053HDW
• Batteries: 2 CR123A batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,347 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #41 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Cameras > SLR Cameras
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 15, 2008

Product Description

Size: Body Only

Amazon.com Product Description

The Canon Elan 7 uses seven focusing points, arranged in a wide cross pattern with a central "cross-type" sensor. The wider-than-usual area gives the photographer the ability to achieve a remarkably sharp, focused image instantly. This function works whether the subject is off-center, stationary, in motion, in low light, or even in low-contrast situations. The shot will still come out sharp and crisp, and without the need to recompose the shot. By using the focusing-point selection keys, the user is able to select any of the seven focus points simply by pressing a key. Representing a bold innovation in speed and usability, this feature gives an additional amount of image control back to the photographer.

A highly advanced metering system, comprised of 35-zone evaluative metering sensors, is linked to the seven focusing points. Whether shooting indoors or outside, day or night, a seamless integration of exposure and focus ensures remarkable clarity and contrast in any image. This system gives the photographer accurate control over situations that combine light and shadow or that feature strong backlight. When metering subjects against very dark or very bright backgrounds, partial-area metering measures 10 percent of the viewfinder around the chosen focusing point. This provides accurate image results when dealing with shadows or highlights. The photographer can also use the Elan 7's center-weighed metering function. This mode places greater emphasis on what it reads as the center of the frame by measuring the entire scene. No matter which function the photographer chooses, precision metering is guaranteed--whether the camera is in a vertical or horizontal position.

Giving the photographer even more creative control is the command dial. This allows manual-control light, speed, aperture, and depth of field. Shutter priority lets the photographer choose the shutter speed, while the Elan 7 automatically selects the correct aperture. This function is especially useful when capturing action shots. With aperture priority, the photographer picks the aperture setting while the camera chooses the correct shutter speed. This is helpful when control over the depth of field is essential. It's even possible to check the depth of field using the preview button.

From the Manufacturer

The Canon EOS cameras have long been the top choice of serious photographers worldwide. Celebrated for their users friendly design, professional precision and uncompromising quality, this new family of EOS ELAN cameras is faster, sharper, more rugged and more intuitive than ever before- with many new features that outpreform any other camera in their class.

Experience the Speed
The autofocus tracking speed of the EOS ELAN 7 rivals that of the leading top-of-the-line cameras available today. With a top shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second and fastest in its class 4 fps film advance, the ELAN 7 is a prime choice for demanding sports or wildlife photographers.

New Ergonomic Design
The Canon EOS line boasts a new ergonomic design. The ELAN 7 is now smaller and more compact, with controls placed intuitively, in a user-friendly design, for a superior shooting experience.

Unparalleled Strength
The construction of the camera body is newly reinforced, with strategically placed metal top and front cover plates, for rugged reliability in any environment.

Near Silent Shooting Mode
New shooting possibilities open when you shoot in silence. WhisperDrive transport brings near silent shooting, when used with Canon's exclusive USM lenses.

Exciting System Accessories
In most any situation you find yourself, the versatile selection of exciting system accessories and lenses for the Canon EOS ELAN will meet your needs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

166 of 168 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Elan 7/7E a Wonderful Camera...But..., March 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Canon EOS Elan 7 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-90mm Lens (Electronics)

I just purchased an EOS Elan 7E the last week of Feb. 2001. The Elan 7E is the Elan 7 with eye control focus added--not worth the extra $... or so since I wear bifocals and the manual says eye control can often be fooled by bifocals. Overall, I've been very impressed with the camera.

I had considered the Rebel but got turned off by the plastic body and savvy buyers' concerns about ruggedness (the Elan 7 has an aluminum body). See the reviews of the Rebel 2000 and several buyers' admonitions to buy the 28-105 USM lens rather than the cheaper--and more cheaply made--28-90 that comes standard with the "kit." I bought the 28-105 and love it even though it's ... more expensive.

If you want very detailed information about the camera, go to the Canon web site where you'll find lots of info and recommended accessories (most of which Amazon carries). In addition you can find out more detailed info about the EF line of lenses.

The camera is smooth, quiet, and feels very solid. It operates like a dream, although I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the options the camera provides and the information I had to absorb (I'd never used anything except totally manual SLRs). The 7-zone autofocus system works well but does take some getting used to. One advantage to the zone system is that you can select a single focus point (or have all 7 in operation) to help you key in on an essential detail that absolutely must be in focus.

My only gripe, and it's a big one: there's no fine focusing center spot prism and the prism is fixed (not interchangeable like some of the higher-priced bodies). While you can switch the lens and camera to totally manual operation (something I'm doing quite a bit), there isn't the traditional center spot fine focus prism arrangement like there was in the older cameras in the mid-priced line. As a result, you have to depend on the autofocus (which you can still use even in the manual mode if you like) or you have to trust your eye to focus the whole image in the viewfinder. So, especially on outdoor and distance shots where there's a lot of detail and varying depth of field, I usually stop down the lens a bit just to be on the safe side. It does have depth of field preview which helps a bit. Nikon's center circle split image and the older Canons' center circle fine focus systems provided much greater control, however.

I bought the Elan because I've used Canon products for 25 years and love the construction, optics, and feel. The newer EF-mount lenses are interchangeable with Canon's digital SLRs as well so being able to use the same lens on both film and digital bodies is a plus. The USM (ultrasonic motor) lenses are accurate and quiet.

From the reviews I've read, people love the Rebel--especially with the better 28-105 USM lens. If you want greater control and a more rugged camera, upgrade to the Elan 7.

BTW: the Magic Lantern camera guides are an excellent investment. While there isn't one available yet for the Elan 7 since it's so new, I did buy the Rebel 2000 guide when I was considering purchasing the Rebel. It answered many technical questions about the Rebel's features--all (and more) of which are included in the Elan 7.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent buy!!, January 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Canon EOS Elan 7 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

I recently purchased the Canon Elan 7 camera body about two months ago and am very pleased with it. I just recently started to take up photography about 5 months ago and started out with a Canon rebel 2000 Kit. Although it was a good starting camera, I quickly grew out of it and decided to get a better camera with more features. The Elan 7 was a perfect choice. I currently have a Sigma 28-300 lens with the camera and the pictures I take are excellent. The Elan 7 has all the features needed for a beginner to intermediate level photographer and I can't imagine purchasing another camera.

The camera with my sigma lens is extremely quiet, fast, and responsive. Although I still consider myself a beginner to intermediate level photographer, this camera has all the advanced features that can be used in professional photography. If you're one of those types like me who always asks the question, " Will I outgrow this camera? Will I want something better soon with more features? Is it worth the extra $$?"Answer: Get the Elan 7. You will not be disappointed.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the Best for an amateur, November 14, 2002

By 

Mike Cushing (Bloomington, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon EOS Elan 7 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

If you want power, control, and quality in your photographs, look no further than the Canon Elan 7. Any variation is equally as good (7E,7EQD,w/lens,etc...). This past summer I purchased a Rebel G from a pawnshop and was amazed at how nice it was, considering the low price in retail stores and the fact that it was all plastic, but I soon began to notice some of it's shortcomings. The AF system was grossly outdated, as was the AE, the drive was loud and whiny, the shutter was too slow, and it just seemed to be made for somebody that would never really want to use it beyond family gatherings. Then I found out about the Elan 7. 7 focusing points that can pick out the finest line in the darkest room. 4 frames per second motor drive. Extremely silent if properly set up. All the latest technology in photography, outside of color metering, which is only available in super high-end professional 35mm cameras. The control layout is easy to learn within an hour or so, and nothing is out of reach if you are properly holding the camera. Acessories and lenses number in the thousands (counting third-party lenses, which are just as good, and less $$$). All metal construction, including the lens mount and the body plates. Still light enough to comfortably wear around your neck. And, well, you get the idea. I'm running out of room to go on, and there are so many things left over. So, to end it all out, from fully manual operation to fully automatic operation, the Canon Elan 7 has everything any non-professional could ever need.

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