Canon Elan 7

[mrsid99]

I posted this previously in the "what to buy" section and so far no input but since I refuse to believe that not one of you wonderful photogs own one I'm reposting it here.
The question is: Does anyone own a Canon Elan 7(N) and if so what's their opinions?

 

[markc]

I haven't used the Elan 7, but I considered it before buying my A2e and EOS 5. I felt I got more of my money's worth, even though they weren't new.

The EOS5/A2e has more coverage in the viewfinder and a faster top shutter (1/8000 vs. 1/4000) than the Elan 7. They both have DOF preview and mirror lock-up. The Elan has a newer metering system, but I've never had a problem with the EOS5/A2e. The vertical grip on the Elan 7 can use 4 AA batteries, but it looks like it's a bit clunkier than the one for the EOS5/A2e.

The EOS5/A2e also has 5 fps vs. 4fps for the Elan, more custom functions, and faster flash sync (1/200 vs 1/125), and spot metering.

One of the biggest reasons I picked the EOS5/A2e over the Elan 7 is because they went to using the flash for AF assist in the 7. The red lamp on the older Elan and the EOS5/A2e doesn't blind people or alert them when you are taking a picture in low light. Sure, it blinks a little, but it doesn't grab their attention like that damn headlight. Since a lot of my pictures involve low-light situations, this was of major importance to me. The brighter viewfinder was also important to me for this reason.

The Elan 7 seems to win out when using flash, but I rarely do.

Here's a comparison if you want to see how they fair in what is important to you. If you like the EOS sytem, I think they are both good choices.

 

[mrsid99]

Many thanks for your input Mark, I've been searching for something like that link, it really lays it out well.

 

[havoc]

I had an Elan 7e, but recently sold it. The lens that came with it was garbage, and the only way i could afford a new lens is to sell my cam and buy a cheaper body with lens. As for the body i loved it. not a huge fan of the metering, but i am not a huge fan of any canon meters. Since i use a spot meter it wasn't much of a problem. If you look for a 7 i would bypass the 7e though. Eye controlled focus is a cool bragging feature, but its really useless in the field. Battery life was great on the 7, i can't see a need for the AA option unless you were using the flash 90+ percent of the time. vertical grip is nice though.
The camera is very light, unlike your 10D LOL, and as for the difference in shutter speed? I have never needed anything over 1/2000th of a second, much less 4000th or even 8000th. Maybe if i ever nit Daytona and am using 800 speed film i would need it, but other then that, i don't see the need.
I loved my Elan 7e, but i couldn't live with that shitty lens. If you have lenses already, (which you do if you have a 10D) then i would certainly give it a shot.

 

[mrsid99]

Thanks Havoc.
I've been thinking of maybe getting a film camera as a backup and obviously it would make sense to have something that has similar controls/placement and lenses to my 10D hence the interest in the Elan 7, strange how the darkside of photography attracts?

BTW, my 10D is definitely a lump to tote around but it helps me get crisper shots as it damps out my DT's!

 

[Cuervo79]

I read the whole artilce... I prefer the 7n, but hey I don't even have enough money right now to buy new lenses hehe so Its good to know, maybe when I have the money they will have a new one out... by the way, what would be the price on a 7n $700? lol I have no clue I have a 500n

 

[havoc]

There is a 7n? Whats the differences between them?

 

[Cuervo79]

the 7NE is the new one the 7e is the old one thats with the eye focusing, the 7N is the newone without

 

[steve817]

Battery life was great on the 7, i can't see a need for the AA option unless you were using the flash 90+ percent of the time. vertical grip is nice though.

I agree with just about everything else you said except the part about the AA option. I went with it simply because I knew I could find AA batteries practicly anywhere, I don't think you could say that about the CR123's. I could be wrong. Sorry I didn't reply earlier MS, I have been gone on a 7 day cruise and just got back.

Steve