I am throwing this question out to the forum because it seems that the cheaper Rebel 2000 has a couple items that the Elan II doesn't have: 1) 7 sensor points instead of just 3 2) 35 evaluation points instead of just 6 3) a night seen exposure mode 4) CMOS which the Elan II does not I realize that the Elan II has manyl things that the Rebel 2000 doesn't but the camera is using technology that is a couple years old. I have even heard rumors that the Canon EOS Elan II is going to be replaced soon. So, which camera gives more "Bang for the Buck"? Just wondering. Benjamin

-- Benjamin Bishop (benjamin_bishop@catawba.k12.nc.us), August 20, 1999

Answers

As always, the answer is "it depends". I'll try to address the issues in the order you posed them, and throw in a couple of others. 7 autofocus sensors would be nice if I were not addicted to eye control (extra issue #1), but I am. 35 meter cells vs 6 is a no brainer as to which is better, but I don't think you would see a dramatic difference with either. Night exposure mode is just a gimmick. I'm not sure how it works on the Rebel, but it is probably similar to the automatic slow sync in aperture priority mode on the Elan II. It can be a pain if you don't know how to use it or how to turn it off. I think CMOS has advantages over CCD focus sensors, but again, I doubt if it is worth worrying about. You would probably have better low light performance, but as far as I know, f5.6 is still the smallest aperture you can autofocus at, unlike the EOS 3 which works to f8. The Rebel does not have Flash Exposure Compensation. FEC is the number one reason why I would not own the Rebel. If you don't like the EOS flash algorithm you will be stuck with it. I found out that E-TTL does not expose print film as much as I like, so I add 1/2 of FEC with print film. You can't do that with the Rebel.

As far as the Elan II being replaced is concerned, it will. Who knows when though. It is still a fine camera, although I admit that I am waiting to see what Canon does before I buy a backup for mine. September seems to be the time when new cameras are anounced, so if they are going to do anything soon, we will know soon. If not, I feel the Elan IIE is the best bang for the buck. That may change next month though. Then again, maybe not.

-- Brad (bhutcheson@iname.com), August 20, 1999.

It depends, that's right... anyway I have EOS50E (Elan IIE), and my "family" has EOS 300 (2000). I must admit that 300 is superior in metering. EOS 50 may underexposure with light sky in picture, and wery contrasty pictures are pain to 6- segment evaluating metering too. EOS 300 is much better in this. When you know the limits of EOS 50 evaluating metering it isn't that big problem (you can always use lock or partial metering!!!), but anyway EOS 300 is better for beginners and lazy persons :) But EOS 50 is still better value for serious work, because it has mirror-lock-up, more frames per second, exposurecompensation is very quick... Also it is more durable in use I think. For beginners(if you don't need MLU or faster motor): EOS 300. For more serios photography: EOS 50E.

-- Tuukka Jylhd (tuukkac@hotmail.com), August 21, 1999.

The Elan has Custom Function 4, the Rebel does not. As far as I'm concerned, Custom Function 4 is the primary reason to use the Canon EOS system.

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), August 21, 1999.

Canon is clearly in the process of upgrading its EOS bodies.

The EOS 3 and the new versions of the Rebel bodies are the first wave. New models of the Elan and the 1n are surely about to be released in the relatively near future.

how near? Should you buy now or wait? Certainly the Elan that is about to come out will be better than the new Rebel -- heavier duty, more flexible, with who knows what new features -- but is yesterday's Elan better than today's Rebel?

Only you can make that call.

-- John Wall (john_wall@ncsu.edu), August 23, 1999.

I realize this thread is old, but it is still a relevant question considering the Rebel 2000 is much less expensive than the Elan 7, but about the same price as a used Elan II. One of the main advantages of the Elans over the Rebel 2000 is FEC. what about using a third party flash which offers e-ttl and FEC on the flash, like a Metz (I think the model is the 32MZ-3) or the Sigma ef 430 super?

-- DAVID MARCUS (DMARCUS@LOMAJ.COM), April 16, 2002.