I am looking at upgrading my camera. I want to stick to canon as i own canon lenses. I was originally looking at the Eos 50 but the 30 came out. After reading around more alot of people prefer the Eos 5 over the above 2 bodies. I also read on another forum that there is a new 5 coming out. Is this true? and if so What camera should i buy. I am interested in Sports and outdoor photography and also general stuff. Thanks Very Much!

-- Tom Knobloch (emailtomk@yahoo.com), November 13, 2000

Answers

Hard to tell anyone what camera they should get. The 30/Elan 7 did just replace the 50/Elan II. Of course at a higher price point and with it's announcement many places will be offering discounts on the 50. Since it's just as good as it ever was, a case could be made that it's an even better bargin than before. Still the 30 has several advantages, it has a faster motor, faster focusing and faster eye control for the "e" models. It also has more AF points (7 compared to 3) and more exposure areas to measure (35 to 6). It's also quieter, although the 50 was fairly quiet anyway. They have very similar flash metering and a somewhat similar control layout, but the 30 has the edge here.

The 5/A2 offers an even faster motor that's almost as quiet as the 30, 5 AF points and a REAL spot meter, but the flash metering system isn't quite up to the others. The AF is just a bit slower than the 50. Still considered fast in some places. The eye control is not as good as either of the other two. Still, it feels better, like it's made more substantially. They do have a reliability problem with a poor design of the Command dial.

There are other difference as well but it does come down to personal choices. Most people who have a 5 think they're great and wouldn't exchange them for the cheaper but slicker 50 or even the newer 30. I Prefer the 5 over the 50 but would rather have the 30 if given the choice.

There is no one outside of Canon that knows if there will be another replacement for the 5. If you look at the history of their model names it would appear that the 3 is the upgrade to the 5, just as the 30 is for the 50, and the 300 is for the 500, and the 3000 is for the 5000. But like I say, nobody knows and Canon aint talkin'. I think the 5 will be discontinued as the current supply runs out, but then, I'm just blowin' smoke too.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), November 13, 2000.

I have an EOS fifty without eye control which I bought in perfect condition used for ATS3300 (USD203) The camera is great. I used to have T90, which was an egonomic dream, but the EOS50's rear wheel, and mode dial make the interface near perfect. I have shot 28 rolls since July, and am most impressed.

It doesn't have the PRO feel, but the useablity is there. The only improvment with the 30 which I can see is a real DoF button instead of the custom function. Used with a 550EX it makes a very capable outfit. If you don't use much flash, an ATTL body like the 5 would allow you to pick up a used EZ flash for a good price.

The 30 is supposed to be closer in feel to the 5, and with the 3 already out there, why would Canon launch another body in between?

-- Mark Wrathall (Wrathall@laudaair.com), November 17, 2000.

I owned first the EOS 1000fn, then the Eos 50 (no Eye control) then the EOS 5, Each time the earlier model was relegated to backup duties.

In all I prefer the 5, although My command dial has just failed so you do need to bring that into the equation (it will happen one day)

The prices for both have also come down considerably recently. If you don't use flash much, the 5 excels, it is incredibly quite (you have the option of rewind speeds ... silent or nearly silent) It is fast and responsive, and the custom functions impressive. One let down is you cannot use eye control in vertical format on the 5.

The 50's vertical grip (BP50) allows the use of AA batteries which is an advantage, the 5's grip (BP5) is simply a grip, with controls. Either way I'd recommend getting the vert grip for which ever model you go for.

The 50 offers an infrared remote control, while the 5 has an electronic cable release, if studio use is on the cards the 5 also features a PC socket.

Reportedly the 5 is more robust and resistant to the elements. I have taken both traveling (India Nepal Canada Africa Thailand Europe) and never had a failure (bar the command dial) I have shot hundreds of rolls without incident, and change lenses continuously ... again without incident.

Also not to be forgotten is how it feels ergonomically, I like the weight and balance of the 5, esp with the added grip, dials fall to hand, and it quickly became "second nature"

Either camera is capable of taking impressive images, if cost is a factor, go for the 50 and look to invest in good lenses (ie primes) ... that will make the biggest difference !

happy shooting !

-- tony (tony@army.com), November 21, 2000.