Hi, I'm a total novice in the photography world but want to break in. I have been told by some photographer friends to get an EOS 620 but I can't seem to find one anywhere (second hand preferebly). All I'm finding is the EOS 300 or EOS 5 and EOS 3 (I don't know what EOS 5 and EOS 3 are) but are they all very simular??? I hope someone can help me kick start my new hobby!

Thank you

-- Lucy Barton (la_barton11@hotmail.com), October 22, 2001

Answers

Here is a Canon site listing all EOS models in chronological order: www.canon.com/camera-museum

Select cameras, EOS Series. You may wish to be careful about names, as some EOS models carried different names in different markets, eg EOS 5 is the A2e in the USA (with minor spec changes).

The EOS 620 was the second EOS camera, released in may 1987. The EOS 5 was a very radical camera when it was launched in november 1992, and the EOS 3 was similarly radical at its launch in november 1998. The EOS 300 is a basic, entry-level model, introduced in april 1999. Obviously in the 14 years since 1987, technology has changed a lot, and that means that the EOS 620 is pretty outdated. However, the EOS 300 is very much aimed at a lower market, and so there are some similarities between the cameras. The EOS 5 and EOS 3 are both aimed much higher, targeting serious amateurs and pros.

The best place to start would be to buy a relatively recent, entry to mid-level camera, such as the EOS 300, EOS 500N, EOS 50(e), EOS 33, EOS 30, and a couple of reasonable lenses. There have been many threads on the best lenses to start with, and also articles (look at www.photo.net), so I won't go into that here.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), October 22, 2001.

Lucy--

I was also a novice not to long ago, and my first camera was (will still is) a EOS 650 (the step down from the EOS 620). I found that that camera was perfect for my needs at the time, and was very cheap. (you can find them on ebay for $150/body only) I would agree with the earlier person that the EOS 300 isn't a high enough quality body, you wouldn't have room to grow, although I do disagree that the technology is outdated on the EOS 620, I mean it costs less then a new Rebel and totally blows it away. My advice is go for the EOS 5 or 3 if you have money to burn, but if your on a buget go for the EOS 620 and spend the money on some good glass.

-- Judd MacRae tigger0063@hotmail.com

-- Judd MacRae (tigger0063@hotmail.com), October 28, 2001.

Lucy,

I have had an EOS 650 for about 15-17 years now and it is still going strong. It is pretty safe to say that I am not a "beginner" anymore and for the most part the 650 can keep up with everything that I want to do. The 620 (or the 630) are both more advanced than my 650 so I think that while they might be a little dated, they will be more than adequate for your needs for quite some time.

If you are on a limited budget (and who of is is not these days) then you are probably best served getting a good condition 650,620,630 or if you want something newer getting a Rebel series and investing more in your lenses. Something like the 28-135 USM IS is a great lens but carries a 450 dollar price tag.

Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps and that you are happy in your new hobby.

-J

-- Jonathan A. Papillo (papillo-j@erols.com), November 25, 2001.

Lucy,

The 300 is a new design and the 620 is 13 years old. I own 2 eos600's (same as 630) and tired of changing batteries after 3 rolls. I don't have flash and don't use AF very often.

The eos 6xx is also twice as heavy as the 300. The 600 (630)is a great camera though, that is why nobody is selling it. The 620 is even better. I am upgrading to an elan7 (eos30) because of the battery. It is also quiter and has built in flash. Why not 300? The 30 is newer design.

If I had to choose now beetween 620 and 300 I would pick the 300. The main reasons: battery, flash, weight.

-- Andras (szeti@onwisconsin.com), November 28, 2001.

Lucy, I have an EOS620 and enjoy it very much. It has some advantages others don't. Shutter speed 1/4000 max and you can get the rewind mechcanism to leave a tab for mid roll rewind.. It isn't as heavey as the newer eos's and I find I get less camera shake with it. You can use it either fully Auto or fully Manual. Disadvantages: The flash is not built in and you need a dedicated flash and it takes about 5fps. I bought it used with a EF35-70 and a EF70-210 and never been sorry. Good Luck and read the specs on the newer cameras to find out what you will and wont need.

-- Vern Bouissey (vernb39@yahoo.com), December 14, 2001.