My EOS 630 is getting on a bit. I have an EOS 500 as a second body (haven't used it yet however). What is an equivalent new body for the 630?? I'm thinking of maybe just using the EOS 500 - its light weight which is a bonus in some ways, but I'm unsure of its metering etc quality. Hmmm - what do the experts think?

-- tim munro (tj_munro@bigpond.com), February 09, 2002

Answers

What do you plan to use your camera for? This would help us better to determine what camera you should upgrade to.

-- Jake F. (JakeF@nowhere.net), February 09, 2002.

The Elan replaced the 630 in 1991. The Elan IIE replaced the Elan in 1995. The Elan 7E replaced the Elan IIE in 2000. Thus, if you wish to continue the linage, buy an Elan 7E. It's a great camera with nearly every feature you could want, except for an AF assist light (you won't miss it since the 630 lacked one) and interchangeable screens (you probably never changed 'em). Here's a review:

http:// alaike.lcc.hawaii.edu/frary/elan7e.htm

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), February 09, 2002.

If you don't need eye controlled focus, i suggest the Regular Elan 7 and save yourself a few dollars. I use the regular Elan 7 for sports photography.

-- JakeF (JakeF@nowhere.net), February 09, 2002.

The EOS 500 has the same 6 zone metering system as the EOS 630. I'd say it was probably a better camera in some ways, although not built as well.

Why don't you try actually using the 500 for a while, and see how you like it compared to the 630 before throwing money at a problem that doesn't exist? You could spend that money on a new lens, or a holiday, or a nice meal with significant other, etc....

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), February 10, 2002.

G'day Tim,

According to the table at eosdoc the EOS 630 was replaced by the EOS 10s in 1990, then by the EOS 5 in 1992, and finally by the EOS 3 in 1998.

The Elan series, even the latest incarnation in the EOS 7, seems to fill a niche slightly lower than the EOS 630.

-- Julian Loke (elan7e-owner@yahoogroups.com), February 11, 2002.

I can tell you from having all 3 cameras;630, elan iie,as well as the new elan7, that it would be a mistake to get rid of that 630. In terms of built quality it is more in line with the A2. These other cameras indeed offer tempting features, but with the exception of mirror lockup and built in flash, the 630 is every bit as capable picture taker. Drop a elan 7 while on a shoot, and you will come back with a handfull of broken plastic.

-- joe cap (jomocap@yahoo.com), February 24, 2002.