EOS 5 or EOS 30?

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I currently have an EOS 500N body and I would like to have and upgrade. I've been seeing the EOS 5 and EOS 30 bodies at an interesting price. EOS 1 or 3 are out of price for me. Which one do you think it's better? The 5 is slightly more expensive than the 30 and seems that it's a bit out of date, but might be better quality? I'm mainly interested in: autofocus in low light condition, metering accuracy and mirror vibrations.

Thanks for the comments!!

-- Fernando Zumel (fzumel@nera.com.br), February 21, 2002

Answers

This topic has actually come up in this forum many many times. Have you had a look at the archives?

You may want to check out the previous discussions to see if any of them answer your questions:

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 006Ear

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 005yxU

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 0049hd

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 0085Aw

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 007Evm

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 004FX8

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), February 21, 2002.


Argh. Once again my browser or something has cut off the URLs, adding extra spaces after the = sign. So if you copy and paste the URLs into your browser address line be sure to * remove* the space after the = sign or else the URL will not work.

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), February 21, 2002.

Yes, I've seen the old comments, but I would like your opinions regarding my requirements (AF, meter accuracy and mirror vibrations).

-- Fernando Zumel (fzumel@nera.com.br), February 21, 2002.

It's a matter of personal preferences. EOS-5 will perform better under low light situations, AFAIK metering accuracy and mirror vibrations are about equal. EOS-30 will offer E-TTL, just as your 500N, this may be a point of consideration when choosing a flash. I'm familiar with these 3 camera's, IMO EOS-30 and -5 are different, but both perform equally well.

-- Jos van Eekelen (jos@compuserve.com), February 21, 2002.

Mirror lock up and 3.5% spot meter shold push you towards the 5 considering your requirements. J.

-- Jason Eadie (jason_eadie@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.


If low light is your thing, buy the EOS 5. Not only is the AF and metering system a stop more sensitive than the EOS 30, the viewfinder is much brighter and bigger.

The EOS 5 was ahead of its time and really isn't out of date unless you prefer E- TTL flash and ECF. In most other considerations, the EOS 5 is a more capable camera. I still own both cameras and once thought I'd sell my EOS 5 (A2) after buying the EOS 30 (Elan 7E). However, it turns out the EOS 5 has features I like to use that aren't available on the EOS 30, e.g., grid focusing screen, spot metering, PC socket, shiftable DEP mode, AF assist light, better low light AF, to name a few. The faster shutter speed and motor drive doesn't matter to me, but the 1/200 flash sync is more useful than 1/125 of the EOS 30. However, they're both great cameras and make a great 2 camera kit.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), February 21, 2002.


The EOS-30 does have true mirror lockup just like the 3 and 1N. I have one and I use it. As far as handling goes, I'd recommend the EOS-30. IMHO it is a much more recent body, and I've never had a problem with AF. If the light levels are low, I'd probably be using flash anyway, and the AF-assist makes the AF latch on in no time (I use a 550EX). The EOS-30 is the most silent SLR I've ever used, even compared to the EOS-5 and some Olympus bodies.

The only reason I'd get a 5 is if I needed interchangeable focusing screens, a PC socket, and a true spot meter. Be warned that the command dial on the EOS-5 most probably WILL break in time, and you will have to get it repaired at around US$120-130. I've found the AF on the 5 noticeably slower than the 30 depending on the situation. It is not a stellar performer in low light either - if I wanted that I'd get a 3. The AF-assist on the 5 is unuseable with large lenses and / or lens hoods and it will NOT fire the AF assist on the flash. Not a well thought out design if you ask me.

-- Anthony (ant@hotmail.com), February 28, 2002.


My opinion is probably not impartial, so I can only suggest that you consult the information and review links collected at the Elan 7E group bookmarks:   http://yahoogroups.com/links/elan7e

In the end, you still have to weigh up your own needs and budget against the specifications and the opinion of others. Let us know what you decide.

-- Julian Loke (elan7e-owner@yahoogroups.com), March 01, 2002.


I used Canonnet, Canon A1, Elan 2e, Elan 7 and now Canon A2e( EOS 5). For the advise about getting the Elan 7 over Canon A2e, I used the Canon Elan 2e and I decided to switch to Elan 7 to try the latest technology. However , that was the wrong decision. The Elan 7 has a darker viewfinder and its AF has a prolem to focus at the low light( i mean not a really low light, just so so). Elan 7 hunting a subject like crazy. Moreover, the metering system is not accurate. Finally, I changed back to Canon A2e. I felt in love with it immediately. Better feel, better viewfinder and better mettering system. Go with Canon A2e or EOS 3, forgetting Elan 7

-- Anh (anht1706@hotmail.com), March 26, 2002.

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