Question:
We are looking into the Rebel 2000 and Elan II. We are trying to get a camera that I can use for photography but my wife can also use as a point and shoot camera. We were learning towards the Rebel 2000 but there are a couple of things that I don’t like so I have a couple questions about the Elan II. I appreciate any comments on any of the questions… you don’t have to answer them all. – I know you can turn off the autofocus assist, is this something you can do once and never have to set again? Or, can it get turned back on in certain modes? – In your opinion, does the autofocus assist help? Unless it was completely dark, I did not find that the autofocus assist helped that much with the Rebel 2000. – I want to have more control over the metering options. Can you select any of the three metering option for *any* of the operating modes? You can not with the Rebel 2000. – When you select a metering option, does it get reset at some point? For example, if I select partial metering, will it stay this way even when the camera is turned off and back on? – Does the flash popup automatically in full auto mode (I think they call it green mode)? – If the flash is up in full auto mode and you move to a location with enough light, does the flash *not* fire? – Do you have any opinions about the new autofocus and exposure technology in the Rebel 2000? Do you know if it focuses quite a bit faster and the metering is that much better than the Elan II? – In complete manual, is it easy to adjust both the aperture and the shutter speed? This seems a little awkward with the Rebel 2000. – Do you happen to know if the built-in flash is as strong as the Rebel 2000? I know we can answer a lot of these by looking at the cameras, but we are pretty far out and it would be helpful to get some feedback before we take a trip into town to check them out in person. Thanks for any comments, — ralph
Response:
Hi Ralph, I use an Elan IIe, but am not familiar with the features of the Rebel series so I can only answer about the Elan (but I am a new user so someone else may correct me!) – I know you can turn off the autofocus assist, is this something you can do once and never have to set again? Or, can it get turned back on in certain modes? Autofocus assist with the IR beam is always ‘on’ in AF mode. The camera uses it only when there is insufficient contrast in the lens image to autofocus with. To my knowledge, you don’t/can’ turn it on or off. (Autofocus is set to AF(auto) or MF(manual) at a switch on the lens. This is a lens function.) – In your opinion, does the autofocus assist help? Unless it was completely dark, I did not find that the autofocus assist helped that much with the Rebel 2000. The camera probably wouldn’t need to use the IR beam unless you had a very neutral composure or insufficient light. And yes, it does work. You can shoot in an almost completely dark room with the Elan, and the focus lock light will come on indicating autofocus has been achieved. Canon claims the beam is effective up to about 20′ for the center focusing point, but I have read 30′ is more typical. – I want to have more control over the metering options. Can you select any of the three metering option for *any* of the operating modes? You can not with the Rebel 2000. On the Elan, the only mode that presets the metering is the ‘green box’/full auto, and the mode is set to evaluative. Otherwise, you set the ‘rotary switch’ to the mode you want. – When you select a metering option, does it get reset at some point? For example, if I select partial metering, will it stay this way even when the camera is turned off and back on? Metering mode is set with a physical rotary switch, so it will stay in the mode you set it in forever, unless you switch to full auto exposure mode. and then the change is only effective for that mode. – Does the flash popup automatically in full auto mode (I think they call it green mode)? Yes, as well as in the portrait and close-up modes. – If the flash is up in full auto mode and you move to a location with enough light, does the flash *not* fire? I didn’t know the answer to this, so I tested it. If you set the exposure with a partial shutter button press, then recompose to a lighter frame, and re-press the partial shutter press to re-set the autoexposure, even though the flash has popped up, it does not fire. – Do you have any opinions about the new autofocus and exposure technology in the Rebel 2000? Do you know if it focuses quite a bit faster and the metering is that much better than the Elan II? Can’t say. The new Rebel does have more AF points, but judging from using my Elan with 3 points, that’s sort of a matter of convenience, not performance. Can’t compare the af speed for you, but my research experience would say it’s more a matter of lens performance. That is to say, there is much more variance in lens af speed from one lens model (design) to another than the variance you would see with the same lens from one body to another. I have tried out various lenses on my Elan body and the difference in af speed from one to another is very significant. – In complete manual, is it easy to adjust both the aperture and the shutter speed? This seems a little awkward with the Rebel 2000. I find it very easy on the Elan. You use the main dial by the shutter button with your forefinger for the shutter speed, and the big dial on the back with your thumb for exposure. – Do you happen to know if the built-in flash is as strong as the Rebel 2000? My EOS Canon literature does not specify this data. My Elan owners manual says Guide No. 13 (in meters at ISO 100). In practicality, this means about 12 to 15 feet usable. Pretty weak. My advice with either body is to get the Speedex 380 flash. This also gives you E-TTL capability with the Elan II, and with a flash range of up to 73′ with ISO 100 and a 50mm lens according to the 380ex book. Overall, the Elan is a very nice camera, especially if you were used to a manual 35mm, like I was. It’s an easy transition, and you can just use new features as you want to take the time to learn them. Two last pieces of advice, one: Whatever body you choose, buy it from a reputable mail order firm, such as B&H, Camerworld, or Samys. They won’t try to cheat you, and they will sell what they advertise without bogus extra charges. Then if you are really conservative, like me, buy the Canon 4 year extended warranty for about $25 to $40 for the camera body. Two: If you are undecided after all of your best net research, spend $40 and buy both of the Magic Lantern Guides for these camera bodies from mazon.com - use them to compare how the features work on both bodies – the guides have some better operational advice and are better learning vehicles than the owners manuals. Good luck! Wayne
Response:
: We are looking into the Rebel 2000 and Elan II. We are trying to get a : camera that I can use for photography but my wife can also use as a point : and shoot camera. We were learning towards the Rebel 2000 but there are a : couple of things that I don’t like so I have a couple questions about the : Elan II. : I appreciate any comments on any of the questions… you don’t have to : answer them all. : – I know you can turn off the autofocus assist, is this something : you can do once and never have to set again? Or, can it get : turned back on in certain modes? On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: Custom Function 7 enables/disables autofocus assist light. In PIC [idiot] modes Custom Function settings are ignored. : – In your opinion, does the autofocus assist help? Unless it : was completely dark, I did not find that the autofocus assist : helped that much with the Rebel 2000. On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: helps in low light or extreme lack of contrast. : – I want to have more control over the metering options. Can : you select any of the three metering option for *any* of : the operating modes? You can not with the Rebel 2000. On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: you can select either of the three modes in the creative modes (Av, Tv, P (shiftable program) and manual. In the PIC modes, evaluative metering is chosen. : – When you select a metering option, does it get reset at some point? : For example, if I select partial metering, will it stay this way : even when the camera is turned off and back on? On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: it will stay where you select it in the Creative Modes. : – Does the flash popup automatically in full auto mode (I think they : call it green mode)? On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: yes. : – If the flash is up in full auto mode and you move to a location : with enough light, does the flash *not* fire? On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: No. It assumes you wish to force fill flash. : – Do you have any opinions about the new autofocus and exposure : technology in the Rebel 2000? Do you know if it focuses quite a : bit faster and the metering is that much better than the Elan II? Haven’t compared the two cameras. Because of more metering segments, the Rebel 2000 has the opportunity to do better evaluative metering. : – In complete manual, is it easy to adjust both the aperture and : the shutter speed? This seems a little awkward with the Rebel 2000. On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: very easy. Main Dial (by the shutter release) controls shutter speed, quick control dial (the big wheel on the camera back controls the aperture. : – Do you happen to know if the built-in flash is as strong as the : Rebel 2000? I assume stronger on the Elan IIe, but I don’t know. : I know we can answer a lot of these by looking at the cameras, but we are : pretty far out and it would be helpful to get some feedback before we take a : trip into town to check them out in person. : Thanks for any comments, Your welcome, Bill Jameson
Response:
… : Autofocus assist with the IR beam is always ‘on’ in AF mode. The camera : uses it only when there is insufficient contrast in the lens image to : autofocus with. To my knowledge, you don’t/can’ turn it on or off. : (Autofocus is set to AF(auto) or MF(manual) at a switch on the lens. This : is a lens function.) … Actually a small correction: On the Elan II/IIe/EOS 50: Custom Function 7 enables/disables autofocus assist light. Default is enabled, and setting to disabled will only disable in the Creative Modes: Tv, Av, P (shiftable program) and Manual. Bill Jameson
Response:
I will only mention the questions that I have any idea about. I own an elan IIe, having moved up from a rebel-G. - In your opinion, does the autofocus assist help?
Yes. Very often when shooting indoors the light will not be enough for the AF to get a good fix. You can really tell the difference when it’s confused in the low light. Can you select any of the three metering option for *any* of the operating modes?
Yes. The metering is selected by a "hard" switch, which stays where you put it until you change it. – When you select a metering option, does it get reset at some point?
ditto. Does the flash popup automatically in full auto mode (I think they call it green mode)?
Yes. If you want it to only pop up when you ask for it, use program (P) mode. – In complete manual, is it easy to adjust both the aperture and the shutter speed?
YES! That is the coolest difference. The elan has a second dial under your thumb on the back of the camera, placed just perfectly for that purpose. Perfect ergonomics.
Response:
: – Do you happen to know if the built-in flash is as strong as the : Rebel 2000? I assume stronger on the Elan IIe, but I don’t know.
Rebel 2000 has a GN of 12m(ISO 100) – Elan II(e) GN is 13m. BTW, if you call 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666), Canon will mail you any literature you might need to compare the two cameras:) Someone else mentioned obtaining a dedicated speedlite (Canon) and if you want to extend your range or, more importantly, improve your flash pics this is the best way to start. In the FWIW department – the two cameras are fairly comparable – also in price! The two major differences are: higher shutter speeds w/Elan 1/4000 to 1/2000 and flash sync speed of 1/125 to 1/90:) One other item I really appreciate on my ElanIIe is the "eye controlled Depth of Field Preview." When you learn how to evaluate depth of field, this little *quick as a look* preview is excellent (no fumbling around for any buttons to push)! I think I just indicated which way I would jump:) I don’t think the Rebel’s improved metering system, or zones (35 zones to 6), is a critical difference; however, the weight of the two may be to some: the ElanIIe w/battery weighs in at 21.11oz while the Rebel is only 12.6oz w/batteries. Smile:) either way you go I do not think you will be disappointed (provided, of course, you put a decent lens on whichever and do your part:)) Jim
Response:
$ - I know you can turn off the autofocus assist, is this something $ you can do once and never have to set again? Or, can it get $ turned back on in certain modes? There’s a custom function to do this. However, custom functions are only effective in creative zone modes; if you put the camera into any of the PIC modes, which you normally would do if you wanted to hand it to someone who only knows how to use a P&S, the AF assist will be enabled. Why do you not want it? If you’re used to Rebels, I can see that you’d consider it really annoying, but the Elan II uses a dark red light that doesn’t bother the subject anywhere near as much as a bright white light or a series of bursts from the built-in flash. And the camera only uses it when it’s having trouble finding an edge on which to focus. $ - I want to have more control over the metering options. Can $ you select any of the three metering option for *any* of $ the operating modes? You can not with the Rebel 2000. Same deal, basically. In creative zone modes, the camera does what you tell it to do, so you can pick any metering option in any creative zone mode and the camera will use it. In PIC modes, this switch is completely ignored. $ - When you select a metering option, does it get reset at some point? $ For example, if I select partial metering, will it stay this way $ even when the camera is turned off and back on? It remains in effect until you move the switch again. It’s a rotary switch so you could even take the battery out and the camera won’t forget. $ - Does the flash popup automatically in full auto mode (I think they $ call it green mode)? Yes; the camera pops up the flash when it thinks it’s needed (for dim light, or if it detects strong backlighting). $ - If the flash is up in full auto mode and you move to a location $ with enough light, does the flash *not* fire? No idea! I pretty much avoid the idiot modes, unless I’m handing the camera to someone else. Besides which, if I want flash, I’ll attach my 380EX 
$ - In complete manual, is it easy to adjust both the aperture and $ the shutter speed? This seems a little awkward with the Rebel 2000. It’s easy. The Elan II provides two completely separate dials for this – the main dial (the one near the shutter release button) controls shutter speed, and the quick control dial (located on the back of the body) controls aperture. — Senior Manager United System Solutions Inc. 104 Carnforth Road, Toronto, ON, Canada M4A 2K7 (416) 750-7946 x251
Response:
I have an Elan IIE and recently purchased a Rebel 2000 for my brother. Lots of similarities between the two and for its price, the Rebel 2000 is a steal! Just compare their weight and that by itself is a selling reason. The difference in feature set will not be noticed by amateur/beginner photographers. - Does the flash popup automatically in full auto mode (I think they call it green mode)?
flash doesn’t always popup, but when it does, it is automatic in full auto mode. - If the flash is up in full auto mode and you move to a location with enough light, does the flash *not* fire?
In full auto mode, the flash acts as a fill-flash if the ambient light is sufficiently high. Meaning that the flash merely "supplements" the available light. If the ambient light is high enough, the flash effect will not be perceptible (except for catchlights in your subject’s eye) and very little flash power will be consumed. Why are you concerned by this feature? - In complete manual, is it easy to adjust both the aperture and the shutter speed? This seems a little awkward with the Rebel 2000.
I find that the Rebel 2000’s method for adjusting aperture and shutter speed is more usable than Elan’s. - Do you happen to know if the built-in flash is as strong as the Rebel 2000?
yes, the guide numbers are almost the same. If you predominantly shoot print film, you should be happy with the built-in flash.
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