Canon EOS-1v Working Pro's Delight Canon's top-of-the-line EOS film camera is the company's ultimate professional AF 35mm SLR. Featuring molded magnesium-alloy top and front covers and extensive sealing of 72 areas, the EOS-1v is the most rugged EOS ever. Its shutter is rated at 150,000 cycles—50% more than earlier-generation pro EOS-1 models. (Add the PDB-2 drive booster with NP-E2 pack, and it becomes an EOS-1v HS, providing advance rates of 10 fps in one-shot AF mode, and 9 fps in continuous predictive mode, with focusing before each frame.) The AF and metering systems are based on the EOS-3's, but with improved performance due in part to a better microprocessor and updated algorithms. The viewfinder shows 100% of the actual image area, maximum flash-sync speed is 1/250, and viewfinder "blackout" is only 87ms (compared to 140ms for the EOS-1n and 105ms for the EOS-3). The sprocketless advance mechanism won't fog the image area of infrared film (the EOS-3's will), and the EOS-3's excellent E-TTL flash capability has been improved. The EOS-1v provides 20 Custom Functions, and you can add 30 Personal Custom Functions via the new PC link capability (which connects the camera to a computer via USB, and also lets you download up to 28 data items for each frame on a roll, and operate up to eight different cameras from the computer. In short, this is the best EOS film camera ever—in terms of performance, of ruggedness and of features. Specifications CAMERA: Canon EOS-1v TYPE: Pro AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Canon EF bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 30 sec. to 1/8000 plus B METERING: 21-zone evaluative, center-weighted average, 8.5% partial, 2.4% spot EXPOSURE MODES: Shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, DOF AE, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe plus PC terminal for studio flash FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (single-frame and up to 3.5-fps continuous) and rewind POWER SOURCE: One 6V 2CR5 lithium battery DIMENSIONS: 6.3x4.7x2.8 in. WEIGHT: 33.3 oz. STREET PRICE: $1600 Canon EOS-3 Great Performance & Lots of Features Canon's EOS-3 is a full-featured pro camera that fits into the EOS family lineup just below the top-of-the-line EOS-1v. The EOS-3 offers terrific performance, featuring an 8x15mm 45-point AF area, 21-zone Evaluative metering, multi-spot metering, faster Eye Controlled Focus for both horizontal and vertical format shooting, predictive AF at up to 7 fps (with the optional Power Drive Booster PB-E2), 18 Custom Functions, sturdiness and sealing against the elements similar to that of the "bulletproof" (and now-discontinued) EOS-1n, autofocusing with lenses (and lens/tele-converter combos) as slow as f/8, and a whole lot more. Accessories introduced with the EOS-3 include the top-of-the-line 550EX Speedlite and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (which provide wireless control of up to three flash groups via four channels), the Data Back DB-2E (with Quick Control Dial), the Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 (which provides intervalometer functions), the aforementioned 7-fps Power Drive Booster PB-E2, and a couple of great pro lenses: the EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM with dual-mode image stabilizer, Ultrasonic motor for high-speed AF with full-time manual override and fluorite and ultra-low dispersion elements for top performance; and the superfast EF 35mm f/1.4L USM, with floating element aspherical design for top results in low-light shooting. The EOS-3 is also compatible with the EOS-1n's focusing screens, automatically superimposing the 45 focusing points in red on every focusing screen. Specifications CAMERA: Canon EOS-3 TYPE: Pro AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Canon EF bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 30 sec. to 1/8000 plus B METERING: 21-zone evaluative, center-weighted average, 8.5% partial, 2.4% spot EXPOSURE MODES: Shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, DOF AE, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe plus PC terminal for studio flash FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (single-frame and up to 4.3-fps continuous) and rewind POWER SOURCE: One 6V 2CR5 lithium battery DIMENSIONS: 6.3x4.7x2.8 in. WEIGHT: 27.5 oz. STREET PRICE: $850 Canon EOS Elan 7 & 7e Hot Third-Generation EOS Elan The third-generation EOS Elan mid-line AF 35mm SLR, the EOS Elan 7 (and 7e, which features the latest generation of Canon's exclusive Eye-Controlled Focus—the first camera to offer both Eye-Control and built-in variable-diopter eyepiece correction) improves on its excellent predecessor, the EOS Elan II. The 7 features seven AF points (vs. 3 for the Elan II), 35 evaluative metering zones (vs. 6 for the Elan II), 4-fps film advance (vs. 2.5 for the Elan II) yet is the quietest EOS to date, wireless TTL flash with ratio-control capability, a viewfinder blackout time of just 155ms, a full-time depth-of-field preview button and more. New keys on the camera back make it easier to select AF points manually. Other features include multiple-exposure capability, exposure compensation (+/-2 EV, in 1/2-EV increments), automatic exposure bracketing, faster AF tracking in AI Servo AF mode, a durable metallic top cover, a simplified control layout, 13 Custom Functions, a 30-second-delay mirror lock, and 35-zone E-TTL flash metering, high-speed sync flash (up to 1/4000) and spot-metering of flash with flash exposure lock when a Canon EX-series Speedlite is used. The BP-300 battery pack provides a vertical grip and permits use of AA batteries. Like all EOS models, the new Elan 7s accept the full line of EF lenses, from 14mm superwide-angle and 15mm full-frame fisheye to 1200mm supertelephoto, including soft-focus, macro and tilt-shift lenses. Specifications CAMERA: Canon EOS Elan 7/7e TYPE: AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Canon EF bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 30 sec. to 1/4000 plus B METERING: 35-zone evaluative, center-weighted average, 10% partial EXPOSURE MODES: Shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, DOF AE, PIC modes, metered manual FLASH: Built-in TTL autoflash; dedicated TTL hot-shoe FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (single-frame and 4-fps continuous) and rewind POWER SOURCE: Two 3V CR-123 lithium batteries DIMENSIONS: 5.9x4.1x2.7 in. WEIGHT: 20.8 oz. STREET PRICE: $325/$390 Canon EOS Rebel Ti 6th Generation of the Best-Selling 35mm SLR Canon introduced its original EOS Rebel entry-level AF 35mm SLR back in 1990, and the camera, in five previous generations, has become the best-selling 35mm SLR, thanks to a great combo of versatile features, good performance and low price. The recently introduced EOS Rebel Ti is the smallest, best-looking, most-comfortable, best-performing and fullest-featured Rebel model, yet retains its predecessor's low price. Among the features are such niceties as a large, digital-camera-look LCD panel on the back (it's a lot easier to read than conventionally placed camera-top LCD panels, but it isn't a digicam LCD monitor), safety prewind (the camera winds the film onto the take-up spool when you load a roll and close the back, then rewinds it safely back into the cassette frame by frame as you shoot, so your exposed images are safely in the cassette should you accidentally open the camera back in mid-roll), multiple-exposure capability, depth-of-field preview, automatic exposure bracketing, wireless TTL off-camera flash capability (with compatible Canon EX Speedlites), excellent metering and autofocus performance, a full range of exposure modes (including shiftable program AE and Canon's exclusive auto depth-of-field mode), full (and easy) manual control of everything when you want it, built-in TTL flash, built-in adjustable viewfinder eyepiece correction, and lots more. Like all EOS models, the Rebel Ti can make full use of all Canon EF lenses, from 14mm f/2.8 superwide-angle and 15mm f/2.9 full-frame fisheye to 1200mm f/5.6 supertele. Specifications CAMERA: Canon EOS Rebel Ti TYPE: AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Canon EF bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 30 sec. to 1/2000 plus B METERING: 35-zone evaluative, 9.5% partial, CW average EXPOSURE MODES: Shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, Auto-Depth AE, PIC modes, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe; built-in TTL autoflash FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (2.5 fps) and rewind POWER SOURCE: Two 3V CR2 lithium batteries DIMENSIONS: 5.1x3.6x2.5 in. WEIGHT: 12.9 oz. STREET PRICE: $260 Canon EOS RebelGii Bargain-Basement EOS Offers a Lot The newest (although another addition to the line should be announced shortly) and lowest-priced EOS model, the Rebel Gii provides the new AF 35mm SLR user (or those on a really tight budget) with a good range or features and performance. Features include a three-point AF system (the camera will automatically use the appropriate point, or you can select one yourself), automatic selection of single-shot or continuous predictive AF according to the shooting mode you select, six-zone evaluative metering linked to the AF system (except in metered manual mode, where you get center-weighted metering), a full range of "serious" and point-and-shoot exposure modes (shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, one-touch depth-of-field AE and five PIC modes, which set the camera for shooting portraits, landscapes, close-ups, action and night scenes), built-in TTL autoflash (ISO 100 GN 39, in feet) plus hot-shoe for Canon dedicated Speedlites, multiple-exposure capability, "silent" prewind film-transport system with single-shot and 1-fps continuous advance, both auto-DX and manual film-speed setting, and more. Like all EOS models, the Rebel Gii will accept the full line of Canon EF lenses, which currently number around 50, from 14mm superwide-angle to 1200mm supertelephoto, including 15mm full-frame fisheye, four macro lenses, three tilt-shift lenses, 1.4X and 2X tele-extenders, and zooms from 16–35mm to 35–350mm and 100–400mm. Specifications CAMERA: Canon EOS Rebel Gii TYPE: AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Canon EF bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and auto switching between single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 30 sec. to 1/2000, B METERING: 6-zone evaluative, 9.5% partial; CW in manual EXPOSURE MODES: Shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, Auto-Depth AE, 5 PIC modes, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe; built-in TTL autoflash FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance and rewind POWER SOURCE: Two 3V CR123A lithium batteries DIMENSIONS: 5.7x3.6x2.5 in. WEIGHT: 12.35 oz. STREET PRICE: $249.95 in kit w/35–80mm zoom lens Contax N1 Advanced Pro AF SLR with Unique Features Contax's second AF 35mm SLR is the N1, a rugged and precision AF SLR that features a new N lens mount and new autofocus Zeiss T* lenses. The camera's Dual Focus mechanism lets you easily switch between auto and manual focusing: In AF mode, just rotate the lens's focusing ring when you want to focus manually; in manual-focus mode, just press the focus button to get autofocusing. The Five Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System provides a central AF point plus points located along diagonals drawn from the four corners of the image frame. The user can select any of the five focusing points, or the camera will do it automatically. Fine Focus ABC (Auto Bracketing Control) automatically shoots three frames, each focused at a slightly different point. Four new Zeiss T* N-mount lenses have been developed for the camera: a 24–85mm and 70–300mm zooms, a 50mm f/1.4, and a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. Additionally, the accessory NAM-1 Mount Adapter lets you use all seven of the Zeiss T* lenses for the Contax 645 medium-format AF SLR. An optional FE-1 external LCD viewfinder lets you preview changes in exposure and the approximate appearance of a black-and-white print, and lets you see the image when firing the camera remotely. Twenty Custom Functions, flash sync up to 1/250, three metering modes, and an optional multifunction data back D-10 add versatility. Specifications CAMERA: Contax N1 TYPE: Pro AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Contax N FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, focus auto-bracketing, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 32 sec to 1/8000 plus B METERING: TTL evaluative, CW average, spot EXPOSURE MODES: Program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe; PC terminal for studio flash FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (single-frame and 3.5-fps continuous) and rewind POWER SOURCE: One 6V 2CR5 lithium battery DIMENSIONS: 6x4.6.x2.7 in. WEIGHT: 28 oz. STREET PRICE: $1299 Contax NX Bargain for Zeiss-Lens Enthusiasts The third AF 35mm SLR introduced by Contax, the NX sells for around half the price of the other two, yet offers a lot. First, it uses the superb Carl Zeiss T* N-mount lenses (four were introduced with the N1, and three more with the NX bringing the total to seven as of this writing). Second, it has a built-in TTL flash—the first Contax SLR with a built-in flash. Third, it's smaller and lighter than its "brothers." It also incorporates the five-sensor AF system introduced in the N1, with the AF sensor selected automatically by the camera or manually by the user. The camera can "remember" two favorite setups and return to them at the twist of a dial. Other features include a depth-of-field preview button, built-in motor 2.3-fps motor drive, three metering systems (five-segment evaluative, center-weighted average, and spot), four exposure modes (program, shutter- and aperture-priority AE plus metered manual), automatic exposure bracketing, ambient-light and flash exposure compensation, auto-DX and manual film-speed setting, a vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with speeds from 32 seconds to 1/4000, a full-information viewfinder display plus an easy-to-read external LCD panel, a TTL hot-shoe for dedicated accessory flash units plus a PC terminal for studio flash, and 20 Custom Functions that let you set various features to your personal preferences (for example, leave the film leader out after rewind or wind it into the cassette, activate or de-activate the AF supplemental light, and adjust the interval before the camera switches off after non-use). Specifications CAMERA: Contax NX TYPE: AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Contax N bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 32 sec to 1/4000 plus B METERING: TTL evaluative, CW average, spot EXPOSURE MODES: Program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe; built-in TTL autoflash; maximum sync shutter speed 1/125 FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (single-frame and 2.3-fps continuous) and rewind POWER SOURCE: Two 3V CR2 lithium batteries DIMENSIONS: 5.6x4.4x2.6 in. WEIGHT: 21.3 oz. STREET PRICE: $650 Minolta Maxxum 9 Rugged Pro-Model Maxxum Minolta's sturdy and versatile Maxxum 9 marked the company's return to the pro AF SLR market for the first time since the Maxxum 9xi was discontinued. The Maxxum 9 features quick and powerful microprocessors and heavy-duty pro construction, including a dimensionally stable, corrosion- and shock-resistant stainless-steel and zinc die-cast metal body, with everything well sealed against dust and moisture. Other features include a built-in 5.5-fps (4.5 fps in continuous AF mode) motor drive with easy mid-roll reload, a top shutter speed of 1/12,000, a three-point cross-hair AF sensor and built-in three-point AF illuminator, automatic Eye-Start of AF and metering, 14-segment honeycomb metering, four-segment TTL flash metering, a built-in TTL flash that covers the field of view of a 24mm lens, wireless TTL flash with dedicated Minolta flash units, mirror pre-lock, manual shift (which lets you change the shutter speed or aperture in manual exposure mode while retaining the same overall exposure), 21 customizable functions, large control dials and levers for easy operation, phosphorescent dials and backlit display panel for easy operation in the dark and much more. Accessories include the Data Memory Back DM-9 (which can store up to 18 items of data from each of 400 36-exposure rolls, and imprints data on the film), interchangeable focusing screens and access to the extensive line of Maxxum lenses, which range from 16mm to 600mm, including soft-focus and the world's only 3X–1X true macro zoom. Specifications CAMERA: Minolta Maxxum 9 TYPE: Pro AF 35mm SLR LENS MOUNT: Minolta A bayonet FOCUSING: Single-shot and continuous predictive AF, manual focus SHUTTER SPEEDS: 30 sec to 1/12,000 plus B METERING: 14-segment honeycomb, CW average, spot EXPOSURE MODES: Shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, metered manual FLASH: Dedicated TTL hot-shoe; built-in TTL autozoom flash; 4-segment flash metering; wireless off-camera TTL flash FILM TRANSPORT: Automatic threading, advance (single-frame and 5.5-fps continuous) and rewind POWER SOURCE: Two 3V CR123A or DL123A lithium batteries DIMENSIONS: 6.1x4.4x2.9 in. WEIGHT: 32 oz. STREET PRICE: $1100