Handy, with some limitations
Written: Oct 05 '00 (Updated Oct 06 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very quiet and speedy motor drive.
Cons: Sucks the life out of batteries.
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| sgt804's Full Review: Canon EOS-A2 Film Camera |
The Canon EOS A2 is a good reliable camera. It does have a few minor flaws which does not necessarily discredit the camera as a viable product worthy of purchase. In fact I will continue to use it as a second backup camera.
THE DREADED FLAWS:
1. The plastic body seems to be somewhat fragile. It will not stand up to professional use but it does not cost what a pro-camera will either.
2. Auto-focus tends to get confused. It will give you a clean crisp shot 90% of the time but there are times that it will pick up on something that is not the focal point. Unless you have an incredibly sharp eye and are constantly looking for the problem there might be a batch a film you get back that is slightly out of focus.
3. The Canon EOS A2 lacks the "beep" setting for those of us who like to hear a "beep" when the camera is in focus. It does have a "beep" which is used in timer mode. The advertising hints toward a beeper setting much like the one that the Canon EOS 10-S has which beeps when the camera is in focus.
4. The dioptor "eye control" is nothing more than an unnecessary toy. It is supposed to allow the eye piece to be set for your individual eyesight. Personally I thought that was the purpose of glasses and contacts.
5. Batteries will tend to last somewhere between 300 - 500 photos.
THE GOOD NEWS:
1. The grip is very comfortable and natural feeling. The Canon EOS series has gone out of their way to make the camera feel like an extension of your body.
2. The motor drive is very quick and quiet which makes taking photos at a social function almost an invisible act.
3. There are several auto features which even have little pictures on the dial to help you quickly decide which one might be needed:
A) Manual focus (a must for even amateur photographers).
B) Priority mode, which is basically like a point and shoot setting.
C) Four "image zones": portrait, landscape, close up and sports. These are very similar in nature to a point and shoot setting. You might choose an f-stop while the camera will set the shutter speed.
D) The other auto-settings are shutter priority, aperture, priority and timer mode (which means you can get in the photo while the camera takes the picture for you).
4. The view finder is well lit and easy to read. It is not so bright that it will blind you at night. I find it to be unobtrusive.
5. The Canon EOS A2 is light weight and well-balanced, easily carried on long walks.
In conclusion, the Canon EOS A2 will make a great backup camera for a professional and a good reliable main camera for a novice. Just keep in mind the ever-fleeting battery life and the auto-focus confusion as potential draw backs. Other than than it is a great camera.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sgt804
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Member: Mike Kurtz
Location: Park Hills, Mo.
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 2 members
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