LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 17, 1995
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is
expanding its evolutionary camera design concept into a new generation
EOS Elan. The Elan II, available in three versions, including an Eye-
Control Autofocus model (Elan IIE) and Eye-Control Quartz Date model
(Elan IIE QD), raises the standard of performance and technological
excellence of photography with its new and improved camera features.
The improvements begin with the Elan II's new sturdy and
attractive aluminum cover and simplified control layout for easy camera
settings. Canon's exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-Point
Control) System links the camera's 3-point Autofocus to multi-zone
metering for available light and flash, offering users sharp photographs
regardless of where the main subject is within the picture frame.
Metering can be set to 6-zone evaluative, 9.5 percent partial or center-
weighted average for precise exposures and creative latitude in any
shooting condition.
The Elan IIE features an improved version of Canon's exclusive Eye
Controlled Focus technology. Focusing is faster, more precise and has
the capability of functioning in the horizontal and vertical position.
Additional features of the improved Eye Controlled Focus system include
its direct link to the camera's AI Servo AF mode and Depth-of-Field
indicator.
"The new EOS Elan II is designed with the same evolutionary
concept that made the Canon EOS-1N overwhelmingly popular with
professional and advanced amateur photographers worldwide," said Hank
Maeda, vice president and general manager of Canon's Camera Division.
"The new line of Elan cameras furthers Canon's commitment to combining
form and function based on new and existing technology to better serve
the needs of our customers," Mr. Maeda added. "The evolutionary changes
incorporated into the Elan II bring the EOS System full circle as a
truly integrated 35mm SLR system. Canon will continue to provide
photographers with advanced imaging tools to help them realize their
visions through photography."
The Elan II models also feature an improved Whisper Drive film
transport system, improving the wind and rewind noise reduction. An
exclusive belt transport system and other design improvements account
for the noise reduction, enabling the camera to be used in shooting
situations that require extreme quietness such as wildlife, theater and
certain sporting events, such as golf.
Other new and advanced features of the EOS Elan II include:
* A choice of 10 exposure modes including manual exposure with
scale-metering
* 11 Custom Functions including mirror lock and depth-of-field
preview
* Exclusive E-TTL evaluative flash metering with optional Speedlite
380EX
Sophisticated Design
Distinctively styled after traditional SLR models, the EOS Elan II
provides a look of sophistication while providing additional protection
of camera components through its rugged, high-density aluminum
coverplate. Also taken from traditional SLR designs, control dials and
other key function dials are raised from the camera body for easier
access and functionality.
The Command Dial, located to the left of the viewfinder, provides
users with easy access to a wide range of exposure modes. The metering
mode lever, located just beneath the Command Dial, permits photographers
to choose from any of the three metering patterns. The camera's AF Mode
Dial, allows users to choose from three autofocus modes including: One
Shot AF, AI Servo, and AI Focus. The camera's Film Advance Mode lever,
positioned below the AF Mode Dial, offers single-frame or continuous
shooting at 2.5 frames per second. All critical information relating to
exposure is displayed inside the viewfinder, allowing users to
concentrate more on the subject and composition and less on the
mechanics of photography.
Maintaining its user-friendly design, the Elan II's Main Dial is
conveniently located behind the camera's shutter release button.
Whether used alone or in conjunction with other system controls, the
Main Dial's location provides users with quick selection of apertures,
shutter speeds, and other camera functions, without
the need to remove their eye from the viewfinder. The Quick Control
Dial, located on the back of the camera and a design trademark of the
Canon EOS System, provides users with additional control options
carefully positioned for easier accessibility.
Evolutionary Process Includes Improved Eye Controlled Focus
The revolutionary concept of Eye Controlled Focus was originally
incorporated into the EOS A2E. Since that time, Canon has made
tremendous improvements in Eye Controlled Focus technology. In the EOS
Elan IIE model, the improvement lies in the camera's ability to utilize
Eye Controlled Focus in both the horizontal and vertical camera
positions. The Eye Controlled Focus system is linked directly to the
three focusing points, allowing users to simply look through the
viewfinder at their subject. The camera acknowledges the main subject,
regardless of its positioning within the frame. This allows
photographers to compose and focus simultaneously, providing greater
access to the decisive moment of peak action or expression.
Beyond the camera's ability to focus in the horizontal and
vertical positions using Eye-Control, additional camera functions can
now be controlled through the camera's Eye-Control feature. For
instance, photographers can use the Eye-Control function to control the
Depth-of-Field mode for regulating near and distant subjects rendered as
sharp in the final image. Eye Controlled Focus works in harmony with
the Canon AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-Point) system to integrate
focus, exposure, and flash for optimum results.
Calibrating the camera's Eye Controlled Focus is a simple process.
Setting the camera's Command Dial to the calibration setting (CAL), the
user simply looks at the flashing focusing point in the viewfinder while
depressing the shutter button half way. Another focusing point will
flash and the same procedure is followed. The Eye Controlled Focus
functions of the camera are now calibrated to the user's eye. The Elan
IIE is capable of storing Eye Controlled Focus calibration settings for
up to three users.
The speed and accuracy of the Elan II's autofocus system is built
around its multi-BASIS (Base Stored Image Sensor) system. Utilizing the
camera's three-zone autofocus system, the BASIS system features a cross-
type sensor at the center, coupled with vertical line sensors to the
left and right, which enable the camera to anticipate changes in the
subject's position.
The Canon Elan II offers users three autofocus modes for precise
focus in any shooting situation -- One-Shot AF, AI Servo and AI Focus.
In the One-Shot AF mode, users can focus on a subject by depressing the
shutter button down half way to lock focus. As long as the shutter
button remains depressed half way, focus will remain locked, allowing
users to recompose the subject. In the AI Servo focus mode, users can
track moving subjects as they move from one focusing point to another at
a rate of 2.5 frames per second with the camera's built-in motor drive.
In the AI Focus mode, the camera begins operation in the One-Shot AF
mode, but will automatically shift to AI Servo for predictive autofocus
if the main subject begins to move. Manual focus is available by moving
a switch on the lens. Sharp focus can be confirmed by using the in-
focus indicator in the viewfinder.
Exposure Control at Your Fingertips
The Elan II and IIE Command Dial, located to the left of the
viewfinder, enables quick and easy access to several exposure modes from
Programmed exposure to full manual control. The camera offers 10
exposure modes including a scale-metered mode when using manual exposure
for precise metering.
In the Intelligent Program AE mode, the camera selects the proper
shutter speed and aperture settings for a correct exposure based on
lighting conditions, film speed, focal-length and maximum aperture of
the lens being used.
The Shutter-Priority mode allows the user to pre-select the
shutter speed while the camera designates the corresponding aperture for
proper exposure. Photographers can choose any shutter-speed ranging from
30-seconds for time exposure to 1/4000 second for high speed action
photography.
Photographers wishing to control depth-of-field can use the
Aperture-Priority mode. The camera will automatically select the proper
shutter speed
based on the pre-selected aperture setting made by the photographer.
Manual exposure gives the photographer complete control over
shutter speeds and apertures. The Elan II and IIE provide a metering
scale in the viewfinder, permitting the photographer to better determine
the effects of their creative techniques.
When using the Depth-of-Field AE mode, users can pre-determine
precisely what areas of the frame will render sharp by simply selecting
the nearest and farthest objects prior to exposure. This mode is
especially beneficial for close-up and nature photography.
Programmed Image Control (PIC) Provides Complete Automation
Programmed Image Control (PIC) is designed to optimize aperture,
metering, shutter speeds and other camera functions under some of the
most common shooting situations encountered by photographers. Using
Icons to identify common subjects, users can simply rotate the camera's
Command Dial to the corresponding icon for the subject they are
photographing.
In the Portrait PIC mode, the camera will favor a wide aperture to
maintain focus on the main subject and blur distracting backgrounds. By
using this mode with One-Shot AF, the user can focus on the subject and
recompose the scene.
In the Landscape PIC mode, the camera favors a small aperture
setting to assure that foreground and background subjects in the frame
remain in sharp focus.
Close-Up PIC is ideal for flower and macro-type photography. In
this mode, the camera controls depth-of-field to isolate the main
subject from the background. Partial metering is used in this mode for
precise exposure of the main subject.
Sports PIC is ideal for photographing fast-moving action such as a
sporting event. In this mode, the camera will set a fast shutter speed
to stop action. A wide aperture would also be used to isolate the main
subject from the background.
In the Full Auto mode, also known as the "Green Zone" by the way
it is identified on the Command Dial, provides the greatest level of
automation and the maximum assurance of never missing a photo
opportunity. In the Full Auto mode, the camera will set the optimum
combination of shutter speed and aperture based on lighting conditions,
film speed and the lens being used. If the subject is moving, the
camera will automatically switch to AI Servo Focus to follow the subject
anywhere within the picture frame. In low light conditions, the flash
will automatically pop-up, providing additional light for a proper
exposure.
Elan II and Elan IIE Offer Total Exposure Control
Bright backgrounds and backlit subjects can pose serious exposure
problems for photographers if not metered properly. In many cases, a
camera's metering system will take all the available light and average
it together to give an overall acceptable exposure. In special
instances, such as backlit subjects, this type of metering would render
your main subject as a silhouette, or underexposed.
The EOS Elan and Elan IIE offer three built-in metering modes
which provide properly exposed photographs under any lighting condition.
Six-Zone Evaluative Metering
Using the Elan II's Six-Zone Evaluative Metering system,
photographers can be assured of proper exposure of the main subject,
while rendering a "natural" exposure for the rest of the image. The
three main zones of the six-zone system correspond directly to the
camera's three-zone autofocus system, ensuring proper exposure of the
main subject. The meter also weighs intermediate and peripheral
metering zones and automatically compares them to the main subject. The
result is a perfectly exposed photograph with emphasis on the main
subject.
Partial Metering
Another improvement with the EOS Elan II is its ability to use
Partial Metering (9.5%) in any of the three autofocus zones. Even if
the main subject is off-center, the result is an ideal exposure.
Partial metering is ideal for extremely bright and dark backgrounds and
can be used with the camera's creative exposure modes including
Intelligent Program, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, Depth-of-Field
and Manual.
Centered-Weighted Average Metering
In the Center-Weighted Average Metering mode, the camera will view
all the light available in a particular scene, placing emphasis on the
camera's center zone. This mode is ideal for everyday shooting
situations where the main subject is traditionally in the center of the
frame.
Auto Exposure Lock
The Elan II and IIE's evaluative metering system is linked to the three
focusing points in the viewfinder. Based on the focus point in use, it
can control the exposure according to the subject's position in the
frame. Exposure is automatically locked upon focus completion when
using Intelligent Program, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, or
Depth-of-Field modes in One-Shot AF. However, if the user wishes to
lock exposure while in AI Servo AF or Manual focusing modes, the user
must depress the AE Lock button located on the back of the camera. AE
Lock is particularly effective when combined with Partial Metering for
heavily backlit or small subjects.
Built-in Flash Offers Creative Opportunities
The EOS Elan II cameras offer a built-in retractable flash,
providing TTL flash control. In the full-Auto, Portrait PIC, and Close-
Up PIC modes, the flash will automatically pop-up and provide optimum
exposure in low-light conditions. In Intelligent Program mode, the
viewfinder will advise the user when flash is necessary for proper
exposures. The flash provides a wide angle of coverage and may be used
with focal lengths as wide as 28mm, making it ideal for use with
standard zoom lenses.
The built-in flash features a red-eye reduction mode to minimize
red-eye of subjects in low-lighting conditions. The flash features a
guide number of 43/13 (ft./m) with ISO 100 film and a rapid recycle time
of approximately two seconds.
The camera's built-in flash also offers creative functions such as
Slow-Speed Synchronization for combining foreground subjects with a low
light background. The camera's AIM system integrates low light exposure
control, flash exposure control, and autofocus functions, for natural-
looking photographs.
To create a dramatic combination of sharp subjects and "natural-
looking" blurred movements, such as light streaks behind automobile
tail-lights at night, Second-Curtain Sync fires the flash toward the end
of the exposure. This makes light streaks appear behind moving subjects
instead of around or in front of them.
Improvements Made to Quiet Whisper DriveT Film Transport System
The original EOS Elan was the first EOS camera to incorporate
comprehensive noise reduction measures for quiet, more pleasant
shooting. The Elan II cameras maintain the same noise reducing Whisper
Drive System. The new cameras offer users a choice of rewind modes:
silent and high speed rewind. Selected through the Custom Functions
features of the camera, the silent mode will rewind a 24-exposure roll
of film in 12 seconds. In the high speed mode, the same roll of film
will rewind in just 6 seconds.
Eleven Custom Functions Expand Creative Choices
Canon has incorporated eleven Custom Function features into the
new EOS Elan IIE (ten for the Elan II), allowing users to customize the
camera to their specific photographic style and needs.
CUSTOM FUNCTION CHART
Function Function Set
Number Description To Final Outcome
=============================================================
CF-1 Film Rewind Mode 0% Enables automatic silent
rewind
1 Enables automatic high-speed
rewind
CF-2 Film Leader Position 0 Rewinds the film into the
cartridge
1 Leaves the film leader outside
the cartridge
CF-3 Film Speed Setting Mode 0 Automatic DX code setting
1 Manual film speed setting
CF-4 AE Lock, AF Lock, and
Depth-of-Field Preview 0 Enables AF operation by
pressing the shutter release
button half way and enables AE
Lock with the AE Lock button
1 Enables AF operation by
pressing the AE Lock button
and enables AE Lock by
pressing the shutter release
button halfway
2 Enables AF operation by
pressing the shutter release
button and enables the AE Lock
button to stop down aperture
CF-5 Mirror-Lock and Self-Timer 0 Enables normal self-timer and
remote-control operation
1 Enables the shutter release
button to lock up the mirror
and release the shutter two
seconds later (Mirror-Lock is
also possible with the
optional Remote Controller RC-
1)
CF-6 Flash Sync Timing 0 First curtain synchronization
1 Second curtain synchronization
(with built-in flash and
optional Speedlite 380EX only)
CF-7 AF Assist Beam 0 Enables auto emission of AF
assist beam
1 Disengages AF assist beam
CF-8 Partial Metering and FE Lock
Linkage to the Focusing Point 0 Links partial metering and FE
Lock to center area
1 Links partial metering and FE
Lock to selected focus point
CF-9 Shutter Speed Setting -
AV & Flash 0 Sets shutter speed
automatically
1 Sets shutter speed to 1/125
second
CF-10 Focusing Point Flashing 0 Enables focusing point
flashing in viewfinder
1 Disengages focusing point
flashing
CF-11 Eye-Activated Depth-of-
Field Preview (EOS ELAN IIE
only) 0 Enabled
1 Disengaged