EOS 5 versus EOS 30- pros and cons? (UK model #s)

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Canon EOS FAQ forum : One Thread

I observe that the above two models- as body only- are about equal in cost right now in the UK. I have a list of their specs which seems, for me, about to cancel out. I love the idea of spot metering on the '5', but the '30' is newer and, maybe, faster in operation.

So, spec list- as a sort of laundry list- i have in front of me. What I really need to find out about is how they are in operation, which is more reliable and efficient?

I still have my FD gear, and was always a T-90 fan- still am! If that helps...

Other thing is that I'm left eyed, so if either model relies a lot on fiddling with controls on the rear right of the body that would be a minus.

Cheers JIM

-- Jim Cross (iamacamera@hotmail.com), August 30, 2001

Answers

A couple of things that would make a difference to me: the 5 is considerably beefier - taller, heavier, wider. If eye control will be used, the 30 is leaps and bounds ahead, as you probably know. The big difference for lots of folks is E-TTL flash capabilities with the 30. As far as reliable and efficient, the Fives are known to have Command Dial problems, but i don't know if this has gotten fixed. My money would for sure be on the 30 in AF speed, but i've never used a 5 with a reasonably fast lens...so im not sure. I'd probably go with the new technology and weep silently about not having a spot meter.

-- peter bg (pbg333@hotmail.com), August 30, 2001.

I have both cameras and believe they're both great cameras with individual strengths and weaknesses. However, I most often reach for my EOS 5, leaving the EOS 33 for biking and hiking where its small size and weight are an advantage.

The EOS 5/A2E/A2 has most of the features of the EOS 33/30/Elan 7E plus true spot metering, a faster "Whisper" drive (5 fps vs 4 fps in the EOS 30), an auto zoom TTL popup flash with 1/200 second X-sync (1/125 IN THE EOS 30),1/8000 second top shutter speed (1/4000 IN THE EOS 30), PC terminal, A-TTL ability, interchangeable focusing screens, T3 release terminal and 16 custom functions. The VG-10 Vertical Grip makes vertical shooting easy with a duplicate shutter, Main Dial, AE Lock and AF Point Selector (the designers of the BP-300 for the Elan 7E omitted the Main Dial).

In low light situations the EOS 5 is more useful than the EOS 33/30. First, the viewfinder is noticeably brighter, more contrasty and bigger. Second, the AF and metering are more sensitive in low light than the EOS 33/30 (one stop more sensitive!). Third, the near infrared AF assist light is much more elegant than the blinding white strobe of the Elan 7E.

My favorite custom function on the EOS 5 is no. 12, mirror lockup. In self-timer mode the mirror locks up and a picture is taken two seconds later. Unlike the EOS 3 and EOS 33/30, mirror lockup only works in self timer mode, making it unnecessary to cancel the custom function when you resume normal picture taking. This implementation is less hassle and an excellent substitute for a cable release.

The larger size and weight of the EOS 5 make it easier to hold steady. The EOS 33/30/Elan 7 is so light it bobs around easily.

I prefer to use a grid focusing screen for composition in my EOS 5. This option isn't available in the EOS 33/30 because of the fixed screen.

However, the main reason I use my EOS 5 more than the EOS 33/30 is the quality of viewfinder: it is obviously much brighter, vivid and contrasty than the viewfinder in the EOS 33. The EOS 5 is simply more inspiring to look through. It makes me want to take a picture. Maybe they neglected the eyepiece coating in the EOS 30/33? I don't know, but the smaller viewfinder and glare is the main blemish on an otherwise fine camera.

Both cameras are designed for right-handed folk with 2/3 of the controls on the right side. However, I'm a lefty and got used to the controls easily. The manual AF selectors on the QCD of the EOS 33/30/ Elan 7 are too small, but they would be too small no matter where they put them).

I wrote a review of the EOS 33/Elan 7E if you're interested:

http://alaike.lcc.hawaii.edu/frary

Aloha

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), August 30, 2001.


Only very recently bought a EOS 5 ( 1 week ) after using a T90 for years too, the point about weight and feel of a camera I think is really important, if a camera feels right in your hand then to me at least it makes me more eager to use it, the EOS 5 felt good at first but the body felt quite abit smaller and lighter than the good old T90 but today I received the VG10 grip, WOW ! what a difference it makes, it just seems to make the camera sit better in the hand, it's improved the handling 100% without a doubt !, as for the build issues it seems fine to me, the spot metering too seems ok, not multi-spot but ok for what it is, the motordrive is a honey, fast and quiet, and what a rewind !, using it at the moment with Sigma lenses which seem plenty fast enough to focus, not sure on the eye control still getting used to it, but it seems to work fine either with or without my specs on, but did not like it when I was wearing sunglasses !, but thats hardly surprising !!, overall as a new convert to the EOS family I am more than pleased with the "5". ( especially with the grip on it !! )

-- Alan Silverwood (alan.silverwood@virgin.net), August 31, 2001.

Just a note to thank all posters on here, who have really helped me. It never occurred to me, by the way, that the fact I wear photochromic spectacles (medically necessary) would have a bearing, but the comments on sun-glasses make me reflect that, whatever else I benefit from, I'll probably be leaving eye-controlled focus switched off! It very much looks like the EOS 5 is the baby for me, probably with the add-on grip (even though- being left-eyed- when I use the camera vertically it is the other way up to u right-eyed folk, so the extra shutter release will probably be useless!

I have to say this is the best informed and most helpful discussion area that I've found. Thanks to all!

Cheers JIM

-- Jim Cross (iamacamera@hotmail.com), September 02, 2001.


I'm not sure that being "left-eyed" has much to do with it. I'm right-eyed (and right-handed), but some some reason I use my left eye when framing a picture. I just jam my nose against the camera, I never really thought about until someone else brought up the topic. For vertical shots I rotate the camera to the left, and use the vertical grip with my right hand. It seems to work quite well.

-- Geoff Doane (geoff_doane@cbc.ca), September 03, 2001.


I just have to say that I have used EOS 5 since the very beginning in 1993 - and I'm using it as a semi-pro with my left eye. Since last x-mas I mostly use the D30. Because of the LCD-screen it is much harder to use with the left eye, but it is hardly a problem.

-- Tor Arvid (eos@torarvid.com), September 14, 2001.

I have been using the EOS 5 for a year... till the bloody command dial went out. Knowing about the problem with the dial when I bought the camera, I made sure that I used the lock release when I rotated the dial, but the problem still happened. I have one of the newer 5s as I bought it new in late 2000. If you get/got the 5 expect the problem to happen even if you baby the stupid thing. Otherwise, I would say that I have been very pleased with the camera. While I am waiting for repairs (under warantee) I have ordered the Elan 7 (without eye control) as a replacement should I decide to get rid of my 5. I like to shoot skateboarders so I am really going to miss the higher rate of film advance offered by the 5, but being able to use ETTL and the greater number of metering zones sold me on the Elan 7. I also wish they had included an ir AF assist light and spot metering in with the Elan, but I guess that would be asking way too much in a "lower middle class camera". I too am left eyed, but I have never had any problems with the learning the controls on the right. The tough part for me is deciding what is more valuable to me: my 5 or 300+ to put towards some florite elements. Does anyone know if Canon will ever be coming out with something between the EOS 3 and the Elan 7?

-- Rob Cooke (skateartist@home.com), September 30, 2001.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ