I have an EOS 1000fn with a Sigma 35-85 mm and 70-210 mm lens. I was wondering whether to upgrade to an EOS 300 which Jessops are selling with a 25-80mm and a 75-300 usm mm lens. The EOS 1000fn generally gives good overall pictures. Will I notice a big difference in overall picture quality by moving to the EOS 300? Is the EOS 300 a much better camera quality wise than the 1000fn? Any help would be very much appreciated. Richard Williams

-- Richard Williams (richard.williams@bermans.co.uk), April 28, 2002

Answers

I don't think you'll notice much difference in lens quality, even with big enlargements. Use of a tripod would make a much bigger difference in sharpness.

The EOS 300 has a central cross AF sensor along with multiple single axis sensors, so you'll gain faster and more secure AF over the EOS 1000FN (single axis sensor). If you use E-TTL external flash you'll reap a little more consistent flash exposures, especially with off- center subjects. For popup TTL flash there won't be much improvement. If you're a chrome shooter the evaluative meter might offer better exposures in tricky light, but this won't matter much for negs.

The EOS 1000 is a little larger and easier to hold than the tiny EOS 300 and sports a metal lens mount instead of plastic.

So I'd say you will see little or no improvement in picture quality, depending on your shooting habits (chromes or negs, external flash or popup, etc.). The EOS 300 will merely be a little more capable in terms of AF, flash and metering.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), April 28, 2002.

There are several improvements moving from the EOS 1000FN to the EOS 300 = REBEL 2000 = KISS III, and a few might help you produce better pictures. However, you need to identify what you find limiting with your current camera to see if the improvements are worthwhile.

For instance, the 1000FN (non-predictive) autofocus was unusable for moving objects (not that the EOS 300 autofocus is particularly stellar either). 35 zone metering might be theoretically better than a 3 zone meter, but in fact I found the simpler meter was much more predictable and easy to use. The 300 built-in flash is no better than the 1000FN, and lost the red-pattern AF assist beam in favour of an annoying flash burst AF. The ability to use a wired remote release (and an infrared release in the Japanese model) is also an important advance. As well, the self-timer can be used in any mode.

I consider the other new features such as DOF preview, multiple-AF zones, optional battery pack, smaller size and lighter weight, different body finish are also nice, but not as important as the first group of features.

I haved a modified EOS 1000FN for over 7 years. During that time, I found that the improved features of another entry-level EOS body could not justify the cost of upgrade. Instead, I upgraded to an Elan 7E which adds Mirror Lockup, IR remote control, ECF, custom functions, and SIGNIFICANTLY faster AF and frame rate.

Remember that other than exposure and focus, it is the lens that really determines picture quality. Changing from 2 mid-range zooms to another 2 mid-range zooms might not yield noticeable improvements in picture quality. If you can be sure that your Sigma lenses work with a newer body, changing the body and buying a (used) lens such as the EF 50mm f/1.8 might be another option to explore.

What do you think?

-- Julian Loke (elan7e-owner@yahoogroups.com), April 28, 2002.