The Canon Elan 7 E Date features the eye-controlled focus system, thefastest means of focusing and metering a photographer can find. By using morefocusing points and greater off-center coverage than other cameras in its class,this camera is able to take an exact reading in approximately 1/20 of a second.When the photographer brings the camera to their eye, their glance is tracked bythe focusing system, allowing framing and focusing to become a singleuninterrupted creative process. An easy, one-time calibration is all that'sneeded to activate the eye-controlled focus system. Once this calibration iscomplete, the camera is able to precisely detect which part of the viewfinderthe photographer is using. It then automatically focuses the lens with amazingaccuracy.

This system delivers crisp, sharply focused images whether thecamera is in a vertical or horizontal position. The Canon Elan 7 is even able tostore the distinct calibrations of up to five different photographers. Using anEF 300mm f/2.8 IS lens, it can track a subject moving at 186 mph until it's amere 66 feet from the camera. This fast-focus system, combined with the abilityto shoot at almost 4 frames per second, makes the Canon Elan 7 the perfectchoice for capturing those demanding sporting events or special occasions whenyou don't want to miss a single moment. And considering its continuous shootingspeed, the Elan 7 is also remarkably quiet. This feature gives the photographerthe opportunity to shoot the perfect wildlife scene without disturbing orscaring the subject.

Part of the Elan 7's focusing system is the seven-pointwide-area autofocus. The eye-controlled focus system was designed to workespecially with this precision feature. Seven focusing points are arranged in awide cross pattern with a central "cross-type" sensor. The wider-than-usual areagives the photographer the ability to achieve a remarkably sharp, focused imageinstantly. This function works whether the subject is off-center, stationary, inmotion, in low light, or even in low-contrast situations. The shot will stillcome out sharp and crisp, and without the need to recompose the shot. By usingthe focusing-point selection keys, the user is able to select any of the sevenfocus points simply by pressing a key. Representing a bold innovation in speedand usability, this feature gives an additional amount of image control back tothe photographer.

A highly advanced metering system, comprised of 35-zoneevaluative metering sensors, is linked to the seven focusing points. Whethershooting indoors or outside, day or night, a seamless integration of exposureand focus assures remarkable clarity and contrast in any image. This systemgives the photographer accurate control over situations that combine light andshadow or that feature strong backlight. When metering subjects against verydark or very bright backgrounds, partial-area metering measures 10 percent ofthe viewfinder around the chosen focusing point. This provides accurate imageresults when dealing with shadows or highlights. The photographer can also usethe Elan 7's center-weighed metering function. This mode places greater emphasison what it reads as the center of the frame by measuring the entire scene. Nomatter which function the photographer chooses, precision metering isguaranteed--whether the camera is in a vertical or horizontal position.

Givingthe photographer even more creative control is the command dial. This allowsmanual control light, speed, aperture, and depth of field. Shutter priority letsthe photographer choose the shutter speed, while the Elan 7 automaticallyselects the correct aperture. This function is especially useful when capturingaction shots. With aperture priority, the photographer picks the aperturesetting while the camera chooses the correct shutter speed. This is helpful whencontrol over the depth of field is essential. Using the eye-controlled focussystem to define the "sharp zone," the photographer can calculate the precisedepth of field automatically. It's even possible to check the depth of fieldusing the preview button. For added creativity, and to help everyone rememberwhen all those special occasions took place, this particular model of the CanonElan 7 will let the photographer print the date and time on the final image.