The Canon Elan 7E features the eye-controlled focus system, the fastest means of focusing and metering a photographer can find. By using more focusing 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 a photographer brings the camera to their eye, their glance is tracked by the focusing system, allowing framing and focusing to become a single uninterrupted creative process. An easy one-time calibration is all that's needed to activate the eye-controlled focus system. Once this calibration is complete, the camera is able to precisely detect which part of the viewfinder the photographer is using. It then automatically focuses the lens with amazing accuracy.

This system delivers crisp, sharply focused images whether the camera is in a vertical or a horizontal position. The Canon Elan 7E is even able to store the distinct calibrations of up to five different photographers. Using an EF 300mm f2.8 IS lens, it can track a subject moving at 186 mph until it's a mere 66 feet from the camera. This fast-focus system, combined with the ability to shoot at almost four frames per second, makes the Canon Elan 7E the perfect choice for capturing those demanding sporting events or special occasions when you don't want to miss a single moment. And, considering its continuous shooting speed, the Elan 7E is also remarkably quiet. This feature gives the photographer the opportunity to shoot the perfect wildlife scene without disturbing or scaring the subject.

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

A highly advanced metering system, comprised of 35-zone evaluative metering sensors, is linked to the seven focusing points. Whether shooting indoors or outside, day or night, a seamless integration of exposure and focus ensures remarkable clarity and contrast in any image. This system gives the photographer accurate control over situations that combine light and shadow or that feature strong backlight. When metering subjects against very dark or very bright backgrounds, partial-area metering measures 10 percent of the viewfinder around the chosen focusing point. This provides accurate image results when dealing with shadows or highlights. The photographer can also use the Elan 7E's center-weighed metering function. This mode places greater emphasis on what it reads as the center of the frame by measuring the entire scene. No matter which function the photographer chooses, precision metering is guaranteed--whether the camera is in a vertical or horizontal position.

Giving the photographer even more creative control is the command dial. This allows manual-control light, speed, aperture, and depth of field. Shutter priority lets the photographer choose the shutter speed, while the Elan 7E automatically selects the correct aperture. This function is especially useful when capturing action shots. With aperture priority, the photographer picks the aperture setting while the camera chooses the correct shutter speed. This is helpful when control over the depth of field is essential. Using the eye-controlled focus system to define the "sharp zone," the photographer can calculate the precise depth of field automatically. It's even possible to check the depth of field using the preview button.