It is slightly different from the EOS Elan II in that it features eye-controlled focus. This allows the user to control the point of focus by looking at specific parts of the image; an onboard sensor follows eye movement and the lens automatically changes focus as the eye moves to points within the frame.

This model features an LCD screen showing exposure information and LED readouts showing custom functions. The viewfinder provides all the information you need to set up your shots, including depth of field, flash, shutter speed and aperture, and much more. The EOS Elan IIe allows for film speeds from ISO 25 to 5,000. The speed is set automatically in 1/3-step increments; it can also be set manually from ISO 6 to 6,400 in 1/3-step increments.

Film is loaded automatically and advanced to the first frame when the camera back is closed. You have the choice of single-frame or continuous shooting at approximately 2.5 frames per second; the film counter reveals frame number. Film is rewound automatically at the end of the roll, or after 36 exposures with a midroll rewind option. The Canon EOS Elan IIe uses any Canon EF lens.

Product Description
Canon's EOS Elan IIe 35-millimeter camera builds on the superior technology of Canon's EOS family; the most successful family of SLR cameras in the world. The Elan IIe incorporates the EOS family's superior technology with easy-to-use controls to make this camera the ideal choice for both amateurs and professionals. The unit offers such user-friendly features as quick-control dial, auto-focus mode, an easy-to-view LCD panel and automatic exposure control for perfect color regardless of the lighting or time of day. The EOS Elan IIe handles much of the work for you, but still leaves you in control of the shot.Photography provides an endless variety of subjects, and every subject provides an endless variety of creative compositions. The EOS Elan II/Elan IIe makes it easy for you to concentrate on composition, rather than camera function. The three-point Eye Controlled Focus system almost always puts a focusing mark where you want it...where you're looking! This intuitive interface joins you and the camera as never before. With its advanced Eye Controlled Focus, the EOS Elan II/Elan IIe literally becomes an extension of your vision. After you complete a simple calibration process to customize the system for your eyesight, the camera stores your personal data in one of three calibration channels. An intelligent program accumulates even more data when you add calibrations to your channel during various indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.

Well, there's the manual to begin with. There is no way you can access and understand all of the features that this camera has (and there are a LOT of features) by reading the manual. They just do a poor job of explaining, for example, the three metering modes and the three autofocus modes. I've had mixed sucess with the eye-controlled autofocus and find it a distraction now, and poor luck with the depth of field mode (if I could only get eye-controlled depth of field to work reliably). Depth of field preview? Pretty basic, my 35 year old SLR had it, the IIe's is not very functional. And for all the ballyhoo about the autofocus modes, the predictive focus mode hunts around so much that your subject will be long gone before the camera locks on to it (just try taking pictures of a puppy).

Comparing this camera to the Rebel, I would wish for a combination of the two: I would like the light weight and functionality of the Rebel with the sturdyness and some of the flexability of the IIe. For a beginner, stick with the Rebel and a good lens (NOT the 28-80), you'll be much happier. As for me, I should be hunting up one of those MagicLantern manuals for the IIe and practicing with the eye-controlled autofocus.

I would rate this camera 5 stars for what it can do, but decided on 3 stars based on what it should do and doesn't or says it can do but doesn't do very well.