Canon EOS Elan IIE 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-80mm Lens

As with all cameras, film matters. Use the lowest speed possible and try to match the film with the development process.

For baby shots, the red eye reduction works better than any previous camera I owned.

I have to admit, I am still learning all of the manual functions... but that is what's so terrific about this camera; its user can move into and out of manual and autofocus controls while learning how to operate the Elan IIe.

The personalized eye-focus option is perfect for families who like to take turns getting behind the camera. I have mine calibrated for use with contacts in or glasses on -and it takes great shots either way.

It is a tough camera that performs well in all kinds of inclement weather and conditions (try a rocking sailboat in the rain photographing breaching humpback whales from several hundred feet! --and still I got some great shots).

I agree with other reviewers, however, that the only real downside to this camera is the lack of focusing points in manual focus mode. I have learned to autofocus and then fine tune in manual --but that doesn't work very well for fast-moving subjects. Also, its autofocus is limiting for extreme close-up subjects. If the user doesn't have a good idea about manual settings (or the desire to even try them)-the sole use of autofocus will limit your picture taking.

This is a great camera for anyone who wants to jump to the next level and break away from the confines of a full-time auto controlled SLR.

The primary thing that gives me trouble is focusing. The auto-focus usually works OK - the view has three small boxes in it, and the camera senses which box you're looking at and automatically focuses on whatever is in that box. In most cases, that's great. But sometimes the auto-focus screws up. When I take a picture of my dog, for instance, it will focus on the tip of his nose instead of his eyes. So sometimes I override the auto-focus, but the manual focus is difficult to use because there's no split-circle indicator to show you when something is in perfect focus.

Other than that, I've been very pleased with the EOS, and I'd recommend it to someone who wants a powerful, easy-to-use camera that gives you a lot of flexibility.

One thing that sets the Elan IIe from other camera is its eye control focus system. Three boxes are in the view finder. Look at any one of those boxes, the Elan flashes red, and the camera focuses on that spot. Look in between two of the boxes, and you focus the camera on whatever is between them. While this sounds very high-tech, its incredibly easy to use, works with glasses, and has pre-sets for up to three people since the the camera "learns" more about its user the more the person uses the system. I found this to be incredibly accurate and easy to use. It's useful when your framing a picture with the subject off center.

The camera takes amazing pictures...I mean amazing. It's a great camera for a family - the beginner can use the point and shoot mode, and the family photographer can use all the manual configurations. It can be as simple or complex as you'd like with all the functionality and flexinbility you'll need.