Canon Elph 2 APS Camera Kit

The Canon Elph 2 has an all-glass aspherical lens with hybrid autofocus, automatic exposure control, a built-in flash with red-eye reduction, and intuitive film speed setting. It also offers a 10-second self-timer that is compatible with an optional RC-5 remote. Along with these foolproof features, you get the ease of use of the APS format, which includes drop-in film loading, midroll change, and an array of other user-friendly features. You can choose among three print formats--classic, group, or panoramic--as well as a number of date imprint options.

The Canon Elph 2 operates on a lithium CR-2 battery. This kit includes a battery, a carrying case, a strap, and a roll of film so you can start snapping pictures right away. The kit also includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty on parts and labor.

The controls are just fabulous - the best is the zoom lever - immediate zoom speed without a lot of time lapse. The actual zoom ratio isn't that great but you have to give up something for its size. It's got all the standard red-eye, fill-in, timer functions, plus a bunch of nifty time-date-stamp buttons. The back display gives you all the info in logical layout.

The only thing you need to watch out for is the standard 2-step focus and shoot process. Because this gem is so small, it's easy to move the camera while trying to get a good shot. And if you're thinking about the Elph 1 versus Elph 2 - I've seen 2 of the Elph 1's in the camera shop with its flash stuck in the up mode.


I love this camera!   September 25, 2000
94 out of 94 found this review helpful

I bought this camera in July of 2000 to replace my 35mm point-and-shoot that had died (after only 14 years! ). A week after I got it, I left on a trip to Colorado - not normally a great idea, to take a brand new camera that you haven't had a chance to get used to on a trip. I got amazingly good pictures back, however - better crispness using 200 speed film than 400 speed - and the panoramic feature for mountain/valley type shots was fantastic. Since then, I've taken it on three more trips and shot about 8 rolls of film. I haven't had any trouble at all with the camera and the pictures are consistently excellent (except when I do stuff like cover the lens with my fingers . . . hardly the camera's fault!). The small size is very helpful too - I feel pretty dumb walking around with the little carrying case on my belt, but that way I DO have the camera every time I need it, and it's not quite as dopey as having it slung around my neck. I don't remember when I ever got this excited about an electronic product - there isn't anything I'd change about it.


Amazing little camera for casual photographers   August 11, 2000
Paul Bobbitt (Toronto, Ontario Canada)
104 out of 106 found this review helpful

I'm consistantly amazed at what Canon can pack into such a small package. I took a Canon Elph Jr. with me to Rome in the fall of 1999, and the pictures came out beautifully. The Elph 2 has the 2x zoom feature, but otherwise it's very similar. The APS photosystem is easy to use, and the index prints and negatives that stay in the canister are great for those of us who aren't terribly organized. All the canisters stay in a book-sized holder with the index prints. As a result, I give far more photo gifts than I used to, because I always know where the negatives are when I need to order reprints. I was particularly struck by the clarity of the photos, the richness of the colours, and the ease of use of the camera. While the 24mm APS format is smaller than the 35mm standard film, the resolution is still excellent. Far better than any digital camera under $1000. One of the most useful characteristics is the tiny size. Because it fits anywhere, I take it with me in my napsack and shoot photos of anything I find interesting. If you purchase a $100 flatbed scanner to scan photos for your web page, or to send via email, these Elphs offer a far better bargain than any digital camera or film camera available today.


Forget The Rest -- This One's The Best   February 13, 2001
31 out of 31 found this review helpful

GREAT CAMERA!

I purchased this camera based totally on its size and "pocketability". After playing with it for a few weeks I've learned that it's quality is superb (all metal case), the controls are intuitive (the shutter is surrounded by the zoom lens and the rear of the camera contains a panel that monitors all vital functions of this great little camera). The photos are surprisingly clear for an APS camera, with three versatile formats controlled by a toggle switch adjacent to the eye piece.

My only dislike about this camera is that the red-eye function is not as effective as it could be. Most indoor photos still have this problem when developed. Another small glitch not with the camera but with the photo processors is the IX date function does not always appear on the film when developed. I was told that not all processors use equipment that is compatible with the IX date function.

Panoramic shots using 200 speed film (I personally prefer Fuji Nexia)are very clear with very little grain.

Overall I'm very satisfied with this purchase. As a matter of fact, based upon my satisfaction with the APS ELPH2 I purchased a Digital Elph three weeks after this camera.

The ELPH2 is a must have if you're looking for a moderately priced, quality point and shoot APS camera.


The key to APS   October 5, 2001
30 out of 30 found this review helpful

I spent considerable time researching small cameras and I came to many of the same conclusions as other reviewers:

The size of the Elph 2 is ideal. I take the camera fishing, skiing, and on all other trips. If fits on one's belt like a pocketknife, ready for action. With a camera this convenient and unobtrusive, I find myself taking more pictures and therefore having a much better record of my trips.

Functionality - very good. This is certainly the best camera in the Canon APS line - a great impovement over previous models. It is important to pay attention to the automatic features of the camera; turn off the flash if your subject is far away and use the focus hold feature to be sure the right object is in focus. Be careful with action shots as the shutter can take its sweet time on occasion.

Photo quality - this seems to be the most sensitive issue amongst reviewers. I agree with one other reviewer here in saying that the key is the processing location - it is important to find a place that processes APS film well. I spent some time in the desert with friends, we all had cameras - SLR, 35mm P/S, and my Canon APS. Having developed my pictures at a good local place, my pictures turned out the BEST compared to my friends. In fact, I have taken some pictures with this camera that look professional in quality. However, I have gotten rolls developed at other places and the pictures were completely uninspiring. The difference is remarkable.

I would dock this camera 1/2 a star for aesthetics. The original elph was quite unique visually. This camera, though perfectly nice, is not very intersting. The face is a bit crowded and it looks like all the other silver cameras out there.

I would certainly recommend this camera to those of you looking for a travel camera with few compromises and a price that doesn't make you nervous about using it.