Apr 16, 2002 01:40 PM
33837 Views
(Updated Feb 10, 2003 05:33 AM)
INTRODUCTION
The Canon EOS 888 was introduced way back in 1995, as a even cheaper option compared to the Canon EOS 500. It actually created a storm when it was introduced, because of its extremely low cost, which actually attract lots of new users to the world of SLR photography.
I have used the Canon EOS 888 numerous times, as a number of new members actually started with this camera because of its cost. But sad to say, none actually continue to use it after some time because of its limitation.
BUILD
The build of the Canon EOS 888 is definitely one of the worst in the market. Not only does it feel like plastic (it is plastic anyway), it look plastic as well.
I am very certain that it will not last through any hard time it will have for careless owners. It definitely does not have the strong housing that the higher end model like the Canon EOS 30 has, so do not expect it to be able to withstand any hard impact.
FOCUSING
The Canon EOS 888 offers both Auto focus as in Auto Servo AF, which will automatically switched between One Shot and Predictive Servo Mode.
EXPOSURE
The Canon EOS 888 offers 2 types of metering systems, namely,
1) 6 Zone Evaluative
2) 9.5% Partial At Centre
It has an Exposure Metering Range of EV 2 to 20 at ISO 100, which mean it can only meter in good light situation.
It offers only 2 Advance mode, as in
1) Program AE
2) Shutter Priority AE
As well as Auto Vari Programs modes like Portrait, Landscape… etc.
LENS
With the common Canon EF mount, the Canon EOS 888 readily accepts the whole range of great Canon EF lenses.
The Canon EOS 888 also third party lenses maker like the popular low cost Sigma, Tokina, Tamron... etc. To achieve high picture quality and most important sharpness, none of this cheap lenses maker is comparable to the original Nikkor lenses. I always believe that that extra cost spent on the optics is worthy.
QUALITY TEST
On the plus side, the Canon EOS 888 is simply one of the easiest SLR camera in the world to use. I don’t think the manual is needed to use it. Anyway, the fact that there is not much of features that come with the camera, that makes the amount of buttons kept to the minimum, and that actually make it easy to use.
For beginner, I am not sure how much the manual will help the user, other than teaching them the basic of using camera like loading film etc.
Handling of the camera is average to me. It could be due to the light plastic weight and plastic body, but it is definitely one of the lightest item to carry around for trips. Shooting in any position is easy and comfortable, and should not pose too much of a problem to any users. But for user with big hand, it could be a real headache because of the small frame of the camera as well as its buttons and knobs.
The Canon EOS 888 offers a range of shutter speed from 1/8s to 1/2000s. This is a disappointing range to me, as it really limits the usefulness and creativity potential, especially the lack of slower shutters speed. The provision of a Bulb function might help in some way, but not much.
A very slow film advance speed of 1 fps will kept the user only to normal photography. Fast action photography is only possible at 1 fps, meaning a lot of shots will be missed.
Providing a flash sync speed of just 1/90s is not the best available now in the market. Newer and higher end model offers up to 1/125s to 1/250s, which means more options of flash photography can be employed.
Using the Canon EOS 888 at its AF mode is easy. I used it with Canon USM lenses, and focusing is relatively fast and acceptable to my liking. The Canon EOS 888 have no problem trying to keep objects in focus, but sometime it does have problem trying to keep focus with moving objects.
I used the 6 zone evaluation metering system most of the time with the Canon EOS 888. Photos taken with this metering is very well exposed. Compared to my Nikon F80, it does show a under 1 f-stop exposure value, but I believe it could be due to the old age of the Canon EOS 888.
The build in flash, with an ISO guide number of 12m (at ISO 100), is too weak for any good uses. As with all other camera, I would strongly recommend the use of an external unit to get better flash effects. There are a number of low cost flash units like the Canon 380EX, as well as any third party flash from Sigma, Sunpak… etc., which will provide better flashes options compared to the build it units.
SUMMARY
I only have one conclusion on the Canon EOS 888, and that is “Spend your money elsewhere”. There is simply too many other good choices around, be it Canon, Nikon or other brand.
For casual user, it is definitely a upgrade from conventional point and shoot camera. Other than that, I can see no other good points to support a BUY recommendation from me for the Canon EOS 888.
