Why no ECF on Canon digital bodies?

[David R Munson]

I adore my EOS 3, but the thing I love most about it is the eye-controlled focus (ECF). For those unacquainted, this is a system that allows autofocus points to be selected based on where the user is looking in the viewfinder. It is so amazingly perfect for me that since I got the EOS 3, all fo my other cameras have seen almost zero use.

In a perfect world, the 5D Mk II would have ECF functionality, but as it stands not a single digital SLR body made by Canon has featured ECF. I simply don't understand why this is.

Does anyone have any insight into it? I know it doesn't work perfectly for everyone, which I think was the justification for why it was never on a 1-series EOS film body, but that doesn't explain why it ceased to exist after the EOS 3 and Elan 7e.

I'm considering starting a petition to show Canon support for ECF on a digital body, but I'm not sure how much interest there would be, or for that matter what chance there would be that Canon would pay attention.

Thoughts?

 

[ebolton]

I also have an EOS 3, and love the ECF. After I've been using it for awhile, I find myself looking all around the VF on my digital Rebel trying to change the focus point (vainly of course).

It seems it works for people and they love it, or it doesn't work and they don't. I think some folks might form their negative opinion before they've done the calibration routine.

Since I've owned the EOS 3, I've also started wearing glasses. I do find the ECF doesn't work as well with my glasses on.

All in all, though, I think it's great technology and I'd love it on my digital body.

 

[PatrickONeill]

I love the ECF on my ElanIIE. I still shoot with the camera simply because ECF hasn't let me down. its technically feasible to put them on new cameras. They did a great job of keeping the pentaprism compact on the 7E, I think it just comes down to marketing. I'd kill for a 5DE of somesort.

 

[cmedin]

They are probably sitting on it until they run out of other ideas, then they will reintroduce it as a selling point on a new body.

 

[gliderbee]

I once before read about it, but never seen it in action.

It sounds interesting, but does it mean you have to keep your eye on the point in focus while taking the picture ?

I can imagine myself willing to focus on one point while looking at another for framing while taking the picture: after all, that's what focus-lock (AFL) is for ..

Stefan.

 

[rover]

I once before read about it, but never seen it in action.

It sounds interesting, but does it mean you have to keep your eye on the point in focus while taking the picture ?

I can imagine myself willing to focus on one point while looking at another for framing while taking the picture: after all, that's what focus-lock (AFL) is for ..

Stefan.

No focus and recompose so you are looking at your subject regardless where in the frame you place them. That said, focus locks with a half push of the shutter release.

I miss my Elan 7ne. The Elan is the only reason I had on the pro list vs the cons regarding a Canon DSLR.