- excellent ergonomics
- Canon "L" glass
- large, bright viewfinder
- fast, easy exposure comp.
- fast mirror cycle
- highly customizable
- the BEST flash automation in 35MM when used w/550EX

- a bit power thirsty, otherwise none that I've found...

I shoot both medium format and 35MM, and I fully expect this to be the last 35MM body I will ever buy (then again, I said that about my 630!). I'm not going to engage in the juvenile Canon vs. Nikon holy war - both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and certainly their legions of followers. While Nikon's metering may be a little better in general, I personally think Canon's USM "L" glass is the system of choice for what I shoot (landscape, architectural, travel, and some wildlife). Do I really NEED 45-point AF and ECF? Probably not. But, they work (and work well), and they have already "saved" a few candid shots for me in the relatively brief time I've had this camera.

I've also got the 550EX Speedlight, and I can say that I have personally not used, seen, or heard of a better, more powerful, or more reliable flash outfit. My results have been consistently excellent.

So, if you've got the $$$ to spend (and spare me the "cheap plastic… cheesy construction…" noise - didn't you ever watch "The Graduate"?? "PLASTICS!" are the future, baby!) - then you will not be disappointed by the EOS-3. And if you've got even MORE $$$$, then wait a little while longer for the 1V! :-)

Customer Service

- none yet required for this body, but never any problem with other Canons (EOS-630, T90, F1) (BTW, you can go a LONG way toward improving customer service by buying from a reputable, local dealer, and not off the web... You'll pay a little more, but when things inevitably break, you'll be glad you did.)

Similar Products Used:

- EOS-630 (own)
- F100, EOS-1N, F5 (tested)

Very fast and accurate autofocus. Accurate metering (at least with my sample). Large AF area via the 45 focusing points. Fast built-in motordrive. Sturdily built except the ones described in "weaknesses". Good ergonomy

Palm door looks weak and easy to break accidentally. The back wheel also feels rather cheap.

The greatest incentive for me to buy this camera was that I became more and more interested in photographing birds in flight. With my EOS50e this was a nightmare resulting in many bad photos. The EOS3 on the other hand, with its large area of focusing points is incredibly good for this purpose. The focus tracking is so good and fast that most of my birds-in-flight photos are now tack sharp. I also have now many more options in my composition due to the large AF area.
Another thing which I like a lot but which may be trivial for others is the shutter sound of the EOS3. It's louder than the EOS50e but has much more "character".
I love this camera!

Customer Service

They let me wait for 2-3 months to repair a damaged lens. No other experience.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS 500, EOS 50e. Nikon FM2, Nikon F601.

Focus speed,

Exposure meter, Fragile body, battery drain.

After many years with my EOS 630, I ugraded to the 'semi-pro' EOS3. I am dissapointed with the build quality - I dropped it once and caused $300 of damage. Also I'm having real problems getting correct exposures consistently, underexposure is a constant problem. Also, it eats batteries at an alarming rate.
My heavy investment in Canon lenses kept me from the Nikon F-100, but I was close to switching to the other side.
I love the focusing, but thats about all. Other Canon bodies represent much better value, such as the EOS-A2E/5.
If you own a mid-range body, I don't think it's worth the upgrade.

Customer Service

not attempted yet

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F100, EOS-5

very responsive
very short blackout time -- 100ms
ergonomic
modeling flash w/ 550EX
"real" lockup mirror

CF/battery check door opens also when film door back opens.
Not compatible with some 3rd party lenses

Excellent pro/am camera.
Great for candid photography.
Film counter counts up or down.
Compatible with Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM and 17-35 f/2.8-4 HSM. Use it mostly with 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.
Many improvements over my A2; e.g. if use CF for AE button for autofocus, IS wouldn't engage; IS only activated on shutter -- bad. EOS-3 AE button for autofocus also activates IS.
System works well w/ 550EX flash system.
Exposure is spot-on. Flash exposure is spot-on.

Customer Service

excellent, complex questions answered quickly by phone and e-mail

Similar Products Used:

A2

Very Accurate and Fast Autofocus even in low light. Solid build and comfortable to handle even during long shoots. 550 flash is expensive but worth it if you do a lot of flash photography.

I've noticed under exposure but its consistant .Always good to test and use whatever ASA setting gives you good results.

I think its a very good accurate and fast camera if thats what you need. However I still use my 6 year old Elan where speed and Sophisticated flash option are not necessary.

Customer Service

None required

Similar Products Used:

Elan, S10, A2,

AF,light,non plastic,IS lenses

nikon jealous,EOS 1V

For my money best camera and system then any other on the market. Very fast,light and solid build. Some of you really need to study something about materials used on 3. Your childish plastic slanders doesn`t help F5 get lighter and where is IS on lenses (only one finelly after the years the first stolen copy called VR). And some of you say expensive ? I don`t think so ($969). Canon is Canon and it means the best camera system !!!

Customer Service

very good and fast

Similar Products Used:

F5,F100,EOS 1n,RS

Extremely fast AF
Pro-quality body
Highly customizable
45 point AF
Eye Controlled Focus (ECF)
Weather resistant
97% viewfinder
Shutter which has been independently tested to over 300,000 firings!
Excellent evaluative meter.
EL illuminated LCD display

Cheesy palm door covering battery check/custom functions
*OLD* units suffer from underexposure issues

People who criticize this body for having a polycarbonate shell are *WAY* off base. They criticize something they have never actually used before. The underexposure problem was an issue with early EOS-3 production batches which has since been rectified by Canon.
Besides these issues, I am absolutely in love with this body, all controls fall conveniently to hand: aperture/shutter speeds/EV compensation. The viewfinder is large and bright. The EOS-3 is a joy and delight to use, I am happy everytime I even hold it in my hands.

Customer Service

None required.

Similar Products Used:

EOS Rebel2000, A2e, ElanIIe

Very Fast AF using USM lenses, Solid feel, Faster ECF response compared to my EOS 5, metering is always dead on, I really love the handling coupled with the PB-E2 booster and pictures taken with 550EX are just beautiful.

Battery Indicator, Flash comnfirmation in viewinder, remote cover, pricey!!

The best camera I've ever owned (until maybe a 1v) I've tried Nikon's F100, F5 and fell in love with the 3 the first time I held it in my hands.

Customer Service

Haven't tried it yet

Similar Products Used:

EOS 5QD

Fast ECF response, well placed controls. The power booster gives it heft and stability whether shooting vertical or horizontal. Having used the A2E for three years before buying the EOS3, calibrating the eye-controlled focus system was fast and simple.

Only one. It uses an LED internally to count frames which can fog infrared film.

An excellent addition to the Canon camera line. With the addition of two or three 550EX Speedlites the EOS3 becomes a portable portrait photo studio. Because of the cost of this camera, beginning photographers and casual shooters should buy a Rebel 2000 or A2E instead of the EOS3.

Customer Service

Over the thirty years I've used Canon cameras I've always had prompt, courteous, help and support from Canon.

Similar Products Used:

EOS Rebel, EOS Rebel Xs, A2E
(I also still use a Canon Ftb and Canon A-1)

Flexibility, from total control to point and shoot. It has every feature that you're likely to need in the real world.

doesn't do the washing up or house work.

Great camera only surpassed by the EOS 1V I tried recently and then only by a whisker. With regard to the metering problems mentioned in some revues I always run exposure tests on new my new cameras and adjust accordingly ( I haven't ecountered metering errors with my EOS 3). For my money a better camera than the F100. If you're not locked into a system yet well worth giving it a try. Nikons are great as well but it's sad that some Nikon users feel the need to write bad revues of the EOS 3. Childish very childish. PS the only camera so far that has achived a five star rating in my favourite photography mag and yes they have tested the rest.

Customer Service

No problem with EOS 3 but had to chase them about 550ex flash, they were honest about the delivery problem they seem to be having and were very helpfull.

Similar Products Used:

Most products offered by Cannon, Nikon & Pentax.