How much fun would it be to have a camera that could read your mind?  Fun, no?  And if that camera that read your mind was packed with the best technology and was customizable to meet your specific needs, how great would that be?  Well, that camera is out there waiting for you in the body of Canon's EOS 3.

Released in 1998, the Canon EOS 3 was the premier Canon film camera of its day and remains among the most sophisticated electronic film cameras in today's market. 

The 45-point auto-focus system provides a grid of spots in the viewfinder from which the photographer may choose.  Selecting the focus is a matter of either scrolling through them one-by-one with a thumb wheel or by calibrating the camera to follow eye movements.  By simply looking at different squares in the viewfinder, photographers are able to focus very precisely on any part of a given scene.  As impressive as this innovation is, it was not brought forward to future cameras, which makes the EOS 3 the highest specification camera with eye-control focus ever produced.

Even though that would have been enough to make the EOS 3 a standout in its own rights, Canon also gave it sophisticated programming that allows photographers to customize up to eighteen different functions including how quickly the film rewinds, 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments on the shutter and aperture stops, and the option to leave the leader out of the film can after rewinding.  Additionally, there are eight different specialty focusing screens that can replace the standard matte screen.

As for power, the Canon EOS 3 has several options.  The smallest and lightest power source for this camera is a single lithium 2CR5, but Canon produced a series of grips and battery packs that added different features, functionalities, and battery lifespans.  Thanks to these options, EOS 3 users are again able to customize their cameras to fit their specific needs and shooting styles.

All of this technology comes with a bit of a weight cost, however.  Before adding any of the battery options or lenses, the Canon EOS 3 tips the scales at a little under two pounds.  Depending on the options selected, a hike with the EOS 3 may get pretty long indeed.  If you prefer to think of taking the camera out as adding to your exercise, then the weight becomes a bonus!

Production of the Canon EOS 3 ended in 2007, but thanks to its rugged construction, there are plenty of good examples of this camera in the world.  If you invest a little time in looking for one, you'll come across a bit of 20th century technology that is at home in the 21st century.  Just remember to workout and take your vitamins as needed.

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