Released in 1976, the Canon AE-1 was the first 35 mm single-lens reflex camera to use a central processing unit, or CPU, as its primary control mechanism, making SLR photography easier for amateurs. The Canon AL-1, which Canon released in 1982, represents a further advancement in the field of amateur SLR photography. Unlike its Canon AE-1 predecessor, the Canon AL-1 includes a system for assisting the camera's focus, known as "Quick Focus."
Size Specs
Of the Canon AE-1 and Canon AL-1 cameras, the former is slightly taller, whereas the latter is slightly wider and deeper. Specifically, the AE-1 has approximate dimensions of 5.55 inches wide by 3.43 inches high by 1.870 inches deep, while the AL-1 has approximate dimensions of 5.59 inches wide by 3.41 inches high by 1.874 inches deep. Without a lens attachment, the AE-1 has an approximate weight of 20.8 oz., making it the heavier of the two cameras. The AL-1, in comparison, weighs approximately 17.3 oz. without a lens attachment.
Lens and Viewfinder
The Canon AE-1 and the Canon AL-1 are both compatible with Canon FD lenses, which allow for full-aperture metering, and Canon FL lenses, with allow for stopped-down metering. In addition, both SLR cameras use the same mechanism for holding lenses in place: a Canon breech-lock mount. For allowing users to see what they are shooting, the AE-1 and the AL-1 rely on fixed eye-level pentaprism viewfinders. These viewfinders use five-sided prisms to capture and reflect incoming light. However, while the AE-1's viewfinder allows for a 93.5-percent vertical and a 96-percent horizontal field of view, the AL-1's viewfinder allows for only a 92-percent vertical and 93-percent horizontal field of view. Field of view refers to the coverage a viewfinder can provide in comparison to the actual area of the picture the camera is capturing. A larger field of view makes it easier for a user to determine how a picture will turn out.
Magnification
Using a standard 50 mm lens the Canon AE-1 can provide a maximum magnification or "zoom" ratio of 1 to 0.86, which refers to the relationship between the shortest and longest focal length the lens is capable of. This ratio translates to a maximum optical zoom capability of 0.86x. In comparison, using a standard, 50mm lens, the Canon AL-1 can provide a slightly superior maximum magnification: 1 to 0.87. This translates to a maximum optical zoom capability of 0.87x and means that the AL-1 can provide a higher degree of magnification than its AE-1 predecessor.
Shutter Speed
The Canon AE-1 and the Canon AL-1 have identical maximum and minimum shutter speeds: 0.001 seconds maximum and 2 seconds minimum. Shutter speed is a measure of exposure time and refers to how long a camera's shutter remains open for letting in light. Faster shutter speeds are ideal for capturing fast-moving objects, but they let in less light. Slower shutter speeds, in comparison, are ideal for capturing still objects, as they let in ample light. Apart from their maximum and minimum speeds, both the AE-1 and AL-1 allow for shutter speed settings of 0.002 seconds, 0.004 seconds, 0.008 seconds, 0.0167 seconds, 0.034 seconds and 0.067 seconds. However, unlike the AL-1, the AE-1 also allows for shutter speed settings of 0.125 seconds, 0.25 seconds, 0.5 seconds and 1 second.
Tags: Canon AE-1, Canon AL-1, seconds seconds, AE-1 Canon, AE-1 Canon AL-1