Canon EOS 650 (1987–1989)

The first camera in Canon’s EOS line, marking the company’s full-electronic AF SLR debut with the new EF lens mount.

Overview

The Canon EOS 650 was the first model in Canon’s EOS series, released in 1987 as a competitive autofocus SLR developed in direct response to the Minolta Maxxum 7000. Designed from the ground up as a fully electronic system, it introduced the Canon EF (Electro Focus) lens mount, abandoning the FD mount and enabling electronic aperture control and motor-in-lens autofocus. It was developed to coincide with Canon’s 50th anniversary and represented a complete break from previous Canon SLR designs.

Specifications

Evaluative metering system	Factor-Six Light Analysis
Metering communication	Two-way communication between camera and lens
Lens mount	Canon EF (Electro Focus)
Lens compatibility	Basic Arc Focus Drive (AFD) EF lenses and later Ultrasonic Motor (USM) lenses

Design

The EOS system was designed from the start to be fully electronic, featuring electronic aperture control—a first in the industry. Canon chose a motor-in-lens autofocus configuration, differing from competitors who placed the focus motor in the camera body. The EOS Tool can read diagnostic data such as the number of film rolls used and prior servicings.

Context

The EOS 650 was Canon’s answer to the Minolta Maxxum 7000, following the poorly received T80, which led Canon to abandon FD-mount AF development and create the EOS system from scratch. The system was initially called "Entirely Organic System" before becoming "Electro Optical System" (EOS). The EF mount’s introduction marked the end of the FD mount, alienating some existing Canon users. The EOS 650 was the first EOS camera, with the EOS 620 as a contemporaneous prosumer model; service manuals cover both models.

Reception

The EOS 650 matched the specifications of the Minolta 7000 and Nikon F-501 (N2020). When paired with USM lenses, it delivered superior autofocus speed in light levels above EV 6 and operated more quietly than its competitors.