The Canon EOS Kiss is a 35mm camera. It belongs to the group of SLR cameras and was introduced in 1993. At that time it was the lightest SLR on the market. The new price of the camera in Japan at that time was 89,000 yen. It is the predecessor of the Canon EOS New Kiss. Under the name “Canon EOS 500” the 35mm camera was offered in Europe. American buyers bought it as EOS Rebel XS.
The lenses of the Canon EOS Kiss are interchangeable. This is made possible by the EF bayonet. Frequently the 35mm camera is hit with the Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM. The focusing of the lens is done by a built-in autofocus system.
The Canon EOS Kiss has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films in a range from ISO 6 to ISO 6400. The camera reads the ISO value via the DX code on the cartridge. The correct exposure is measured through the lens. The Canon EOS Kiss has different exposure modes.
The camera comes with a bulb mode and fixed shutter speeds from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. In low light conditions, the built-in flash can be used. The range of the flash is stated as 12 meters. An external flash can be triggered by the built-in hot shoe. The miniature camera has a self-timer. There is also a thread for a tripod.
The dimensions of the Canon EOS Kiss are 14.5 x 9.2 x 6.2 cm according to the operating instructions. It weighs 370 grams. The power supply comes from a 6V 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon EOS Kiss
What film format is the Canon EOS Kiss designed for? The camera needs films for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still easy to get and are developed by most photo labs. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black and white pictures are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*.
The color film is processed in the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories. A development of a 35mm color film is for example possible at most drugstore chains in Germany.
The film transport is automated. It comes with a prewinding system. After the film has been inserted, it is wound onto a spool and then wound back into the cartridge each time a shot is taken.
Canon EOS Kiss Panorama
The Canon EOS Kiss Panorama is a variant of the normal SLR camera. The camera comes with a panorama function. The panorama function crops the image inside with two bars that cover part of the negative.
Another function is the date imprinting function of the analog SLR, which makes it possible to print the date of the shot directly onto the negative. This is particularly useful for archiving and organizing photos later on.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/90 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 14,5 x 9,2 x 6,2 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.62 x 2.44 inches |
| Weight | 370 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 80,16 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 64 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 72,44 Euro (77.93 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 63,81 Euro (68.19 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 120,71 Euro (129.89 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS Kiss
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Canon EOS Kiss uses 35mm film, also known as Kleinbild format. These are still readily available and easily developed at most photo labs.
How does the camera focus?
It has a built-in autofocus system. The lens focuses automatically, making it easier to take sharp pictures.
Does the camera have a flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a range of about 12 meters. You can also use an external flash with the hot shoe.
What is the weight and size of the EOS Kiss?
The camera weighs 370 grams and its dimensions are 14.5 x 9.2 x 6.2 cm according to the manual.
Can I take panoramic pictures with this camera?
A version called the Canon EOS Kiss Panorama exists, which has a built-in function to create panoramic photos by masking part of the negative during exposure.