I purchased a Canon AE-1 many years back when they were one of themost popular SLR's out there second only to the "profesionals" Nikon or Canon F-1's and learned the art of photography strickly with the AE-1... after a couple of years I found as many did that since i wanted to use the camera multi function, and fast action.. as well in fireground photos, I found it easiest to get a Camera body set up for Low light applcations as well as "more normal" applications, but for tprice of a 2nd AE-1 was a bit prohibative, so while searching the market In NYC I ran across a AL-1
and purchased it, for Cheap! while there are differances in each...as far as "automatic" ness I really fell in love with my AL-1, using it for fireground pictures turned ot to be a lot easier then the AE-1 in either auuto or manual mode the qualty of some action shots was much better given the Focus features, as long as you remember what film speed your working with
and in the begining range your shutter speeds to see how things come out the best... it wont take long at all before you really have a good grasp on the Camera... One other issue is that the AE-1 needed a special battery while the AL-1
can always be fed with triple A's
which are simple to locate anywhere the over all feel of the AL-1 body is lighter and comfortable in the hands... naturally the lenses are interchangable in my case... Sadly
I cracked the battery case, so while it works I have set it asside rather then break it .. I truely love the Camera though.. while i like my AE-1... hope this helps