What's the difference?

[JWitmer]

I think I'm missing something here...
I'm not very knowledgeable in the field of film and the theory behind it, and I have heard from several people that my wanting an EOS-3 or EOS-1 is ridiculous because apparently, if I'm using the same cheap ISO 400 Fuji film from Wal Mart, I'll see the exact same results on a any other SLR as long as the lenses are the same. They are saying that the way the cameras write to the film is all similar, but it's the film that makes the difference. I figured that the higher-end bodies would obviously produce higher-end images, but I'm now doubting myself.

So my question is: Should I save for a couple weeks and get an EOS-3 or EOS-1v for $150-$300 or just pick up the $25 EOS-100 in Craigslist?

[toxic]

a film body is just a light-tight box. It has no bearing on the final outcome...but that isn't to say that the extras aren't useful. The EOS 3 shares the same AF system as 1-series bodies, along with weather-sealing (I think). The image quality is purely dependent on film and lens.

Digital bodies, by contrast, have the "film" built-in (the sensor).

[JWitmer]

Cool, thanks!
I'm actually really excited to hear that. I hardly use AF and weathersealing isn't too important to me, so I'm picking up a nice cheapie soon since I recently sold my Rebel GII.

Now, what would you guys recommend in the realm of film? I'd like my results to be as nice as possible if that can be helped.

[jra]

As toxic pointed out, the film and lens make all the difference while the body plays a bit more of a secondary role when it comes to IQ.

[PhotosGuy]

Now, what would you guys recommend in the realm of film? Like cameras, film, isn't just "film", so don't expect to buy a few rolls at the camera/drug store and have any hope of consistent results? Especially if you don't have it processed at a pro lab in the same processing batch.
A meter is only a guide & sometimes they need calibration. Film speeds & color balance are only guides, too, so get all the film for a job in the same batch number, hopefully from the same vendor. We had freezers filled with it.

Amateur/consumer films are designed to stay in the camera for about a year, vacations at the start/end, with Christmas in the middle of the roll. The color changes magenta to green as it ages. (Or the other way around -can't remember)

Pro films are color balanced for right now out of the fridge & should be processed right now after shooting, within a day or so to maintain speed & CB consistency.