This camera has become somewhat outdated, but you can take a look at the Canon EOS M5, which has taken a substantial leap in quality and performance, we tell you everything about it here. Or go to the list of best compact cameras 📷 ⬅️ .
If you are fond of being up-to-date in photographic-technological trends, you will have already noticed that more and more brands are betting on compact models, lightof interchangeable opticsand promises of reflex quality in tiny compact cameras no mirror.
For some time now there have been some brands on the market with cameras with similar characteristics. One of the last to join this new fashion was one of the “big”: Canon. with their models EOS MCanon joined a growing list of brands that bet on high-quality compact formats.
Who is the Canon EOS M for?
The camera was designed for amateurs who bet on photography (and video) of good quality in format cameras light Y easybut with the possibility of obtaining great results without too much photographic knowledge. But above all it is addressed to those who have already surrendered to the charms of the touchscreens and who enjoy focusing, shooting, and generally controlling everything quickly and easily through them.
Main features of the camera
- Touch screen with a spectacular definition. You will see everything with extreme sharpness. In addition, it shows 100% of the frame of the photo (most camera screens show a slightly cropped frame).
- Full HD (High Definition) video recording.
- 18 megapixel APS-C sensor. This allows you to obtain very good resolution photographs, even printing them at giant sizes.
- ISO up to 12,800. For lovers of night photography, this will come in handy.
- Hybrid CMOS AF focusing system. Greater precision and faster autofocus. Additionally, the camera offers 31 autofocus points. An atrocity.
- Magnesium alignment body. Very durable and resistant.
- Weight: 298 grams. Very light to carry.
Do not be scared by the following diagram, to serve as an illustration so that you can see the number of external connections that the Canon EOS M can have.
Advantages of the Canon EOS M
Touch screen
In this model, Canon is clearly committed to its touch screen. This camera is designed to be used through it. You’ll be able to focus, shoot, control the different modes or artistic effects, etc. If you don’t like using the touch screen, calm down, you can continue using the physical buttons of a lifetime.
Ease of use
Since the camera has centered the controls through the menus accessed via the touch screen, it has eliminated a lot of external controlsleaving only the most basics (Automatic/photo or video mode, On/Off, Menu, preview, Info, trash, etc.). This makes it much easier to use than having to “fiddle” with hundreds of buttons and settings.
Easy access menus
Through the touch screen it is very easy to access all the functions of the camera; the menus are intuitive and well composed.
Size
Although it is not one of the smallest in its category, it is still a good size for the number of features it offers.
Items included in the kit
The kit includes a lens (18-55mm f3.5-5.6) and an external flash; the Speedlite 90EX, both of good quality.
- The flash: External and independent power is functional and powerful. Furthermore it can be used as master unit controlled by IR ETTL-II. With EX-series Speedlites, you have the ability to fire multiple flashes wirelessly.
- The optics: Robust and of good quality. By the multiplication factor (1.6x) it would correspond to a 29-88mm.
Approach
Through a hybrid focus system combining the contrast system with the phase difference system, the Canon EOS M achieves a good precision of focus. Regarding the speed of focus, it is more effective with the standard optics than with those added through the mount.
Possibility of using Canon lenses through its adapter
If you are already immersed in the photographic world and you “decided” on Canon, surely you have a lens to add to this small compact. Through its EF-EOS M mount adapter (for about €139 on Amazon) you can add any Canon EF and EF-S lens that is around the house with good results.
Price
When this camera came on the market, it was around €800 and it was one of its main disadvantages compared to other brands with similar characteristics. The good news is that, today, you can find it for a much more competitive price: €450-500 on Amazon. Even better news is this: at the time of writing this article, the price of the camera with the complete kit is below €400 on Amazon.
Disadvantages
No optical viewfinder
So yes or yes, you will have to frame through the screen. Probably some will not mind and others will miss at least the possibility of integrating a viewer.
Only three models of interchangeable optics as standard
It is true that you can “fix” it with the adapter, but the truth is that if you are just starting out you will not have any optics and these may come one day when they are “short”. However, to begin with, you have more than enough.
- 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-M IS STM lens. The one that comes in the initial Kit is equivalent to a 29-88mm.
- 22mm f/2 EF-M STM lens. A fixed lens equivalent to approximately a 35mm.
- 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens. It is the latest contribution to the lenses for the EOS M series and is equivalent to a 88-320mm.
Competition (A lot)
When Canon entered the market for this class of compact, some brands had already dominated the sector for a few generations. Therefore, the competition is very tough for these models. That may be bad for Canon but good for the consumer ;-), so we might as well place it in perks. Greater competition forces them to improve and innovate in an agile way to monopolize the market segment. In short, as always, it is best to compare before deciding on one brand or another, or one model or another.
conclusion
If you are just starting out in the world of photography, this complete compact will seem like a wonder to you. You will be able to get great images in a very simple and intuitive way since it has easy-to-use menus designed to offer you advanced photographer results. And since you don’t like to settle, it is not without a certain didactic air that will allow you to learn through simple modes, more complex concepts such as diaphragm, depth of field, speeds and a long etcetera.
If you are going to get a Canon EOS M, take a look at Amazon since they expose it at an interesting price.
As always, if you have found this article useful, you liked it and you think that a fellow hobbyist may be interested, please share it. Thank you! 🙂