The Canon EOS M is Canon’s smallest EOS camera, and Canon’s first Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera. The EOS M doesn’t WOWed reviewers and I personally wasn’t that thrilled with this camera. Maybe the expectations were so high that I thought to myself that Canon is going to surprise us all, put Panasonic, Olympus and Sony to shame. Of course I just wish it was true, because competition is always good for the customer. Nevertheless, there are some things that you might have missed and didn’t know about the Canon EOS M CSC. In this post I will mention 10 of the most important features that I think you should be aware of before you decide to buy or pass the EOS M.
Canon EOS M Sensor
The Canon EOS M utilizes a 18MP APS-C size sensor. This is the same sensor size used in many DSLR camera, including the Canon EOS 60D, Nikon D7000, Nikon D300s, Canon T4i/650D. In comparison, Micro Four Thirds sensor and Nikon 1 CX sensor are smaller than this sensor. Sony NEX MILC cameras use the same sensor size in their NEX CSC.
The Canon EOS M also support multo aspect ratios, including 4:3, 16:9 and 1:1 (Also known as 6:6). Of course the Canon EOS M supports the Raw format.
Canon EOS M Hybrid AF
The Canon EOS M uses a new 31-point hybrid autofocusing system. Hybrid means that the camera utilizes both phase-detection with contrsat-detection AF for fast and more accurate focusing in Live View and Video mode. This would certainly improve the AF performance, although it still not at the same level then what you get with a DSLR camera and when shooting thought the Viewfinder.
The Canon EOS M also support continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking. This is very useful feature that will allow the camera to quickly focus on subjects that moves across the frame (ie. running kids, cars,running animals).
Canon EOS M Screen
The Canon EOS M has a gorgeious 104k dot 3:2 touch-sensitive ClearView II LCD screen. This is a capacitive type screen that support nulti-touch gestures. This is the same type of sensitive capacitive screen use in the iPhone 4S. That means that the screen will respond fast to your touches, as you are used to when using your mobile phone. Images and video playbacks will look great on this screen. Menu navigation will also be much more responsive, not the same responsiveness that you are used to with the Olympus PEN, a mobile phone like responsiveness. Canon use this technology in their camcorders and Cinema cameras. Although I didn’t try it myself, it should be a great experience, considering that you will be doing most of the work via the LCD (no viewfinder).
Canon EOS M Hot-Shoe
The Canon EOS M has a hot-shoe connector, to which you can connect external Canon Speedlite flashes like the 600EX-RT, 430EX II, 320EX, 270EX II or the 90EX. The Speedlite 90EX is Canon’s latest flash. An affordable compact flash that was designed to match the EOS M camera size and performance.. It’s built to allow easy and intuitive control, especially for beginners who don’t want to mass with lots of settings. This Flash is also compatible with all Canon EOS SLR cameras. So when you buy the EOS M, don’t forget to ask about this new flash.
Canon EOS M Video Recording
The Canon EOS M can shoot videos at 1080p24/30/25 with stereo sound with 720p60/50 available to (lower resolution). You also have the option to connect an external stereo microphone via the 3.5mm mic jack. We all have seen Canon’s DSLR video image quality. You should expect the same performance due to the large sensor-size. A compact camera that is capable of delivering exceptional video image quality that will just amaze you. I”ve been shooting videos with my 60D DSLR (APS-C sensor), and all I can tell is wow, what a quality, just amazing!
Canon EOS M EF-M Lens Mount (and adapter)
The Canon EOS M enjoys a new EF-M lens mount. This means that Canon will release a new range of interchangeable lenses. Most of them will be smaller in size due to the fact that there is not mirror in this camera. Right now Canon announced two lenses, 18-55mm and 22mm lenses, but this selection will grow in time.
For those of you who already own EF or/and EF-S lenses, you can still use them on the Canon EOS M, but you have to buy the EF-EOS M mount adapter. This will let you enjoy all your current lenses (or friends and family member’s lenses), at least until the selection grows. This is great, because we will see many more lenses coming soon, hopefully some interesting and exotic lenses, maybe some fast prime lenses soon.
Canon EOS M Scene Detection Technology
The scene detection technology automatically analyses faces, brightness, subject movement, contrast and distance in the scene. The information is utilized to take gorgeous photos when shooting in the Intelligent Auto mode (scene intelligent auto). This is important for beginners who just want to use the EOS M as point and shoot. You might start using auto mode, but once you get more experienced, you will try to unleash the full potential of this camera. Of course there are times that you just want to point-and-shoot, and you don’t care about getting it perfect. By utilizing this technology, you trust the camera to do the best so you will have a great picture. For many type of scenes it works great, but I recommend trying to use some of the manual options, it will give you great results once you learn how to master it.
Canon EOS M Creative Filters
Creative filters is a feature that helps people to get more creative with their photos, without the need to know of to edit photos in photo editing software. Everything is done in the camera. You can choose from a wide variety of filters, including: art bold effect, Water painting, Fish-eye effect, Grainy B/W, Sof focus, Toy camea and miniature effect.
Canon EOS M Availability (Release Date)
The Canon EOS M will be available in 4 colors in October 2012.
Canon EOS M Price
$799.99 with 22mm lens
€849/£769 with 18-55mm lens
€1049/£949 with 18-55mm + 22mm lenses
€979/£879 with 22mm lens + EF adapter