Canon EOS M Review: A Compact and Versatile Mirrorless Camera

Looking for a mirrorless camera that is compact, lightweight, and versatile? Check out the Canon EOS M - a popular camera that combines excellent image quality and reliable performance in a portable and easy-to-use package. Read on for an in-depth review of the Canon EOS M, its features, and performance.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon EOS M article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 23 2012

Announced

18 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight298g
MSRP$799USD

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Overview of the EOS M

Mirrorless cameras are becoming increasingly popular among photography enthusiasts, thanks to their compact size, advanced features, and image quality that rivals DSLR cameras. The Canon EOS M is a prime example of such a camera - it's a versatile and compact mirrorless camera that delivers excellent image quality and performance, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer. In this review, we'll explore the key features of the Canon EOS M, its strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide if it's the right camera for you. Let's dive in!

Canon EOS M Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon EOS M camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Amazing image quality
Fast autofocus
Easy to use touch screen interface
Small and compact design for on-the-go shooting
Interchangeable lenses for versatile shooting options
24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor for high-resolution images
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for easy sharing and remote control
1080p full HD video recording with manual controls
Great low-light performance with ISO range up to 256000

Cons

Slow burst shooting speed
Limited battery life
Limited selection of native lenses
No viewfinder for traditional shooters
Limited external control options
No built-in flash
Limited video recording capabilities compared to dedicated video cameras
Relatively high price point compared to other mirrorless cameras on the market.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon EOS M

Weather sealed
Dimensions109 x 66 x 32mm
Weight298g
Thickness32mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon EOS M is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Canon EOS M not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Canon EOS M does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the EOS M camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon EOS M has a 18MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 18 pixels. Canon EOS M has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jul 23 2012

Announced

100 - 12800

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - 25600
Max resolution5184 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

65 / 102

Color Depth

22.1 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.2 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

827 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon EOS M camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the EOS M is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life230 shots
Battery ModelLP-E12
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon EOS M supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon EOS M uses the LP-E12 model of battery pack. This is rated for 230 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon EOS M does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon EOS M boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon EOS M includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 31 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon EOS M?

The Canon EOS M features a CMOS sensor

Is the Canon EOS M weather sealed?

No the EOS M does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon EOS M announced?

The Canon EOS M was announced on Jul 23 2012

Does the Canon EOS M have in-body image stabilization?

No the EOS M does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon EOS M?

The EOS M has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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