Canon Unveils EOS M Mirrorless System

Product summary

Model name: Canon EOS M Mirrorless
Release date: July 23, 2012
Purchase options: B&H | Amazon | Adorama | DigitalRev

Key Features:

Manual exposure control
Multiple resolution frame rates
Built-in stereo microphone
Manual audio level adjustment
Video Snapshot mode with touch-screen editing
18.0-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800 in H mode) for video recording, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) for still image shooting from bright to dim light and high performance Powerful DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality video and photos
Hybrid CMOS AF delivers fast autofocus speed for video and photos
Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II (approximately 1,040,000 dots) with smudge-resistant coating features multi-touch operation allowing photographers to use familiar gestures such as “pinch-to-zoom” and “swiping” to scroll between pictures and Touch AF for an easy and intuitive video capture experience
Scene Intelligent Auto mode delivers expertly optimized photos and scene detection for amazing results even when shooting at night
Advanced imaging features like Handheld Night Scene mode, HDR Backlight Control mode, and seven Creative Filters provide added versatility
Multi-shot Noise Reduction helps preserve precious detail in photos at high ISO speeds
Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards
Compatible with all Canon Speedlite accessories including the new Speedlite 600EX and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT
Compatible with Canon’s GPS Receiver GP-E2

Features

Unleash Your Creativity Into Motion With The New EOS M. It is the Newest Mirroless Camera in Canon’s Lineup Delivers Exceptional EOS Full HD Video Quality with Continuous Autofocus and a huge Selection of Lenses. The Canon EOS M is an entirely new MILC system based on an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor that can produce image quality that is comparable to that obtained by Canon’s best DSLRs.

Canon is emphasizing the EOS M primarily as a movie-making tool and secondarily as a still camera, but its specifications make it impressive in both. It has a built-in stereo microphone (with manual audio adjustment), manual exposure control and multiple resolution frame rates, as well as a video snapshot mode with touch-screen editing. The Movie Servo AF mode, which is the camera’s default setting, is claimed to be able to track moving subjects. The two new lenses introduced with the EOS M use STM (Stepping Motor Technology) for virtually silent autofocus that won’t be picked up by the camera’s internal microphone.

The Canon EOS M features a hybrid CMOS AF system that employs both contrast detection and phase detection autofocus techniques. In competing systems this hybrid approach has allowed for minimal focus time, and indeed, Canon claims speedy snap to focus for the M system with reduced shutter lag. Face Detection, Tracking AF, Multi-Point AF with 31 autofocus points as well as single-point AF are all user-selected focus options. Touch-screen operation activates subject recognition and tracking; users can use touch-screen to navigate the menus for both still and video.

A new camera mount and short flangeback design (which brings the rear lens element closer to the surface of the sensor) means a new lens system based on the EF-M mount, and the EOS M arrives at birth with two lenses, an EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens (35mm equivalent: 29-88mm) and the new EF-M 22mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm) f/2 STM pancake lens. Owners of Canon EOS DSLR systems can also rejoice: Canon also announced the Mount Adapter EF-EOS M, which allows you to mount any Canon EOS EF and EF-S lens. With over 70 lenses currently available, the Canon M becomes another part of the Canon EOS ecosystem.

Finally, Canon also announced the Canon Speedlite 90EX, which is closely matched to the Canon M but can also be used with other Speedlites. The Speedlite 90EX boasts a 24mm angle of coverage, and a maximum guide number of 30 feet at ISO 100. The M is fully compatible with the entire Canon Speedlite line, and can control multiple speedlites wirelessly.

Canon EOS M is ideal for snapshooters, travelers, and first-time interchangeable-lens camera users. Measuring 4.3×2.6×1.3 inches (without lens) and weighing a mere 10.5 ounces (body only, with battery), the camera is small and light.

The top of the camera, from left to right, features left and right microphones, a flash/accessory mount (yes, you can mount the Canon TK GPS system), an on/off switch, and a shutter release surrounded by a rotating switch that lets you choose Auto+, still camera or video modes; choices within each mode can be found within the menu structure. A nice design element: The shutter release is nestled in a comfortable tilt within in a carved out wedge. With the flash mount so close, this makes sense because it reduces the likelihood that your shooting finger will bump up against the bottom of the mounted flash.

The back of the camera is dominated by the 3 inch LCD monitor which is built in and doesn’t rotate, but which boasts a very high 1.04 million dot resolution. A menu button accesses menu controls, while a preview button lets you look at stills and videos. A “Q” button also doubles as a feature set button, and is surrounded by a four-way circular toggle switch to control burst rate and self-timer, EV control, image delete, and an assignable function option indicated by an asterisk. An info button lets you control what information appears on screen during shooting or preview modes.

On the left side of the camera a door opens to reveal AV/Out digital and HDMI ports, as well as an external mic jack, and the front of the camera simply has a small grip protrusion, the lens mount and release button, and the infrared focus aid. There is no eye-level viewfinder option.

Despite its simplified layout, the Canon EOS M is solidly built. Its chassis is constructed of magnesium and stainless steel, and Canon says the body can, via the EOS lens adapter, be fully integrated into the entire line of Canon DSLR lenses.

Sample Images by EOS M on Flickr

Canon EOS M Specifications

Format	APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor)
Resolution	Effective Pixels: 18.0 Megapixels Other Resolutions: 17.9 MP: 5184 x 3456 Other File Sizes: 8 MP (3,456 x 2,304) 4.5 MP (2,592 x 1,728) 2.5 MP (1,920 x 1,280) 0.35 MP (720 x 480) RAW – 17.9 MP (5184 x 3456)
Sensor Type / Size	CMOS, 22.3 x 14.9mm
File Formats	Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MOV Audio: Linear PCM
Bit Depth	14-bit
Dust Reduction System	Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC
AV Recording	Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 Video Clip Length: Up to 44 Minutes Audio Recording: With Video, Stereo, Via Optional External Mic
Focus Control	Focus Type: Auto & Manual Focus Mode: Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) , Focus Lock AF Area Mode Autofocus Points: 31
Viewfinder/Display	Viewfinder Type: LCD Display Display Screen: 3.0″ Rear Touchscreen Live Preview LCD (1040000) Live View: Yes
Exposure Control	ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100-6400 (Extended Mode: 12800-25600) Shutter Type: Electronic & Mechanical / Shutter Speed: 30 – 1/4000 sec 10 Metering Method: Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, Average metering Exposure Modes: Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority / Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps) White Balance Modes: Auto, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Tungsten
Flash	Built-in Flash: None Dedicated Flash System: eTTL External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe
Performance	In-Camera Image Editing: Color Balance, Edit Movie, Filter Effects, Fisheye, Miniature Effect, Monochrome Start-up Time: 1.6 Seconds Shutter Lag: 0.05 Seconds Self Timer: 10 sec, 2 sec Connectivity: AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 (out) Wi-Fi Capable (With Optional Transmitter): No
Power	Battery: 1x LP-E12 Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery AC Power Adapter: ACK-E12 (Optional)
Operating Temerature	32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 0 – 85%
Dimensions	4.28 x 2.62 x 1.27″ / 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3 mm
Wt	9.24 oz / 262g without battery
Kit Lens Specs	Focal Length: 22 mm / Comparable Focal Length: 35 mm Aperture: Maximum: f/2 / Minimum: f/2 Angle of View: 63° Minimum Focus Distance: 0.49′ (0.15 m) Groups/Elements: 6/7 Diaphragm Blades: 7 Autofocus: Yes Image Stabilization: No Filter Thread Front: 43 mm Dimensions: (DxL) Approx. 2.40 x 0.93″ (60.9 x 23.7 mm) Weight: 3.70 oz (105 g)