Canon EOS M unveiled: DSLR tech in a compact size for first CSC
Canon have made their first entry into the compact system camera market with the EOS M, cramming DSLR technology into a compact form factor.
A “take anywhere” pro-image snapper, it houses an 18MP APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor, recently seen in the Canon EOS 650D. It puts the mirrorless EOS M in the same league as the Sony NEX cameras, and with a larger sensor than Olympus or Panasonic’s Micro-Four Thirds cameras.
That sizeable sensor is powered by the speedy DIGIC 5 processor, supporting an ISO range of 100 – 12800, expandable to 25600. It also helps process full 1080p videos too.
Canon reign back the range of physical hardware controls on the camera (likely due to the space constraints the new size dictates), with just a mode option on the top, a menu button and a smattering of shortcuts on the rear. All other menu controls are handled by the 3-inch touchscreen on the rear.
EOS M lenses include a 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens and a standard f/3.5-5.6 18-55mm IS. A £129.99 adapter ring will be available for adding your own EF lenses, while Canon also throw in a Speedlite 90EX flash, as the camera has no built in one.
Due in October, pricing is as follows. The EOS M with 18-55mm zoom is £769.99, with 22mm and lens adapter ring it’ll be £879.99, and with both lenses thrown in it will cost £949.99.
Those bundled lenses individually cost £250, while the EF-M 18-55mm IS lens is £269.99 and the the EF-M 22mm lens is £229.99.
All in, that puts the EOS M at around the same price as an entry level DSLR. It’s really choice then between compact sizing and full-fat features.
