Digital imaging leader Canon adds an innovative gadget to the EOS line-up—Canon EOS M, a camera with the same advantages of a DSLR, but in an astonishingly lightweight and compact body. In effect, high performance, speed, and image quality are further enhanced with ease of use and total convenience.
This unique model makes use of a non-reflex operating system, hence its petite form. The EOS M stripped off the optical viewfinder, main mirror, and mirror drive mechanisms that one would normally find in a DSLR. This results in a considerable decrease in size (thickness and height), weight, and number of dials and buttons.
The EOS M’s 18.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor work in tandem to produce detailed images with rich color gradation and beautiful background blur. Its ISO sensitivity of up to 12800 (expandable to 25600) enables reduced noise even in low-light environments, as well as fast shutter speeds that restrain the image blur caused by a shaky hand or a moving subject. And its intuitive multi-touch 3.0-inch widescreen Clear View LCD II monitor displays a streamlined touch AF/AE (Auto-Focus / Auto-Exposure) scheme and allows a continuous shooting spree of up to 4.3 frames per second.
This novel creation brought along two new interchangeable lenses—the EF-M18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the EF-M22mm f/2 STM. The former is a versatile zoom lens that can accommodate wide-angle and portrait shots, and the latter is a lightweight “pancake” lens that can effortlessly be mounted on the EOS M. Both lenses can perform silent AF with high speed and precision.
The EOS M contains interesting attributes for both the entry-level and the experimental photographer. For example, the EOS Scene Analysis system takes in different scene types, and then sets the AF/AE image processing to suit their applicable shooting condition. The Auto Lighting Optimizer system brightens an image shot in poor lighting. The Face Detection and Tracking AF methods keep the subject in focus even while it is moving.
The High Dynamic Range (HDR) Backlight Control takes three continuous shots—normal, over-exposed, and under-exposed—and then fuses them into a seamless image, highlighting the most favorable details. The Multi-Shot Noise Reduction takes clear photos with significant noise reduction; it has a similar approach of taking four shots in quick succession and then integrating them into an ideal one. The Handheld Night Landscape mode likewise uses this technique to create beautiful night photography without the tripod. And the Creative Filters provide users with fun options of Grainy / Black & White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Miniature, Art Bold, Water Painting, and Fish-Eye.
Not only can the EOS M capture visually stunning photos, but it can also create professional-looking full HD videos, with its APS-C sensor and DIGIC 5 processor. One can take a video at a high ISO of 6400, resulting in sharp details in every frame. Furthermore, the Movie Servo AF mode allows continuous smooth focusing, regardless of moving subjects. It consists of three AF methods—Face Detection + Tracking AF, FlexiZone Multi, and FlexiZone Single.
Ensuring optimal video capturing, the EOS M consists of new STM lenses that provide fast and smooth AF, as well as reduce the AF’s standard mechanical sounds so that the microphone will not pick up any camera noises.
The EOS M, EF-M lenses, EOS-EF M mount adapter and Speedlite 90EX will be available in October at Canon authorized dealers. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date.
