Canon EOS M Review

See all images of the Canon EOS M

Main
In additional EOS M was introduced by Canon in July 2012. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category. Canon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Canon.
Brand	Canon
Category	Mirrorless
Date	07/2012

Sensor Properties
Also EOS M has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 22 x 15 mm² (0.88″ x 0.59″). Picture of EOS M’s sensor compared to popular format. The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm. The EOS M’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 18 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size. The EOS M features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.
Format	APS-C
Sensor area	22.30 x 14.90mm² (0.88″ x 0.59″)
Type	CMOS
Resolution (physical)	18.50 megapixel
Resolution (effective)	18.00 megapixel
Pixel size	18.50 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous	4 frames/second

Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount	Canon EF-M
Viewfinder Properties
The EOS M does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

Shutter
The EOS M’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.
Max. shutter speed	1/4000s
Min. shutter speed	30s
Sensitivity Properties
The EOS M’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 12800 ISO. Also, Canon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 25600. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.
Automatic
Min. sensitivity	100 ISO
Max. sensitivity	12800 ISO
Boost	25600 ISO
Exposure Modes
The EOS M supports all general exposure modes. The Canon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.
Multi-Segment
Average
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties
The EOS M’s auto focus processor uses 31 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera). Manual focus is also possible with the Canon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.
Type	Hybrid
AF points	31
Manual focusing

Flash Specs
The EOS M doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category. A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Canon’s hotshoe.
Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs
The EOS M features a monitor with a diagonal of 77.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average. Unfortunately, the EOS M’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies. The EOS M’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves. Display characteristics at a glance:
Type	LCD
Size	77.00mm (diagonal) (3.0 in.)
Resolution	1.04 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs
EOS M video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel. Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone. Canon EOS M Video parameters:
Max. resolution	1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates	24 frames/second 25 frames/second 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs
Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Canon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone. Connect the Canon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI. The Canon supports USB 2.0. Connection parameters:
WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom

Memory
The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards. Memory cards characteristics:
Slots	1
Memory cards	SD SDHC SDXC
Battery
The Canon EOS M works with a LP-E12 LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 230 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the EOS M. The EOS M’s battery battery parameters:
Type	LP-E12 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life	230 photos
Size
The Canon EOS M’s dimensions are 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3mm³. (4.3″ x 2.6″ x 1.3″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is only 298 grams (9.6 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens. Here is front and top view of the EOS M:


Dimensions Comparison
To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card). The EOS M is not much bigger: