Canon EOS M
Announced July 23, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Mediocre
The Canon EOS M offers excellent image quality and a premium, compact build that rivals larger DSLR sensors. That said, its sluggish autofocus and lack of physical controls or a viewfinder make it a frustrating experience for those expecting DSLR-like performance.
Weighted from 28 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality image output comparable to APS-C DSLRs
- Responsive and intuitive touchscreen interface
- Solid, premium magnesium alloy construction
- Compact and lightweight design
- Versatile lens compatibility via EF/EF-S adapter
Cons
- Slow and inconsistent autofocus performance
- Absence of a viewfinder or option to attach one
- Limited physical controls and lack of a dedicated grip
- Short battery life and slow write speeds
- No built-in flash or secondary features like Wi-Fi
- Launch price $799 (USD)
- Sensor 18MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 28 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 5.5/10
The Canon EOS M is a camera that falls one big step short of being a fantastic mirrorless camera.
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With a look and feel reminiscent of the Canon S100 premium pocket camera, the EOS M is sized a little larger, more on the scale of an enthusiast compact such as the Panasonic LX7 or Olympus E-PM2. But it's the camera's overall heft that's impressive.
- Cameralabs 83%
The EOS M is Canon’s long-awaited entry into the mirror-less compact system camera market.
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I don’t know if Canon can issue a firmware update to improve the AF speed, but it needs to address this as soon as possible.
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As its first compact system camera, Canon has done a reasonable job with the EOS M.
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The Canon EOS M delivers arguably the best image quality per cubic inch (mm) - or per ounce (gram) of any Canon digital camera produced as of review time.
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Gripes aside, the EOS M is actually a surprisingly sophisticated little package.
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[...] I got this camera fully expecting to not like it very much. This camera got a bad rep, but while its limitations prevent it from being as awesome as it has potential to be, it is still a very capable camera in many situations.
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I don't know, when you stack the Canon EOS M up against its peers in the autofocusing department, it just can't compete.
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The Canon EOS M is capable of taking pleasing photos with an extremely compact body, although there are some issues worth noting.
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Canon’s debut take on a compact system camera in the EOS M was always going to generate big interest, even if its own manufacturer’s introduction of it has seemed oddly muted and lacking in fanfare to date.
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The Canon EOS M is one of the most capable and easy to use CSCs we’ve tested. It’s also a very well specified camera, with plenty to keep both entry-level and more experienced users happy.
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The EOS M, Canon's first compact interchangeable lens camera, feels polished on the outside, but its poor performance makes it clear that you're looking at a first-generation product.
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Despite being very late to the CSC market, Canon has managed to produce a camera that isn't too far off the pace in many respects, and it should give the Nikon J2 a serious run for its money.
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Blending the best bits of their compact and DSLR range, Canon has delivered one of the most easy to use, capable CSCs around today.
- CNET 6.9/10
The Canon EOS M’s image quality is good, but not better than the Sony Alpha NEX-5R‘s. And given the paucity of native lenses, poor performance, and unexceptional feature set, it’s hard to declare this more than an average interchangeable-lens camera.
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Disappointment for people who wanted basically to get a DSLR performance in a compact body and be able to use all of their lenses with great performance, you're not going to get that from the Canon EOS M at this stage.
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Powering up in two seconds, with the image before your lens momentarily adjusting with a half squeeze of the shutter release button, the ‘M’s auto focus response could be quicker.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
It also delivers plenty of resolution and good colour reproduction in a body that is very easy to use.
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In the meantime, I’ll have my EOS M in hand, capturing fantastic videos and photos and having a blast.
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The most surprising thing about the EOS M is that there aren’t really any surprises.
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I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this camera to a friend who's upgrading from a point and shoot but who wants to keep things smaller than a big DSLR, or even a pro who wants the smaller size, versatility, and convenience with pro controls, a great lens, and pro quality.
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Canon’s effort on the EOS M buttresses those frustrated users who believe that their beloved brand is focusing more on protecting their markets than they are on innovating.
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The EOS M delivers high-quality images in a tiny, high quality package — but it's slow.
- MakeUseOf 9/10
To me, the EOS M offers a satisfying balance of price, performance, and form factor. If you're in the market for a mirrorless camera and don't mind the lack of an EVF or built-in flash, the EOS M should be near the top of your wishlist.
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Why you’d buy the Canon EOS-M: compact camera with access to Canon’s full frame lens range.
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After using this camera, I had very mixed feelings about what to conclude and what to recommend.
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[T]he Canon EOS M is a solidly built camera that takes excellent pictures and video but has some shortcomings when compared to a DSLR.
