Mike R
- Comment
Ive been using DSLRs for almost 8 years now and have avoided the EOS M for the longest time -- I prefer the large size of a heavy DSLR with battery grip, so the benefits of a "small camera" never did much for me.. especially if making compromises. I have 3 DSLRs (xD and xxD and xxxD series canon) and honestly bought this because it was cheap (I typically use multiple bodies to be able to have multiple lenses ready at all times, opposed to changing). With some of my older bodies showing age (10 megapixel, older sensor) the price of about 300 bucks for the EOS M, the 22mm f2 and the EF adapter (with a couple spare batteries) was about half of what a new Canon Rebel would have cost. I didnt buy this to replace a camera, or as a first camera, but to compliment my existing ones. The EOSM is VERY small and light.. this works both for and against you. The small size will make it easier to shoot in public without the visibility of holding a large pro camera (it looks closer to a point & shoot than a DSLR, with the 22mm f2 lens).. but if doing a photoshoot with it, people will take you less seriously (it looks like youre doing a professional shoot with a point & shoot).. Doesnt affect the quality whatsoever, but it is something to keep in mind. The camera itself is nice -- most of the functions are done on the touchscreen (such as focus points) which are nicer than some of the DSLRs and using the dial to select a focus point), but changing the ISO, Aperture, Shutter, etc.. are also via touchscreen. It would have been nice to have taken the actual controls for the Canon G-Series point & shoots instead of going all touch. On the same note, they seem to have taken the Rebels minimized ISO settings (100, 200, 400, 800, etc...) opposed to the 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, etc.. of the higher end models. No wifi or GPS built in (I believe they added them in the M2).. these would be nice, but not necessary. A tilting screen would have been much nicer (since there is no viewfinder) Camera uses a SD slot, shoots RAW or JPEG. It has a weird (and somewhat questionable) camera strap.. nice that it comes off/attached easily but kind of scary with how easy it can be removed. Ill be using an R-Strap with it. No handstrap option or battery grip options available. The camera has a normal 1/4" 20 tripod threading on the bottom (lined with the center of lens). If you buy the EF Adapter, it also included a tripod threading on the collar (great for heavier lenses). The hotshoe on top is a real, standard hot shoe and works fine with hotshoe accessories, flashes and wireless transmitters. Photo quality is VERY nice.. same as from a nice DSLR (use good glass/lenses with it!). Autofocus is a bit slow, but really it works fine for me.. the thing to keep in mind is if youre having someone pose for a photo, youre fine. Modeling, its fine. Group shots, fine. Landscapes, fine. Only problem is if youre shooting sports.. I wouldnt use this for any fast movements as it probably wont focus quick enough. I highly recommend the 22mm f2 lens (even if you have good EF lenses -- the 22mm is a really nice lens) and recommend the EF adapter (theyre now under 50 bucks for a canon-branded one). The EF adapter lets you use canon EF and EFS lenses, including aperture/autofocus and image stabilizer. Overall, Im really enjoying it and considering buying a 2nd one to carry with a different lens. The price (late 2014) is great.. at its full price I would have passed. With it having not taken off, and the M2 only releasing in Japan, chances of an M3 are very low. EDIT: Just about a week after buying this, I picked up a 2nd one. For the price, it cant be beat and I wanted to grab a 2nd (for when I dont want to bring multiple DSLRs along) before theyre gone entirely.