Canon’s latest mirrorless camera, the EOS M5, looks like a more serious approach to its mirrorless game. The camera features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF for solid AF performance during still and video capture.
It has a built-in electronic viewfinder, which is something enthusiasts demand, that offers 2.36M-dot resolution. Additionally, a 3.2″ tilting LCD features touchscreen input for camera control, along with a number of external control dials and buttons. The M5 also offers focus peaking for fine-tuning manual focus settings.
The Canon EOS M5 can capture 7 frames per second with AF tracking and 9fps with AF lock. It captures 1080/60p video and features built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity.
One feature that I’m anxious to try out is the Bluetooth Smart for smoother pairing with compatible smartphones. While the WiFi connectivity of the EOS M10 is the major selling feature for me, it still leaves a lot to be desired in the user friction department. We use the M10’s WiFi sharing to smartphones nearly everyday in my house but the experience definitely can be improved upon. Something as simple as getting this completely right, could be the biggest win of the spec sheet for a Canon mirrorless camera.
Alongside the EOS M5, Canon also unveiled a new EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens (a 29-240mm equivalent) that features up to 4-stops of shake correction. At first blush, this lens seems to add quite a bit of bulk to the compact spirit of the EOS M line. I’m still waiting on my 30mm and 50mm fast prime options for the EF-M lens series. The prosumer appeals of the EOS M5 is somewhat lacking without a more prosumer lens line.
Canon EOS M5 Key Features
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 2.36m-Dot EVF, Touch and Drag AF Control
- 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
- Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth Smart
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Up to 9 fps Shooting and ISO 25600
- Digital IS 5-Axis Image Stabilization
The Canon EOS M5 should be available in November 2016 for $979.99 for the body only. It will also ship as a kit with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens for $1099; or as a kit with the EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens for $1479. You can pre-order it here at B&H Photo or here at Amazon.com.
Hans J. Kristensen says
Test sites write about Dual pixel CMOS AF, Servo, Digital IS with 5-axis image stabilization when shooting movies plus increased image stabilization with both lens optical IS and in-camera digital IS when shooting with an IS lens.- but not sensor shift ?
Specifications – Image stabilization No / Image stabilization notes 5-axis for video only
Are all this only to differentiate from the rest of the market ? Is the sensor locked in position and all corrections are done digitally from the signal on the sensor ?
Jared says
Looks interesting, but where are the LENSES for these bodies?
How many pros will jump to Canon mirrorless with f/3.5-6.3 lenses?
brian says
Canon missed an opportunity with this camera. People stick with Canon because of the glass and lens lineup. Releasing an official “speedbooster” style EF/EF-S to EF-M adapter that makes those lenses “full frame” on mirrorless would have made a big difference and an accessory they could have easily sold for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the camera. If this camera does gain any ground, a Metabones (or competitor) will make one and start to grab the market share.
I appreciate the increased FPS in 1080HD, but come on Canon! The GH5 is rumored to be a killer camera with video specs and the A7-series has been selling extremely well. I’m not saying I would buy this for a 4K “A” camera, but could be used in situations where I’m currently sticking a GoPro (or sometimes a compact camcorder).
One thing is becoming abundantly clear – if you want 4K in the next 1-2 years, get onboard with Canon’s Cinema EOS or change brands.
Gary G says
Lots of cool features for a dying segment of the marketplace, but the fastest zoom is f/3.5?? Anybody for pinhole photography? I guess you could put a giant fast EF or EF-S zoom on it, but then why not use a bigger body too?
William Sommerwerck says
The M in the product name suggests (to me) more of an association with Olympus M cameras than with “mirrorless”
The Olympus M cameras * were intended to be an SLR “equivalent” of a Leica M rangefinder camera — very compact, and with ridiculously tiny lenses. In this respect, they remain unsurpassed, let alone equaled.
* The product name was changed to OM when Leitz screamed bloody murder.
Tomas Lee says
How does it works with manual focus lenses? Does it have focus peaking?
Tim Bambrough says
Once again from what I see Canon has missed the mark on the Canon M 5 First and foremost mirrorless cameras is that they are small and lightweight. From what I see this camera is neither of those. I was also surprised at the price. They are asking the same price as Fuji and Olympus top of the line cameras. Remember these other companies have been making mirrorless cameras for over 10 years. I have been using Canon gear since I was a kid. Unfortunately I think that Canon has waited to long to get into the game. And now they think they deserve to get in the game at the same level as the other companies who have done the home work to bring mirrrorless cameras. I will stick to Olympus for my mirrorless camera and I might sell off the big DSLRS.