A year ago, digital photography got disrupted. I am not referring to the updated iPhone but rather to the start of mirror-less digital cameras. Unlike a compact digital camera, a mirror-less camera (MILC) is equipped with an interchangeable lens mount and unlike a digital single-lens reflex camera, a MILC does not have a mirror-based optical viewfinder.

Photography is ultimately just like any other consumer electronics vertical. Innovation drives development of new products. The difference between a grand success and a disaster boils down to product launches etc. Sony started the mirror-less camera category with the NEX range and then others followed. There was one major photography brand that seemingly waited for the dust to settle before entering the market with a product. Canon waited for what seemed like an eternity before entering the Mirror-less category. Enter, the Canon EOS M.

The Canon EOS M features:

  • EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects
  • Manual exposure control
  • Multiple resolution frame rates
  • Built-in stereo microphone
  • Manual audio level adjustment
  • Video Snapshot mode with touch-screen editing
  • 18.0-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800 in H mode) for video recording, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) for still image shooting from bright to dim light and high performance Powerful DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality video and photos
  • Hybrid CMOS AF delivers fast auto-focus speed for video and photos
  • Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II (approximately 1,040,000 dots) with smudge-resistant coating. Features multi-touch operation allowing photographers to use familiar gestures such as “pinch-to-zoom” and “swiping” to scroll between pictures and Touch AF for an easy and intuitive video capture experience
  • Scene Intelligent Auto mode delivers expertly optimized photos and scene detection for amazing results even when shooting at night
  • Advanced imaging features like Handheld Night Scene mode, HDR Backlight Control mode, and seven Creative Filters provide added versatility
  • Multi-shot Noise Reduction helps preserve precious detail in photos at high ISO speeds
  • Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards
  • Compatible with all Canon Speedlite accessories including the new Speedlite 600EX and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT
  • Compatible with Canon’s GPS Receiver GP-E2

The major difference between the Canon EOS M and competitors is that Canon has ensured that a majority of their lenses can be used on this new camera. Normally, when new cameras are launched to the public, a whole new range of accessories are needed by users.

So, would you consider buying a Canon EOS M?