How Does the Canon EOS M Hold up in 2017?

The infamous Canon EOS M dominated the realm of mirrorless cameras at the time of it’s release. Since, new and improved mirrorless cameras have popped up. How does the EOS M compare? Released in 2012 this 18 mega pixel camera packs an APS-C sensor that is comparable to high end cameras today. Besides the amazing photos this little guy produces, the video quality is excellent and great for individuals starting out in film making. You can find these camera on Ebay and Amazon for around $150 – $250.

Who is This Camera for?

Considering the price this camera is optimal for beginners, but provides the quality a high end camera that a photographer/filmmaker would use. The quality completely trucks the price, this is why it is an essential camera for beginners. Also, Installing Magic Lantern on the device will open up settings that are used on pricey DLSR’s. The biggest advantage this little guy has is it’s size.

The Canon EOS M is only as big as an Iphone 6. You can take this camera anywhere and still maintain high quality shots. Besides the price, the size is also another amazing factor for beginners. It is easy to handle and not clunky to carry. Of course this camera can’t trump the quality of $5k-6k cameras most professionals use; however, because of the size it is equally as beneficial for enthusiasts compared to novices. This camera could act as a great back up for photographers since it can literally fit in their pockets. In the end this camera is great for everyone!

What Gear/Lens do I Need for This Camera?

The possibilities of gear you can use for this camera are endless; however, can be costly. It is possible to get all the gear you need for this camera under $100. The EOS-M has a 47mm “EF-M” mount and special line of lenses to go fit it. These lenses are amazing; however, they are very expensive. Most listings on Ebay and Amazon will not include the kit lens (EF-M Lens), and I do not recommend buying one separately. Don’t think I’m trying to discount the lenses, there are just cheaper alternatives if you’re on a budget.

Unless you get a killer deal on one of these camera’s, it is most likely you will need to invest in a lens and other various items. You can get a great lens set up for under $100. First you will need an adapter to go from the EF-M mount to a regular EF mount. Canon sells an adapter but it carries an astronomical price. However, there are two more options. The Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount is just as good as the Canon adapter. This adapter provides fully automated functions so you can still utilize auto-exposure, auto-aperture and auto-focus on the lens. If you want to go even cheaper you can purchase the Fotasy Lens Adapter . This adapter will convert the size in order to use normal lenses; however will not transfer the electronics. So will not be able to use auto-exposure, auto-aperture and auto-focus, it will all me manual. There are plenty of EF lenses to choose from and many places to get them.

Many camera lenses are very expensive, lets talk about some cheaper alternatives. Different lenses can range anywhere from $40 to $10,000, there are so many option to choose from. If you are a beginner and want to stick with the “small form factor” I recommend a 50mm lens, also know as the “nifty fifty”. The 50mm lens is very versatile, and small. Canon makes a 50mm lens that is really good; however, there is a cheaper option. The YONGNUO 50mm Lens is just as good as the $125 Canon lens and only cost $40. I highly recommend this lens, here is a video comparing the two. Other then the essentials, here is a list of other accessories to go along with the EOS M.

SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class SD Card

Hand Grip

Two Extra Batteries + Charger

Cheap, but Good Mic

Really Good Mic

AmazonBasics 50-Inch Tripod

AmazonBasics 67-Inch Monopod

AmazonBasics Camera Bag (Orange interior)