Eos_m_front_sensor-visible-224x139Canon, after seemingly endless rumors, has finally revealed their mirrorless offering, the EOS M. Though it's not the retro design some were hoping for, it does pack a nice sensor inside very similar to the new T4i (if not the same exact one). If you're already a Canon shooter, this body can be as professional or slimmed down as you want it to be, and you can shoot with the lenses you already own, or get into the new Canon mirrorless lenses. The big question is performance, does it stack up to the DSLRs when it comes to video and photos?

Here is a release video from Canon:


Some of the specs:

  • 18.0 MP CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
  • DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • Touch AF and Multi-touch Operation
  • Hybrid CMOS Auto-focus for Photo & Video
  • Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
  • ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600 (H)
  • Includes Canon EF-M 22mm F/2 STM Lens
  • EF-M to EF/EF-S Adapter with Full Lens Control: $200
  • Price with Kit Lens: $800
  • Availability: October

Eos_m_black_efm22_2_stm_front_cl-616x375

According to Canon, this is a video camera first, and a stills camera second, which is an interesting marketing strategy considering that this is going to be rather difficult to shoot handheld with. It doesn't seem like there is a record limit on the video, unless Canon is fudging the numbers and using the maximum compression scheme as their recording time limit. Here is a little bit on the video function:

When recording you have the option to choose from a variety of resolutions and frame rates, including 1920 x 1080 at 30, 25, or 24fps.  Continuous shooting can last up to 44 minutes on a 16 GB memory card, and half that with an 8 GB card. Full manual control over exposure settings and focus is also supported, providing you with the ability to more easily dictate focus and creative exposure techniques.

The EOS M will do 720p 60fps and will also allow manual audio control. Unfortunately, the video-centric nature also means that it doesn't include an electronic viewfinder, which forces you to use the large back LCD to take photos and videos. As I've said, the most interesting possibility for this camera has nothing to do with the camera at all -- it's the new mount Canon has created that is adaptable with full lens control to the standard EF and EF-S lenses. This is the mount that Canon should be using on their next lower-end digital cinema camera, because of the almost limitless lens choices. There are plenty of cheap adapters for cameras like the FS100 and  the GH2, and since those cameras are mirrorless, you can adapt a staggering amount of lenses.

There will be more to come on this camera, but if you'd like to pre-order, you can do so from the links below. The EOS M will come with the 22mm pancake lens and Canon will also be releasing an 18-55mm lens for $300 and a new flash, as well as the EF-M to EF/EF-S lens adapter.

Links:

[via The Verge]

Eos_m_side-view

Eos_m_black_up_mount_adapter_ef_eos_m
Eos_m_mount_adapter_ef_eos_m_70-200Eos_m_white_body_back_cl-616x374