As far as mirrorless goes, Canon has really only just started getting their feet wet, and in terms of technological advancements they, and to a less extent Nikon, are well behind both Sony and Panasonic. The stills quality might be there thanks to the sensors, but video lags dramatically compared to their competitors. The M10 might be the biggest news, but the Powershot G5 X and G9 X have a few tricks up their sleeves, even with their smallish 1" sensors.
Here's a look at the two current mirrorless offerings from Canon, the M3 (which was previously only available elsewhere in the world), and the new M10:
The Specs:
- 18.0MP, 5184 x 3456 APS-C CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 1920 x 1080p: 29.97 fps / 23.98 fps (24 Mbps)
- 1280 x 720p: 59.94 fps (16 Mbps)
- 640 x 480p: 29.97 fps (3 Mbps)
- ISO 100-12800 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity NFC
- Hybrid CMOS AF II, 49-Point System
- HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0
- Up to 4.6 fps
- Creative Assist and Self Portrait Mode
- Weight: 4.6 oz (130 g)
- Availability: November 2015
- Price: $600 with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, $850 with 15-45mm and 55-200mm
If the M10 was sold without a lens it would likely be less than the $580 that the M3 is currently going for, but as of right now the cheapest way to get the M10 is at $600 with the 15-45mm lens. Once you move up to the 18-55mm kit lens version of the M3, it's a bit more expensive at $700. Either way, there isn't a huge price difference between the two cameras, but the M3 seems to be part of the newer physical design, while the M10 looks like it fits in with the previous versions of the camera.
As far as image quality, don't expect the M10 to blow anything out of the water. As we talked about earlier, Canon has lagged behind significantly in mirrorless tech, and though it does have built-in WiFi and NFC, video-wise it can only manage up to 1080p 30fps at a pretty low bit rate of 24Mbps. Canon has typically recycled the same sensors over and over again, and the 18MP version in this camera looks similar to what's in the rest of their low-end interchangeable lens cameras. This isn't going to look any better than any of the DSLRs in this price range, so you should only be looking at the M10 if you want something with a much thinner profile.
Here's a look at some footage, along with a making-of:
We've also got some nifty network features:
The optional EVF for the M3 was a step in the right direction in terms of making the camera more usable in a traditional SLR position, but the company, again, is still well behind Sony and Panasonic with good EVFs and good LCDs already built-in. This M10 unfortunately doesn't have a hot shoe to take that accessory, so you'll be composing only with the LCD on the back.
And just to be clear who Canon thinks this mirrorless camera is for, there is a "selfie mode". According to Yuichi Ishizuka, Canon President and COO.
This is the camera for the social media generation, including those who love to take and share high-quality photos and video while on the go. It will help them make the transition to a dedicated, high-quality digital camera, because of its mobile compatibility and creative options.
Another look at features of the camera:
Just like the bodies, the new 15-45mm lens will come in black and white, and will be available for sale separately in November.
Powershot Series
Canon's other two cameras announced along with the M10 may be consumer-oriented, but they are actually capable of more frame rates than the interchangeable camera, including 60fps at 1080p. While this is the baseline for most cameras now, especially with the huge push to 4K, the M10 can only manage 30fps. Strangely though, the two cameras won't do 60fps at 1280, which is a bit strange considering the power is certainly there to do it.
The two cameras may share the same 1" sensor, but the G5 X has a built-in EVF, and a better lens, so if the price doesn't deter you, it looks like a much better buy.
Powershot G5 X
- 20.2MP 1" High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- 4.2x Optical Zoom f/1.8-2.8 Lens
- 24-100mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Multi-Angle Touchscreen
- 1920 x 1080p: 59.94 fps, 29.97 fps, 23.98 fps, 14.985 fps
- 1280 x 720p: 29.97 fps, 6 fps, 3 fps, 1.5 fps
- 640 x 480p: 29.97 fps, 6 fps, 3 fps, 1.5 fps
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- ISO 12800 & 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
- Manual Control Dials, Star Shooting Mode
- Availability: October 2015
- Price: $800
Features:
Powershot G9 X
- 20.2MP 1" High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- 3x Optical Zoom f/2.0-4.9 Lens
- 28-80mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
- 1920 x 1080p: 59.94 fps, 29.97 fps, 23.98 fps, 14.985 fps
- 1280 x 720p: 29.97 fps, 6 fps, 3 fps, 1.5 fps
- 640 x 480p: 29.97 fps, 6 fps, 3 fps, 1.5 fps
- Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC
- ISO 12800 and 6 fps Continuous Shooting
- Intelligent IS and Manual Control Ring
- Dedicated Star Mode Shooting
- Availability: October 2015
- Price: $530
Source: Canon
