Canon has announced the EOS M5, its latest mirrorless camera, and one which shows the firm isn't about to give up on the mirrorless market. The M5 boasts enthusiast-focused styling and features DSLR-rivaling tech including a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, a built-in EVF, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
While Canon's EOS M cameras like the M10 and M3 have generally been aimed at the entry-level end of the interchangeable lens camera market, the EOS M5 appears considerably more serious. Canon has moved away from the point-and-shoot styling and the M5 looks more like a cross between a 5D Mark IV and a Fujifilm T-2, and that's no bad thing.
Inside there's a large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, which is up there with those in some of the firm's DSLRs like the 80D. This is paired with a Digic 7 image processor, enabling the camera to shoot at speeds of 7 fps, or 9 fps with AF Lock, and an ISO range of 100–25,600. 5-axis stabilization is also on hand to help keep things steady.
While image quality has never been a problem with the EOS M cameras, autofocus hasn't been a strong point. However, the M5 uses Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF which is capable of delivering reliable and fast focusing whether capturing stills or shooting video. Touch and Drag AF lets users switch the subject of their focus by dragging the AF frame directly on the rear LCD panel. On the video front the M5 unfortunately doesn't shoot 4K, but instead maxes out at a still respectable Full HD 1080p at 60 fps.
As we've said, the camera looks like a cross between a Canon DSLR and rival retro-styled mirrorless cameras like the Fujifilm X-T2 or the Olympus E-M10 II. It measures 116 x 89 x 61 mm (4.6 x 3.5 x 2.4 in), and weighs 427 g (15 oz) including a battery and memory card, and features plenty of physical controls to keep setting fiddling enthusiasts happy.
Around back there's a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen with 1.62 million dots which can be angled 85 degrees up and 180 degrees down for selfie shooting. There's also a built-in EVF with 2,360,000 dots, which is a very welcome addition to the EOS M series.
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, along with low energy Bluetooth Smart, should make connecting to an Android or iOS smartphone easy for transferring content or shooting remotely. The addition of Bluetooth Smart allows a constant connection between a smartphone and camera without having to constantly fiddle with settings.
As with previous EOS M cameras, the M5 features the Canon EF-M mount, meaning there aren't too many lenses to pick from at the moment, particularly for those who are partial to fast glass. However, it is compatible with a much wider range of traditional EF lenses using an optional mount adapter. Canon has also announced a new EF-M lens in the form of the EF-M 18-150-mm F3.5-F6.3 IS STM. The variable aperture lens covers a wide focal length range and offers four stop image stabilization.
The Canon EOS M5 is due to be available in November priced at US$980 body-only, or $1,100 with a EF-M 15-45-mm F3.5-F6.3 IS STM zoom kit lens. If you are willing to wait until December, it should also be available with the new EF-M 18-150-mm F3.5-F6.3 IS STM lens for $1,480. That 18-150-mm lens on its own will be $500.
You can check out a promo video for the Canon M5 below.
Product page: Canon EOS M5 with Canon 18-150-mm F3.5-F6.3
