Hot enough to burn your fingers, fresher than fennel on the farm, the Canon M50 mirrorless camera has hit the shelves across the nation! Watch a gorgeous unboxing video courtesy of Mike’s Camera TV and scroll down to check out a few other items in the EOS M system. Order yours today here, or stop into the Mike’s Camera nearest you to see it in person first.
The EOS M Series
Canon entered the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera arena back in 2012 with the EOS M, a camera with a lovely, full-APS-C-sized sensor hampered by a rather brick-like form factor. I’m happy to report that Canon has worked hard to develop the M series, and now has a respectable lineup of several very comfortable bodies, all with 24 megapixel sensors, and quality lenses to match. Canon shooters looking for a second body and point-and-shooters looking for a compact upgrade could both find their match in the EOS M line. Without further ado, here’s the most advanced one yet…
The Canon EOS M50
The EOS M50 is an entry-level mirrorless camera, but Canon has incorporated some of its most cutting-edge technology to this beast. The M50 is the first camera ever to offer the new .CR3 raw format, which introduces a compressed raw option (“C-Raw”) which maintains original pixel dimensions with a 40% smaller file size. This is also the first EOS M camera to be outfitted with the DIGIC 8 processor. Not only does the new processor allow the camera to shoot a burst of full-res still photos at 10 FPS (with focus locked by the first shot), this is (yet again) their first mirrorless camera to offer 4K video capture, albeit only at 24 FPS and with a reduced sensor readout that creates a 1.6x crop. For reference, that means that the video-oriented 22mm STM lens will provide a 56mm equivalent field of view in 4K. If you need slow-motion footage, this camera will provide a healthy 120 FPS at 720p (without the crop).
One of the most interesting things about Canon’s cameras is the Dual Pixel focusing technology incorporated into their sensors. Each pixel is composed of two photo-sensitive diodes, allowing every single pixel the ability to act as a phase-detection point while focusing the photo and to act as a single imaging pixel when actually taking the photo. The benefit is most obvious when following fast action or shooting video. (Incidentally, the fully articulated screen on the M50 would make it a good choice for Vloggers who’d like to monitor output while filming themselves.) The M50 allows the user to touch & drag to direct auto-focus across 99 points with most lenses, increasing to a whopping 143 AF points when using certain lenses (e.g. the 18-150). Unfortunately, the Dual Pixel focusing technology will not function in 4K, though the contrast detection focusing system should still prove effective.
Additional points of interest include a high-res electronic viewfinder, a new Silent Shooting scene mode, eye-detect AF, and three forms of wireless communication built in (WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth). The wireless radios are included across the board with the M series cameras, but the M50 introduces a mode in which all photos can be automatically sent to your phone or tablet as they are shot. All M series camera have a convenient WiFi button to initiate a device connection.
Pick up a complete kit today: EOS M50 + 15-45 stabilized STM lens.
The Canon EOS M6
Less new but still exciting is the enthusiast-oriented M6. This camera trades the built-in EVF for a slightly more compact figure and a total of four control dials (one around the shutter, one around the 4-way controller on the back, one nestled around the exposure compensation dial, and the exposure compensation dial itself). Video can be captured at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 FPS, using Dual Pixel AF all the way up. If you don’t need all the brand new technology introduced with the M50, the M6 is a great option with much more hands-on control—a factor that can make all the difference on an intense shoot.
Get yours now: body only, with a 15-45 IS STM lens, or with an all-in-one 18-150 f/3.5-6.3 lens.
EOS M Lenses
The 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM covers the most common slightly-wide-to-normal photographic situations and is available in a kit with the M50 or with the M6. The lens is stabilized and uses a stepping motor, reducing noise for video capture.
The all-in-one 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is available on its own or in a kit with the M6.
Tight spot? The 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is as wide as it gets on this system.
Our pick for a fast prime would be the 22mm f/2 STM. If you’re shooting video, this would be an excellent choice.
What do you think of Canon’s mirrorless line? Let me know in the comments! If you’re not sure what to think, be sure and visit your friendly neighborhood Mike’s Camera (or other independent imaging retailer, for my readers outside of CO and CA).