Paul_Frazier Dec 22, 2013
Expectations were high when this came out over a year ago. It was expensive, and lacked the speed to compete with m43's and other APS-C mirrorless cameras. With it's firmware update (2.0.2), and hard to deny current retail price, I made the purchase after taking all the negative reviews exactly as we should...with a grain of salt. With the way you have your camera set-up and how, and what you intend to shoot, really determines if this camera will work for you. In my case, it has complemented my full size, full-frame DSLR in a positive way.
I shoot in manual with my 5D MK II, viewfinder exclusively, center single point AF, and I program the back button to focus. My EOS M is similarly set-up like this, albeit using the lcd screen (which isn't as hard of a transition as I thought), adjusting the focus point via touch screen (instead of recomposing), and a few other settings I'm unable to do with my MK II. The AF speed is good, but still not quick enough to acquire focus on a fast moving subject, typically ones moving closer to, or away from you. If you're struggling with focusing, here's a hint...to acquire faster, more precise focus, focus on an edge with varying contrast in the subject you're trying to capture. Low light, bright light, your success rate will increase if you know how to acquire focus properly with the sensors in your camera. And to add to my settings...for the record, the focus assist beam is set to off (nobody likes getting blinded by it), and it works fine in most scenarios without it on...you just have to know how to focus.
Handling the EOS M may be tough for larger than average hands, I could image. For me, I find it's comfortable to hold (I'm of average height and build), buttons are layed out perfectly without getting in the way. It's a pocketable camera (jacket pocket that is), especially with the 22mm attached. It's not a camera you'll forget is in your pocket. Its body is mostly magnesium, built better than any other camera this size...even better than most entry level DSLR's.
Unfortunately there are only 3 native lenses for the M, with one not being sold in the US (c'mon Canon, show some love). Both the 22mm f/2 and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS are really great glass. The optics are sharp and provide nice contrast. I'll eventually buy the EF adapter when I want to extend the range of my EF glass.
Buy/bring a couple spare batteries if you plan to go out on shoots. With the LCD as your only way of seeing your frame, and the small capacity battery, it's possible you'll run them down faster than you'd like. But again, it's all how you set-up and use your camera. There are a few factors that can deplete your battery that, you may or may not realize you need to have on.
Would I recommend the camera to someone that has no experience with DSLR's and/or ILC's, probably not. It does have short comings that, imo, can be lived with, subjectively speaking. And although it looks like Canon was targeting the P&S crowd, I do believe some of the nuisances that have been addressed by others will leave those that "shoot from the hip", frustrated.
Yet, I'm still giving it 5 stars based on my own use. It works perfect for me and love it for what it is...
Note: I suggest to see it best price at: digitalcameras2k.wordpress.com/canon-eos-m/
Hope it helps.
