First thoughts...EOS M

[dfatty]

Indeed! Thanks for starting the thread.


The Canon world is literally all new to me, and I am thrilled to have made the leap. BTW, the other gear I picked up was an EOS 3 and a 5D. Hopefully I will have more EF lenses to test soon!

Wow, when you jump, Jeff, you really jump, lol!

Thanks for the info on the EF adapter. As for the 5D, there is something really magical about it. Many of my favorite photos are from the 5D, and I haven't taken nearly as many photos I like with the 5D2 and the 1Dmk2. I'm sure it's just me but it's almost as if something was lost in packing more pixels onto the sensor. Anyway, hopefully you'll enjoy the 5D. For what it's worth, if you don't feel like spending 35L money, I've taken some great shots with the older 35/f2 which can be had for cheap. fredmiranda.com has what i've found to be pretty accurate reviews for canon lenses.

 

[BlackXList]

The EOS 3 is pretty much my everyday shooter, I sometimes take other bodies or systems out, but there's something about that 3 that just sits exactly right for me, congratulations on picking up one of my favorites of all time there, I hope you enjoy using it as much as I do.

With the UK Eos M prices being so high one of the options I was considering was a 2nd hand 5D because they're going for similar money, it's obviously not as compact, but it's very tempting.

 

[burancap]

Well, I picked up another 3 and now I have a 50/1.8 Mk.I (metal mount) that I quickly tried on the M. In low light it performed really well when obtaining focus lock on similarly distanced targets. There was some hunting when running out to near infinity and back, but I expected that. Tomorrow, I hope to have a chance to try all three (M kit 22, EF 40, and the EF 50/1.8) as a walkabout kit in some proper sunlight. The 50, though being small and mostly plastic (light) is likely the limits for my "cargo shorts pocket" testing.

 

[burancap]

Oh, and I think I am throwing the towel in with the Leica adapter for now. Not that it doesn't work, but rather because with only a poorly implemented zoom focus assist -it is just not really worth it. That is especially so if one already has a Nex, GXR, or similar with a proper variant of focus peaking. Besides, the kits -and in particular the 22, are seemingly spectacular. I will hang onto the adapter in the hopes that a FW update might bring focus peaking ability in the future. I'd love to see a blend of the Sony and Ricoh peaking. It would be nice, as it is one of the few things missing from a really nice overall package.

 

[BlackXList]

Well, I picked up another 3 and now I have a 50/1.8 Mk.I (metal mount) that I quickly tried on the M. In low light it performed really well when obtaining focus lock on similarly distanced targets. There was some hunting when running out to near infinity and back, but I expected that. Tomorrow, I hope to have a chance to try all three (M kit 22, EF 40, and the EF 50/1.8) as a walkabout kit in some proper sunlight. The 50, though being small and mostly plastic (light) is likely the limits for my "cargo shorts pocket" testing.

Really looking forward to seeing and hearing the results, and now you're just showing off with multiple 3s haha

 

[Paddy C]

My kit arrived from B&H last week. Took a few pics yesterday. It's really an interesting counter-point to the NEX (I have had a 5N for almost two years now).

The 22 f2 is the real reason I bought the camera and so far I like it. Love having that 35mm equiv back. Just feels right to me. The lens seems to render things very nicely. OOF areas are great, there's some fall-off (which I see as a positive for this lens), and it's sharp enough. I have to shoot it some more but I don't think it's ever going to be as sharp as the NEX. The 22 exhibits some CA even when stopped down (from what I saw). I'm also going to have to get used to PPing the Canon files as all I've ever shot digitally are Sony sensors.

Build quality of the EOS M is very nice, feels high-end. I gather that's part of the reason for the initial price on these (made in Japan etc.).

Love how silent and "soft" the shutter release and focusing is.

Miss having an articulated LCD. Also missing a control wheel. Just one would have been nice. Overall I think Canon did a good job with the ergos – everything seems to be in a good place.

I have never done any flash work but I'm going to have to try it with the EOS.

The AF hasn't been a problem. Seems about the speed I'm used to with the NEX and for the shooting I do that's always been fine.

 

[burancap]

Really looking forward to seeing and hearing the results, and now you're just showing off with multiple 3s haha

Well, I have paid more for lens caps than I paid for the last 3! 😀

Regarding M results... I just love the EF 50/1.8 on the M. Works fantastic. The DOF is not razor thin on the crop, but the OOF is creamy and smooth to me. Great cropped portraiture lens and super sharp at smaller apertures for nature studies. It is as big as I think would want to go for a walkabout prime, especially when carrying others. The whole package is about the same size as a Nex/18-15 kit. Detached, it fits in my cargo short pockets. Oh, and did I mention how inexpensive they are??? A lot of lens for not a lot of money, though I did pay a bit more for the earlier metal mount version.

So, discounting other EF lenses I am acquiring, my M kit is pretty solid now with the kit 22, 40/2.8, and the 50/1.8 giving me 35, 64, and 80. My Christmas wish is something native to the M on the wide end. A 15 cropped as a 24 or an 18 -> 28 would be perfect!

 

[racoll]

I just got my EOS-M with the 22mm this past Wednesday and I'm amazed by it! I have always had a compact camera (PowerShots) to use along with my dslr so I got it as a replacement for the PowerShots I've been using alongside my 7D. I had a G15, which I loved, but even as nice as the image quality is on the G15, it is still a relatively small sensor and doesn't compare to my 7D. I have also been using a PowerShot SX280 HS which is really a very nice little compact (amazing focal range and speed in such a compact body-a really cool camera!), but its images are what you'd expect from a small sensor compact; very nice at the base ISO but more watercolor-ish at higher ISOs. It amazes me that the "M" is smaller than a G-series camera (the body is at least) but packs the same size sensor as my 7D. Finally I have a truly compact camera that produces images that are as good as the images from my dslr. As for the focus speed, it's plenty sufficient for me and isn't an issue at all. The color and sharpness from the 22mm is superb, and the build quality of the camera overall is very impressive. My 7D has been in the bag ever since I got the M, and it feels like that's how it's going to be for awhile. I got mine very slightly used from a seller on Ebay who had bought it in the first week of July but then bought an EOS SL1 instead. My M came with the lens and everything included when it was new and also included a Megagear ever-ready case. It only cost me $310, at least $90 cheaper than what I could have bought a new G15 for. The latest firmware was also loaded. This is honestly the most exciting photo-gear purchase I've made in a long time, and so far I'm most impressed with this camera! It's like an EOS dslr packed into a very high quality PowerShot-sized body.

Andy

 

[BlackXList]

As part of my ongoing "hmm I really should look into the available EOS digital stuff to go alongside my film cameras" thought process, I went to an excellent camera store the other day, to investigate, and try a second hand 5d as well, and figure out what worked best for me.

Unfortunately, they had a black Contax T3 in stock, and as soon as I had it in my hand the heart immediately overruled the head haha, and I went for the film option.

I will definitely been keeping an eye on this thread though, for more user experiences, and more photos (c'mon, lets see some), and I'll be keeping a look out for a used M kit

 

[dfatty]

I just got my EOS-M with the 22mm this past Wednesday and I'm amazed by it!
Andy

Congrats, I'm also liking the EOS-M more than I expected. I was pretty sure my OMD would make me not use the EOS-M much, but so far I've been reaching for the EOS-M much more, even with its limited lenses and lack of IS. Just wish there were more fast(ish) lenses like the 22/2. Anyway, great camera at the blowout price it's going for.

 

[racoll]

What do you think of the M in comparison to your OMD?

 

[Gary Sandhu]

I got the eos M along with the 22 and the normal zoom and Henrys has just shipped the 11-22. With the 22 I would have liked to use a 35mm viewfinder with the screen off (but the screen doesn't go off).
I got it to test out the video and right now I'm trying to decide between the M and the nikon v1 which I also have. Focus is fast on the V1 but the touch screen on the M allows easier (quiet) shifting of focus spots (the v1 required audible clocking of buttons).
The M has superior still image quality but the V1 has a viewfinder.
Why won't someone make the perfect camera? 🙂

 

[dfatty]

for my non-professional mostly family use, i don't see a huge difference in IQ between the eos M and OMD. i can notice the shallower DOF on the eos M, it's nice but it's not a deciding factor for my use. as for other factors, the OMD has faster AF, many more good and fast lenses, and the IS is killer. it has a tilting screen and an EVF, which the eos M doesn't. i have a higher keeper rate with the OMD because of the AF and IS.

but as i mentioned i've been using the eos M more than the OMD. i think it's the size of the eos M and touchscreen interface that make me use it more. it's noticeably smaller and i really get along well with the touchscreen. i'm guessing my mind is somewhat programmed for canon logic since i've used their dslrs and point and shoots for years.

i wouldn't and didn't buy the eos M at its original price but at the $225 or so it's going for now it's a steal.

 

[tbhv55]

Why won't someone make the perfect camera? 🙂

I've lost count of the number of times that this thought has run through my mind!

Surely it can't be THAT difficult...😉🙂

 

[tbhv55]

i wouldn't and didn't buy the eos M at its original price but at the $225 or so it's going for now it'hu s a steal.

I'm amazed at the prices that you're seeing on your side of the pond. Here in the UK, I don't see the EOS M with 18-55 kit lens for much under £350 (≈$550). With the 22mm, it's around £500 (≈ $780).

On reflection, though, it's probably a good thing... if it were on sale here at prices similar to those in the US, I'd probably have already bought one; and it would be yet another unjustifiable and unnecessary camera to add to the range of unjustifiable and unnecessary cameras that I already have! 😱😀

 

[ElectroWNED]

I just bought the M w/ 22mm with 100 accutuations for $299 on eBay... super excited to use this and only this for hiking and everyday shooting!

 

[burancap]

Congratulations! I carry mine every day it seems. The images are really beautifully rendered, quite unlike anything else I have seen in this size. Enjoy!

 

[racoll]

for my non-professional mostly family use, i don't see a huge difference in IQ between the eos M and OMD. i can notice the shallower DOF on the eos M, it's nice but it's not a deciding factor for my use. as for other factors, the OMD has faster AF, many more good and fast lenses, and the IS is killer. it has a tilting screen and an EVF, which the eos M doesn't. i have a higher keeper rate with the OMD because of the AF and IS.

but as i mentioned i've been using the eos M more than the OMD. i think it's the size of the eos M and touchscreen interface that make me use it more. it's noticeably smaller and i really get along well with the touchscreen. i'm guessing my mind is somewhat programmed for canon logic since i've used their dslrs and point and shoots for years.

i wouldn't and didn't buy the eos M at its original price but at the $225 or so it's going for now it's a steal.

I also passed on it at its original price but like you said, at this price it was impossible to pass up. Now I'm thrilled that I have it and find myself liking it more and more each day and currently using it far more than any other camera I have. I hear that there are two new M models being announced before the end of the year (canonrumours), so I'm glad that it seems like Canon is going to develop this system further.

Andy

 

[bjornkeizers]

Well, add me to the list of late EOS M adopters 😀

It seems the EOS M is really getting its 'second launch' these days thanks to the low price and new firmware that fixed the focus speed somewhat.

I got mine yesterday. The body was priced down from 700 at introduction to 250 euros now. I picked it up with the EF/EFS adapter, specifically so I can use my existing lenses.

I have to say: I really like the feel of it. You can definitely it was built as an expensive camera. So it's definitely a steal at this price point.

I've got a Nifty Fifty, that cool Shorty Forty as well as the ever-useful Samyang 8mm fisheye 😀 (oh and a 300mm that gets zero use, but is fun to have anyway).

So far I've tried it with the forty and fisheye, and both work just fine on it. It's a great alternative to lugging around my aging and huge EOS 450D. I can fit the EOS M with adapter and fisheye in a small bag, and still have room left over to pack the forty and fifty with it. I expect I'll get quite a bit of mileage out of those lenses now that I can easily use them.

Here's a test shot from yesterday night. A lot of picture in a small package.

 

[willie_901]

Well, add me to the list of late EOS M adopters 😀

It seems the EOS M is really getting its 'second launch' these days thanks to the low price and new firmware that fixed the focus speed somewhat.

I got mine yesterday. The body was priced down from 700 at introduction to 250 euros now. I picked it up with the EF/EFS adapter, specifically so I can use my existing lenses.

.....

250 Euros is a great deal.