Canon EOS M
Canon · Mirrorless · 18 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Canon |
| Model | EOS M |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 23, 2012 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 109 x 66 x 32 mm |
| Camera weight | 298 g |
Optics42/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Canon EOS M scores 44/100 in our evaluation. Measuring 109 x 66 x 32mm and weighing 298g (0.66lbs), it offers compactness and portability. However, considering the advancements in camera technology since 2012, the EOS M faces tough competition in today’s market. While its specifications were once impressive, modern cameras offer more advanced features, making the Canon EOS M less appealing to current consumers. Canon EOS M Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Canon EOS M receive a score of 42/100. This camera features 18 megapixels, a shooting speed of 4.3, a CMOS sensor, and a Digic 5 processor. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 65, and the sensor size is APS-C. The lens mount is Canon EF-M, and there is no image stabilization. The aspect ratio is 3:2. In the current market, these specifications are modest. Many cameras now offer more megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and better sensors. The lack of image stabilization is a drawback for those seeking sharp images in low-light conditions or while using longer focal lengths. The Canon EOS M’s optics are not impressive compared to newer models. Its modest specifications may suit beginners or casual photographers, but professionals and enthusiasts might find it lacking in performance and features. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 18 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3456 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 14.9 x 22.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 4.3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF-M |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 5 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 310300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video43/100 | |
About the VideoThe Canon EOS M receives a video score of 43/100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The highest video frame rate available is 30fps, which is decent for casual video recording but may not be sufficient for professional videographers or fast-paced action scenes. Additionally, the EOS M lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a feature often sought after by creative video enthusiasts. Compared to other cameras in the market, the Canon EOS M’s video capabilities fall short. Many current cameras offer 4K video resolution and higher frame rates, resulting in smoother and more detailed footage. The absence of time-lapse functionality further limits the EOS M’s versatility in the video department. The Canon EOS M may not be the ideal choice for those seeking advanced video capabilities. While its video features are adequate for basic recording, those looking for more advanced options should consider alternative camera models. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Features57/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Canon EOS M receives a feature score of 57 out of 100. The camera is equipped with a 3-inch screen, offering a resolution of 1,040,000 dots. Users can enjoy the convenience of its touchscreen capabilities, but the screen is not a flip screen. The camera lacks GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity. Examining the features in the context of today’s market, the EOS M falls short when compared to other cameras that offer more advanced technology. The absence of a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth are significant drawbacks for photographers who seek a more versatile and connected experience. Therefore, while the Canon EOS M may be suitable for certain photography needs, its features do not make it a top choice for those seeking advanced capabilities and connectivity options in a camera. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery13/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery score for the Canon EOS M is 13/100. This camera offers one memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In the current market, having only one card slot may be limiting for some users. The battery life of the EOS M is 230 shots, powered by an LP-E12 battery. This battery life may not be sufficient for extended shoots or all-day photography sessions. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which further hinders its convenience and usability. The Canon EOS M’s storage and battery specifications reveal certain limitations in today’s market. With a single memory card slot and a relatively short battery life, the camera may not provide the desired user experience for those seeking more advanced features and capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | LP-E12 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 230 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |