Canon launches EOS-M line of compact mirrorless cameras for $800

Canon has jumped into the crowded compact mirrorless camera or ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) segment currently being occupied by the likes of of Panasonic, Olympus, Sony, Samasung and Pentax. The EOS-M  small and simple 18 megapixel compact mirroless camera will use an APS-C sized sensor, same as what is on the popular EOS Rebel Line but will have more simplistic and user-firendly controls geared towards consumers rather than prosumers or professionals looking at a smaller system.

The EOS-M has a lot of similarities to the GX1, the S100 and the T4i although its size is much closer to that of the compact PowerShot line. It can shoot 4.3 frames per second and has a low light capability of  100-6400 (expandable to 12800 in H mode) for video recording, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) for still image shooting.

The official word from Canon on the new system is as follows:

"Combining the perfect blend of advanced video features and excellent still image quality in a convenient size, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the EOS M Digital Camera. Canon has made significant advancements in the realm of professional-quality HD video capture, from advanced CMOS sensor technology to smooth, quiet continuous autofocus. Inspired by EOS technology, the EOS M leverages these core technologies and distills them down to provide outstanding video capture capabilities while retaining high-quality still image capture."

Its relative high price and the fact that it is geared towards consumers might send mixed signals to the market. The Canon EOS-M is priced at the high end of the ILC and mirrorless market and while one can argue that Canon has a variety of lenses accessible to the new system by an adaptor, many will questsion if the smaller form factor justified the cost and lack of depth in control. 

Still, it will be very interesting to see this camera and system in action, most specially in the HD video department since Canon seems to be putting this functionality front and centre.

Expected to sell for $800 in October, the EOS M Digital Camera bundled with the new EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens. A white version of the EOS M Digital Camera bundled with the new EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens will be exclusively available through the Canon Online store, shop.usa.canon.com.

The new EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, Mount Adapter EF-EOS M and Speedlite 90EX will all be available in October at an estimated retail price of $299.99, $199.99 and $149.99 respectively.