Canon EOS 90D vs Canon EOS M: A Decade of Difference in Canon APS-C Cameras

When diving into the Canon ecosystem for APS-C photography, two models often surface in conversations: the veteran Canon EOS M, launched in 2012 as Canon’s first serious mirrorless venture, and the much more recent Canon EOS 90D, a 2019 mid-size DSLR powerhouse. With nearly a decade between their introductions, these cameras represent vastly different approaches and technologies - from mirrorless innovation to advanced DSLR refinement.

Having personally spent hundreds of hours with Canon cameras across both DSLR and mirrorless lines, I’ve put these two through their paces to deliver a detailed, practical comparison. Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast eyeing a budget entry point or a professional contemplating a high-speed, versatile shooter, this side-by-side will help clarify which camera deserves your hard-earned dollars.

Let’s unpack the technical, ergonomic, and creative layers of these two very different tools.

Handling & Ergonomics: DSLR Bulk vs Rangefinder Minimalism

At first glance and feel, the 90D and EOS M present a stark contrast.

Canon 90D

This camera embraces the classic DSLR form: substantial grip, solid heft at 701g, and dimensions that command presence in your hands (141x105x77mm). The body is built for extended shooting comfort and has dedicated physical buttons and dials bringing manual control front and center. For enthusiasts who rely on tactile feedback - especially in fast-paced scenarios - this feels reassuringly familiar and functional.

Canon EOS M

The EOS M drifts into minimalism with its mirrorless, rangefinder-style design, weighing less than half the 90D at just 298g and sporting compact dimensions (109x66x32mm). This portability is a boon for street, travel, and casual photography but sacrifices the larger grip and traditional controls. You'll often need to fiddle with touchscreen menus rather than dedicated buttons.

Ergonomically, Canon clearly designed these cameras for different user priorities - handling experience vs pocket-friendly convenience.

Controls & User Interface: Analog Legacy Meets Digitized Simplicity

On the top plate, the 90D boasts a comprehensive layout: mode dial, dedicated ISO button, exposure compensation dial, drive modes, and an LCD for quick status review. This encourages rapid adjustments mid-shoot without delving into menus - essential in sports or wildlife situations where every millisecond counts.

Conversely, the EOS M sheds complexity to maintain its streamlined profile. It lacks most physical dials, instead prioritizing touchscreen interaction for key settings. While this is visually clean and suits casual users, pros accustomed to manual tweaking might find it limiting or slower to operate under pressure.

This polarity illustrates the DSLR’s advantage when speed and directness in control matter, versus the mirrorless’ embrace of sleek digital workflow.

Sensor & Image Quality: Newer, Higher Resolution vs Earlier, Simpler Sensor

Both cameras deploy APS-C sized sensors (22.3 x 14.9mm), meaning their imaging potential shares an inherent baseline - though how they leverage it differs.

• Canon 90D:
  Packs a 33-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC 8 processor, enabling high-res capture at 6960x4640 pixels. This greater resolution unlocks detailed landscapes and large-format prints with less cropping anxiety. Furthermore, the updated processor enhances noise control, dynamic range, and overall image fidelity.

• Canon EOS M:
  Sports an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor backed by the older DIGIC 5 processor. At a max resolution of 5184x3456, it’s respectable – especially for its era – but visibly less detailed than the 90D. Color depth and dynamic range scores (DxO mark: 22.1 color depth, 11.2 stops dynamic range) lag behind modern standards.

The 90D’s sensor improvement translates visibly in highlight recovery, shadow detail, and cleaner high ISO files, making a strong case for those requiring image quality precision.

LCD & Viewfinder: Articulated Touchscreen vs Fixed Screen, Optical vs None

A critical usability factor:

• Canon 90D:
  Features a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen with 1040k dots resolution. Articulation excels for awkward angles, video work, and live view shooting. The optical pentaprism viewfinder offers a 100% coverage with 0.6x magnification - a classic DSLR trait delivering real-time bright, lag-free framing.

• Canon EOS M:
  Packs a 3-inch fixed touchscreen of same resolution but lacks any viewfinder, electronic or optical. Composing requires back-screen reliance, which can be tough in bright sunlight. Fixed screen limits creative framing flexibility.

For anyone who prioritizes precise composition or wants a tactile connection to shooting via a viewfinder, the 90D wins hands down.

Canon 90D front Canon 90D screen back Canon M screen back

Real-World Image Performance: From Portraits to Landscapes

Portrait Photography

Thanks to superior resolution and advanced autofocus with 45 cross-type points, the 90D delivers impressively sharp eyes and detailed skin rendering. Canon’s face detection is responsive, and while it lacks animal eye autofocus, it is adept at locking onto human subjects. Bokeh quality hinges largely on lens choice, but the 90D’s sensor allows subtle tonal gradations pleasing for skin tones.

The EOS M’s 18MP sensor and 31 AF points are workable for portraits but less robust under challenging light. Lower resolution means less cropping freedom and softer detail retention on large displays.

Landscape Photography

The 90D’s 33MP sensor and improved dynamic range enable capturing all nuances from shadow forests to bright skies with fewer blown highlights. Weather sealing also allows shooting in varied outdoor conditions. The EOS M lacks environmental sealing, meaning caution around moisture and dust exposure. Resolution and dynamic range differences manifest noticeably in large prints or intense editing.

Specialized Photography Genres

Let’s break down performance for genre-focused users:

Wildlife Photography

• 90D: Its 11fps burst rate and 45 fast phase-detection AF points make tracking quick, erratic wildlife easier. The DSLR’s optical viewfinder is invaluable for fast-moving subjects under dense cover. Compatibility with Canon’s vast EF telephoto lens lineup is a huge advantage.

• EOS M: 4fps burst pace and smaller AF array are less ideal for action but sufficient for casual animal shoots. Limited EF-M lens choices restrict telephoto reach unless you adapt EF lenses (adding bulk).

Sports Photography

• 90D: Fast frame rates, precise AF tracking, and robust build quality cater well to sports shooters. The shutter speeds up to 1/8000s and silent electronic shutter option add creative control.

• EOS M: Sports shooting is compromised by slower 4fps continuous shooting and no EVF for clear fast action framing.

Street Photography

• EOS M: Shines here with compactness and light weight, letting you blend in and move swiftly. Its quiet operation and touchscreen are practical for candid shots.

• 90D: Bulkier and louder; less discreet, better suited for planned shoots than spontaneous street work.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers built-in stabilization, so macro performance leans heavily on lens and support equipment. However, 90D’s higher resolution favors capturing fine details in close-up work.

Night & Astro Photography

The 90D extends native ISO to 25600 (boost to 51200) with manageable noise levels thanks to DIGIC 8 processing. The EOS M maxes out lower native and boosted ISOs with more noticeable grain. Both support long exposures, although the 90D’s 30s minimum shutter speed and electronic shutter options offer greater flexibility.

Video Capabilities

• 90D: Records up to UHD 4K 30p video at 120Mbps, including a microphone and headphone port for monitoring audio - a clear advantage for serious video work.

• EOS M: Maxes out at 1080p Full HD 30fps without headphone support, limiting professional video use.

Autofocus System: Technology & Accuracy

The 90D boasts 45 cross-type autofocus points with dual-pixel phase detection enabling fast, reliable focus in stills and live view across complex scenes. Its subject tracking and eye detection (human only) result in high keeper rates in fast-paced shooting.

The EOS M has 31 AF points with an older hybrid system but lacks continuous tracking and animal eye autofocus. Autofocus can hunt more in low light or busy backgrounds.

Hands-on testing confirms the 90D's AF system is more versatile and markedly more precise for demanding shooting.

Build Quality & Environmental Resistance

The 90D impresses with partial weather sealing protecting against moisture and dust, letting photographers work outdoors with more confidence.

The EOS M offers no sealing, reflecting its entry-level, casual-use intentions.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility

• Canon 90D accepts EF and EF-S lenses - an immense library exceeding 326 optics. This breadth encompasses everything from macro to super-telephoto lenses with decades of tested reliability.

• Canon EOS M’s EF-M mount is far more limited, with only 23 native lenses available. To expand, you must use an adapter for EF or EF-S lenses, adding cost and size.

The 90D’s compatibility is a strong selling point for ecosystem longevity.

Battery Life & Storage

• 90D: Equipped with the robust LP-E6N battery, rated for approximately 1300 shots per charge under CIPA standards - excellent for full-day shooting without breaks.

• EOS M: Uses the smaller LP-E12 battery with a notably shorter life of roughly 230 shots per charge. For extended outings, multiple spares are essential.

Both utilize a single SD card slot (UHS-II supported in 90D for faster write speeds).

Connectivity & Wireless Features

• Canon 90D: Comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless remote control and image transfer via Canon’s Camera Connect app.

• EOS M: Relies on Eye-Fi card support from its era; no native Bluetooth or modern Wi-Fi. This feels dated compared to recent standards.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

At launch, the 90D retails at roughly $1,199 (body only), positioning it toward advanced amateurs or semi-pros investing in feature-rich gear.

The EOS M’s $510 entry price caters to budget-mindful beginners or second-camera users valuing portability over cutting-edge specs.

Given the 90D’s superior sensor, faster performance, robust build, and video capabilities, its higher price reflects its advanced abilities well.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Canon for Your Photography

The Canon EOS 90D is hands-down the superior camera when image quality, autofocus speed, versatile shooting, and ruggedness matter. It excels in sports, wildlife, landscape, and professional workflows, offering the tactile control and reliability DSLRs remain known for. If your photography demands long-lasting battery life, weather sealing, or advanced video capabilities, the 90D stands out.

In contrast, the Canon EOS M remains a niche option for casual shooters valuing portability, simple operation, and budget-friendliness. For street photographers or travelers committed to minimal gear, the M's compactness is compelling despite its technological and performance compromises.

In sum, the 90D is the well-rounded APS-C workhorse of the modern DSLR era, while the EOS M served as an important stepping stone for Canon's entry into mirrorless cameras - with some understandable technological growing pains.

I hope this deep dive, blending hands-on insights and technical evaluation, equips you with all you need to make an informed decision - whichever Canon APS-C camera you decide to call your own.

Summary of Key Strengths

Your choice boils down to what you value in your photographic journey - power and precision or portability and simplicity.

Happy shooting!