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Canon M

 
Canon EOS M front
 
  • 18MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Boost to 25600)
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Canon EF-M Mount
  • 298g - 109 x 66 x 32mm
  • Revealed July 2012
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
89
Imaging
60
Features
65
Overall
62

Canon M overview

Canon M is Canon's Entry-Level Mirrorless digital camera first revealed on July of 2012. It includes a 18 MegaPixel, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a maximum resolution of 5184 x 3456.

The M is ranked #54 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras & all-around #289 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to look at our Smart camera filter to see camera rankings based on your custom factors.

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Below is a chart of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Canon M history

The Canon M has a history of related cameras. Below, you can see all previous and more recent models along with important features.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Canon-EOS-M50-Mark-II front thumbnailCanon M50 II
M vs M50 II
24MPAPS-C10.0 fps2020
Canon-EOS-M200 front thumbnailCanon M200
M vs M200
24MPAPS-C6.1 fps2019
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Canon-EOS-M6-Mark-II front thumbnailCanon M6 MII
M vs M6 MII
33MPAPS-C14.0 fps2019
Canon-EOS-M50 front thumbnailCanon M50
M vs M50
24MPAPS-C10.0 fps2018
Canon-EOS-M100 front thumbnailCanon M100
M vs M100
24MPAPS-C6.1 fps2017
Canon-EOS-M6 front thumbnailCanon M6
M vs M6
24MPAPS-C9.0 fps2017
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
Canon-EOS-M10 front thumbnailCanon M10
M vs M10
18MPAPS-C4.6 fps2015
Canon-EOS-M3 front thumbnailCanon M3
M vs M3
24MPAPS-C4.2 fps2015
Canon-EOS-M front thumbnailCanon M18MPAPS-C4.0 fps2012

Canon M Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of pros and cons of the Canon M based on aspects that are typically viewed as necessary in a digital camera.

change lenses (Canon EF-M mount)
decent MP (18MP)
good min ISO (100)
has HDMI support
has microphone jack
has phase detect autofocus
includes focus via touch
nice clear screen (1,040 k dot)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
screen size is decent (3")
supports face detect autofocus
touchscreen capability
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
you can focus manually
does not have image stabilization
low fps (4.0 frames per second)
missing headphone jack
missing Timelapse function
screen is fixed
screen is not selfie friendly
terrible battery (230 per charge)
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Canon M Sensor features

The Canon M features the Digic 5 chip. The sensor spec in the Canon M is 22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C). The 332 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 5184 x 3456 pixels .

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The CMOS sensor has 18MP and features a standard ISO range of 100 - 12800. The ISO can be widened electronically to a maximum of 25600. RAW files are saved so you have more room to maneuver in post.

The picture below shows the M's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The M sensor has a crop factor of 1.6 and is presented in green.

Canon EOS M sensor size Photography Glossary

To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon M dimensions

Canon M has a weight of 0.66 lbs (298 grams or 10.51 ounces) & has exterior size of 109mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3"). The weight of normal Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 grams so the Canon M is on par compared with other competitors.

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Below is a visual of the Canon M besides a softdrink to help you get a feel for its size.

Canon EOS M dimensions scale

The top view below will show the button design on the M.

Canon EOS M topview buttons dials

Canon M Lens features

The M fits the Canon EF-M mount and has 26 lenses on the market today. Here is a small number of the lenses we have in our database that will fit the M.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Canon-EF-M-22mm-f2-STM lensCanon EF-M 22mm f2 STM22mmf/2.0 105g
Canon-EF-M-15-45mm-F3.5-6.3-IS-STM lensCanon EF-M 15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM15-45mmf/3.5-6.3 130g
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7artisans-12mm-F2.8-Canon-EF-M lens7artisans 12mm F2.812mmf/2.8295g
Samyang-MF-14mm-F2.8-Mk2--Rokinon-MF-14mm-F2.8-II-Canon-EF-M- lensSamyang MF 14mm F2.8 Mk214mmf/2.8649g
Rokinon-85mm-F1.8-EF-M lensRokinon 85mm F1.885mmf/1.8344g
Samyang-21mm-F1.4-ED-AS-UMC-CS--Rokinon-21mm-F1.4-ED-AS-UMC-CS-Canon-EF-M lensSamyang 21mm F1.4 ED AS UMC CS21mmf/1.4275g
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Samyang-35mm-F1.2-ED-AS-UMC-CS-Canon-EF-M lensSamyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS35mmf/1.2420g
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Canon M Connectivity

The M has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras which include NFC and Bluetooth support can be used wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to transfer images and usually adjust settings without the hassle of connecting straight with the camera.

Several apps also provide a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI port, it can be hooked up to an external display. A lot of cameras will allow you to charge the battery with the USB port.

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Canon M Video features

The maximum video resolution in the Canon M is 1920 x 1080 and you can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p resolution provides a good balance in video quality vs file size but FULL HD will not leave you with any room to downsample. While the body offers a microphone jack, it is sadly lacking a headphone jack so you will not have the option to keep an eye on your sound levels.

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Canon M Weather Sealing

Canon M doesn't have weather proofing so damp conditions may damage the camera.

Canon M Screen and Viewfinder

The Canon M includes a 3" fixed display with a resolution of 1,040k dots.

Additionally the display is touch friendly so you can set focus point plus change settings with your fingertips.

Canon EOS M screen and viewfinder Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

The View Finder details for Canon M are below:

  • ViewFinder None

For bright outdoor situations that make the camera screens washed out and tricky to see, viewfinders will be rather valuable.

Canon M Shutter features

Canon M continuous shooting speed is 4.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000s.

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Canon M Flash and Hot shoe features

Canon M features external flash ability but is lacking inbuilt flash. The max flash sync speed is 1/200s.

Canon M Autofocus features

Canon M features both Phase Detect Auto Focus as well as Contrast Based Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier and exact compared to Contrast Based autofocusing. The camera includes Face detection which makes it handy for people photography.

The Sensor includes 31 focus points to select from. Canon M has tap to focus. You can use your fingers in order to change where you focus. Canon M features manual focusing in case it is needed in low light occasions or you need to have more accurate focusing control.

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Canon M Battery life

The battery (LP-E12) in the Canon M is designed to last for 230 shutters according to the CIPA standards which is lower as compared to it's competition. The general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 offers the highest possible (750) battery life in this group of cameras.

Below is a collection of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras that come with the best battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
Photography Glossary

Canon M for specific styles of photography

The following illustration shows a summation of the Canon M for specific styles of photography. To find out more, browse to the specific section below.

Portrait photography with Canon M

The Canon M receives a points tally of 76 which is great, and means the camera is a superb pick to use for portrait images. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor resolution, RAW support in addition to the flexibility to utilize off-camera flash.

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you can focus manually
megapixel count decent (18 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
features face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats

Canon M as a Street photography camera

With a above average points tally of 72, the Canon M is a respectable fit to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera has a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

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sensor size is nice (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
provides touch focus
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization

Canon M Sports photography highlights

A modest sports photography score of 55 suggests the Canon M is reasonably suitable for shooting sports. A camera should have fantastic autofocus plus fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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good MP (18 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
has phase detect auto focus
low fps (4.0 frames/s)
lack of image stabilization
terrible battery life (230 CIPA)

Canon M Travel photography features

Weight is pretty crucial when picking a travel camera. On the whole, the Canon M gets a nice 63 as a travel camera which is a very decent option to take with you on your travels.

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includes touch to focus
good MP (18 megapixels)
lack of Time Lapse function
terrible battery power (230 CIPA)
display is not selfie friendly

Canon M Landscape photography information

When you are planning to purchase a camera for landscape photos, the most important aspect will be image quality. The Canon M at it's above average rating of 66 for a landscape camera is a fine fit amongst it's rivals.

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has manual focus
switch lenses (Canon EF-M mount)
screen is a good size (3 inches)
megapixel count good (18MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
no image stabilization
bad battery power (230 per charge)
no Timelapse mode

Vlogging with Canon M

A camera for vlogging really should posses a articulating display, mic input and preferably IBIS. Considering all the details, the Canon M is just not very good as a vlog camera as it delivers a really bad score of 37.

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has touchscreen
includes face detect autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
comes with microphone support
does not offer selfie friendly display
no image stabilization

Canon M Alternatives

If you are searching for replacements to the M, below is a selection of the top scored cameras which fall within the category of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The diagram followed below shows you an overview of the M versus it's highest scored competitors mentioned previously.

Following are several cameras you might take into account as alternatives. To read a thorough comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Canon
Model type
Canon EOS M
Class
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Revealed
2012-07-23
Body design
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor Chip
Digic 5
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor measurements
22.3 x 14.9mm
Sensor surface area
332.3mm²
Sensor resolution
18 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Highest resolution
5184 x 3456
RAW support
Highest native ISO
12800
Highest boosted ISO
25600
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points
31
Lens
Lens mount type
Canon EF-M
Total lenses
23
Focal length multiplier
1.6
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3"
Resolution of screen
1,040k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen tech
Clear View II TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
65
DXO Color Depth rating
22.1
DXO Dynamic range rating
11.2
DXO Low light rating
827
Features
Slowest shutter speed
60 seconds
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed
4.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
no built-in flash
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash sync
1/200 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
298 gr (0.66 lbs)
Physical dimensions
109 x 66 x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
230 shots
Battery format
Battery Pack
Battery ID
LP-E12
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
Single
Pricing at launch
$510