With Canon’s July 2012 introduction of the EOS M Camera, its first entry in the mirrorless sweepstakes, the competition for this digital photography camera niche can truly begin. As the world’s number one camera manufacturer, Canon was not about to leap into the market too soon; and the early reports of the EOS M seem to indicate the wait will be well worth it. Read review of Canon M50 EOS camera which is one more affordable mirrorless camera by Canon. 

1. Of immediate note is that Canon, unlike its mirrorless camera competitors, many of whom have released a limited number of compatible lenses, has made it possible to use all of its EF and EF-S lenses on the EOS M body. Just attach the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS M and you’ll have the full arsenal of legendary Canon optics available.

2. Canon made sure to construct the EOS M with a solid magnesium and stainless steel frame, so it has the strength to support the largest and heaviest of the EF lenses on its lightweight body.

3. Canon will also have two new lenses, specifically designed for the EOS M camera. The kit lens is the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM and the other is an 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM.

4. The Canon EOS M’s 18-MP APS-C CMOS sensor is certainly large enough for the digital photographers who will use this interchangeable lens camera system, but what is significant is that Canon has enhanced the sensor with all its recent improvements in still and HD image capture. The Hybrid CMOS AF system is one of the company’s newest advancements and it gives the EOS M a clear advantage over its competition.

5. Canon also gave the EOS M digital camera a very comprehensive range of video capabilities: 1080p Full HD video at 30p, 24p and 25p; 720 HD video at 60p or 50p; and Standard Definition video at 30p or 25p.

6. The more important video recording news for the EOS M is that it includes a Movie Servo AF, so you can use continuous focus tracking to capture moving subjects. Plus, you also have manual exposure control.

7. Choose Face Detection & Tracking AF; Multi-Point AF, which automatically selects focus; or Single-Point AF to record sharper video and with little or no shutter lag.

8. Canon’s has equipped the EOS M with its new Stepping Motor (STM) technology, so you’ll never hear the AF when operating the new M-series lenses. It also has a rather sophisticated audio recording system: 64-level audio control, built-in stereo microphone, a wind filter and an attenuator that suppresses distortion when the audio source is extremely loud.

9. The Canon EOS M digital camera has a generous ISO capability. Still images can be shot with a 100–12,800 range, which expands to 25,600. Shoot video with ISO 100–6,400, or push the limit to 12,800.

10. Canon didn’t skimp on the EOS M’s LCD display. It is a 3.0-inch, touchscreen, Clear View LCD monitor II with approximately 1,040,000 dots. Its advanced interactive technology allows for “pinch-to-zoom” and “swipe” finger movements similar to the operation of tablet computers and smartphones.

11. The Canon Speedlight 90EX is a new small, but powerful, flash unit that is perfect to use with the EOS M as well as EOS DSLRs and PowerShot compact cameras via the standard Canon EOS hot shoe. Canon’s most recent Speedlite, the 600 EX, and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT can also be used with the EOS M.

12. Everyone will have to wait patiently until October 2012 for the limited release of the Canon EOS M Digital Camera. Tests and reviews of its optics and image quality will also have to wait until reviewers have access to the camera. Reportedly, the camera and the kit lens will retail for $799.99, and only a white version will be available initially from Canon’s online store.

Photo © 2012 Canon U.S.A., Inc.