Canon’s first serious mirrorless effort in recent times could pack just enough punch to get the attention the market needs.
The new EOS M5 builds on the M3 from almost a year back. It comes with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor on the front, with a new Digic 7 image processor. It has an ISO range of between 100 and 25600, and has 49 cross-type autofocus points, all of which, according to Canon, should provide image quality on the lines of the 80D at just half the weight at 13.4 ounces.
The mirrorless camera is also Canon’s first to support dynamic stabilization, using both, the lens and camera, to provide a five-axis stabilization system.
Burst capabilities are capped at up to 9 fps, or 7 with continuous autofocus. Dual Pixel CMOS will also make up for faster and precise autofocus, with Touch and Drag AF allowing constant switching between subjects through the LCD. Video capabilities of the EOS M5 are capped at 1080p at 60 frames per second, so no 4K here.
The EOS M5 is also the first mirrorless from Canon to come with a built-in high res. 2.36-million dot electronic viewfinder. The camera features a 3.2-inch 1.62-million LCD touchscreen on the back which tilts out 85-degrees and downwards up to 180-degrees. The camera is the first Canon mirrorless to come with a real grip and has two physical dials for faster controls.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi and NFC for quicker file sharing with your smartphone. Battery life is said to last up to 420 shots in Eco mode, or 296 without it.
The EOS M5 will be showcased at the Photokina next week. Pricing starts at $979 for the body only, or $1100 with a 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 lens. You can also use Canon’s EF & EF-S lenses with an additional $99 adaptor.
