Canon EOS M First Mirrorless Camera and EF-M Lenses (Specs, Release Date and Price)

After a long wait, Canon finally announced its first mirrorless camera — Canon EOS M, as well as new EF-M lenses and flash. Read this article for Canon EOS M specs, features, release date, and price with photos and hands-on video.

I am a fan of Canon camera, from point-and-shot to DSLR (Canon EOS 450D). I was wondering why Canon had not released any mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC), while other camera manufacturers already selling theirs in the market.

Canon EOS M specs

At last, Canon announced — Canon EOS M with EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens — the first Canon MILC, featuring 18MP sensor, touch screen LCD, and compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Here’s Canon EOS M feature highlights:

• 18 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
• DIGIC 5 Image Processor
• Full HD Movie with Focus Tracking
• 3.0-inch touch screen with LCD
• Touch AF and Multi-touch Operation
• Hybrid CMOS Auto-focus for photo & video
• ISO 100–12800, expandable to 25600
• Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses (Optional EOS M mount adapter is required)
• Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards
• Includes Canon EF-M 22mm F2 STM

18 MP sensor, Full HD video recording, compatible with Canon lenses you already own… I am hooked at the first second!

Canon EOS M price and availability

Canon EOS M price is USD$800 (RM2400) on Amazon USA. It is expected to be available in October 15, 2012.

Canon EOS M system

Along with the announcement, Canon also announce 2 lenses, a flash and a mount adapter for EOS M:

Canon EF-M 22mm F2 STM (USD$249, Amazon)

Canon EF-M 22mm F2 STM (USD$249, Amazon)

 Canon EF-M 18–55mm IS STM lens (USD$299, Amazon)

Canon EF-M 18–55mm IS STM (USD$299, Amazon)

Canon Speedlite 90EX flash (USD$149, Amazon)

Canon Speedlite 90EX flash (USD$149, Amazon)

Canon EOS M Mount Adapter (USD$199, Amazon)

Canon EOS M Mount Adapter (USD$199, Amazon)

VIDEO: Canon EOS M hands-on demo

Here is the EOS M hands-on demo by TheVerge:

What does it mean to existing Canon DSLR owner?

After using DSLR for years, I am considering a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera for its lightness and portability without sacrificing much quality.

Since I already invested so much on DSLR lens and flash, I am glad that Canon EOS M is compatible with the camera gadgets!

However, according to TheVerge hands-on preview, mounting big lenses to Canon EOS M without viewfinder is not an ideal shooting mode.

While we were satisfied with the autofocus speed, the lack of a viewfinder made it difficult to wield the 70–200mm in a way that was comfortable. There isn’t an articulating LCD, so you have to hold it away from you in order to see what you’re shooting, leaving you in a much less stable shooting position than you would be with a DSLR.

Would you consider Canon EOS M for your next camera? Why?