Enthusiast Mirrorless from Canon

A serious mirrorless model is finally here from Canon. It has all of the expected bells and whistles – high quality EVF, APS-C sensor, SLR-like body – but in a very compact package that bellies its features and functionalities like no other. Just slightly bigger than its smaller M-series siblings – the M5 can be the blueprint that other companies should follow

Full photography controls

Similar to its peers in this category, the M5 features a full photography control layout on the camera, which includes two dials for parameter control, a full featured PASM dial with custom modes and scenery options, and even a dedicated exposure dial on the top.

Relatively easy to use

Not only the camera has full controls, it also has touch screen on its 3.2-inch screen on the back. Using the touch screen while using the EVF presents some unique moments – you can reposition your focusing point by just dragging it on screen while using the EVF (ala touchpad).

Small and unobtrusive

Thanks to the small size of the camera, you can bring it anywhere and it will not stand out in the crowd. It is unobtrusive enough that it will (probably) be considered as a compact zoom camera rather than a mirrorless camera.

Expand your (lens) horizon

The camera can accept both EF-M lenses (which is native for the mount) and EF lenses. The latter however needs an adaptor to function properly, so it can be a bit expensive to adopt your L-lens to the EOS M5.

Highlights

1 – No Speedy Gonzales

While the features of the camera is solid, the startup and operations speed needs some looking into

2 – Limited glass

Thanks to the EF-M mount, the camera needs its own set of glass, and currently the family is quite limited

3 – Dual Dials

To change any settings, users can use the dual dials located around the shutter and at the back

4 – Full Hot Shoe

Mount any Canon or third party speedlight on the hotshoe, and flash away like a pro

First 24 hours

Hour 1 – Oooh its pretty small

Hour 5 – The kit lens is a bit lacking, and the lens family can be better…

Hour 9 – The touch screen is really useful – but my nose keeps shifting the focus point

Hour 13 – Wish that the screen is articulated rather than just a tilt screen

Hour 17 – I wish the lens can go further – but I can just change to a longer lens!

Hour 24 – Mirrorless is the way to do photography from now on

Specs

Price: RM 4,699
Dimensions (HxWxD): 115 x 89 x 61 mm
Weight: 427 g
Sensor: APS-C
Storage : SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Display: 3.2-inch 1.62 million dots
Connectivity: WiFi/Bluetooth
Ports: Mini HDMI/Audio Jack/microUSB                        

Score

Value – 8
Performance – 8
Features – 8
Design – 8
Usability – 8

Total – 8 (GOLD)

Verdict: A mild mannered mirrorless camera for the masses

Byline: Sharil Abdul Rahman