What processor is used in the eos m5. Canon EOS M5 - Review of a good but expensive mirrorless camera

Canon's previous search for itself in the world of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses seemed more like a statement of the futility of a new direction in photographic equipment. The first three EOS Ms shot well and had a nice design, but too sluggish development of the optics family for the new mount and lagging behind in many respects compared to competitors did not allow them to win a significant market segment. It might even seem that Canon will abandon its attempts in this field.

But no, Canon has released the EOS M5, which is heading straight for the competition. Moreover, although the four is omitted according to traditional Japanese superstitions, one might get the impression that this was done precisely in order to accentuate the separation from the corporation's previous experiences in a mirrorless format.

Yes, Canon still treats mirrorless cameras exclusively as models for beginners and amateur photographers - but the EOS M5 is rapidly closing the gap, demonstrating the company's acceptance of the fact that enthusiasts are also interested in these cameras (but for the pros, Canon still leaves only the DSLR choice). This is already noticeable at the first glance at the new product - a normal, almost “mirror” grip, a built-in viewfinder (yes, electronic, but now they have already reached a very high level), an extended set of controls, bringing the EOS M5 closer in terms of experience to SLR cameras companies.

But at the same time, this is not just a direct transfer - there is no talk of Canon creating some kind of EOS xxxD by removing the pentaprism. The control scheme inherits the EOS M3 with additional features - such as, for example, another selector ring with a Dual Function key - it allows you to change the settings in one or two movements without even accessing the quick menu. This is a new management experience, and quite enjoyable.

Another feature is a fully functional touch display surface. It is used not only to navigate the interface or select the focus point, but also in viewfinder mode. The image on the screen goes blank, but the touch layer does not turn off - moving your finger over it, you can again select the focus point and even set the tracking area. In terms of grip and thoughtful handling, the Canon EOS M5 looks more than modern, ahead of some mirrorless luminaries such as Sony.

The case turned out to be very light - the M5 weighs only 427 grams, which is 300 grams less than the Canon EOS 80D - in many ways a “donor” model for the “five”. The downside of lightness is that the M5 is not impressive with aluminum or magnesium, the body is covered with plastic. However, the assembly is good, neat - you don't expect anything else from Canon. The front and back panels are covered with rubberized material, there is a protrusion not only in front, but also in the back - the camera sits securely in the hand.

The display is not only touch-sensitive, as I mentioned above, but also swivel - although only in the vertical plane, unfortunately. Many manufacturers hesitate to add a few millimeters of thickness in favor of the side hinge - but in vain. At the same time, the screen is very large for such a camera - 3.2 inches, resolution - 1.62 million dots. An LCD matrix is ​​used, while the viewfinder is built on organic light-emitting diodes, its resolution is 2.36 million dots, the magnification factor is 0.62x.

Above, I noted the similarity of the EOS M5 with the 80D in terms of characteristics. This is reflected in the use of the same sensor (APS-C, 24.2 megapixels, ISO 100-25600) and the autofocus system that the 80D used only for Live View, and here, respectively, for all situations. We are talking about a 49-point hybrid autofocus using Dual Pixel technology (matrix diodes are used for both shooting and focusing). As a result, in terms of speed and focusing accuracy, the M5 breaks into the elite on the move, while the previous Ms were consistently inferior to all competitors in this regard. The camera focuses very quickly and holds objects tenaciously. Some colleagues even claim that it does it faster than the Sony a6300 - but, according to my feelings, this is still not the case. Progress is indeed evident, but how total it is, it will be possible to say only after a more detailed test.

The latest generation DIGIC 7 processor is used, and in terms of shooting speed, the EOS M5 again repeats the result of 80D - up to seven frames per second at maximum resolution (6000 × 4000) with images displayed on the screen in real time and single-frame autofocus. Without Live View, the speed reaches 9 frames per second - quite worthy. The camera is generally very fast and responsive, it really resembles older Canon crop DSLRs in behavior: it instantly turns on, quickly responds to the actions of the photographer.

But from the 80D, the mirrorless camera also inherited video recording capabilities - which means that the M5 cannot work with 4K. Only 1080/60p. This is quite enough for many, but in comparison with competitors, this is just a gap. There is also no stabilizer built into the body, which is becoming an indispensable element for most modern cameras - another subtle point. There is only digital stabilization when shooting video - quite effective in theory, after all, the resolution for shooting Full HD video is frankly excessive, there is a lot of space for "cropping" the excess. But there is an important difference from the 80D: if there is a microphone jack, there is no headphone output - after all, there is a dividing line between the camera for amateurs and enthusiasts.

Of course, wireless modules are built into the camera: both Wi-Fi and NFC for quick identification of the camera by a mobile device, and Bluetooth for constant communication with it. M5 can work with interval shooting. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 s.

With very interesting characteristics, good ergonomics and some functions not available on other cameras (tenacious Dual Pixel autofocus, the ability to control the focus point on the touch screen without turning off the viewfinder), the EOS M5, like the entire Canon mirrorless family, still has an important drawback : a small number of optics released under the EOS M mount - today there are only seven lenses. Yes, it is possible to use an adapter while maintaining autofocus - but in this case, the precious compactness of the system is lost.

How much does Canon really want to do mirrorless? The camera is very good, although a really strong move, it could have become a bomb three years ago - now it's just a reaction to the market, not a breakthrough. But the real answer will come from Canon's continued optics activity.

As for the release date of the EOS M5 and the price, we are talking about November of this year and the price of $1,099 for the body version (without lens). Per kit with 18-150mm lens f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will have to pay $ 1,499. Based on these amounts, it is not difficult to determine direct competitors: Sony a6300, Panasonic Lumix GX8, Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. A very serious company.

24.2 megapixels, Dual-Pixel CMOS AF, Digic 7, ISO 100-25600, EVF, up to 7fps and Full HD - enough to make you consider buying a Canon EOS camera M5.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Reviews

The Canon EOS M5's specs are impressive, at least on paper, but let's take a closer look at the camera. Is she really that good?

Controls in the Canon EOS M5

The EOS M5 has a rather stylish design that follows the principles of all Canon products, so that the camera looks more like a smaller version of a DSLR from the same company than other mirrorless cameras.

The Canon EOS M5 is very comfortable to hold in your hand, and all functions can be used effortlessly with one hand: the shutter button is located exactly under the index finger, it is surrounded by a ring that switches shooting modes, and the exposure compensation can be controlled with the thumb.

The EOS M5's touch screen allows you to switch the AF point, use various menu and playback functions. This feature first appeared in Panasonic cameras, and Canon has developed it by adding the use of only a certain area of ​​​​the screen. Thanks to this, you are unlikely to set the AF point due to just an accidental touch on the display.

For the first time in the EOS M-series, a viewfinder has been added to help maintain fine detail across the frame to help you compose. It's about the same size as the one found on the Fujifilm X-T10, although there are better viewfinders out there - enough for most photographers.

Image Quality EOS M5

Slow autofocus has been a problem with the EOS M line, so Canon should be commended for fixing this major shortcoming. In addition, the speed of the camera has also increased after being equipped with a fast Digic 7 processor.

The Canon EOS M5 lets you capture everything from sports to portraits, as well as shooting in low light. The response speed does not lag behind the action, which is especially important when shooting outdoors.

Should I buy the Canon EOS M5

Canon has long underestimated the prospects of mirrorless cameras, although the EOS M5 is an excellent camera, it already feels a little dated.

It is also worth noting that the EOS M5 camera is quite expensive - $ 980 (more than 60,000 rubles) for the body alone.

Given the popularity and variety of mirrorless models, the EOS M 5 has many competitors, and some of them surpass it in a number of characteristics.

Nevertheless, for all fans of the quality and design of Canon cameras, we can safely recommend the Canon EOS M5.

Every person in love with photography dreams of having a camera that can shoot whatever they want, and even with perfect quality. But not everyone is ready for the camera to be heavy and bulky. Someone began to dream of a small and powerful camera, disappointed in the photo capabilities of a smartphone. Someone, having rashly bought a SLR camera “like from a friend”, increasingly leaves it at home, considering walking with it tiring. Yes, and many professionals who are forced to carry multi-kilogram sets of photographic equipment to commercial shootings dream of shooting on vacation with something less burdensome, but comparable in quality and capabilities.

background

Approximately 10 years ago, photographic equipment manufacturers noticed a growing need for small, but high-quality cameras, and soon "mirrorless" cameras - compact cameras with interchangeable lenses - began to appear on the market one after another. Almost equal to DSLRs in terms of image quality and capabilities, this new class of cameras has managed to return serious photography to the mainstream of pleasant pastime and creativity on vacation.

Canon has been releasing mirrorless cameras in the EOS M family since 2012, and recently the EOS M5, which we will cover in this review, became its flagship. Let's try to figure out how close the "five" approached the ideal of a photographer.

Camera in hand

In terms of design, layout and control layout, the Canon EOS M5 is similar to a regular DSLR, only slightly scaled down.

At first, for owners of large hands, it may even seem too small. But the fingers quickly get used to the comfortable non-slip grip on the front and the thumb rest on the back, after which the discomfort disappears, and the index finger rests exactly on the shutter button.

It is also convenient for them to turn the control wheel located around it. You can easily move your index finger to both the function button on the right and the flash release button on the left.

All the buttons on the rear panel are also in the zone of action of the thumb, however, at the same time, the camera already needs to be lightly held with the left hand.

It also serves to switch the camera mode using the selector dial located to the left of the viewfinder.

With the left hand, it is also more convenient to turn on the camera with the lever located under the selector dial.

It’s worth adding that the disk just won’t be accidentally knocked down, for example, when you take out the cameras from the bag - the developers have provided a locking button, without which you can’t turn the disk without pressing it.

The programmable button to the right of the lens is convenient to press with your ring finger. The Wi-Fi connection activation button is located on the right side of the case, under the compartment with an HDMI connector (it is needed to output images from the camera to external devices).

You get used to all the controls pretty quickly, gradually starting to understand how carefully everything is thought out. The previously mentioned control wheels in manual and creative modes allow you to quickly and easily change basic shooting parameters, navigate through menus and select settings.

One of the screens of the control function selection menu. Many buttons can be programmed to quickly access the functions and settings you need.

Camera in action

The camera is ready for use in about 1 - 1.5 seconds after being turned on. However, if you are using a standard folding zoom lens, you will still need to move it to the working position. With any other lens, just turn the power lever. Will something else prevent the photographer from capturing an interesting moment that quickly arose? Under adequate lighting conditions - almost nothing.

Thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus technology, the camera focuses very quickly. Recall that this system is used in Canon's top professional DSLRs and uses pixels with two separate photodiodes on the matrix. Such autofocus is very effective in most scenes, except for very poorly lit ones. In addition, the desired AF area can be instantly selected by touching the LCD touch screen with your finger.

If there is not enough light in the scene being shot for autofocus, you can switch to manual focusing, where the “focus peaking” function, which highlights the contours of objects in focus, will help to accurately focus.

You can view shooting in the Canon EOS M5 either through the high-resolution 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage or via the 3.2-inch 1.62M-dot flip-out LCD touch screen.

The option with a viewfinder will appeal to owners of DSLRs, photographers with imperfect vision (there is diopter adjustment), as well as for shooting on bright sunny days. The infrared sensor built into the EVI reacts to the approach of a person to the camera and automatically switches the image output from the display to the viewfinder and vice versa.

Framing on the screen will be more familiar to those who started taking pictures with a smartphone or digital “soap box”. In addition, the folding screen is very convenient when shooting from high and low positions.

The LCD screen is indispensable for selfies, for which it leans back and translates into a vertical position with a rotation of 180 °. And the combination of a small, unattractive camera and a horizontally rotated screen will allow you to covertly shoot interesting genre scenes.

Let us remind you once again that the screen of the camera is touch-sensitive, thanks to which you can instantly change the position of the focus point by touching the desired place in the frame, as well as taking pictures with one touch without attracting attention to yourself.

The camera is more than suitable for reporting and dynamic scenes, the burst shooting speed is at the level of SLR cameras: 7 frames per second with tracking autofocus and 9 fps with focusing on the first frame.

Shooting quality

The Canon EOS M5 features a state-of-the-art 24MP CMOS sensor and the latest generation DIGIC 7 processor.

In the daytime, in good light, photographs are obtained with rich, natural color reproduction and high detail.

The camera conveys all the halftones of not too contrasting scenes very confidently and accurately, without the intervention of the photographer.

During the day in conditions of insufficient lighting, for example, in a forest with dense vegetation, the situation with image quality hardly changes.

Today we received official confirmation: without waiting for the opening of the Photokin exhibition in Cologne, Canon announced the release of the Canon EOS M5 compact system camera with a very impressive set of features.

This is a serious step forward: a mirrorless camera appeared in the corporate assortment not only with a functional set close to a professional one, but also with an appropriate appearance and ergonomics. Along with the camera, a new superzoom with an interesting range of focal lengths - EF-M 18-150mm f / 3.5-6.3 IS STM - is also presented.

The main features of the novelty are a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 7 graphics processor, an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of almost 2.4 million dots, fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus for stills and videos. And the Touch and Drag technology will allow the shooter to move the finger across the screen to direct the focus area to the desired object, even when shooting with a sight through the viewfinder. The touch screen, combined with large dials, simplifies camera manipulation and setup. By the way, the 3.2-inch screen with a good resolution (1.6 million dots) has excellent mobility: it can be folded down by 180° and lifted up by 85°.

The camera has a built-in five-axis digital image stabilization system. They are used when shooting video, but can also complement the action of the optical stabilization system built into the lenses when taking pictures. The camera has built-in support for wireless protocols Wi-Fi, NFC, as well as cost-effective Bluetooth Smart.

The new 8.3x Superzoom EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM weighs only approx. Built-in optical stabilization "holds" up to four shutter speeds. The stepper focus motor is almost silent, which is very useful for video shooting. The minimum shooting distance varies from 25 cm at the minimum focal length to 45 cm at 150 mm.

There is no information from the Russian representative office of the company on sensitive issues yet. In Germany, for example, the entry of new items into trade is expected in November 2016, and the recommended price of the case (including VAT) is 1129 euros. Most likely, the EOS M5 will also be sold with a new superzoom, the price of which in Germany is expected to be 499 euros.

Specifications

Camera	Canon EOS M5
Matrix	CMOS, 22.3×14.9mm
Permission	24 megapixels (6000×4000)
Viewfinder	Electronic, on organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), 2.36 million points; displays 100% of the frame; with vision adjustment
Screen	Touch LCD, TFT, 8 cm (3.2"), 1.62 M dots
GPU	DIGIC 7
Applied optics	EF-M
crop factor	1,6
Image stabilization	Electronic 5-axis; built-in optical lens
Autofocus system	Phase detection pixels on the image sensor (Dual Pixel CMOS AF); 49 zones (9 zones with manual selection)
Focus modes	Automatic single and continuous; manual (there is Focus Peaking, magnification 5x and 10x).
Gate	Focal electronically controlled
Shutter speed range	1/4000-30 s (step 1/3 steps) and B; sync speed 1/200 s
Exposure modes and programs	Software automatic, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual mode; scene auto selector, hybrid auto, scene programs (9), creative filters (8 including HDR)
Shooting speed	up to 9 fps without AF (up to 26 JPEG frames per burst); up to 7 fps with AF
Light sensitivity	Photo: ISO 100-25600; video: 100-6400 ISO
Flash	Built-in: HF 5 (100 ISO), lens angle from 15 mm; external: E-TTL II support
Video filming	MP4 (video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC); Full HD - 1920×1080 (59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.976 fps); Recording time up to 29 min. 59 s (up to 4 GB)
Nutrition	Li-ion battery LP-E17
Memory	1 slot, SD, SDHC, SDXC (supports UHS-I)
Interfaces and communication	Micro USB, micro HDMI, 3.5 mm mini stereo jack for microphone; Wi-Fi b/g/n, Dynamic NFC, Bluetooth 4.1
Dimensions and weight	115.6 x 89.2 x 60.6mm; 427 g (with battery and memory card)
Other	12 customizable buttons

Publication date: 27.12.2016

Evolution of the Canon EOS M System

A story about the history of the system and how a professional full-frame DSLR photographer came to work with the Canon EOS M System.

In September 2016, Canon's EOS M line of mirrorless cameras was expanded with the flagship M5 model, which incorporates a number of advanced technologies previously used in the company's SLR cameras. This allowed the new product to stand almost on a par with professional DSLRs in many respects, while retaining all the advantages of compact system cameras. Our expert, who has been familiar with the Canon EOS M system since its inception, has been testing the EOS M5 for a week and now shares his impressions and evaluates the new product in comparison with previous cameras in the line.

When the first Canon mirrorless camera was introduced in 2012, which gave rise to the whole Canon EOS M family, I was really excited - for a very long time I wanted to have a compact system camera for everyday shooting, visiting, walking and traveling without burdensome trunks ... But, nevertheless, I wanted a camera more serious than an ordinary soap dish, with the possibility of using interchangeable lenses, and even better - optics for full-frame cameras, which I already got.

Canon EOS M answered my needs like no other camera. After its announcement, I followed the news very closely, looked through all the materials with test shots, and by the time sales began, my opinion was formed, I was already well prepared and determined to buy this camera at all costs.

It so happened that the start of sales of new items coincided with my vacation, which I was going to spend in an Asian country. Upon arrival at the Canon store, I was able to profitably purchase a set of an EOS M camera, an EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens, and an EF Mount Adapter EF-EOS M lens adapter. it was out of the question - I immediately started shooting, both with a “pancake” and those lenses that I had with me for a Canon full-frame SLR camera. The latter lain the whole vacation in a bag, not in demand at all.

I immediately liked the features of the new product I bought: there is shooting in RAW, a bright, clear touch screen, the presence of familiar shooting modes, including manual and semi-automatic, through an adapter - compatibility with a large fleet of Canon optics and more. The small dimensions of the metal case with pleasant outlines and good ergonomics, good arrangement of controls, intuitive interface.

Since I shoot with different devices, with different image control methods, the lack of a viewfinder was not a problem for me. It is convenient for me to shoot both with it and without it, looking with both eyes at the screen, like at the monitor of a video camera or a compact soap dish, for example. The brightness of the screen was quite enough for shooting in bright sunlight.

What pleased me the most was the ability to touch the screen with your finger to get a clear and always correctly exposed photo. Even with backlight, the faces in the photo always turned out well. Marriage during such shooting is minimized, which is very important when traveling, where time to view photos on the spot is not always available, and free space on the memory card is limited. And here - and time for the subsequent selection and processing of images is spent many times less. Viewing the captured photos turned out to be simple and very convenient - the touch screen allows you to “stretch” the picture with your fingers to enlarge the fragment and control the sharpness. All these joys were supplemented by the possibility of video shooting in Full HD format.

The EF-M 22mm f/2 STM lens quickly won my sympathy and became standard. Tiny size - pancake form factor, bright, sharp wide open, with fast autofocus, beautiful bokeh and pleasing colors. Unexpectedly flexible, this beautiful lens is suitable for a wide range of applications. And so far I think this is the best lens for the EOS M system.

With the help of an adapter, I tried on the EOS M camera almost all of my lenses from full-frame Canon with an EF mount, as well as mechanical lenses: Helios, Leicas, Zeiss and others - all for which I already had mount adapters EF.

Mount Adapter EF-EOS M

The results were perfect for me. For me, the camera had the only but significant drawback - the slow autofocus system. But, despite this, I used the EOS M very often, and carried it with me everywhere. The EOS M system - a camera with multiple lenses and the necessary accessories - took up a very small camera bag and became a faithful companion on my travels.

By the time the EOS M3 was released in the spring of 2015, I was already quite an experienced user of the Canon EOS M and, of course, could not pass by the novelty. Once again at the forefront of buyers, I appreciated the updated design, tilting screen and other changes.

Canon EOS M3 has grown in size, but also made a big step forward in the development of the line. The increase in megapixels, of course, is a good thing, but the fast autofocus, the presence of Wi-Fi, the built-in flash, focus peaking when shooting in manual focus mode and the quick response to the shutter button pleased me much more.

A wheel for selecting modes and exposure compensation was added, a wheel for selecting parameters framing the shutter button, a multifunctional button appeared. The camera got the ability to install an external viewfinder in the "hot shoe", but I decided not to spend extra money and used a wonderful tilting screen, which is convenient for shooting from ground level or, conversely, on outstretched arms when the camera is overhead. The swivel mechanism even made it possible to turn the screen up 180 degrees. In this position, you can easily take a selfie, while the picture on the screen also flips.

Canon EOS M3, top view

I used this opportunity to shoot a video interview on the go, when the characters are walking and talking, and I walk in front of them, but not backwards, as you have to do with most cameras, but normally. The screen is tilted up vertically and stands above the camera, and I hold it with the lens back, but at the same time I control the image on the screen. The case of such use is not very frequent, but there are a lot of options where a rotary screen can come in handy.

By the way, the Canon EOS M10 model, which appeared in October 2015, the screen can rise in the same way.