Canon EOS M5 Mirrorless Camera with EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

2020-01-19T19:00:00

This is a great little Dslr, with all the features of a mid level full frame or APS-C camera! Takes some learning, but what you learn makes wonderful photos!

Dnsmoor

Originally posted at

2019-07-03T20:00:00

This is my second Canon M5, it is a superb compact mirrorless with enough bells and whistles for anything you might wish to shoot at! The lenses are perfect and varied enough for anyone with any specific need.

FHS 1.

Originally posted at

2019-05-01T20:00:00

I have been a Canon devotee for some fifty years and this is the best. Two quibbles a on/off button too flush with body, b) landscape shots have image curving on left and right, don’t know why.

Rogg

Originally posted at

2018-09-27T16:31:59

I bought this as a knock around camera since then I had it converted to a infrared camera. I like the pics it takes.8

Frederick F.

2018-03-11T09:24:47

I wanted something that I could use when I didn't want to carry my 5d mk4. I use the Canon lens adapter so I can use my existing glass. Easy to use especially if you are already a Canon shooter, the layout and menus will be familiar. Image quality is good. I use it as a second body sometimes so I don't have to stop and change lenses.

Eileen B.

2017-12-13T19:00:00

I think this is a good product because it has really good picture taking ability’s

Matthew

Originally posted at

2017-11-09T19:00:00

Great camera all around BUT the flip screen just Irks me! Need to build a modified tripod for mounting. Wonder whos the guy that thought of it.

SEIDAN

Originally posted at

2017-10-29T09:11:28

SUMMARY If you’re looking for a lightweight, emergency backup camera that enables you to continue using your full-size Canon glass, the M5 is the only option to fit the bill. But with dismal low-light auto focus, slow native lenses, poor ISO performance, and a lack of third party glass choices, you should pick a competitor and leave the M5 on the shelf. I love mine as I might love an under-performing third grader – with lots of understanding for its significant shortcomings while celebrating its modest strengths. I’m not going to abandon it, but I sure wish it would up its game. PROS The main reason for purchasing this camera – perhaps the only reason given the incredible quality of the competition – is its ability to take the full line of Canon lenses with the native adapter. I bought this as a backup for my 5D when I’m in the field. Its small form factor makes it a breeze to pack inconspicuously in the corner of my bag– giving me the confidence that if something happens to my primary body I have a backup that didn’t require a lot of space or weight. The M5 has great ergonomics for such a small body. The controls are so close to the 5D and other Canon DSLR’s that switching between them is seamless. If you’re a Canon user, this little buddy is completely intuitive. The M5 is lightweight without feeling flimsy and its well-balanced in a shooting position or just walking around. The ergonomics easily manage reasonably large hands. It’s diminutive size and easy ergonomics make this nice for street work when you’re in full daylight (see the cons). I heard recently that pointing a full-size DSLR at someone while street shooting is like aiming a bazooka at them – with similar reactions. The subject will either be terrified and freeze, or furious and attack you. Either way, the results are sub-optimal. The ability to select the focus area with your thumb with the touch screen while using the EVF has been a real joy. The camera changes focus areas smoothly and quickly. CONS I lose at least half of my action or quick pull shots due to the painfully slow AF. The M5 often takes multiple seconds to lock on target. And when it finally locks servo AF usually won’t up with moving subjects. Sluggish AF and glacially slow lenses (the fastest is f/3.5 at its widest) and this camera can’t keep up with a moving subject in the real world. The AF requires significant contrast to lock. If you’re in medium to low light or working with a low contrast subject – even with the flash attached – you’re not going to be able to use AF at all. This camera has the worst AF I’ve dealt with in a modern unit. And the AF issues continue. There are only three available patterns - and they aren’t very helpful. You’re limited to 1-point, single zone, and face tracking. I have no use for face tracking, I rarely use zone shooting (unless I’m shooting something really fast – and we’ve already determined that’s not an option), and single point is often too specific. It is bizarre to me that Canon so missed the mark with AF on this camera when their other offerings are industry leaders (pun intended). Now let’s look at the lenses (not through them, you’ll be disappointed). The native M-mount Canon lenses for this camera are soft. Really soft. They’ll do for snapshots you might text or Instagram, but you won’t be printing any of them. And if you look to a third party for a solution to this, forget it. The only AF-enabled offering is a single Tamron zoom with issues of its own (not the least of which are weight and size). After that, it’s manual focus only for third party solutions. So, quit my complaining about speed and up the ISO, right? Well unfortunately fast ISO performance is abysmal. Images beyond 800 are so grainy I’ve never had a keeper. I’m really surprised that the independent reviews don’t call this out – you don’t need to be a pixel peeper to see this. Add slow lenses and terrible AF and our little friend here becomes a daylight-only shooter. And here’s a small one, but it’s a pain for me. Chimping is out of the question. If you leave the camera in the default configuration of shoot and review, you’re going to be waiting a long time before you can shoot again. I’ve turned off image review so that I can keep shooting. CONCLUSION I love my lil’ guy, but I see his flaws. He’s not for everyone. In fact, if you don’t need to back up your full-size Canon DSLR, he’s not for you.

Janina S.

2017-09-13T20:00:00

I like the M5 but I want this to be a killer Mirrorless Camera and so whilst this is a 3rd Canon body for me I'd love to see some improvements in the next version. I did have a Fuji XT2 and whilst it was a great camera it meant I had to invest in a second set of lenses. Many of those lenses ended up being as large/heavy as some Canon alternatives. Which is why I sold my XT2 and lenses and purchased an M5 so I could use all my existing lenses. In the next version I'd love to see: 1 Weather sealed body 2) Smaller battery door as most tripod plates won’t fit and you have to remove to replace battery and the card. 3) If space permitted a second card slot.. but understand space is at a premium. 4) A DOF indicator. On the XT2 it had a great DOF indicator showing what should be in focus. This is great for landscape photographers. 5) Rotating guides on rear screen (the EVF rotates the guides but the external screen doesn’t ?) Surely that could be a firmware update. 6) Firmware updates. I know Canon doesn’t do this often but adding some functionality with firmware goes a long way with many users. 7) Better native lenses. The M mount lenses aren’t the best and it would be great to see some metal lenses, that still kept a compact size. I know due to physics lenses will still be fairly large when you get to F2 etc but if canon could make a set that was as compact as possible (size and weight - but still being solid weather sealed lenses) then of course that would be a great selling point. 8) Better bulb mode. On the XT2 they extended the options to a 2 minute bulb exposure. Whilst I like the fact I can use the IR remote control to remove shake etc, it would be great to have a customisable bulb mode.. i.e. where you can actually set what ever exposure needed, which would be great for long exposures. This again would be a great addition for landscape photographers, 9) USB-C in camera charging please.. just to keep us in the future. 10) Multiway folding display. Again XT2 and Olympus EM1 have multi way screens for landscape and portrait shooting. 11) Live bulb mode - Olympus have a great feature showing live exposure. Would be great if that was possible also. 12) Bigger strap connectors for the camera ! I can’t fit any of the peak design ones in the tiny holes that are on the M5 13) Ideally have the power switch on the right so it can be operated with one hand. I am sure many would ask for 4K video etc but I am guessing there are always heat problems to consider and of course people would also ask for image stabilisation built into the camera body but not been a major issue for me. Would love to see a premium Mirrorless from Canon which did all the above, that didn't end up being as big and heavy as a DSLR.

pgre

Originally posted at

2017-08-10T13:11:28

I owned a Canon 7D, and various "L" lenses. Because of a neck injury, I couldn't handle carrying that much weight. Enter the M5. It took about two hours to get used to it, and I'm very happy with what it can do. Is it perfect? No, but has some nice lenses, good features, and takes very nice photos. And it's much lighter, and compact, but still has the View Finder, which to me is a requirement. Would recommend this to anyone who can't handle carrying a heavy camera when they travel around.

JOHN D.

2017-07-23T11:28:18

Very nice camera, lightweight and compact with full capabilities of a DLSR camera. User friendly, definitely I recommend this camera.

ROBERTO M.

2017-06-13T20:00:00

It has been raining every day since I got the camera. So I have not been able to go outside and take some pictures yet. The camera is awesome. I got the 5M with the 18-150mm lens. The lens seems to have a very good range. The photos of my cats are much sharper than what I was getting from my iPhone. It wpuld be nice if the kit had come with a dual charger and dual batteries. I will probably have to get a second battery soon. The 2 hour wait to recharge is a pain.

NIckAtNight

Originally posted at

2017-06-02T13:51:12

I am so impressed with the quality of the M5, it is very fast in taking photos (of course it's not a $ body, but it is really great!) The quality is great with all the Canon EF-M lenses, they are all very fast, and the 18-150mm lens is great! I love the material of the camera, it has a really nice grippy feel, and the EVF is clear and fast and switches nicely from the EVF to the screen. touching the screen with your fingers to adjust the focus points while looking through the EVF is my new favorite thing! Below is a macro (EF-M 28mm lens) shot of blueberries!

SHELLEY S.

2017-06-01T20:00:00

I am extremely happy with this purchase and would recommend this camera to anyone. I come from the film days and this camera I can use like what I was used to. The Quality of the photos are excellent and the camera can be set to record in JPG and Raw at the same time or any combination of choices. Please read the manual and search the web for other sources of information. The most important is to Shoot, Experiment, Shoot and learn to post process. After reading all the reviews I disagree with some of the comments. One reviewer said that the camera does not show the ISO in the view finder and this is not true as I can see all settings in mine on P,Tv,Av and manual. I reviewer did not like the position of the movie button and in this case I agree so I read the manual and you can change the function of the button to a number of other uses. I changed mine to be able to change the ISO settings. Another reviewer was having trouble finding the electronic manual use.canon.com. Drill down Home, Support, Cameras, EOS M5 and then click on the manual. My only complaint is the lack of Lens for this camera. For a beginner to advanced user the choices are good enough. For me I am using the 15-45mm zoom and the 18-150mm zoom and am quite happy with the results.

DGH

Originally posted at

2017-06-01T05:26:10

There are a few quirks on this camera like why not disable the evf when you have the lcd pulled out? Also I wish there was a setting to use it like a traditional slr where you have the evf active all them time except for reviewing an image or looking at the menu. Also, I don't really trust the on/off switch because mine failed after about two weeks of use and Canon had to replace the camera(after some frustration on my part with the repair dept). I also wish video wouldn't crop the image and they had a headphone jack.

JOHN B.

2017-05-31T08:49:09

I use Canon 5D Mk IV as my standard camera for nature and portrait shoots.(check out: https://piyush2003.500px.com/). I needed a lightweight but high performance second camera to carry along during long duration shoots as relief from the heavy DSLR. The M5, fully compatible with all Canon lenses, fits the bill perfectly.

PRIYARANJAN D.

2017-03-23T08:43:32

I have the original EOS M That is now replaced as my daily carry camera. Cost of battery reduces to four stars raking the EVF is bright and easy to see/ use changing focus spot in lcd back with the touch of finger sweet speed of focus is a great improvement but how fast to landscapes move. Sports shooting at 7 / 9 FPS works with tracking well

JOHN A.

2017-03-10T19:00:00

Recently purchased and very satisfied with it. I had the M3 and enjoyed that but the addition of the viewfinder and locking mode dial makes the M5 easy to use and helps insure good pictures. Only negative feature is the location of the red movie button. The red movie button is right where I hold the camera and keep hitting it when I do not want to take movies. You have to keep telling yourself to NOT hit the button but due to its location it still accidentally gets touched and filming movies. I hope the next generation of the M5 corrects that. Other than that totally satisfied and it is taking fabulous photos. I also use a Leica and am finding it out performs my Leica. The M5 is small and easy to carry and takes great photos !!!

Image 7.

Originally posted at

2017-01-19T19:49:10

The M5 was not up to speed with to much black out between shots. We compared to other similar mirror-less cameras it just didn't keep up at all.

howard g.

2017-01-08T19:00:00

The EOS M5 would be a great camera if not for a small number of serious problems. The most severe problems are: 1) The viewfinder does not show the shutter speed in AV mode. 2) The viewfinder does not show the f-stop in Tv mode. 3) The viewfinder does not show the ISO when ISO is set to Auto in Av, Tv or Manual mode. Any serious photographer needs to be aware of all of the shooting parameters regardless of mode. Every Canon DSLR I have owned displays the shutter speed, f-stop and ISO in the viewfinder regardless of mode. Why not the M5. The lack of critical information in the viewfinder is the reason for my low rating. This needs to be corrected in a firmware update. I like the ergonomics of the camera except that all of the buttons, with the exception of the lock button in the center of the Mode dial, are almost flush with the surface of the camera. This makes the buttons very difficult to find by touch when looking through the viewfinder. The absence of weather sealing in the M5 is inexcusable at its price when the 80D, which is less expensive is weather sealed. My final complaint, which is not limited to the M5, is that auto exposure bracketing (AEB) is limited to three exposures. I commonly need to shoot five exposure brackets for HDR in high contrast situations and I am sure others do too. Five shot brackets should be available in the enthusiast cameras, not just the 5D and 1D lines. I bought the M5 because I need a camera that is smaller and lighter than my 5DsR for some activities. Aside from the shortcomings listed above it is exactly what I wanted. The ergonomics and extensive set of external controls make it quick and easy to use. I wear glasses and I love the setting that reduces the size of the image in the viewfinder just enough so I can see the whole frame without having to move my eye around on the viewfinder. The M5 is almost a great camera for still photograhers.

Bazsl

Originally posted at

2017-01-05T10:47:13

Decent camera. The zoom lens is impractical for indoor use. Need something shorter. Canon's decision to delay shipping until days before Christmas not cool.

DORU C.

2017-01-04T08:10:53

Fantastic feel, tons of nerdy features, but also plenty of auto-magic stuff to let me take excellent pictures without thinking too much. Only negative is that most of Canon's companion apps for the Mac are crap (or do not yet support the M5). As of now (1-4-2017) I can't download images wirelessly to the Mac. It's necessary to yank out the memory card, or plug it in via USB.

FRANK L.

2017-01-02T13:13:17

Much better sensor than in 70D, which I also have. Highly recommended.

Adam C.

2016-12-30T19:00:00

I bought this one week ago to replace my T5i. The size took a little getting used to but the image quality, versatility and easy of use was well worth the wait for Canon to produce a well built mirrorless camera. With the lens adaptor, the picture quality with the 18-135 IS STM lens is breath taking. Only drawback is a short battery life. I have 2 batteries and am considering a third for longer shoots.

Denny

Originally posted at

2016-12-29T17:08:50

Adorama was amazing in fulfilling my order for the new Canon EOS M5. After 4 days of use, I found out that the camera could not link to any of my computers, using the USB cable. Turned out that the Canon USB port was defective. I thank Adorama for advising me to return the camera to them, shipping paid, and they'll issue me a refund. Great service, but Canon disappointed me, I have been waiting 4 months for this camera to arrive.

guy t.

2016-12-29T15:01:23

I got this for my girlfriend to teach her photography. The built in wifi and BT app makes it easy for her to share with her clients and friends. The selfie mode is also something that she will like. The camera size fit her hands well, but a bit too small for me since I'm used to using full size dSLR. One of the reason I chose this over other makes is that M5 can use all the EF lenses I have with just a small adaptor. As her photography skills improve, she will be able to use all the lenses I have. The camera build quality is nice, and the ergonomics are much better than many of the competitors'. Drag and focus while using the viewfinder is awesome, and dual pixel AF makes it a fantastic video camera.

JIMMY L.

2016-12-24T19:00:00

I bought this camera for my partner for Xmas, who wanted a smaller camera than her Rebel T2i. I have played around with it some and it is much better camera than I thought it would be. I recently purchased a 5DIV to replace my 6D, but I also have a FUJI XT1 as my travel, go anywhere camera. I would love to replace the Fuji with this camera and stop supporting two different brands. However, I hesitate to do so because of the EF-M lenses. While the 15-45MM appears to be quite good, I like to do street photography in the evenings. Other than the 22MM F2, there is no EF-M lens capable of low light photography as the glass is not fast enough. If Canon were to offer or announce that it was working on new EF-M lenses, such as a 15MM F2, a 33MM F2, and a 50MM F2, I would be all in. Like Fuji did with its X cameras, Canon needs to provide its customers with an EF-M lens road map. I know I could stick my EF 35MM F2.0 on the M5 with the adaptor, but size is an issue.

Dngrov257

Originally posted at

2016-12-22T19:00:00

the size and weight of this M5, even while using the 18-150mm is simply a delight. The pictures are top quality and the focus is incredibly fast. I thought it was even faster than my 80D. but there are 2 things I am wrestling with, on day 2 of acquiring this camera: the manual booklet invited me to refer to the electronic/digital manual, which I can't find anywhere on Canon sites, and I link the camera to my Mac through the provided cable, absolutely nothing happens..

leguy

Originally posted at

2016-12-17T19:00:00

So far I've been happy with my M5. I wanted the 18-150mm kit but it wasn't available so I settled for the 15-45mm kit. The image quality is great, even in low light. With the adapter that came with the kit I can use all my canon lenses but I want more M lenses, especially a nice f1.4 prime. My next purchase will be either 22mm f2 or 28mm macro which looks like a really fun lens. The battery life is much shorter than my dslr. I think I need to find a way to turn off Bluetooth and wifi and it will probably help. Also, the continuous autofocus must be using a lot of power esp. when using my other lenses. The other annoyance is having to turn the lens to its unlocked position every time before using it. Overall though, it's a fun camera to use and I like the canon interface. Can't wait for more M lenses!

Joey S.

Originally posted at

2016-12-12T12:46:21

I was looking for a smaller camera to carry when I didn't want to lug around a full-frame DSLR. The M5 looked like it would fill that need but when I finally got my hands on the camera it was too small. At least in my hands. The build quality was sound, the design thoughtful and I'm sure the camera captures fantastic images. However, my hands swallowed up the camera and it was touch to grip the camera without bumping a dial. While I probably could get used to the smaller form factor, the one feature that ruined it for me was the viewfinder. Maybe it's having used a full-frame camera for so long but the M5's viewfinder is teeny-tiny. It felt like viewing through a dark peephole. You do have a bright LCD panel to use but I like framing my shots through a viewfinder whenever possible. And for that, the M5 just isn't for me. What I need is the SL1 to be updated with the M5's engine. I rated at 3 Stars but in the right hands, the camera is closer to 5 Stars. If you have big hands and like using the viewfinder you probably won't like the M5. Otherwise, it is a fantastic compact camera.

GEORGE P.