Canon EOS-M System Announced

Today Canon announced the EOS-M system, which is Canon's entry into the mirrorless camera market. The new camera features a 18MP ASP-C CMOS image sensor, the same one found in the Canon 650D/T4i. The camera features a new mount, built specifically for an APS-C sensor (no room for a full frame sensor in future versions, at least with this mount).

Canon EOS-M with 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM Kit Lens

The EOS-M seems to be a very simple camera, with few physical buttons, similar to entry level micro 4/3s cameras from Panasonic and Olympus. It also features a touch screen, which gives you access to many of the cameras functions. Around the SET button you'll find the de-facto buttons to control AF re-centre, exposure compensation, delete button, the self-timer and the drive mode. You'll also find buttons to access the menu, start playback, and a INFO. Last but not least, near the top right side there is a video recording button.

The top of the camera features the on/off, shutter, a simple mode dial, a standard Canon flash hotshoe and stereo microphones. The camera does have a microphone input jack on the side, along with a min-HDMI and USB port. The memory card and battery go into the same bay. The real kicker is that the battery is rated for only 230 shots. In other words, if you want to buy this camera, make sure you get a second one along with the body!

Canon EOS-M with 22mm F2 STM kit lens

The camera will ship with a new Canon EX-90 flash (since there is no built in flash, it is included), and either a 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM ($849) or 22mm F2 STM lens ($799). A dual lens kit will also be avalible, as well as a kit with the 22mm F2 and the EF/EF-S adaptor. The camera is supposed to start shipping in October, but no exact date was given.