Canon EOS M

It is not an SLR, though you can changes its lenses. But is that reason enough for it to be priced higher than an entry-level DSLR?

This camera is not a DSLR, having been designed as a non-reflex shooter. Canon may have created it for people moving up from a point-and-shoot. But I think it is better suited for people who are proficient with a DSLR and still want a small camera to use at a party or concert.

It weighs only 262 gm, and is only half as thick as the Canon 650D. Yet, it has a large 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Digic 5 image processor. Working in tandem, the two produce high-quality images, and ramp up the ISO to 12,800.

There is no viewfinder or flash. But there is a bundled flash (which needs extra batteries), and therefore it has a ‘hot shoe’, which can also be used to connect a GPS unit from Canon.

Also bundled is an EF-M 18–55 mm, f/3.5–5.6 lens. The 3 inch LCD screen has touch sensitivity, which can be turned off. With the touch screen, you can click pictures, zoom in and out, and use the other camera features—if you want to break free of its ‘auto’ functions. But you may want to go with its Auto Lighting Optimizer, which automatically brightens images shot in poor light and prevents under-exposed shots. If you want to brighten up only the background, you can use its HDR backlight compensation mode.

The camera can also shoot full HD videos at up to ISO 6400, so you can get good videos in low light too.

The EOS M comes in four colours: Classic Back, Metallic Silver, High Gloss White and High Gloss Red.

Personally speaking, this camera seems high priced because entry-level DSLRs are available at much lower price points these days. But if you want a point-and-shoot camera that offers the freedom to choose lenses, and does not bind you with its auto modes, you will like the EOS M. The price, however, may still jangle.

Canon EOS MDSLRSLR