More and more users are turning to the internet to share their digital lives, or why not, try to start a new career. Most decide to begin that adventure with a smartphone, but camera manufacturers know well that sooner or later they will seek dedicated hardware. That's when Canon appears with its new EOS M200. Direct heir to the M100 we explored a year ago, this mirrorless slightly optimizes battery performance, incorporates 4K as a video mode, and improves its autofocus system, without sacrificing format or ease of use.
Now, that doesn't mean that its use is exclusive to distributing content on Instagram and other social networks. The Canon EOS M200 is a more than solid camera for beginners, with excellent image quality in both JPEG and RAW, and a layer of flexibility that simply isn't available on mobile devices. Is the 15-45 that comes in the kit not enough? For less than 100 euros you can access fixed 50mm lenses, and with a larger investment, the wildcards that take us from wide angle to telephoto are within reach. Canon has made it very clear what the M200's priorities are, but nothing prevents us from bending a rule or two.
Canon EOS M200: In line with today's demands
Originally announced in September of this year, the Canon EOS M200 brings a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, accompanied by the eighth version of the DIGIC image processor. Its ISO sensitivity extends from 100 to 25,600 without Boost modes, while shutter speed ranges from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds. The three-inch screen is touch-sensitive and tilts up to 180 degrees to enter selfie mode, with a standard definition of 1.04 million dots. The camera doesn't have a viewfinder, nor a hot shoe to install one. Everything goes through the screen, and with this design, it makes sense.
The autofocus system on the Canon EOS M200 has received an update. In the M100 we had a total of 49 points under Dual Pixel technology, but in the new mirrorless we find a total of 143 points with compatible lenses. Another very positive aspect that works wonderfully with Dual Pixel is eye detection. It doesn't matter if we decide to follow the manual route or leave everything in Full Auto, the fact that the camera correctly tracks the face and eyes of our potential subjects is a great benefit, even in casual sessions.
Burst values haven't changed in relation to the M100. The Canon EOS M200 stays at a maximum of 6.1 FPS, or 4 FPS when using continuous autofocus. Technically it's not a camera meant for action or extreme sports, but that doesn't mean it's going to leave us empty-handed. The only situations where autofocus can stumble a bit are those with very low light, which is somewhat expected.
Being honest, we almost have nothing to say about the Canon EOS M200's interface. The number of physical controls has been reduced to a minimum. In the M100, the video recording button was on the top next to the shutter, but now it's been relocated to the back, to the right of the Menu button. This lack of dedicated controls means an on-screen configuration that's a bit more populated than normal; however, suggesting that the camera is difficult to use would be a gross mistake on our part.
Where we usually see a mode dial, the Canon EOS M200 has a switch that activates three modes: Full Auto, Photography, and Video. Within Photography mode, the classic P, Tv, Av, and M appear, along with special scenes (eleven in total) and filters (ten). The rest of the details can be found in the manual starting on page 38.
The good news is that the Canon EOS M200 incorporates 4K video support, with frame rates of 24 and 25 frames per second at 120 megabits per second. The bad (if we can call it that) is that 4K is achieved with a 1.6x crop on the sensor, and without the possibility of activating Dual Pixel. In other words, the final quality would be much better if it used the entire sensor, but it's not catastrophic either. On the contrary, we consider its result satisfactory. The novelty? Support for vertical videos. Whether we like it or not, they are the future of online content among mobile devices, and the Canon EOS M200 recognizes its potential.
1-80 f2.8 ISO 250
Accessories for Canon EOS M200
The price of the Canon EOS M200 averages 610 euros. That means it still carries a certain premium due to its recent launch, but it's not that bad. At the same time, it opens the possibility of getting the M100 at a reduced price, and the best part is that almost all of its accessories are compatible. Let's see:
Battery and power
With a total of 315 shots per full charge, the Canon EOS M200 sits a step above the M100 when it comes to battery life. Twenty additional shots don't seem like much, but if we activate Eco mode, the maximum limit approaches 500 photos. Fortunately, Canon decided to reuse its LP-E12 modules, so we can get a compatible Gloxy battery for less than 20 euros. If the plan is to add an external charger, the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid for home and car will be more than enough. (SKU: "DI3776,VDTS-4604-CH-0712001294")
Tripods and supports
Minimum requirements for an extremely portable camera. We're talking about just 299 grams with batteries installed, and an overall design that allows using it with one hand without difficulty. With that said, our first recommendation for a tripod for Canon EOS M200 is the Genesis ABT Mini, which includes an ABH-36 head. Six kilograms of maximum load, up to 60 centimeters in height, and absolute portability make it a great candidate. Our second option is already a classic here at NeoTeo. Of course, I'm referring to the Clampod Takeway T2. 40 kilograms, tripod mode, it attaches to anything, and it's still on sale! (SKU: "0713633151,0726137272")
Bags and backpacks
The idea is to take the Canon EOS M200 everywhere, but the exact way to do it will depend on each user. It might be too big to "carry it in your pocket" as Canon intends, and the lack of weather sealing forces us to pay more attention, so it's not a bad idea to evaluate options like the Delta 400a Fancier bag, or its direct competitor, the Genesis Gear Orion. Both offer a padded and customizable interior, spaces for secondary accessories, and future expansion capacity, ideal if we decide to make the leap to a DSLR.
Lenses
One economical option, and another for the long term. It's logical to assume that buying a secondary lens doesn't appear very high on the list of priorities for a Canon EOS M200 user, but it would be a major failure not to explore the benefits of alternative optics. First, we have a "pancake" Meike f/2.0 with a fixed focal length of 50 millimeters that we shouldn't underestimate, and for less than 90 euros, there's no need to think twice. And second, the Tamron f/3.5-6.3 18-200 millimeter lens, an excellent wildcard to cover the entire range from wide angle to telephoto. A bit pricey, but it justifies itself.
Checkered flag... for now. It's likely that in the future we'll see more cameras like the Canon EOS M200. Replacing the smartphone is no longer enough, and upcoming models will have to respond to increasingly specific demands. The "pro-Instagram" design and vertical videos are just the beginning. Those who already own an M100 might resist making the upgrade, but it's not bad as a first camera, even with a bit of premium in the price. Good luck!
