After taking a look at a nearly vintage model like the Nikon D7000, it's time for our photographic exploration to return to the Canon house, but this time we have something different. The Canon EOS M5 belongs to the mirrorless category, defined by the Japanese manufacturer as a fusion between the most important properties of a digital SLR and the size and weight advantages of compact cameras. The Canon EOS M5 has controls that can be a little intimidating at first glance, and it uses lenses with a different mount, but that doesn't make it an inferior product. Quite the opposite.
Smartphones have taken over the position of point-and-shoot compact cameras, and honestly, we have no reason to believe that situation will change. I don't personally feel much sympathy for the idea of capturing images using phones, but as I've said on previous occasions, it's the photographer that makes the photo, and proof of that is in the iPhone Photography Awards, with photographs taken through Apple's smartphone. The jump from a smartphone to a DSLR is impressive, however, there is a very interesting variant to consider: mirrorless cameras.
The application of a mirrorless system (hence the term 'mirrorless') allows them to be more compact and simpler in construction when compared to a full DSLR, but unlike point-and-shoot cameras or the so-called bridge cameras, mirrorless cameras offer the possibility of exchanging lenses and installing adapters without major inconveniences. The mirrorless camera we're going to explore today is the Canon EOS M5.
Canon EOS M5: 1080p60, WiFi, NFC… and it's not a DSLR
The Canon EOS M5 was originally announced in September 2016, but potential buyers had to wait two more months before accessing it. The camera adopts a 24.2-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS sensor (the same one the Japanese manufacturer uses in the Canon EOS 80D), accompanied by the DIGIC 7 image processor. ISO sensitivity extends from 100 to 25,600, and shutter speed goes from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. The main 3.2-inch screen is partially tiltable, has touch support, and its resolution is 1.62 million dots.
On the other hand, the electronic viewfinder uses OLED technology and has 2.36 million dots. Autofocus reaches a maximum of 49 points (in a 7 by 7 grid), and Burst mode is seven frames per second. As for connectivity, the Canon EOS M5 delivers a nearly complete package with WiFi, NFC support, and a permanent Bluetooth connection, but you won't find GPS here. On the video side, the available modes are very similar to those of the EOS 80D, with a top of 1080p60 and 30 minutes of duration (the file size limit is 4 GB).
When analyzing the camera's controls, we discovered a total of five dials, four on the top and one next to the screen. On the left side, we find the main dial, with the four essential modes we've seen on other Canon cameras (P, Tv, Av, and M), but we also observe options for Scene Intelligent Auto (A+), Hybrid Auto mode that combines photos and video (A with the film behind it), Creative Assist with adjustments like saturation and brightness (the star), Special Scene (SCN), Creative Filters (the circles), Video mode (the camera, there's a dedicated button on the body), and the C1 and C2 modes for storing custom shooting configurations.
The second dial provides direct access to exposure compensation with EV values from +3 to -3, and the third, identified as the Dial Func, can be programmed with a wide number of functions, including white balance and ISO values. The fourth dial is your 'control center' for everything that appears on the screen, and I imagine you've already detected the fifth dial, under the shutter release. As with the Dial Func, this dial accepts prior programming that serves as a shortcut to your preferred functions. I admit it's too much to digest at once, and reviewing this in the manual requires a good dose of patience, but at the same time it serves as a striking example of the flexibility that the Canon EOS M5 offers the user.
Accessories for Canon EOS M5
With an average price of 860 euros and a 15-45 lens included, the Canon EOS M5 sits at the same level as DSLRs like the Nikon D7200, but in the process you're getting weight advantages (there's almost 250 grams of difference between the two, just comparing bodies) and size, which translates into easier transport. And speaking of transport, you'll most likely want to add a package of accessories to accompany this mirrorless. Generally, there are no compatibility details (lenses are the only major exception, which we'll explore below), and that means our main recommendations remain valid.
Batteries and power
The official specs indicate that the Canon EOS M5's battery has an autonomy of 295 shots, regardless of whether we use the screen or the viewfinder, and only in Eco mode can we exceed 400 shots. That's more than enough for normal sessions, but if the plan is to squeeze your mirrorless to the maximum, you'll need a little extra help. With a pair of original LP-E17 batteries (the same type found in the Canon EOS 200D and the Canon EOS 750D) and an LC-E17 charger, you'll easily cover any unexpected energy deficit. (SKU: "IM712557944,IM712557947")
Compatible flashes
Our fight against lack of light is constant and almost obsessive. The Canon EOS M5's performance in low-light scenes is not particularly terrible, however, it needs a little assistance under more extreme conditions. Besides recommending deeper experimentation with ISO sensitivity in manual mode, we'd like to add two flashes. The first is a classic from the house, the Gloxy GX-F1000 with eight output control levels, master-slave mode, diffuser, and 20 color gels. The second is the Speedlite 270EX II, which conforms to the compact profile of the Canon EOS M5. At just 155 grams, it presents an unbeatable combination of lightness and power.
Tripods and supports
Beyond the natural differences between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera, the truth is that they share the need for a good tripod for complex or low-light shots. Our suggestions here are divided into three: on one hand, we have the robust Gloxy GX-T6662A Plus with a maximum load of 10 kilograms, and a hook on the center column. Then we see the Gloxy GX-TS370 equipped with a 3D head, more humble in terms of its maximum capacity (3 kilograms), but also more economical. Finally, we can't leave out that excellent wildcard that is the Clampod Takeway T1, which resists up to 40 kilograms and attaches to any surface.
Backpacks and cases
Granted: the Canon EOS M5 is a feather compared to many DSLRs, but that doesn't justify moving it without protection. In terms of backpacks for Canon EOS M5, the best price-to-quality ratio remains under the wing of the Gloxy Pro AW, which will cover all your demands with a basic investment of 40 euros. On the other hand, if the plan is to get a lighter and more 'compatible' solution with the reduced weight of the camera, then the Delta Fancier 400a bag will do a great job. (SKU: "GloxyPRO,Fancier400a")
Lenses
This is without a doubt the critical point of the Canon EOS M5. Its EF-M mount is not directly compatible with EF and EF-S lenses, but the Japanese manufacturer hasn't abandoned its users, and created an official adapter that resolves the conflict. However, the models suggested here today connect natively. The first is a telephoto lens, the Samyang 300mm f/6.3 ED UMC. If your priority as a photographer is nature and/or astrophotography, you should definitely add this little cannon to your arsenal for under 200 euros, and the best part is that it weighs 315 grams. The second is a video-oriented lens, the Samyang T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS of 16mm. If you feel that a super wide-angle will be a good addition to your 1080p60 video sessions, look no further.
Packages and special offers
In case you've purchased the Canon EOS M5 with its standard lens and prefer to take a more economical path before making the big leap to dedicated lenses, don't forget that there are very solid offers when it comes to optimizing the budget. The first is the 15-piece super kit that includes the Delta bag, the Takeway T1, two lenses, four filters, and a cleaning kit, for 180 euros. The second is a studio kit designed for all those portraits waiting for you. Something as simple as a Visico VL-400 Plus flash and a diffuser umbrella will make a huge difference. (SKU: "15PDSLR-Kit62,VisicoFLPAR")
And so we reach the end of our crossing of swords with the mirrorless Canon EOS M5. In summary, almost a DSLR with a much lighter and more compact design. If you're a bit tired of moving your Canon DSLR for simpler sessions, if you have to work in an environment with limited space, or if you think a full DSLR isn't the best for you, the EOS M5 won't disappoint. Even so, the competition is very tough in this market segment, and Canon's rivals offer very interesting alternatives that we'll surely cover. Don't go too far, and good luck!
