If you've been following our photographic adventures, you'll probably remember the Canon EOS M50. It was the first non-professional camera from the manufacturer to add 4K support and, thanks to an aggressive price, it's now a very attractive option. However, there is another route to adding a secondary mirrorless to your kit: finding a Canon EOS M6 on the used market for a price similar to the EOS M100, but without its cutbacks.
If choosing your first camera is hard... choosing the second can be just as hard. What have we learned? What limitations are we trying to compensate for? What is our next phase in photography? Are the new requirements technical, or is the goal more comfort? These are complex questions that every enthusiast has to answer alone, but each manufacturer tries to influence them one way or another.
A fairly common case is wanting a secondary mirrorless that lets you leave all your DSLR gear at home, and that's when alternatives like the Canon EOS M50 — now parked at about 600 euros with a 15-45mm lens in its kit — come into play. If you decide to stay within the Canon family and save a few bills, nothing stops you from stepping down to an EOS M100, but don't forget that the Canon EOS M6 sits between the two, and if you can find it at a good price, it's sure to catch your attention.
Canon EOS M6: A Great Companion for Vlogging and Street Photography
Announced in February 2017, the Canon EOS M6 has a 24.2-megapixel effective CMOS sensor backed by the DIGIC 7 image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 25,600 without Boost modes, and shutter speeds extend from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. The 3-inch touchscreen is fully articulated 180 degrees upward (selfie mode) and has 1.04 million dots.
Thanks to Dual Pixel technology, the autofocus system is very solid. It uses 49 contrast-detection points across 80 percent of the frame both horizontally and vertically, just like the Canon EOS M5. Burst shooting jumps to 9 fps, with a buffer of 26 JPEG frames and 17 RAW frames (we recommend fast cards), though you'll likely see an average of 7 fps with autofocus active. Construction is everything you'd expect from the Japanese giant, though some users didn't feel too comfortable with its ergonomics for vlogging (more on that below), and there's no weather sealing. Keep a closer eye on the weather during outdoor sessions or add some extra protection.
Looking at the interface, there are three dials on top, including the mode dial and the exposure-compensation dial. The video record button sits in a position that isn't all that convenient if you're filming yourself (that's the vlogging detail I mentioned), and you'll probably want to reprogram the better-placed multi-function M-Fn button. The mode dial offers no surprises and mirrors the M5: Full Auto, Hybrid Auto, Creative Assist, Scene modes, Creative Filters, Video, Program Auto 'P', Shutter Priority 'Tv', Aperture Priority 'Av', Manual 'M', and user-programmable C1 and C2. The rest is in the user guide.
Sample Exposures
The hardest pill to swallow with the Canon EOS M6 is the lack of 4K video. Given that it's a camera from early 2017, you might understand it, but if that resolution is non-negotiable, go straight to the M50 and don't look back. As a mitigating factor, its 1080p60 is excellent, thanks to autofocus and stabilisation that only adds a slight crop in its normal mode, and most enthusiasts will be satisfied with the quality. The connectivity package is complete, with Wi-Fi n, Bluetooth, NFC, and remote-control functions, whether through a dedicated remote or a smartphone. The latest update for Canon Camera Connect was published in April. It works, but user feedback is revealing. Patience.
Accessories for Canon EOS M6
The Canon EOS M6 presents an interesting exercise because these days it simply isn't worth buying new. You'll have to use your best warehouse-shopping skills, and with a little luck you can find it for under 475 euros — not bad for what was a mid-range mirrorless at launch. The news is even better on the accessories side: they're affordable, good quality, and the Canon name guarantees wide availability.
Batteries and Power
If the camera comes with all its accessories, you won't need an external charger, but with 295 shots of battery life, the LP-E17 module can limit your shooting a bit. The obvious solution is adding a second battery. An original Canon LP-E17 averages 50 euros, well above what generic batteries usually cost, but it's an investment that will serve you well for a long time.
Tripods and Supports
At just 390 grams including the battery, you won't have any trouble choosing a tripod for Canon EOS M6. Our first pick is definitely overkill, but it's always better to have more load capacity than you need. The Gloxy GX-T6662A tripod holds up to 10 kilograms, has a maximum height of 1.6 meters, and the aluminum alloy keeps it light to carry. Want something more compact? Then look no further than the Manfrotto Pixi. It works wonderfully with small mirrorless cameras, is very stable, and looks great on a table. Perfect for all vloggers.
Backpacks and Bags
As I said earlier, the Canon EOS M6 is well built but doesn't include weather protection. The light body and compact lenses make it easy to move around, but it's not a bad idea to add at least a Delta 400a Fancier bag, with a front pocket, padded and adjustable interior, and a modern, comfortable messenger style. The other alternative is a full-size backpack, and the price-to-quality ratio favours the Gloxy PRO AW. Three sizes available, tripod support (a good combo with the GX-T6662A), customisable interior, and a waterproof cover close the deal. The pair is sold together under the SKU "GloxyPRO,Fancier400a".
Flashes
Better to have more than less. I understand that a large flash for the Canon EOS M6 affects portability, but sooner or later you'll face a low-light situation and want some power in your hands. The Gloxy GX-F1000 is more than enough. Guide number 58, 20 colour gels, carrying case, slave mode foot, diffuser, and an unbeatable price put it on par with much more expensive professional flashes. It'll be useful with all your cameras.
Lenses
Only one this time. Why? Because if you already own a Canon camera, you won't have trouble adapting its EF and EF-S lenses without sacrificing performance. Alternatively, if you've picked up the Canon EOS M6 body and plan to invest in a versatile lens that will serve you in the future, I think the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is a good option. From wide-angle to telephoto, this lens will help you get the most out of your M6 and any other camera in the EOS M system.
In summary, the equation is pretty easy to solve today. If you want a Canon mirrorless sub-600, there are three options: a Canon EOS M50 right at the 600-euro threshold, a new EOS M100 for 400 euros, or a used Canon EOS M6 for a similar price. Depending on its condition and how easy it is to find, it might be a better shortcut for you. Good luck!
