5 Reasons the Canon EOS M is NOT the Camera for You! 

All the "problems" that you attributed to the Canon eos M we can attribute to all the cameras dedicated to video such as the Blackmagic pocket camera 4k or the Panasonic gh5. No one can use these cameras without a plethora of accessories needed to improve their use. The most important thing, however, is that you can do what others do at a tenth of the starting cost, you can train and learn the techniques and then you can move on to something better. Your criticisms are off target. You could have said that this camera is not the best for those coming from the smartphone, although in fact even without ML it provides excellent results even to a noob. The fixed screen is perhaps the only real problem for a vlogger.

well, thanks to this camera I learned a lot about raw video workflow, and I've seen very good work from this camera, not only moody videos, I did several paid videos with this camera and manage to do cool stuff.

I bought eos m for 100£. You can have ef-m 15-45 lens for 60-80£. Show me other camera at this price range that can output 14 bit raw file. Because of weird raw format and need of MLV app usage it need some more work to get the final product, but since I had bought it I can not look at video from my m6 or an iPhone. There is something special about it.

You're spot-on. However I think it might be worth pointing out a couple things that I discovered working with the EOS M Raw. For one, it taught me about color grading. It gave me the motivation to learn to use Resolve and explore what you can do with 10bit+. While this camera is not a professional option for anyone, I do think there's something very creative about it, even inspiring. It reminds me of film cameras in that you don't really know what you are going to get until you get the images back. That forces you to think about what you are filming in a different way. I don't think you need much in terms of accessories. The kit lens and a fast SD card is enough to start. Anyone prone to accessorizing would likely have the same problem with any camera, in which case EOS M won't solve your problem at all. But for those of you who want creative options (maybe you also own a Canon AE or old Polaroid), I think you'll love this camera. Just keep in mind that though this is a cheap cam that outputs high quality video, it is NOT a beginner setup. Nor is it a PRO setup. It's an eccentric piece of kit that works well for making art.

I have an EOS M as a small portable camera with a Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 manual focus lens. I think it works just fine for just around $109.

I absolutely love the quality of magic lantern raw. I shot a lot of it on the 5d mark 2 and sold it in 2015, only to go back this week, plug it into a 4k timeline, and sit amazed at the 1080 raw quality in a 4k output. I will likely start shooting it again. Thank you for the video.

totally agree. But I did the opposite ;D.. - if you know what you doing this camera is out of this world. Actually it films much better video (if all set and exposed correctly) than EOS M50 with 4k . seriously. I have 2 of these and I actually sold my other 4k cameras because of such a great image EOS M - ML RAW produces.

On point 1, I give you credit for that, I'm also struggling a tiny bit with the crop factor. However, for my type of work (close-ups, product shots, macro, astro), it's actually not a huge issue. On point 2, that I see as an advantage actually. While you can add accessories, handles, etc. a lightweight camera means you're not starting from a rock weight (I also have a Nikon D810 for photo, that thing is a heavy monster). And point 3, all cameras that do professional work need accessories, it's just how it works. On point 4, adapters are a part of any type of camera workflow, just like any Nikon vs Canon shooter out there, cross-pollinating vintage lenses. And on point 5, as a nerd, it tingles my fingers to tinker with all settings and options, from customizing the viewfinder, calibration, shutter adjustments etc. This bad boy is actually a work horse when used properly. If people are beginner videographers and not use external mics, proper lights and pro work, it doesn't mean the camera can't deliver.

Good video - and good points to note for those who might have different use cases. However, if you want a small and inexpensive raw video platform this is a great camera. If you need “straight out of camera” footage , you are probably not a good fit for ML in the first place 🙂. However, you are not going to get extended bit depth, deep color, or even good log cheap. If you are happy with 4:2:0 8 bit ( it works for you), yeah, pick another camera and save time and money. Not that Zeek does his comments and BTS on his Sony. But, having used a lot of video cameras and DSLRs for video, be aware you really will have add on purchases, handling “add on costs” and “geek factor” issues at any price point/camera you pick. No one really uses an Alexa “stock”…or a A7S, or R5, etc. either 🙂

Thanks buddy! Nice content. Helpful!

Good comments, thank you

All valid points. Although the expense is true it could be the same for any camera with changeable lenses or a rig system. And the point about montage, well that's just a challenge to eosm users to create something more than nice b-roll.

great to hear your views - Ive tried magic lantern on my canon 700d and discovered that RAW mode just is painful on this camera it doesnt work as well as the EOS-M and so like you I looked at EOS-M as a film camera option and leave my 700D for portrait and product shot work and standard video. However the cost of accessories did mean getting into the price range of cameras with 4k and other benefits and features without the extra steps in the RAW ML workflow - so I paused and held back, seeing your video is helful to further consider my direction!

He makes great points. This camera is for people who want to be Professional Directors or keep up with beta software for the canon c* series; or nerdy type guys that probably do some type of engineering all day (and every day). I like eosm because I can experiment. I have 5 eosm + gimbals and control them all using android virtual machines + bluetooth for autofocus with any lens. I am pretty sure I am the only one doing something this stupid. I can experiment for like $500. I think I spent ~$2000 over the last 2 years on 5 eos cameras + 5 dji and zhiyun gimbals and computers and connectx cards and SSD u.2 and nvidia cards. But messing around with one arri or red camera would cost me about +$30_000. On red and arri, I know some people have to pay licenses for codecs and LUTs|processor|[color grading] or just to add peripherals. With EOSM, you have mlv for free. Red and arri have the same work flow, but the files are 10 times bigger and equipment is about 10_000x more expensive. Eos prepares you for red and arri and panosonic and fuji pro cameras. They have fpga and SANs and setting up a network|labs. When you upgrade to arri and red and broadcast cameras, the files are so large, you will need a mini internet backbone to transfer and edit all those files. Also EOSM does not over heat like red. When you arri, red, panasonic, or fujifilms, you are buying that whole network stack and pcei cards that tranfer to the computer which is why is +30_000. Those pro cameras are basically mobile server racks. The eosm camera used to cost about $325 for everything including battery packs and power adapters and extra lenses and straps and cage. Now I see it costing more because lenses do not come with the body. Messing with the eosm is for future delivery director nerdy type of peeps. He is correct.

I started with the ML EOS M to learn about mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras for video work and I'm glad I did it, but all points you brought up are very valid. It amazed me and frustrated the heck out of me at the same time... particularly I could never get used to the crazy workflow and insane file sizes and don't get me started on all the glitches, freezes and crashes of the software... ;) I now have a Sony A6300 and my workflow has become so much more manageable and enjoyable. The M is really a great learning tool, but it's (in my opinion) not suitable for professional work. I still have it, but plan to sell it soon to buy some more e-mount lenses and adapters...

This all changes after crop mood and 5.2k RAW at 14 BIT. You don’t even need an external monitor. Crop mood only works with EOS M, 100D, 650D and 700D. So there goes my plan for an m50. In your opinion what do you consider the alternative?

Your points are but are not valid. For any camera you need to spend a ton of money on lenses or adapt cheaper ones. For any camera you need to buy a cage and other accessories. The only thing you are correct about is the learning curve with magic lantern. There are some great videos on youtube on that. Once you have set everything correctly you have a capable video camera that has cost at least $2000 less than other more capable ones. Now if someone had the money I would not recommend getting this one either.

Hi does this camera have continious auto focus (like iPhone), or I must use manual focus?

I don't want to sound ungrateful towards your content, it's great to have people do this stuff, but there are some issues. If ML is the only reason for getting the camera, then regular customers are not the target. ML using people would not really consider most of these cons and most of your points are same with any proper video/film camera. 1. crop factor. Speedbooster negates that. Even without it's better than any MFT camera, it's same than bmpcc 6k, but you cant buy external speedbooster for bmpcc6k. 2-3. Form factor, price, monitoring, size - Nothing different than all other cameras. Mostly these are non-issues. Make it bigger with 40€ cage and buy a 5$ mirror thingie for flippie screen. 4. Price - well again, there is no video/film camera that wont need accessories adapters etc, if doing anything else than using native lenses (M has great native lenses). "The special SD-cards" are just good sandisk cards that cost 30€ per 256 card or so. I don't see much room for real criticism here. 5. Nerdiness - 1000% true. If you don't like that kind of stuff, you will not enjoy the experience. Having said that, its a commitment and you need to love the look to make the extra work. However the real problems are in handling and learning curve, low iso, low resolution etc. You got to learn your lenses and test everything. Atm. M is mostly camera for poetry, but there are music videos and company videos shot with it, so it can be a workhorse for indie stuff if there is will to do the extra work. However, if one puts a price on the learning time, sth like bmpcc comes much cheaper.

thank you for your opinion

XD!!! love it dude.

coming from the future, i got a eos m with ML actually it run with a crop mod version, the images of crop 1x3 at his m res in raw 14bits after corrected WB and exposure, applying the arri rec 709 are pretty similar even in dynamic range to my sony a6400 with Slog2 to arry rec 709, the battery short life and the fixed screen are downgrades, the crop factor is not a real problem to me, used the 1x3 crop mod cuz is the most stable to use high res with the sandisk wihout losing frames or overheating, still must try the lossless dng with hard color gradation to see how it handle. Is the best camera? no is not, but for the price that is can pair a sony a6400 is amazing, another thing is that forget to use the eos M to record at nigt, with the crop factor and the old canon sensor it does nothing without a proper light scene tho,

If you listed it on ebay, pls. provide the link, I'll get it off your hands.

Great rebuttle!

Have just started building a small cinema rig using the EOS M and all the points are valid. One good thing though, it is very easy to swap out the EOS M for a newer lower cost body such as a M200 or M50/M50 mkII and keep all of the accessories / lenses if you plan well. It really gets you prepared for all the things you need to do if you want to go all in on a true raw video setup down the line.

I bought the eos m and installed ML for the 12 , 14 bit raw , 5k mode . I the footage quality almost tied with the 4k from my a6500 , I thought 14 bit raw would blow 8 bit 4k out of the water but the cine 4 , 8 bit , xavcs was of a higher quality but it was close

Do you have different thoughts after so many updates. If so do a new video on it

I am confused, what model is this? M200?

You tell all reality about this...Maybe 5D mark İİİ be more better,but again i am not sure about non-limited recording time...Canon 6D also is a good choice but similar to 5D mar 3 again...Magic lantern made AUDIO out+not continuing recording...Only good for 1 or 2 mins videos without Audio...so bad only for montage or short clips....

So, why is this camera not for me? These points aren't very critical.

You forgot to mention the awful autofocus.