Who are you calling tiny? [New Straits Time (Malaysia)]

(New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The Canon EOS M is an excellent little camera that doesn't sacrifice features and performance, writes Izwan Ismail MY first impression of the Canon EOS M digital camera is how small it is. At 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3mm, it is one of the smallest APS- C models around. Weighing 298g (including batteries), the EOS M is a welcome change from bulky DSLRs that one has to lug around when travelling.

Small also means that you can snap photos in public places such as restaurants, shops and malls without attracting attention from other patrons.

Despite its size, the EOS M bears the hallmark of the EOS DSLR, featuring an 18.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor, the same sensor and processing power in the latest EOS 650D DSLR. It achieves this by using a non-reflex mechanism that allows all its components to be housed in a slim, lightweight body. There is no optical viewfinder, while the main mirror and mirror drive mechanisms are replaced with digital functions.

DSLR PICTURE QUALITY Initially, I was not convinced that this small camera could deliver the picture quality of a Canon EOS DSLR.

But after a couple of shots, I was delighted with the resulting images which were clean and crisp.

I also took pictures indoors, including in a dimly-lit restaurant, and the images turned out well.

The camera doesn't come with a built-in flash - I feel Canon should include one - but the ISO sensitivity which ranges up to 25600 compensates for it.

In fact, I can boost the ISO up to 6400 and still get clean and usable images.

For this review, I used the EF M 22mm f/2.0 prime lens, which is thin and small. It fits nicely on the EOS M's body making it look like an ordinary point-and-shoot camera.

Since the camera carries the EOS name, it offers the versatility of using interchangeable lenses, a feature which should appeal to existing EOS DSLR users.

Like other EOS cameras, the EOS M is able to take on the full range of Canon's EF and EF-S lenses with its Mount Adapter EF-EOS M attached.

I tried it with the EF 28mm f/2.8 lens and it worked beautifully without compromising image quality.

The only drawback is that its focusing speed is slow, unlike other DSLRs in the EOS stable.

SIMPLE BODY AND USAGE The EOS M is a premium compact camera despite its size. Hold it in your hand and you can tell that it is one serious shooter.

The body is made of magnesium alloy, which gives it a very sturdy and solid look. But unlike other serious cameras, the button layout on EOS M is very simple.

It is so simple that it does not even have a mode dial. Many advanced users may not like this as they will have to dig into the menu system to change the camera mode.

However, the simple layout gives the camera a clean and sleek look without protruding parts.

Canon still retains the thumb wheel dial, in a mini form, to make browsing through the menus easier.

The camera also offers Creative filters to enhance images. These include grainy black and white, soft focus, fish-eye effect, and miniature effect.

TOUCHSCREEN ERA If you like devices with touchscreen features, you'll probably like the EOS M.

Most of its controls and features such as shooting mode, ISO, aperture opening, white balance, exposure and picture type are only adjustable via the three-inch touchscreen, hence the minimal buttons and dials.

Even the focus point can be moved by moving your thumb around the screen. And for zooming into the pictures, just use your fingers to expand them on screen like you do on your smartphones and tablets.

Video functions can be accessed easily via the top dial. Just select the video icon and you can start recording by pressing the red button near the thumb rest.

The camera records video in Full HD 1920x1080 resolution at 30, 25 or 24 fps with stereo sound.

CONCLUSION If you're looking for a small camera with similar image quality to the DSLRs', the EOS M will fit the bill.

Its solid body and user-friendly touchscreen features make shooting a breeze, and if you already have a range of EF and EF-S lenses, you can still use them with the adapter provided.

The camera is priced at RM2,699 for the EF M18-55 kit and RM2,799 for the EF M20 kit.

Canon EOS M Manufacturer: Canon Price: RM2,699 for the EF M18-55 kit and RM2,799 for the EF M20 kit Enquiries: canon.com.my Specifications Type: New EF-M lens mount camera Sensor: 18MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor Processor: DiGIC 5 ISO: 100-12800 standard, expandable to 25600 Shooting speed: 4.3 fps continuous shooting Screen: 3-inch touch screen LCD Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC Pros: * Small compact body * Simple layout * User friendly * Excellent image quality Cons * Slow focusing * Pricey Verdict: **** (c) 2013 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.

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