Canon EOS M2 / SHOOTING REPORT

The EOS M2 was released about 1 year after the Canon's first mirrorless camera EOS M was released in the fall of 2012. Although it has the same number of pixels in the equally sized sensor, and the same imaging processor, the body has been slightly downsized while keeping the design. Also, it has the new high-speed "hybrid CMOS AF II" which combines the contrast AF and the phase detect AF. The AF now covers approximately 80% of the frame in both the vertical and horizontal directions, while the predecessor covered only around the center of the frame. In a certain condition they announced, the AF speed is 2.3 times faster than the predecessor. As we reported previously, we were quite happy with the image quality of the EOS M. so, I guess they could focus on improving the AF for this new model. Now, let's check the image quality as well as its usability.

( Photography : T.Nakanishi / Text : KIMURAX )

It has the large enough APS-C sensor and 18 effective megapixels. Although this is a mirrorless camera, the spec rivals entry class DSLR cameras. The color tone is very Canon: it's clear, bright, and slightly pastel yet natural. It's piquant that this small system can generate such image quality which can beat DLSR cameras.

The AF followed the target quickly, so I cold capture the moment of going over the mountain. The dust and the waving manes make me feel as if I were in the location.

The boy lifting hay and the gathering bugs add to the relaxing mood of this shot.

The two children were posing similarly and I thought it was interesting. The depth of field must be credited to the large sensor.

I used a single focal lens. It's sharp wide open and the bokeh is so natural. The smooth shadow tone emphasized the beauty of the subject.

The contrast is great, too. The focal surface is sharp enough, yet looks natural.

It clearly isolated the gelati in the front. The 3D feeling is great and this should be due to the large sensor. And, it's this handy body that generates such image quality. Amazing!

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More useful. More attractive. The Canon EOS M2.

It's sized equally to compact digital cameras, but the image quality is wonderful. I once mentioned that the predecessor's AF speed and following performance aren't always dependable, but I feel CANON has dealt with this issue sincerely and, as an AF that works on the LCD, I can say it's now very good. Although there's no major evolution, I can say it's highly matured. With this quality, it's a great step-up camera for the users of compact digital cameras. As for other updates on usability, the model dial has four positions including scene intelligent auto, easy mode, advanced mode, and movies, while the predecessor had only three (scene intelligent auto, still, and movie). The easy mode lets you choose from 10 modes according to scenes and the advanced has aperture priority and shutter priority AE modes. This update lets you access to the advanced modes more easily, so you can keep using it without feeling stress even after you become more advanced. And, the WiFi lets you transfer images to your smartphones and tablet terminals, while it also lets you shoot remotely with them. As I showed you, it has great image quality as well as usability, and it's so compact. This would be a great starter mirrorless camera or great sub-camera for EOS users. And, I promise you'll be shooting more photos with this portable camera.

( 03.09.2014 )