Canon EOS M6 / SHOOTING REPORT

Even though smartphones take good pictures, we still have cameras because there're precious scenes we want to record.

Perhaps, people who know the performance and built quality of serious cameras cannot make compromises in front of the precious moments and wonder how to balance image quality, performance, size, and weight of a camera. And, they will find a fine compact mirrorless like the EOS M6 to be a good candidate.

The EOS M series has improved and continued to be a pure tool for photography. The new EOS M6 represents the merits of the series by packing the latest technology into a compact body. To fully enjoy the benefit of this casual camera, I used it in my trip and in everyday situations.

( Photography : Z II / Text : Serow )

Let's go over the functions. Spec-wise, it's almost the same as the EOS M5. The major difference is the absence of the built-in EVF while the EOS M5 has it. Yet, this brings one advantage: it's smaller and smarter. And, you can always attach the external EVF which is an optional accessory. Though the design reminds me of a vintage compact camera, it never looks nostalgic. This report focuses on the casualness of this camera and you also want to check our report of the EOS M5 for comparison.

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Lighter is better.

At the beginning of a trip, we don't feel tired because we're excited by the new experience. After half a day or a day, however, our equipment starts to feel heavy and we stop exploring shooting opportunities. Now, we start putting the cart before the horse. Next day, we leave a lens at hotel to be lighter…

Lightweight is justice is what I feel while shooting the EOS M6, particularly with the pancake lens. The lightweight of the EOS M camera allows us to carry two or more lenses. Good or bad, the fact that the EF-M lens lineup is still growing makes us feel less guilty to complete.

It may be when using a telephoto lens when we an interchangeable-lens camera shows its true ability. Now a closeup shot like this an be shot without a large device and it's shocking for someone who have been shooting since film age.

Another joy of trip is to explore the city after the sunset. Because of the improvement of high sensitivity performance, our desire for shooting is not affected even after the sunset.

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What makes "good feeling"

Though the body is light and compact, the operation feels reassuring and I enjoy shooting this camera. The "feeling" in operation isn't explained on the spec sheet and is something we have to experience. And, it stems from mechanical elements such as shutter sound, vibration, and response speed of various elements including AF. And, human body is amazing because it senses the difference. Because the operation feels pleasant, you want to shoot this camera more.

The AF points covers almost the entire frame and I never had problems with the speed and accuracy. The high AF performance helps you capture the very moment without fail. This camera has great reflexes.

While poets use words to express the emotion in a certain scene, photographers press the shutter button to do it. The sweet shutter sound of the EOS M6 resonates with the emotion.

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Image quality more than high enough

Even though I was quite satisfied with the image quality of previous models, I must say the one of the EOS M6 featuring a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor is even better. Just like computers and smartphones, cameras are upgraded on a short-time basis, good or bad… Anyway, I have no complaints about the output of 6000x4000 pixels of the EOS M6. All I have to do now is just shoot because the camera is so perfect.

Whenever I view the image with the highest level of detail, I want to go on another trip. Photography is fun because it shows us something we cannot see with the naked eye.

Have you ever wondered how the camera should look in the eye of someone who is being photographed? When shooting models, a big flagship camera would be the best choice. But when shooting someone close to you or children, a small non-obtrusive camera like this would work better. For candid shots, it's important to fit in to the situation.

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What is your subject? What do you need?

Products always reflect the manufacturer's philosophy. The EOS M6 is filled with inventions by a well-established camera manufacturer, but it doesn't have what's unnecessary. As both the operation and interface are quite simple, even beginners will find it easy to use. The dials, on the other hand, feel more and more convenient as you get used to, which is something experts would love. The key characteristics of the EOS M series including the M6 are light, small, and easy. The EOS M6 is a perfect not only for beginners who don't want to start with a big camera, but also for mid-to-advanced shooters who feel the weight of their equipment but want to continue using their EF lenses. Of course, they would also love to show their skills by using the EF-M only.

Where's the scene you want to capture?
Do you need a big camera?
The minimal EOS M6 set lets you enjoy photography in a relaxed way.

( 01.06.2017 )