Canon EOS M5 (2016)
A digital mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera with enthusiast-focused controls and DSLR-like image quality.
Overview
The Canon EOS M5 is a mirrorless camera announced on September 15, 2016, and released later that year. It was positioned as Canon's most enthusiast-friendly EOS M model, featuring a compact design with DSLR-style handling. The camera uses an APS-C sensor and Canon’s EF-M lens mount, supporting adapted EF lenses via mount adapter. Designed for photographers seeking high image quality in a smaller form factor, it emphasizes physical controls and user customization with C1 and C2 mode dial positions.
Specifications
| Sensor | 24.2 Megapixel APS-C (22.3 × 14.9 mm) |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Autofocus | Dual-pixel CMOS AF |
| ISO Speed | ISO 100–25600 |
| Shutter Speed | 30–1/4000 sec (1/3-stop increments), Bulb |
| Continuous Shooting | 7 FPS |
| Viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder (EVF) |
| LCD | Touch screen, swiveling |
| Video | HD video, not 4K |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF-M |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Flash | Built-in flash |
| Dimensions | 116 mm × 89 mm × 61 mm |
| Weight | 427 g (body only, with battery and card) |
| Original MSRP | $979 (body only), $1,099 (with EF-M 15-45mm IS STM) |
Design
The EOS M5 features solid, mostly metal construction and a DSLR-style grip. It includes a dedicated exposure compensation dial and a mode dial with C1 and C2 custom memory settings for saving camera configurations. The touch screen remains active by default when using the EVF, which can lead to accidental input from facial contact.
Context
Marketed as Canon's first competitive mirrorless camera, the EOS M5 was praised as the best EOS M model at the time of release. It aimed to bridge the gap between compact system cameras and DSLRs, offering DSLR-level image quality in a smaller body. Despite strong image performance and color rendition, it faced criticism for slower autofocus compared to rivals like Sony, particularly in low light.
Market
The Canon EOS M5 launched at $979 for the body alone, with kit options including the EF-M 15-45mm and 18-150mm lenses. Users note that the camera does not enter sleep mode automatically and must be manually powered off to preserve battery life. A generic wired remote can be used in bulb mode for long exposures.
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