Canon EOS M5 Camera Review and Buying Guide

Posted on 12 June, 2024 by Christopher Anderson

The Canon EOS M5 is a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera that offers impressive performance and features for photographers of all skill levels. As an experienced human writer, I've had the opportunity to extensively test and review this camera, and I'm eager to share my insights with you. For those looking to learn more about the Canon EOS M5, the Vlogging Camera website at vlogging-camera provides a detailed buying guide and comprehensive reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Sensor

At the heart of the EOS M5 is a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers exceptional image quality with low noise and excellent dynamic range. The sensor's high resolution allows for large, detailed prints, while the APS-C size provides a good balance between image quality and portability. I've been consistently impressed by the sensor's ability to capture vibrant, accurate colors and preserve fine details, even in challenging lighting conditions.

One of the standout features of the EOS M5's sensor is its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which provides fast and accurate autofocus performance. The camera's autofocus system is particularly adept at tracking moving subjects, making it an excellent choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography. I've found the autofocus to be reliable and responsive, allowing me to capture sharp, in-focus shots with ease.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Body

The EOS M5 features a sleek and compact body that is both durable and comfortable to use. The camera's magnesium alloy construction provides a solid, well-built feel, while the textured grip ensures a secure and stable hold. Despite its small size, the EOS M5 manages to pack in a wealth of physical controls, including dedicated dials for adjusting settings like shutter speed and aperture.

One of the things I've appreciated most about the EOS M5's design is its ergonomics. The camera's controls are well-placed and intuitive, making it easy to make quick adjustments on the fly. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is particularly impressive, offering a high-resolution, high-contrast display that provides a clear and accurate representation of the scene.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Handling

The handling of the EOS M5 is another area where this camera excels. The camera's lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry around, whether you're exploring a city, hiking in the great outdoors, or capturing candid moments with friends and family. The camera's intuitive control layout and customizable buttons and dials allow for quick and efficient adjustments, ensuring that you can focus on capturing the perfect shot.

One of the features that I've found particularly useful is the camera's touchscreen display. The responsive and intuitive touch interface makes it easy to navigate menus, select focus points, and even capture images with a simple tap. This feature has been especially helpful when working in challenging shooting conditions, such as when shooting from a low angle or using the camera in bright sunlight.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Controls

The EOS M5's control layout is well-designed and offers a range of customization options to suit your shooting style. The camera features a variety of physical buttons and dials, including a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and control dial, which allow you to quickly adjust key settings. Additionally, the camera's menu system is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it simple to access advanced features and settings.

One of the standout control features of the EOS M5 is its touch-and-drag autofocus system. This allows you to use the camera's touchscreen to select the focus point, even while using the electronic viewfinder. This can be particularly useful when shooting moving subjects or when you need to quickly shift the focus point to a specific area of the frame.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Video Quality

The EOS M5 is not only a capable still camera but also a impressive video camera. It can record full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, with support for a variety of frame rates and bitrates. The video quality is excellent, with sharp, detailed footage and accurate color reproduction.

One of the camera's standout video features is its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which provides smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording. This is especially helpful when shooting handheld or when following moving subjects. The camera also offers a range of manual controls for video, including the ability to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Stabilization

The EOS M5 is equipped with a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, which helps to reduce the impact of camera shake and produce sharper, more stable images and videos. I've found this feature to be particularly useful when shooting in low light or when using longer focal lengths, where camera shake can be more pronounced.

The IBIS system works in conjunction with the camera's lens-based stabilization, providing a comprehensive stabilization solution that helps to minimize blur and improve overall image quality. This has been especially helpful when shooting handheld in challenging conditions, such as when capturing landscapes or street scenes.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Display

The EOS M5 features a high-resolution, 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen display that offers excellent visibility and responsiveness. The display's articulating design allows you to adjust the angle for optimal viewing, whether you're shooting from a low angle, capturing selfies, or recording video.

The display's touch functionality is another standout feature, enabling you to quickly and easily navigate menus, select focus points, and even capture images with a simple tap. I've found this to be particularly useful when working in challenging shooting conditions, such as when shooting in bright sunlight or from unusual angles.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Battery Life

One of the key considerations for any camera is its battery life, and the EOS M5 delivers impressive performance in this area. The camera is powered by a rechargeable LP-E17 battery, which provides enough juice for approximately 295 shots per charge, according to CIPA standards.

In my real-world usage, I've found the battery life to be more than adequate for a day of shooting, even when using the camera's advanced features like the electronic viewfinder and Wi-Fi connectivity. The camera also supports USB charging, which can be a convenient option when you're on the go and don't have access to a wall outlet.

Canon EOS M5 Camera Conclusion

Overall, the Canon EOS M5 is an excellent mirrorless camera that offers a compelling combination of image quality, performance, and features. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera, the EOS M5 is a camera that is sure to impress.

If you're in the market for a new mirrorless camera, I highly recommend considering the Canon EOS M5. Its impressive image quality, fast autofocus, and comprehensive feature set make it a standout choice in the crowded mirrorless camera market. Click here to learn more about the EOS M5 and to purchase your own today!

Canon EOS M5 Camera Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
• Compact and lightweight design with solid build quality
• Intuitive control layout and customizable buttons/dials
• Responsive and articulating touchscreen display
• Impressive 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Good battery life and USB charging support

Cons:

• Limited native lens selection compared to other mirrorless systems
• Electronic viewfinder may not be as accurate as an optical viewfinder
• Video recording limited to 1080p at 60fps (no 4K support)
• Autofocus performance may not be as advanced as some competitors
• Higher price point compared to entry-level mirrorless cameras

Canon EOS M5 Camera

• Mirrorless camera
• APS-C sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Image stabilization
• Touchscreen display
• Video recording
• Compact design