Canon recently announced a new mirrorless camera to their line up, the Canon EOS M6. The slightly earlier Canon mirrorless camera model was the EOS M5 that was announced around September 2016 and I shared about it here. The time gap between the EOS M5 and M6 is around 5-6 months, therefore, both the EOS M5 and M6 have some similar technical specifications and also some distinct differences.

The key differences between the EOS M5 and M6 are

(1)  the built-in view finder on the EOS M5 while the EOS M6 does not have it and they do have the optional EVF DC-2 that can be purchased separately and attached to the hot-shoe.

(2) Rear LCD screen – EOS M5 rear LCD screen tilts downwards at an angle of 85 degrees up and while the EOS M6 rear LCD screen tilts 180 degrees upwards and 45 degrees downwards.

In my personal humble opinion, the Canon EOS M6 is the next mirrorless camera model after the EOS M10 yet it sits below the EOS M5. The EOS M6 is catered for a different group of customers, probably more of those who prefer the fun and ease of handling without the demands/needs of the built-in viewfinder. A purist photographer would probably choose the EOS M5 because they have the built-in viewfinder that they can use when they are shooting. Personally, I prefer to have a built-in viewfinder for my choice of mirrorless camera.

I am currently testing and reviewing the Canon EOS M5 and I would share my review article at a later time (and update here accordingly when it is ready). If the opportunity arises, I would test and review the Canon EOS M6 too.

Let me share with you more information and details of the Canon EOS M6 from the press release information below –

Canon announced the launch of the EOS M6, the latest addition to its mirrorless range of cameras designed as a modern all-rounder reflecting the best balance of convenient portability and easy functionality. Equipped with advanced technologies which are adopted from the professional EOS range cameras, the compact-size EOS M6 weighs approximately 390 grams (including the body, battery and card) and achieves high speed and a sharply precise AF that is capable of capturing fast moving subjects in still or videos. Available in sophisticated black graphite and vintage silver and black combination, the EOS M6 packs a punch with the new APS-C sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor to deliver high image clarity with low noise levels.

“The compact-sized EOS M6 excels in having a good balance of imaging power and convenience, making it a desirable camera of choice for users who relish the versatility of mirrorless photography. With Canon’s dual pixel CMOS AF technology, significant enhancements in AF speed and precision tracking enables users to capture superb quality pictures and videos without the associated bulk.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “Coupled with a comprehensive line-up of interchangeable lenses, users will now have more avenues to flex their creative muscles and develop their artistic flair.” 

Rapid and precise AF performance with Dual Pixel CMOS AF

Equipped with 24.2-Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor, the EOS M6 delivers crisp image quality with low noise. Powered by Dual Pixel CMOS AF with approximately 24.2 million phase-difference sensors, AF is possible on approximately an 80% x 80% area of the focal plane’s entire surface. This enables fast and accurate tracking when shooting stills and videos, even when the subject is positioned at the edges of the frame. The touch AF further facilitates efficiency when conducting focus adjustments especially during macro and portrait shoots. Additionally, minute adjustments of the AF frame can also be done effortlessly through the controller wheel in the magnified view for accurate and precise focus.

The improved noise reduction performance as enabled by the DIGIC 7 image processor expands the normal ISO speed range from 100 to 25600. This notable improvement ensures sharp and crisp image quality even when shooting in low-light conditions.

Movie shooting

Full HD at 60p is supported, allowing the EOS M6 to capture smooth and beautiful footage. With the combination of Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and STM lens, the EOS M6 allow users to achieve fast and accurate tracking during video shooting to achieve cinematographic effects without introducing mechanical noises generated by the lens motor during auto-focusing.

The EOS M6 also features Combination IS with in-camera 5-axis image stabilization through a compatible lens. Combination IS leverages optical IS and in-camera digital IS to help create seamless videos. Additionally, the DIGIC 7 image processor makes the 5-axis image stabilization possible even with lenses that do not contain IS due to the independent in-camera image stabilization that reduces camera shake during video shoots.

Intuitive user experience with improved ergonomics

With a 3.0” touch panel LCD screen that tilts 180 degrees upwards and 45 degrees downwards, users have the flexibility of taking photos from different angles with ease. The quick dial controls also simplify adjustments even while on foot as settings can be switched around quickly without needing to toggle back to the menu screen. This provides a significant improvement to the levels of comfort and freedom for users, especially when shooting in manual mode.

With a screen size of 0.39” and approximately 2.36 million dots OLED panel, the optional electronic viewfinder (EVF-DC2) is comparably smaller and lighter than the conventional EVFs. For the user, the EVF reflects a highly accurate image representation of what is seen by the camera sensor without interference from glare. The EVF-DC2 is compatible with selected Canon camera models such as PowerShot G1 X Mark II, PowerShot G3 X and EOS M3.

Seamless with Bluetooth Low Energy technology

With Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, users can transfer images and videos from the camera to the smart devices and upload them onto the Canon Image Gateway, social media platforms and cloud storage. And by using the Canon Camera Connect app, users have real-time control of camera settings such as shutter speed, focus selection and self-timer and more.

In addition, EOS M6 features Bluetooth low energy technology which maintains constant connection to a compatible smart device at a low power consumption. With this constant connection, users can view images, start remote capture from the camera, even when the camera is in Auto Power Off mode. Smart devices with Bluetooth can wake the camera up, and switch to wi-fi for browsing and viewing images or perform remote capture (with Live View). Users can also use Bluetooth to perform basic remote capture (no Live View), control image playback and slide show when the camera is connected to a TV or projector via smart devices.

Easy switch of lenses for changing your perspectives

The EOS M6 is available in 2 kit options: EF-M18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM kit and EF-M15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM kit.

For existing EOS DSLR users, the Mount Adapter EF-EOS M (sold separately) allows full compatibility with over 70 EF/EF-S lenses. This offers users a wider range of creative options and shooting perspectives all without compromising on image quality and capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability of the EOS M6 and EVF-DC2 will be advised at a later date.

Product specifications

EOS M6

Image sensor:                         24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

Imaging processor:                 DIGIC 7

Focal plane AF:                       Dual Pixel CMOS AF

Max frame rate:                       9.0 fps (AF fixed), 7.0 fps (AF tracking)

Max standard ISO speed:       ISO 25,600

Monitor:                                   3.0-inch touch panel (tilt upwards approx.180° and                                              downwards approx. 45°), approx. 1.04 million dots

Movie:                                     Full HD 60 fps

Connectivity:                           Wi-Fi / NFC / Bluetooth Low Energy technology

EVF:                                        External (Optional)

Dimensions:                             Approx. 112.0 x 68.0 x 44.5mm

Weight:                                    Approx. 390g

EVF-DC2

Effective dots:                         Approx. 2,360,000 dots

Format:                                   Organic EL

Screen size:                           0.39-type

Aspect ratio:                          4:3

Coverage:                              Approx. 100%

Brightness adjustment:          Yes

Eyepoint:                                Approx. 22mm

Dioptric adjustment range:     Approx. -3 to +1 m-1 (dpt)

Size:                                      31.4 x 36.2 x 45.7mm

Weight:                                   Approx. 29g

Supported models:                  EOS M6/EOS M3/PowerShot G1 X Mark II/PowerShot G3 X

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations *

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