Canon keeps increasing its mirrorless portfolios by adding several new models. After impressing public with “not-that –so-impressive” EOS M5 in 2015, the Japanese photography manufacturer began the 2nd quarter of 2017 by releasing its brand new Canon EOS M6. This is the new mirrorless camera that characteristically is almost similar to the previous M5, at least in term of features. But, in term of design, Canon seems to cut more edges on EOS M6, making it looks smaller and even slimmer than its big brother the Canon EOS M5.
Canon EOS M6 Specification
Sharing the same market target with EOS M5, the new M6 uses Canon’s typical 24.2MP 24MP APS-C sensor coupled with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which is similar to what we can find in the previous M5. This is also the same sensor used in Canon EOS 77D. In fact, many people say that EOS M6 is the trimmed version of EOS 77D with the absence of View Finder. With this sensor and AF system combination, surely this camera will be able to result relatively the same image quality with what can be resulted by the M5, even better. So, how’s the overall performance of this new Canon EOS M6? Let’s take a look on the review below.
Canon EOS M6 Camera Design
Looking from the outside, Canon EOS M6 design reminds us a little bit to the previous M3. The outlook, the interface, and built quality are almost the same. Yes, almost. However, the big price gap between these two devices results on the slightly better build quality on EOS M6.
Handling
Holding this camera is quite comfy. Thanks to the grip design that allows our finger to lay perfectly following the camera curves. The body is made of rubbery materials, while polycarbonate can be found only on the top and bottom plate. This combination of materials provides reasonable 520g of weight including memory card, battery, and EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens. Moreover, the supportive dimension which is about 112 x 68 x 45 mm also makes camera felt not really bulky to carry.
Dials and Display
Moving to the top plate, we can see two command dials, mode dials, and exposure compensation dials. Thanks to Canon for adding mode and exposure compensation dials to provide user more manual setting, especially because lately, the company prefers to make their mirrorless devices as simple as possible with minimum dials on it. Besides these dials, other control dials are laid on the back of the camera next to the touchscreen display. Sitting side to side with this dials, there are built-in pop up flash and hot shoe. Yes, there is hot shoe in case you want to add external View Finder or lighting.
On the rear side, we can see 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million of dots which is responsive enough. This screen can be tilted 180° to the up side, and 45° all the way down. On the indoor, this display performs so well. It is clear and bright. But it turns to be not that clear for the outdoor. Therefore, depending on screen finder when shooting outdoor under the sun light is not a good idea. That’s why you may need external viewfinder. In this case, you can choose either Canon’s tilting EVF-DC1 or the fixed EVF-DC2 then slip it on the hot shoe.
Canon EOS M6 Features
As stated before, Canon EOS M6 is incorporated with 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that has 1.6x focal length multiplier. To result good performance, it’s also powered with the new DIGIC7 processor, which is the same processor used in EOS M5. With this new processor, M6 can reach burst shooting speed up to 9fps when the autofocus is not enabled. But, this rate will go down to 7fps when autofocus is enabled.
Compared to the previous DIGIC 6, this new processor is claimed to be better, especially with the capability of doing subject tracking and detecting. Following other newest EOS model, Canon EOS M6 is able to do RAW file-processing in post-capture. While for shooting in the low light, this camera has ISO ranges from 100 all the way up to 25.600. The Auto ISO mode is also available even if it’s is only working in the ISO ranges between 100 up to 6400.
Video Recording Capability
It’s such a shame that this camera doesn’t offer 4K UHD video format when other competes such as Nikon 1 J5, Panasonic DMC-G7, or Sony A 6300 are providing it. The M6 only provides Full HD format with 60p of frame rates. The maximum resolution is 1920 x 1080, and the maximum bit rate reaches 35 Mbps.
However, with Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and focus control through the screen, making high quality video will be easier with the camera. And not to mention, you can still add external microphone for better sound quality.
In addition, five-axis digital image stabilization is also available in this camera. This should keep your video steady with minimum shake. Indeed, the camera doesn’t support Image Stabilization. But alternatively, you can choose lens with IS system’s included.
Auto Focus
Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is the promising auto focusing system on Canon EOS M6. This systems uses 49-point of AF areas with color and level control focus peaking. You can manually move the focus point. But for the easier option, you can choose the focus point simply by touching the selected object inside the frame. As for focusing on moving object, you can employ the Smooth zone AF to track the moving object and continuously setting it to be the focus point.
Canon EOS M6 Connectivity and Battery Capability
One attraction of Canon EOS M6 is how advance the connectivity it has. For file sharing, user can employs Bluetooth, WLAN, and NFC. These can also be used to support pairing system between the camera and smart devices.
By downloading Canon Camera Connect Apps in your smartphone or tablet, you can also easily transfer images from the camera to smart device, or use the smart device to remotely control the camera. As for the battery, Canon claims that EOS M6 can take around 295 frames in one single charge. All the files will be stored in SD, SDXC or SDHC card.
Canon EOS M6 Performance and Price
When it comes to performance, we can’t deny the superiority of Canon EOS M6. It has great sensor, faster processor, and advance AF system. So, no wonder that this camera can result a good image quality.
The design is pretty impressive too. It’s lightweight and comfy to hold even if the material doesn’t look that premium.
However, a little disappointment comes to the video sector where the camera doesn’t support 4K video recording.
And not to mention, the lens availability for this EOS M is still limited, unless you purchase the EF lens adapter, which means extra cost. So, for you who are interested to afford this new Canon EOS M6, you need to provide around 780 USD for body only, and around 900 USD for the body with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens kit. Alternatively, you can also choose camera body with EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens kit by paying around 1100 USD.
Prasetyo.E
Have big interest in art, writing, history, movie, and literature. Spend most of the time in reading, watching movie, and writing. In here! Writing about manuals from some well known electronic products. Some kinds of manual such as user manual, owner manual.
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