Easy to use, brilliant images

Canon’s new EOS M6 mirrorless camera offers portability and performance in one small package. Izwan Ismail writes

MIRRORLESS cameras are getting more popular nowadays. Small in size, but with features and performance of a full-blown dSLR, this has made it the camera of choice, especially for travel photography.

Canon has released its latest model from the mirrorless EOS M series cameras, EOS M6. Five years after the first EOS M was launched, Canon said it has made a lot of improvements to its mirrorless range to suit the demands of today’s photographers.

The EOS M6 Camera features 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, DIGIC 7 processor and a fast dual-pixel CMOS AF speed for clear, sharp, high-resolution images and Full HD videos.

SMALL AND COMPACT

Despite the palm-sized body, the camera is surprisingly very comfortable to hold, thanks to the small but proportionate rubber curve on the right side which provides a secure hold of the camera. It prevents the camera from slipping off one’s hand.

The EOS M6 measures 112x68x44.5 mm and weighs just 390g, which is quite light for an interchangeable lens camera, with a 15-45mm zoom lens.

Having a camera that is easy to operate is key and the EOS M6 is a good example. On top, there are only the shutter button, the mode and the exposure compensation dials. At the back, meanwhile, the buttons and dials are flushed to the right to make it easy for users to operate the camera with only one hand.

Its back LCD features 1.04-million resolution and has a 3:2 aspect ratio. It can tilt downwards by 45 degrees for shooting low angle scenes, which otherwise is difficult via the viewfinder. Selfie fans would love this feature — a full-facing screen upwards for taking selfies and wefies.

Canon has also designed the camera with a built-in image stabilisation system, allowing users to take better pictures even though their lens are non-IS. The EOS M6 doesn’t have a built-in electronic viewfinder like the M5, but users can always attach an optional electronic viewfinder accessory to the camera’s hot shoe.

The M6 is compatible with the Canon EVF-DC1 electronic viewfinder as well as the new EVF-DC2 which uses an OLED display instead of an LCD with the same number of dots (2.36 million). However, it does not tilt like the EVF-DC1.

OPERATION

Users of Canon dSLR will not have much problem mmanoeuvring the M6. Depending on your level of photography skills, there is a wide range of shooting modes, from full Manual to Auto.

The camera’s continuous 7fps will ensure that you do not miss the moments. The in-camera five-axis video stabilisation offers smooth Full HD 60p video recording. If you’re working in a dark environment, you can use a small built-in pop-up flash at the other end of the camera.

The Canon EOS M6.

The touch LCD screen gives you a mobile phone feel, where you can select the focus point by just touching the screen and also enlarge the pictures by using the pinch-to-zoom move. To add creativity to your shots, there is also a set of creative filters to play around with, namely Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Fish Eye, Art Bold, Water Painting, Toy Camera, Miniature effect and HDR High Dynamic Range.

CONNECT AND SHARE

Many people now prefer WiFi connectivity to transfer their images onto their smart devices, like smartphones and tablets. I think this is handy to save travellers from carrying laptops and portable card readers.

The M6 has these features but you need to download the free Canon CameraConnect app first, available on both iOS and Android platforms.

A constant connection between the EOS M6 and your smartphone can also be maintained via Bluetooth connectivity, letting you view your photographs without taking the camera out of the bag. You can also use Bluetooth to remotely capture the perfect group selfie or shoot wildlife scenes from discreet locations.

PHOTO QUALITY

This 24MP camera doesn’t disappoint when it comes to image quality. The colours are bright and crisp, while the better noise control ensures that the images are not grainy.

Video-wise, Canon offers Full HD video capability but not 4K. This may cause some potential buyers to look for alternatives with 4K video capability at around the same price. The camera can record Full HD video at up to 60 frames per second and a maximum bitrate of 35 Mbps.

CONCLUSION

If you are looking for a camera as your travel buddy, the Canon M6 is a good choice. It has all the qualities of a consumer dSLR packed into a small and light body.

The M6 is available at RM3,949 with the 15-45mm kit lens.

4/5

Some photos taken with the EOS M6.