Canon EOS M5: Digital Photography Review (2024)

Announced Sep 15, 2016 •

24 megapixels | 3.2 screen | APS-C sensor

Product description

AnnouncedSep 15, 2016

Discuss in the Canon EOS M Talk forum

The Canon EOS M5 is an enthusiast-friendly model in the company's mirrorless lineup. Like the other M-series models, it uses EF-M lenses with support for EF and EF-S via an optional adapter. It features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with the company's Dual Pixel AF, which allows for fast autofocus in live view and movie mode. In a first for Canon, the M5 has digital 5-axis image stabilization when recording video. It has an SLR-style design with three control dials as well as a direct control for exposure compensation. It features a tilting 3.2" LCD that can flip all the way down 180 degrees - perfect for selfies. In addition there is an electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million dots. The M5 can shoot continuously at up to 9 frames/second (7 fps with continuous AF) and can capture 1080/60p video. Photos can be shared via Wi-Fi, with the camera using Bluetooth for quick pairing with your smartphone.

Product timeline

Review, Dec 20, 2016

Quick specs

Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Max resolution 6000 x 4000
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
ISO Auto, 100-25600
Lens mount Canon EF-M
Focal length mult. 1.6×
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3.2
Screen dots 1,620,000
Max shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries) 427 g (0.94 lb / 15.06 oz)
Dimensions 116 x 89 x 61 mm (4.57 x 3.5 x 2.4)
GPS None

See full specifications

Our review

The EOS M5 has plenty going for it. Shooting smooth, properly focused video is incredibly easy, and the new 24MP sensor has made great strides in overall image quality. Dual Pixel autofocus makes for faster, more precise focusing and really makes the M5 shine with adapted lenses. Unfortunately, it sits in a crowded market and its excellent usability can't quite make up for the fact that you can arguably get more camera for less money elsewhere.

Good for: Users looking for solid, dependable performance for general photography and casual video capture in a compact package with a highly polished user interface.

Not so good for: Action and sports shooters, video shooters needing 4K capture, users concerned with availability of suitably sized lenses.

Read the full review

Scoring

Build quality

Ergonomics & handling

Features

Metering & focus accuracy

Image quality (raw)

Image quality (jpeg)

Low light / high ISO performance

Viewfinder / screen rating

Performance

Movie / video mode

Connectivity

Value

Canon EOS M5 Sample Gallery

103 images • Posted on Dec 6, 2016 • View gallery

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