After much research I have decided to go with one of these cameras. The advantage of the mirrorless cameras is that they are more compact than their DSLR cousins. The M5 is a much improved version of the EOS-M that has been round for some time. A more recent M6 was released last year but it does not have the electronic viewfinder.
The other big plus is that this model has the same 24 Megapixel sensor as the Canon 80D. This is a cropped (APS-C) sensor but has had some very good reviews in astrophotography circles.
Price is another important factor for me. The Australian supported product can be picked up with a 15-45mm lens for around $1,000 or less.
I purchased the M6 as a lightweight camera to throw in my camera bag when I am out and about with a big DSLR and DSLR lenses. In this role, I find it a very useful addition to my DSLR photo kit.
I use it with the 15-45mm kit lens (24-70mm FF equivalent) and I received a free detachable electronic VF as part of a Canon promotion.
One thing to be aware of with the M5 is that the flip-out rear LCD flips downwards, so will foul a tripod if that is important to you.
I throw the M6 in a messenger bag when I go into town as a general use camera and it performs admirably. I like the lower profile of the M6, i.e. without the built-in VF of the M5 and so far, haven't really needed my detachable VF, but that is just a personal preference.
Try to get some hands-on in a shop to see the quality of the VF to make sure it meets your needs.
Hi,
My girlfriend has the first version, the Canon EOS M. It perform very well as a companion on our travels around the world. But she is as I'm very interested in astronomy. She also started to take astro photos with that camera, main problem is that is not possible to do time lapse. But after some investigating we find one way to do at least a serie of ten images in a sequence and start it by the remote control.
Her plan today is to upgrade to the EOS M5, most for the viewfinder. But that camera can also be controlled by a smartphone if I understood it correctly.
OK good to know that the M6 also has a flip out LCD. The M6 does have a slightly smaller LCD (76mm vs 81mm for the M5). The M6 display also has a lower resolution with 1.04 million dots versus the 1.62 million dots on the M5.
AFAIK, the M, M3, M5 & M6 all have the same 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor but they differ in the type of image processor. The M5 and M6 both have the same DIGIC 7 image processor.
Her plan today is to upgrade to the EOS M5, most for the viewfinder. But that camera can also be controlled by a smartphone if I understood it correctly.
/Lars
Hi Lars, I managed to get an M5 with Australian 2 year warranty on Ebay for $879 including the 15-45mm zoom and EF mount adapter thanks to a 20% discount.
Yes that's correct, you can use your mobile to control the M5.
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the information about M5. The prices are low now, maybe because of Canon releasing its full frame mirror less camera.
I have just read that the Magic Lanthern software can be run on the older version of Canon EOS M, the M and M2 models if I got it right. According to that the ML time lapse function should be possible to run in the camera.
One thing to keep in mind is that I dont believe that camera will work with third party applications like BackyardEos so it might be harder to do longer exposures and sequences with it.
One thing to keep in mind is that I dont believe that camera will work with third party applications like BackyardEos so it might be harder to do longer exposures and sequences with it.
If you use manual exposure and go to the BULB setting in the shutter speed range you can keep the exposure open for as long as you like
If you use the RC-6 remote you don't need to hold down the button continuously, just once for open and once to close. Alternatively you can use the Canon Connect app to do the same thing
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the information about M5. The prices are low now, maybe because of Canon releasing its full frame mirror less camera.
I have just read that the Magic Lanthern software can be run on the older version of Canon EOS M, the M and M2 models if I got it right. According to that the ML time lapse function should be possible to run in the camera.
Anybody who have tested this?
/Lars
I've used an Eos M with Magic Lantern for a few years now for deep sky astro. ML will let you specify X number of photos with a given exposure, and wait X amount of time between photos. Haven't found a way to control the Eos M using the PC, but ML does the job for me.
I've used an Eos M with Magic Lantern for a few years now for deep sky astro. ML will let you specify X number of photos with a given exposure, and wait X amount of time between photos. Haven't found a way to control the Eos M using the PC, but ML does the job for me.
Not available for the M5 (which this thread is about). I see from their website that ML is not approved or endorsed by Canon.
The Canon EOS M5 Brochure indicates that you can use the Canon Remote Interval Timer TC-80N3 with the EOS M5 by adapting it with the Canon Remote Control Adapter RA-3.
So, it would appear that you "should" be able to put the M5 in Manual Mode, select Bulb and the TC-80N3 / RA-3 combo "should" drive it from there?
Good find Dennis. Here's some info on the settings:
1. Delay / Self Timer (DELAY)
Just like the self timer on your camera. The timer remote switch allows you to set any delay (in 1 second increments) up to 99 hours, 99 minutes and 99 seconds.
2. Interval Timer (INTVL)
The Interval Timer can be set to any time period up to 100 hours as well. If you set it to 10 minutes, for example, one exposure will be taken every 10 minutes until either the film runs out or the Exposure Count limit has been reached.
3. BULB/Long Exposure (LONG)
It allows you to take time exposures up to 100 hours long.
4. Exposure Count (N)
This setting allows you to set the times of exposures that will be taken, up to a total 399 times. For example, if you set it to 30 times, then the exposure will be only taken 30 times.