Canon Could Have Big Plans for EOS M Cameras in 2021
EOS M cameras from Canon will fight to live another day.
Canon’s EOS M cameras are, let’s say, interesting. There have been a couple of success stories from this line of cameras, but for the most part, the cameras have been forgettable. We will say that interest in the cameras is decent in Japan. (This is a country where small cameras are cherished.) In other parts of the world, the Canon EOS M line has faltered. However, this isn’t stopping Canon from forging ahead with them. If the noise from some insiders is true, there will be new EOS M cameras. On top of that, Canon is apparently ready to re-invent the line. Let’s talk about this after the break.
Canon Rumors, one of the more reputable speculation sites, recently discussed the possibility of new Canon EOS M cameras. While there’s no concrete information about the cameras, their source mentioned two things. First, the cameras will be announced or launched towards the end of 2021. Secondly, Canon knows they have to re-invent the wheel with this line of cameras. The word on the street is that Canon will ‘pivot the EOS M system in a new direction.’ Now, that does pique my interest. What direction could Canon take the EOS M cameras? Let’s discuss.
Where Will Canon Take the EOS M System?
Let’s start off by saying that we truly hope Canon reinvents the EOS M system. Right now, it makes no sense for photographers to buy into a system that has barely any lenses. Sure, you can adapt lenses, but why should you have to? Still, the cameras are okay. In fact, we really liked the EOS M6 II. We found it to be a great JPEG camera that would be nice to travel with. However, apart from the sensor, nothing about it screamed ‘buy me’. The Canon EOS M50 was questionable but still serviceable. And as for the Canon M50 II, well, the camera launched in November 2020, and we’ve yet to receive a review unit. To me, that’s quite telling.
You could jump up into a full-Frame EOS RP for almost the same price as the M6 II. For me, this is where the main problems with M series cameras are highlighted. The EOS M system is too expensive, it doesn’t have enough wow factor, and has too few lenses. It’s almost like an afterthought. I have often said that Canon would be better off by killing the system and releasing an RF mount APS-C camera for photographers. I still think this will happen to some degree.
Videographers Rejoice
So, what’s in store for Canon EOS M cameras? Not too long ago, some patents emerged that showed new Canon EOS M cameras with dual IBIS. IBIS has been sorely lacking in EF-M mount cameras, so this is nice to see. This, however, leads me to believe that Canon will shift the focus of M series cameras from photographers to videographers. Many Videographers use the M50. It has pretty great video output and can do 4K (with a huge crop), but still, it’s workable. The one thing really holding it back was the lack of IBIS. Now, we all know that many filmmakers love the small form factor of Micro Four Thirds cameras. So, it would not surprise me to see Canon making these small APS-C camera designed more for video work.
We’ve all seen just how fantastic Canon’s dual IBIS system is. Chris (our Editor In Chief) and I were blown away by this IBIS system’s performance in the Full-Frame EOS R5 and R6. Now, imagine this IBIS system powering a smaller 32.5MP APS-C sensor with Dual Pixel II autofocus. The results could be pretty spectacular. Canon would have a small form factor 8K video camera that would best any Micro Four Thirds camera currently on the market. Then there’s this exciting little patent that shows a camera that’s built into a gimbal. The lens mount and sensor sit up top, and around the back at the top of the handle is an LCD. Now, this is pretty genius. It’s just a further sign, to me, that Canon will push the EF-M mount toward video.
This is the direction I think Canon will take M series cameras. I believe there will then be an entry-level APS-C camera with an RF mount for photographers. I guess time will tell, but this, to me, would be a smart move. What do you think about Canon EOS M cameras? Is there still room for them in the overcrowded camera market? Should Canon transition the platform and make it more videographer friendly? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.