The lack of a digital zoom is not an issue for me. I think that an 18M camera doesn't need one. I can take a raw image and 'digitally zoom' in and probably have better quality than if I did what I've seen manufacturers call digital zoom in the camera. Even likely better quality with video as well. Or is there something I'm missing in that analysis? However, the sensor crop modes do not seem to be showing up in the menus. Perhaps this is something on the zoom lens rather than the pancake? (not sure why that would be).

I'm not sure whether or not this is what you mean by sensor crop mode, but for me one of the most useful features of the Canon T3i, missing from the EOS-M, is the 3x movie digital zoom. It lets me get decent video of wild animals who would otherwise appear as tiny smudges :) And (if I understand correctly) it works by taking full HD samples from the center of the sensor; in any case it produces detailed video.

Making Hay - More Pikas on Vimeo

(And I agree, digital zoom for stills would be pointless on a camera like the EOS-M.)

I understand. But if i were out shooting wild animals, I personally would be shooting video with a different camera. It's not a dealbreaker for me. I have a choice of cameras, and this one is more for "walkin' around when not on assignment." but to be clear, there is a lot to criticize in it! Magic Lantern might make a killing on it!

Nice job on the Pika shoot! I'll have to give it a try on my 7d, if it has the feature.

Min lee had mentioned that the manual in the pre-production model said it had a sensor crop mode. I cannot find a mention of it in the menues on mine.

Tony, i agree. If autofocus is required feature, and you don't mind a larger camera and lack of Canon interchangeable lenses, go with a different camera. I have always like Olympus's small cameras. Solid feature set for still shooters.But i might be using this as a B cam and want to match a 7d or 5d look. So another plus for the M.

I do find myself wishing for a reticulated screen. But none of my DSLR's have one. My video cameras all do. It really can make a difference I've found.

Not sure who is using AV out, I'd rather have a headphone jack. In fact, I think it's the biggest flaw in the camera design. Actually you could have had *both* the AV output and the headphone jack, as Canon used to offer the option to switch the function of that particular 1/8" stereo-mini jack back in the day on their DV camcorder product line. I find it frustrating that they were doing this a decade ago but not now. Also, we currently live in an HDMI world. I don't think there's anyone among the buyers of these cameras who would choose to use the AV output instead of HDMI. That jack should have been for audio output only, or switchable between audio and audio/video, like it used to be on any Canon DV camcorder made from 1997 onward.

Min lee had mentioned that the manual in the pre-production model said it had a sensor crop mode. I cannot find a mention of it in the menues on mine.


It was dpreview that had a preproduction model with crop. I mentioned in my earlier post that I don't have that feature when I got my camera. I'm really disappointed that Canon did nothing to correct this error especially since it's on one of the most popular photography sites and they had 3 months between when the review was publish to when the camera became available.

I don't think it was an error; I think it was a conscious decision to remove that feature. Shameful either way though.

Tony, on the AF test, is the M shooting RAW and JPEG? Mine is that slow when i shoot raw.AF is definetly painful. Manual is only wy to go, but hard to focus on 22mm. I think Canon needs a serious upgrade to this, but it has great potential. Lots to like about it. Picture quality is outstanding.

As stated elsewhere, the new firmware upgrade seems to solve the AF problems. With price drop this is a very good buy. I used it on an 8 day trip down the Grand Canyon in May. Other than needing 3batteries for 8 days, it was great. Interchangeable with my ef-s lenses. Works great.