The EOS M6 is the latest addition to the EOS M-series line-up, and its features rival those of mid-range or higher DSLRs. Let’s take a closer look at them. (Reported by: Kazuo Nakahara)

 

Packed with more than enough specs to be used as your main camera

The EOS M6 boasts enhanced shooting features, as well as an improved design for better operability. Shooting features have been enhanced thanks to the 24.2-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS sensor, and the latest DIGIC 7 image processor. The camera is able to achieve high-speed AF, a maximum normal ISO speed of 25600 and fast continuous shooting performance of up to 9 fps, specs that rival those of mid-range or higher DSLRs.

 

While the exterior design is reminiscent of vintage cameras, the EOS M6 has improved usability, featuring a grip that makes the camera easier to hold, and a dial design that your fingers can easily adapt to. Moreover, it is equipped with a new Quick Control Dial, with the exposure compensation dial stacked above it, allowing you to conveniently change settings such as the ISO speed without having to remove your hand from the grip. Continuous shooting performance has also been enhanced, improving your chances of capturing photo opportunities as and when they arise.

You can also choose to get the lightweight Electronic Viewfinder EVF-DC-2 (sold separately), which matches the design of the EOS M6 and can be mounted externally for use. This lets you enjoy DSLR-style shooting with a viewfinder. With a compact size that allows you to carry it anywhere conveniently for shooting, this is one camera I would recommend as you can carry it around with you while going about your day.

Next, let’s look at 5 key features of the EOS M6.

 

1. High-performance DIGIC 7 imaging processor

On mirrorless cameras, the light information obtained by the image sensor is used to control everything from AF to shooting, so the functionality of the camera is directly related to the power of the image processor. Compared to previous image processors, DIGIC 7 contributes to improved image quality in various ways, by not only delivering improved noise reduction performance when shooting at high ISO speeds, but also through great improvements against diffraction blur, among others. DIGIC 7 also contributes to power savings, enabling the EOS M6 to take up to around 295 shots (at an ambient temperature of 23°C) while using the same battery as that of other models in the EOS M series.

 

2. Dual Pixel CMOS sensor realises high-speed AF

The Dual Pixel CMOS sensor performs both imaging and image plane phase-difference detection AF functions simultaneously. This allows the EOS M6 to perform high-speed AF across a wide area of the screen, providing a dramatically increased ability to shoot moving subjects.

 

80% of the sensor area (horizontally and vertically) can be used for high-speed image plane phase-difference AF.

 

EOS M6/ EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM/ FL: 22mm (35mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/14, 1/60 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 200/ WB: Auto
Photo by Mayuko Ukawa

High-speed AF ensures that you won't miss capturing your subject in the best position
On this day, Mt. Fuji was clearly visible in the distance, and the sky was a beautiful colour. To create the fantasy-like effect in the shadows of the mountain and person on the water's edge, I took the shot with a deep focus, using a 35mm equivalent focal length to make the sea, sky and mountain appear larger, and with the aperture narrowed to f/14. I used the high-speed AF to capture a surfer who happened to come out of the water and was in a good spot.

 

3. Smartphone pairing with Bluetooth

The EOS M6 features Bluetooth low energy technology, which is not only power-saving, but also enables the camera to maintain a constant connection to compatible smart devices as long as the camera is switched on—even when in Auto Power Off mode. By using the Camera Connect app on a Bluetooth-connected smartphone, you can use the phone as a remote control shutter at any time. Furthermore, the EOS M6 automatically switches to a Wi-Fi connection where appropriate, facilitating the uploading of photos to social media.

If Bluetooth is enabled in the settings, the camera will connect automatically, saving you the hassle of changing the connection settings each time you want to connect.

 

4. Deeper grip and additional dials for a more fully-fledged design

The EOS M6 has slightly more rounded edges overall, for a form that gives a softer impression, while the arrangement of the buttons is virtually the same as other cameras in Canon's mirrorless range. The LCD screen on the rear side of the camera can be smoothly tilted up to 180 degrees upwards. The strap mount is smaller than previously, so if you want to use an off-the-shelf strap, you will need to use a triangular ring with it.

 

A: Knurled finish on the Main Dial

The dial has been enlarged, making it easier to grip with your fingers.

 

B: Smaller strap mount

The design of the mount follows that of the EOS M5.

 

C: Deeper grip for an easier hold

The grip has been made deeper for a firmer hold. Even people with larger hands can comfortably hold the EOS M6.

 

5. The new Quick Control Dial allows you to rapidly change settings even during a shoot

The key feature is the new Quick Control Dial with the Exposure Compensation Dial stacked on top. On the EOS M6, it is now possible to assign functions to the Main Dial, Quick Control Dial and Control Dial. The degree of flexibility has been improved, particularly by allowing you to change settings while holding the grip when shooting in Manual mode.

 

 

A: Quick Control Dial
With dial customisation, you can register various functions such as White Balance and Drive mode for a dial. Because the stacked dial comprises two dials, with the Exposure Compensation Dial stacked on top of the Quick Control Dial, it might take some time getting used to using both dials at once.

 

B: Control Dial
The Control Dial on the rear of the camera can be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise for menu selection and for scrolling through images during playback.

 

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