Are mirrorless cameras as good or better than DSLR models? That's the question I get most often from many photo enthusiasts when I travel around the globe on wildlife photo shoots. My readers know I am the Wildlife Ho-tographer using Canon equipment for over a quarter century. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com
I have used mirrorless cameras. They just don't feel right in my hands. They are ergonomically challenged and the functions and features are not suitable for my use in wildlife photography. There are many people who love their mirrorless cameras. They are small, light weight and take very good photos in travel, portrait and everyday life but when the shots really matter, I know very few photographers will reach for their mirrorless camera instead of the DSLR. Take a look at the above video. It's a bit light-hearted but you will get the impression why mirrorless cameras are not used by pros in the Olympic Games, World Cup and many other important sporting events.
Canon is expected to announce the EOS-M4 mirrorless camera and at least two EF-M prime lens some time in the first half of 2016 to beef up their mirrorless product line. This will not be enough to make them a leading player in this space.
When the EOS-M mirrorless camera was introduced in 2012, it was the 'laughing stock' of the mirrorless world. The AF was slow and the camera, 'rudimentary', because Canon was simply not ready for this new technology and was trying to play catch up, in a hurry.
Although Canon's mirrorless cameras are selling quite well in Asia and Japan, they are mostly lower end models and bring in little profits. They need to go upmarket and take a leaf from Sony and most recently, Leica. Canon is a big conservative conglomerate and operates at a glacial speed. They rarely aim to be first to bring 'revolutionary' technology to market but try to be best in their space, albeit coming from behind.
Canon is also working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Since they are already 'behind' in this segment, their next full frame mirrorless camera needs to be bold and different. I am a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for over 25 years and have followed the company since my first EOS-1 purchase in 1989. My advice to them is bring out a top-of-the-line, full frame mirrorless camera with the EF mount as soon as possible. The new camera must come with a brand new sensor, advanced AF performance, an electronic viewfinder, best in class video performance with pro build quality and ergonomics. It will be a tall order but something well within Canon's capability and technology to manufacture. I think many serious photographers are willing to pay thousands of dollars to see such a camera built. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.
The fear that a full frame mirrorless camera may 'cannabilize' on Canon's existing full frame DSLR models is overblown. For example, all major luxury car brands have both expensive gasoline and alternative fuel powered models in their lineup. Many professional photographers, including myself, will buy a high end mirrorless camera in addition to their current DSLR equipment, provided it meets the requirements.
Canon EOS-M3 mirrorless camera with EF-M 18-55mm lens
There is a highly-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-M3 mirrorless camera bundle for $429 including free shipping. The bundle includes the camera plus a 32GB memory card and reader, wireless shutter release, carrying bag, etc.
You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any advertisement or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my reporting, have no conflict of interest and do not endorse any particular company. Find this listing on eBay yourself easily. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com
Canon is expected to announce the EOS-M4 mirrorless camera and at least two EF-M prime lens in Q1 to Q2 of 2016 to beef up their mirrorless product line. This will not be enough to make them a big player in this space.
Although Canon's mirrorless cameras are selling quite well in Asia and Japan, they are mostly lower end models and bring in little profits. They need to go upmarket and take a leaf from Sony and most recently, Leica. Canon is a big conservative conglomerate and operates at a glacial speed. They rarely aim to be first to bring 'revolutionary' technology to market but try to be best in their space, albeit coming from behind.
Canon is also working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Since they are already 'behind' in this segment, their next full frame mirrorless camera needs to be bold and different. I am a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for about 25 years and have followed the company since my first EOS-1 purchase in 1989. My advice to them is bring out a top-of-the-line, full frame mirrorless camera with the EF mount as soon as possible. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.
The fear that a full frame mirrorless camera may 'cannabilize' on Canon's existing full frame DSLR models is overblown. For example, all major luxury car brands have both expensive gasoline and alternative fuel powered models in their lineup. Many serious and professional photographers, including myself, will buy a high end mirrorless camera in addition to their current DSLR equipment, provided it meets the requirements.
During the Canon Expo 2015 last month, the company demonstrated some cutting edge prototypes, like the 250MP and 120MP sensors, ME20F-SH camera that shoots videos @ ISO 4000000+ and the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens. These eye-popping demonstrations may pay off once they come to market but deciding when to bring them to consumers seem to take too much deliberation.
Canon Inc. reported lower 3rd quarter profits for 2015 but raised its full year forecast due to the 'strong' US Dollar and 'weak' Japanese Yen. Going forward, the United States is expected to increase its interest rates in 2016, thereby pushing the Yen even lower and giving Canon's 2016 profit a potential further boost.
The DSLR camera segment is a matured business even though this is where Canon and many other camera makers make most of their profits. There is little Canon can do to stem the gradual loss of market share of the low end cameras to higher end smartphones. They need to concentrate on their strength and make the DSLR camera experience as enjoyable as possible for serious and professional photographers.
To that end, Canon should seriously consider introducing a prosumer to professional mirrorless camera with the same size and shape of their higher end DSLRs. The mirrorless market is here to stay and growing. The current EOS-M line is boring, brings little profit and is highly discounted.
(Corrects dateline to Oct 27) * Q3 operating profit falls 21 pct to 71.8 bln yen * Steep fall had been flagged by Nikkei business daily * Investments in new businesses also weighed on profit * Full-year earnings forecast lifted on weaker yen By Sophie Knight TOKYO, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Japan's Canon Inc said quarterly operating profit fell by a fifth as demand for digital cameras slumped and it spent more on developing new businesses, but it nudged up its full-year earnings estimates on a sharply weaker yen. The consumer shift to smartphones for casual photo taking has pummelled demand for compact cameras, while the growing popularity of lighter mirrorless cameras has taken away market share from higher margin single-lens reflex cameras.
Operating profit for the July-September quarter came in at 71.8 billion yen ($665 million), not far off figures flagged by the Nikkei business daily earlier this month. Investments to boost businesses such as video surveillance and semiconductor steppers also helped to outweigh a 11.4 billion yen contribution from a weaker yen, a company spokesman said. Revenue fell 4.5 percent to 872.2 billion yen. The export-reliant company lifted its operating profit forecast but it acknowledged that but for the weaker yen, it would have revised down. It now expects 370 billion yen for the year to end December, up from a prior prediction of 365 billion yen and a 9.7 percent increase on the previous year. While a softer yen boosts earnings for export-oriented companies, the Japanese currency's rapid descent against the greenback - around 8 percent over the July-September period - has driven up import costs and prompted complaints from Japan Inc that yen weakness has gone far enough. "It's difficult to give an ideal level but if it stopped at its current level it wouldn't be a bad thing," said Chief Financial Officer Toshizo Tanaka. Japan's currency is trading at around 108 yen to the dollar after having weakened to as low as 110 yen at the beginning of this month. A Reuters Corporate Survey showed in September that only one quarter of Japanese firms preferred an exchange rate of 105 yen or weaker. Canon's shares closed up 0.8 percent on Monday ahead of results. (1 US dollar = 107.9600 Japanese yen) (Reporting by Sophie Knight; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
The EOS M10 camera was announced on October 13, 2015. The camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2015, and will be offered in a kit with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $599.99. The camera body is available in black or white, and will also be available in gray exclusively through the Canon Online store at http://shop.usa.canon.com.
In addition, the new EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens is scheduled to be available in November 2015 at an estimated retail price of $299.99 and a silver version of the current EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens also is scheduled to be available in November 2015 at an estimated retail price of $349.99.
The EOS-M line of camera sells very well in Asia, primarily to women. The Canon video below plays to that theme again with the new EOS-M10.
Canon EOS M10 Digital Camera Specifications Summary :
18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to H:25600)
Canon DIGIC 6 Image Processor
Hybrid CMOS AF II for accurate autofocus along with maximum continuous shooting speeds up to 4.6 fps
Full HD 1920×1080 movies at 24p and 30p in MP4 format
Self Portrait mode to adjust camera effects, including skin smoothness and brightness* Compatible with all EF-M lenses as well as full line of EF and EF-S lenses*
Compact size at just 4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, and just over 10.5 ounces (including battery and memory card)
Built-in retractable flash
Built in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) plus Mobile Device Connect Button
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 13, 2015 – Rounding out what is now a family of five powerful large sensor PowerShot G-series cameras, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the PowerShot G5 X equipped with a built-in, high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), and the slim, lightweight, carry-anywhere PowerShot G9 X. Featuring high-quality optics and large one-inch image sensors, both new models are ideal for advanced amateur photographers looking for a highly portable, advanced point-and-shoot camera equipped with built-in Wi-Fi®* and NFC** capability for easy sharing of images and video to social media networks as well as printing to compatible Canon PIXMA or SELPHY printers with the PIXMA Printing Solutions app1.
Both new models feature a one-inch, 20.2 Megapixel*** High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor that delivers optimal performance with an ISO range of 125 – 12,800. The sensor, along with a proprietary DIGIC 6 Image processor, creates Canon’s HS System to provide photographers with vivid and detailed still images and video, even in difficult low-light shooting scenarios.
Providing quality still images and video for social sharing, the stunning 1080p Full HD video (at 24p, 30p, and 60p in MP4 format) and still images captured on these cameras can be transferred after capture to compatible smartphones, tablets, or the new Canon Connect Station CS100 photo and video hub device, via built-in Wi-Fi** and NFC*** capability. Both new models are compatible with Canon’s free Camera Connect App2 for wireless image transfer and remote operation featuring Live View when using compatible iOS® and Android® devices.
In addition, these new cameras feature an enhanced Star Mode to provide more precise focusing sure to delight stargazers and amateur astronomers. The “Star Trails” mode is now enhanced to improve the breaks in light between star trails turning star movement into a luminous still image, while the “Star Time-Lapse Movie” mode makes beautiful video clips that show the movement of the stars against a static background of dark space.
“We continue to strive to provide photographers with a range of imaging equipment options to support each individual shooting style while still providing the features, usability, and performance they expect from a Canon camera,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Our PowerShot G-series cameras offer a range of options designed to satisfy professionals looking for a convenient back-up camera to their DSLR as well as photography enthusiasts looking for maximum image quality in conveniently compact cameras they can take with them anywhere.”
The PowerShot G5 X
Incorporating a bright, built-in high-resolution EVF that allows photographers to more easily compose and take pictures as well as track moving subjects, the high-performance PowerShot G5 X camera also features a bright f/1.8 – f/2.8 4.2x Canon Optical Zoom Lens (focal length range equivalent to 24-100mm). With the combination of a nine-blade iris diaphragm for beautiful background blur effects and an Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) system that provides virtually shake-free images in a wide variety of shooting conditions, this camera’s optical system enables users to capture the shot as they envisioned it and is ideal for shooting in low-light conditions or when a shallow depth-of-field is preferred for more dramatic, soft backgrounds and beautiful portraits.
The PowerShot G5 X camera’s 2.36-million-dot high-definition OLED electronic viewfinder provides high-quality viewing from edge-to-edge, especially useful when composing an image or shooting in bright sunlight. Additionally, a three-inch, 1.04 million dot touch panel LCD screen provides a bright, clear display that enables one-touch control of many camera settings and features a Vari-Angle design that enables easy viewing from various shooting angles while protecting the screen from inadvertent scratching when the camera is stored.
Housed in a classic black body, the enhanced controls include top-mounted mode and exposure compensation dials, front and rear control dials, and a control ring around the lens, which can all be customized to best suit different shooting styles. The PowerShot G5 X camera also features a built-in flash plus a dedicated hot shoe providing full compatibility with Canon’s powerful range of EX-series Speedlites and related accessories. There is also a 3.5mm mini-jack for compatibility with Canon’s Remote Switch RS-60E3.
The PowerShot G9 X
Slim and lightweight, the PowerShot G9 X is the camera photographers will want to show off to their friends as much as they shoot with it. The camera features a bright f/2.0 – f/4.9, 3x Canon Optical Zoom Lens (focal length range equivalent to 28-84mm) along with Canon’s Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) system for virtually shake-free images in a wide variety of shooting conditions.
The camera’s intuitive three-inch LCD touch panel with a new user interface allows for quick and easy changes to camera settings even while taking pictures. In addition to the touch panel, a lens-mounted control ring can be utilized to adjust several functions, including customizable manual focus. For shooting fast-moving subjects from kids at birthday parties to athletic events, the PowerShot G9 X camera has continuous shooting speeds up to six frames per second (fps) so none of the action is missed. It is available in classic black, or in a retro-style, silver-gray body with brown stitched leather accents.
Shared Features
The PowerShot G5 X and PowerShot G9 X models both feature three convenient ways to charge the NB-13L lithium-ion battery pack: (1) via an optional USB cable connected to a powered USB socket to charge the battery while it is still in the camera body, (2) via an optional USB-connected AC Adapter to charge the battery while it is still in the camera body, and (3) via the standalone external battery charger that is supplied with both cameras as standard equipment.
Both new PowerShot models incorporate a broad range of exposure modes from fully automatic to full manual, and both offer users the choice of RAW as well as JPEG recording modes for still photos. Additionally, both new models incorporate a built-in ND filter for enhanced exposure control in bright shooting conditions.
Price and Availability
The PowerShot G5 X and PowerShot G9 X camera kits are scheduled to begin shipping in November 2015 at suggested retail prices of $799.99 and $529.99, respectively.
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 13, 2015 – For capturing and sharing life’s important moments with great clarity, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the EOS M10 interchangeable lens digital camera. A compact and stylish design, the EOS M10 camera has the features and lens options to help photographers expand their creativity and the mobile compatibility and size for social-sharers to stay connected with sharp images that are sure to draw ‘Likes’.
Adding to its compact design, the EOS M10 camera is fitted with a new retractable EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens, that shortens and locks into a compact size when not in use. This retractable Canon interchangeable lens provides outstanding image quality that helps the EOS M10 camera remain small and lightweight to go with you anywhere.
For those “selfie” moments that can’t be missed, the EOS M10 camera’s three-inch screen tilts up 180 degrees to help make sure everyone is in the shot. The touch panel LCD screen also lets users browse images and navigate menus with ease. The camera’s Creative Assist mode makes it easy to adjust settings and add effects such as brightness, background blur, vividness of color, contrast, warmth and filter effects to create share-worthy images on the go – letting you stylize your photos and capture the moment just as you want. And, to help everyone look their selfie-best, the Self Portrait mode adjusts camera effects and settings to enhance skin smoothness and brightness.
“This is the camera for the social media generation, including those who love to take and share high-quality photos and video while on the go. It will help them make the transition to a dedicated, high-quality digital camera, because of its mobile compatibility and creative options,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.
The built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality of the EOS M10 camera is compatible with most current Android™devices** for easy setup of Wi-Fi® communication, and the camera’s Mobile Device Connect Button supports wireless connectivity with IOS® and Android™ devices. The EOS M10 camera also supports wireless remote control featuring live view in compatible Apple® and Android devices using Canon’s free Camera Connect app***, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play™ store.
The EOS M10 camera is fully compatible with Canon’s Connect Station CS100, a home hub device that provides a fast and easy way to store photos and videos from the camera as well as view them on the living room TV, transfer them to social media networks and share them with other linked Connect Station CS100 devices, for an added level of sharing.
Pricing and Availability
The EOS M10 camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2015, and will be offered in a kit with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $599.99. The camera body is available in black or white, and will also be available in gray exclusively through the Canon Online store at http://shop.usa.canon.com/.
In addition, the new EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens is scheduled to be available in November 2015 at an estimated retail price of $299.99 and a silver version of the current EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens also is scheduled to be available in November 2015 at an estimated retail price of $349.99.
Canon EOS M10 Digital Camera Specifications Summary :
18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to H:25600)
Canon DIGIC 6 Image Processor
Hybrid CMOS AF II for accurate autofocus along with maximum continuous shooting speeds up to 4.6 fps
Full HD 1920×1080 movies at 24p and 30p in MP4 format
Self Portrait mode to adjust camera effects, including skin smoothness and brightness* Compatible with all EF-M lenses as well as full line of EF and EF-S lenses*
Compact size at just 4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, and just over 10.5 ounces (including battery and memory card)
Built-in retractable flash
Built in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) plus Mobile Device Connect Button
