cheap, nice little camera - beware of higher ISO

007peter wrote:

There are numerous EOS-M defender posting there high-iso photo with software noise reduction applied. So I'll defend you viewpoint instead. I can relate to your frustration:

Before I bought into EOS-M + 22mm f/2 prime, my old walk-about was a Sony NEX C3 + Sigma 30/2.8 DN without flash (broken external flash attachment, horrible design). The noise handling @high iso 1600/3200 is good enough that I never feel I need a flash. In fact, I much prefer low-light image without flash as it preserve the facial skin-tone without annoying blue cast from flash.

You need to gel your flash to match the ambient light.  When done correctly, it won't be immediately apparent that a flash was used in your photos.

I figure I don't need to spend the extra money for a EX-90 external flash when I bought my EOS-M. I was happy with my Sony NEX C3 with a slower f/2.8 lens, therefore, I should be happier with my new EOS-M with a lens that is also 1 stop faster.

But Reality Bites....the results was terrible without flash. Majority of my family photo were in low-light surroundings (dim restaurants, clubs, etc...), and without flash, the shadow noise is horrible. FACES were ruin by numerous mosquito noise. ISO 1600 is barely tolerable, ISO 2000 (available under auto-iso) is the maximum I'm willing to go. Any low-light iso3200 portrait look like they were "sandblasted" with noise across the face. I came home and order a Canon EX-90 external flash immediately.

Satisfaction with EOS-M really depends if you're a Landscape Shooter (on tripod) using long exposure to compensate for the noise, or a spontaneous family portrait photographer who cannot rely on tripod or long-exposure. If you're the latter kind like me, you need to invest in an external flash. If you want Natural Light photography on human facial portraits, you're better off looking elsewhere.