SL1 vs M5 (and the future of the SL series)

I had a SL1, and returned it prior to purchasing the M5, when it was announced by sheer fate. My sister in law also owns an SL1, which I steered her towards due to it's bang for buck and size.

Some not so obvious thoughts regarding the two systems.

SL1 has faster AF, still, period.

SL1 on the other hand has slower AF in low light when you compare it against the M5 with a EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake mounted; probably due to the full stop faster available vs the equivalent EF-S 24mm F/2.8 STM.

SL1 has "cleaner" video then the M5. But, the dynamic IS, and superior AF and 1080 at 60FPS arguably make the footage on the M5 more pleasing. I wish I could have both, but Canon didn't permit 50mbit on the M5, sadly.

M5 has better low light IQ due to better ISO on the sensor, roughly 2/3 stops better in my opinion.

M5 has more AF points, and arguably better tracking due to more comprehensive AF system, even though not a traditional DSLR. Those 9-points really are limiting vs the 80% coverage plus facial tracking of the M5. Becomes more obvious if using AI servo. Sure the SL1 has better servo, providing you can keep one of those 9 points on point. Pun intended.

SL1 and M5 are the same weight, and size, until you mount anything. Then the M5 dwarves it, except for the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM pancake.

SL1 and it's EF-S offerings are cheaper, longer (goes up to 250mm), wider (goes down to 10mm) but the EF-M optics are sharper as they are refreshed optics. The 22mm f/2 STM is sharp as a tack, and the 11-22 is renowned.

DIGIC5 + DSLR = something more pleasing about the color rendition of the SL1, even though the DIGIC7 on the M5 is very nice; there is something special in my color "taste buds" for the SL1, M/M2 and 5DIII. DIGIC5 possibly.

I feel Canon is in a rut with the SL1 and it's future. It's pinned between the Rebel series, say the new T7i / 77D offerings, it's existing SL1, the new M5, and the powershot G series. Between the 3, unless Canon decides to make either the T7i or 77D a SL footprint, the SL2 is likely dead. We'll see shortly (next month-ish as rumors, concrete ones with pictures and specs should leak by end of January or Mid-Feb at latest).

It's not a straightforward decision though, even though I'm an M5 owner, as EF-S optics are cheap, and adding an adapted negates, and in the case of SL1, hurts you as it makes it a full 100g heavier to use the M5 with EF-S optics and the SL1 is a very good camera.

If you're not happy with the SL1, ask yourself why. If low light performance, the M5 with it's 22mm f/2 STM pancake is better between it's full stop faster native offering, 2/3 stop better ISO handling off the sensor itself. But otherwise, it's the only native prime the M system has, so if the 24 pancake is your home, then yes the M5 is worth a look.

If another prime is your home, say the nifty fifty, or 85, or something else, think harder.

If you're looking to go more pro, go FF, period, yes I know, controversial statement, but I used to own a 5DIII and L's, it's the truth. Not cheap truth though. And yes, the photographer has more to do with it. But, I'm a good shooter, and I make more of a 5DIII than an M5, just how it is. But, in my point in life with small kids, and I shoot not for paid, the M5 is a happier place as my 5DIII got left home too often.

If you're looking for better AF and somewhat better ISO, but want to keep costs down (and size down with crop native EF-S optics), think newer Rebel, 7D, 70D, or 80D.

If you want to go really small/light, it's M5, with native EF-M optics. Don't think about adapting. If you are, stay SL1 is my advice as you're end up with neither small or light.

Is the M5 all that and a bag of chips, if you're willing to pay up for EF-M optics and the camera itself? Yes, if you're okay with no 4K, and are happy with the existing EF-M optics lineup, as it may be some time before it's portfolio grows, and really, it looks like Canon may only do a single additional prime and perhaps another general purpose zoom, say 15-something like 85 in the future for the EF-M format.