Build quality of M50

Hi,

Canon marketed the M50 as an entry level camera, (though unofficially it is not, because of the newer tech it carries) and the control dial on the back is not the same as m5/m6, but it has a turning dial instead of that surrounding the shutter button which I liked very much and makes the camera very fun, easy to use, also makes it versatile when shooting because it has so many options to control settings.

But I have complaint and I want to ask m5/m6 users to compare their build quality with M50. The camera feels solid but I have concerned about the leatherette plastic spot just at the top of the back dials. (supposedly the small area "palm rest" just sits at the the left of the magnification button). When I apply a little bit force to this area, it makes a clicky noise from plastic and I do not like it at all. Compared to original EOS-M, M50 seems like a toy in that regard. EOS-M also has a palm rest area similar to M50 but it is a solid piece of plastic and does not make a sound whatever pressure you apply to it. Also the other areas of the original eos m feels more solid and rigid. That is why I am asking to m5 and m6 users if they've noticed a similar feeling.

I hope I am not the only one with a M50 making that little plastic sound, M50 owners please test it out and inform me.

I've had mine for about ten months and I've not noticed anything like that. While it isn't built as solidly as the original M it certainly solid enough and doesn't feel like a toy in my hands.

northman3 said:

Hi,

Canon marketed the M50 as an entry level camera, (though unofficially it is not, because of the newer tech it carries) and the control dial on the back is not the same as m5/m6, but it has a turning dial instead of that surrounding the shutter button which I liked very much and makes the camera very fun, easy to use, also makes it versatile when shooting because it has so many options to control settings.

Click to expand...

The main control dial (around the shutter) is indeed very nice on my M5 too. It makes it an easy transition from a DSLR.

northman3 said:

But I have complaint and I want to ask m5/m6 users to compare their build quality with M50. The camera feels solid but I have concerned about the leatherette plastic spot just at the top of the back dials. (supposedly the small area "palm rest" just sits at the the left of the magnification button). When I apply a little bit force to this area, it makes a clicky noise from plastic and I do not like it at all. Compared to original EOS-M, M50 seems like a toy in that regard. EOS-M also has a palm rest area similar to M50 but it is a solid piece of plastic and does not make a sound whatever pressure you apply to it. Also the other areas of the original eos m feels more solid and rigid. That is why I am asking to m5 and m6 users if they've noticed a similar feeling.

I hope I am not the only one with a M50 making that little plastic sound, M50 owners please test it out and inform me.

Click to expand...

True, these newer bodies are not built as robustly as other cameras (my M5 creaks a little near the batt compartment). Personally I have no problem with this though, and actually prefer the weight savings of plastics.

In fact the ergonomics are so good that the camera virtually “disappears” in my hands, and I just concentrate on shooting. I couldn’t think of a better endorsement.

Enjoy!

R2

Dareshooter said:

I've had mine for about ten months and I've not noticed anything like that. While it isn't built as solidly as the original M it certainly solid enough and doesn't feel like a toy in my hands.

Click to expand...

Can you apply pressure to the area with your finger and see if it is clicks ? The same area, if you have the EOS-M you will know is very solid. But on my m50 that area clicks, like it has not been properly glued or assembled.


Also, I have noticed it makes a sound when I press the MENU button, and Set(Q) button on the back dial. Can you also test that ?

I know it does not feel like a toy but these plastic sounds makes me think like it is. It may be just this one because it has not been assembled properly, or because it is a second-hand unit.

I am sketchy because I've received this camera second-hand, 1 month used.

Thanks.

northman3 said:

Dareshooter said:

I've had mine for about ten months and I've not noticed anything like that. While it isn't built as solidly as the original M it certainly solid enough and doesn't feel like a toy in my hands.

Click to expand...

Can you apply pressure to the area with your finger and see if it is clicks ? The same area, if you have the EOS-M you will know is very solid. But on my m50 that area clicks, like it has not been properly glued or assembled.

Also, I have noticed it makes a sound when I press the MENU button, and Set(Q) button on the back dial. Can you also test that ?

I know it does not feel like a toy but these plastic sounds makes me think like it is. It may be just this one because it has not been assembled properly, or because it is a second-hand unit.

I am sketchy because I've received this camera second-hand, 1 month used.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Your wish is my command Just tried all those things and have none of the issues you describe.

R2D2 said:

northman3 said:

Hi,

Canon marketed the M50 as an entry level camera, (though unofficially it is not, because of the newer tech it carries) and the control dial on the back is not the same as m5/m6, but it has a turning dial instead of that surrounding the shutter button which I liked very much and makes the camera very fun, easy to use, also makes it versatile when shooting because it has so many options to control settings.

Click to expand...

The main control dial (around the shutter) is indeed very nice on my M5 too. It makes it an easy transition from a DSLR.

R2D2 said:

But I have complaint and I want to ask m5/m6 users to compare their build quality with M50. The camera feels solid but I have concerned about the leatherette plastic spot just at the top of the back dials. (supposedly the small area "palm rest" just sits at the the left of the magnification button). When I apply a little bit force to this area, it makes a clicky noise from plastic and I do not like it at all. Compared to original EOS-M, M50 seems like a toy in that regard. EOS-M also has a palm rest area similar to M50 but it is a solid piece of plastic and does not make a sound whatever pressure you apply to it. Also the other areas of the original eos m feels more solid and rigid. That is why I am asking to m5 and m6 users if they've noticed a similar feeling.

I hope I am not the only one with a M50 making that little plastic sound, M50 owners please test it out and inform me.

Click to expand...

True, these newer bodies are not built as robustly as other cameras (my M5 creaks a little near the batt compartment). Personally I have no problem with this though, and actually prefer the weight savings of plastics.

In fact the ergonomics are so good that the camera virtually “disappears” in my hands, and I just concentrate on shooting. I couldn’t think of a better endorsement.

Enjoy!

R2

Click to expand...

Does m6 has the dial around the shutter ? I've thought M5 does not have it because it has other dials. I do not find custom shooting modes or exposure compensation dial on m6 useful, I rather not have them but I miss the turnable dial when using M50 because I am used to it from EOS-M.

I could not find the exact word, yes, it is creaky. When I press the dial buttons, apply little force to palm rest area, also the menu button makes a very high creaky noise in my M50.

If I had not got it from a good deal, I would return it. But I think I can live with it. I am just curious if it is the same with the others.

Dareshooter said:

northman3 said:

Dareshooter said:

I've had mine for about ten months and I've not noticed anything like that. While it isn't built as solidly as the original M it certainly solid enough and doesn't feel like a toy in my hands.

Click to expand...

Can you apply pressure to the area with your finger and see if it is clicks ? The same area, if you have the EOS-M you will know is very solid. But on my m50 that area clicks, like it has not been properly glued or assembled.

Also, I have noticed it makes a sound when I press the MENU button, and Set(Q) button on the back dial. Can you also test that ?

I know it does not feel like a toy but these plastic sounds makes me think like it is. It may be just this one because it has not been assembled properly, or because it is a second-hand unit.

I am sketchy because I've received this camera second-hand, 1 month used.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Your wish is my command Just tried all those things and have none of the issues you describe.

Click to expand...

Thank you. I checked it again and I think that noise only comes when my thumb stick around the dial ring just after I press the Q or MENU button, the dial ring sounds like a creaky spring.

The other issue with the palm rest is still there though, and I do not know what causes the noise from there but even it is a small click noise I hate it.

northman3 said:

Does m6 has the dial around the shutter ?

Click to expand...

Yes

northman3 said:

I've thought M5 does not have it because it has other dials.

Click to expand...

It has more dials than you can shake a stick at.

If you’re not sure about some features, Google is your friend. In fact DPRreview has some reviews too. ;-)

northman3 said:

I do not find custom shooting modes or exposure compensation dial on m6 useful, I rather not have them but I miss the turnable dial when using M50 because I am used to it from EOS-M.

Click to expand...

Well...

northman3 said:

I could not find the exact word, yes, it is creaky. When I press the dial buttons, apply little force to palm rest area, also the menu button makes a very high creaky noise in my M50.

If I had not got it from a good deal, I would return it. But I think I can live with it. I am just curious if it is the same with the others.

Click to expand...

Hopefully it wasn’t abused. Best of luck!

R2

I have mine 8 months or so. Some paint is fading away from the ">" button. No sounds here. Build quality is adequate for normal use. I think after 2 or 3 years of use there will be significantly better cameras around, so its life time is not limited by build quality.

Looking back i think a 5DmkIII is still a cool camera. It was released 7 years ago. The 5DmkII was released 10 years ago. I think this camera is less interesting today. Today technology is moving faster with those mirrorless wars, despite decreasing sales. I have a 70D witch is gathering dust now. I only use it outdoors in bright sunny conditions for its OVF, or for having my 100mm macro lens attached to a camera without the need of changing lenses. I bought it 2 and a half years ago. I still have to try how well the AF of the 70D would work with my sigma 50-100mm.

What is the importance of build quality? It is mainly important for heavy use, not for durability.

northman3 said:

Hi,

Canon marketed the M50 as an entry level camera, (though unofficially it is not, because of the newer tech it carries) and the control dial on the back is not the same as m5/m6, but it has a turning dial instead of that surrounding the shutter button which I liked very much and makes the camera very fun, easy to use, also makes it versatile when shooting because it has so many options to control settings.

But I have complaint and I want to ask m5/m6 users to compare their build quality with M50. The camera feels solid but I have concerned about the leatherette plastic spot just at the top of the back dials. (supposedly the small area "palm rest" just sits at the the left of the magnification button). When I apply a little bit force to this area, it makes a clicky noise from plastic and I do not like it at all. Compared to original EOS-M, M50 seems like a toy in that regard. EOS-M also has a palm rest area similar to M50 but it is a solid piece of plastic and does not make a sound whatever pressure you apply to it. Also the other areas of the original eos m feels more solid and rigid. That is why I am asking to m5 and m6 users if they've noticed a similar feeling.

I hope I am not the only one with a M50 making that little plastic sound, M50 owners please test it out and inform me.

Click to expand...

I have an EOS M50 and an M5 (and still have an EOS M hanging around too). First of all, what colour is your M50? The whole texture and feel is different according to whether it is black or white - mine is a white one, so is covered with a thick layer of glossy white enamel. I do hear a tiny clicking if I press the rear thumbgrip area near the top - it is the plastic bodywork flexing against the separate piece forming the rim around the recess for the LCD and because of the glossy finish, the paintwork squeaks a little. There is a similar sound from the paintwork rubbing against the flexible rubber-like cover over the connection ports too.

The EOS M5 doesn't have a seam in the bodywork adjacent to the recess for the LCD due to a completely different LCD articulation design and the leatherette (which is more extensive) wraps around the edge of that recess anyway. Similarly, the flexible cover over the ports has less opportunity to squeak or click simply because it's adjacent to a more matte-finished recess. However, the camera is actually equally as polycarbonate in its outer construction as the M50 - it's just hidden better by the leatherette and the paintwork (when compared with a black M50 - the white one actually does quite a good impression of the white EOS M though that model was all-metal on the outside versus all polycarbonate). Actually the M5 does have a separate baseplate (again polycarbonate though) whereas the M50's base is made from the front and back sections. Whereas the M50's dials are metallic-finished plastic on its top and plastic for the back controls, the M5's are metal on top and plastic on the back again. Both models click and squeak a bit when operating the rear controls.

I bought the EOS M5 when it was new to market and was frankly quite disappointed with the build quality as here in the UK it was very expensive - double what it is now. The EOS M50 started at half the M5's price and has fallen a little - the build on it seems appropriate to the price. Though the EOS M5 is still technically the top model in the EOS M range and has features like the numerous control dials, and large rear LCD, I find I prefer using the EOS M50 as its later generation control logic has brought numerous improvements (for my tastes anyway), extra customisation and faster responses (the M5 has inexplicable slowdowns and seems to hang momentarily at certain points when being used). I find the EOS M5's EVF very over-saturated and over-contrasty, whilst the LCD is the opposite (undersaturated and low in contrast) whereas on the M50 the two match quite closely and are between those two extremes, which seems ideal for my uses. Though it's limited to a special scene mode, I like that the M50 has the option of using silent shutter, which is totally absent on the previous models.

So, in summary I'd say that you would find the build of the M5 a little more solid than the M50 (it's certainly slightly heavier) but nowhere near the M - in fact, most of the apparent solidity of the M5 comes from the weight and the feel imparted by the more extensive leatherette. Mine certainly has its own little flexes, creaks and clicks, just not all in the same places as my M50! Don't forget it uses a different battery than the EOS M50, and has a tilting rather than fully articulated LCD (I don't know which you prefer more). You gain extra physical controls with the EOS M5 but you do lose some of the configuration options that were added to the M50. I am sure I'm missing out some of the extras that must be in the M5, but I've never enjoyed it as much as the M50, so haven't used it as much. The EOS M6, which I've never used, is the sister model to the M5 and so the features are the same aside from the physical design due to the different form factor and lack of built in EVF. Construction should be comparable though I recall users saying it feels solid, so perhaps the smaller outline helps with this impression.

One thing that bugged me about the M5 was the loss of the exposure meter timer from the original M - this was lost from the M3 onwards and came back on the M50 (thankfully) - if I am using single AF and single-shot drive, I like to have the option to see the exposure metering updating until I choose to lock it. On the M5 (and M6, as well as the previous M3), you get no display of the values being set by the camera at these settings until you half press the shutter release, at which point it AE locks as well. Take pressure off, and the aperture and/or shutter speed and Auto ISO (according to exposure mode - basically whichever one(s) is/are being set by the camera) disappear again, which I don't like (you do get a more dynamically updating display with Servo AF of course). That is most likely not an issue for everyone (depends on what you're used to) but I was very happy to see constant metering back on the M50, which I can choose to lock with the AE lock button, or not.

The M5 is built ok. Its not built any worse than my other Canon DSLRs, all of which are also plastic. I don't really feel it flexing per say but there are times I pick it up feels hollow, because it is . I don't care for the way some of the external controls feel but its ok.

I also have the original M and M3. The original M is the most solid of it all and thats because its a little metal brick . The M3 is also metal while the M5/M6 is not. The M3 is not as solid as the original M also.

People mention that certain functionality has disappeared starting on the M3 and thats because the M3/5/6 are based on Powershot software as opposed to true EOS software.

One of the thing that irks me to know end is that if you are using program (P) you have to hit the * before you can shift the settings. The original M did not work like this at all. The original M worked like a DSLR, you could shift the settings at any time. Starting with the M3, you have to hit the * before shifting.

Early on the M5 got a lot of flak for being "creaky" and "plasticky" ... I was most bothered by the set button which would do a kind of "scritch" when pressed. For sure the set button noise was gone after a couple months of use. The other sounds of plastic I think have also subsided ... or maybe I've come to accept them (though I'm not hearing them as I sit here playing with the M5). Maybe give the M50 some time. It will grow on you.

fstopx2 said:

The M5 is built ok. Its not built any worse than my other Canon DSLRs, all of which are also plastic. I don't really feel it flexing per say but there are times I pick it up feels hollow, because it is . I don't care for the way some of the external controls feel but its ok.

Click to expand...

Yes, it’s fine and so is the M50, though both have a plasticky feel, particularly the latter. The feel of the M5 was disappointing for its very high original UK price though.

fstopx2 said:

I also have the original M and M3. The original M is the most solid of it all and thats because its a little metal brick . The M3 is also metal while the M5/M6 is not. The M3 is not as solid as the original M also.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I had an M3 for a while - still a fair bit of metal bodywork, but not all of it - the top housing was polycarbonate, IIRC.

fstopx2 said:

People mention that certain functionality has disappeared starting on the M3 and thats because the M3/5/6 are based on Powershot software as opposed to true EOS software.

One of the thing that irks me to know end is that if you are using program (P) you have to hit the * before you can shift the settings. The original M did not work like this at all. The original M worked like a DSLR, you could shift the settings at any time. Starting with the M3, you have to hit the * before shifting.

Click to expand...

Yes, that’s part of the metering situation I was moaning about too, as it’s the only way in single shot AF to get the metered exposure parameters to show up in program mode when you’re not half-pressing the shutter release. As you say, this strange behaviour arrived with the M3. Thankfully the M50 has fixed that.

Thank you for your long answer. I did not wanted to get M5 at all because it is very big and it is still aps-c system. And I am glad I did not wanted it because now I've learned it does not give constant update of settings on display when shooting. It is good to know m50 has true eos firmware compared to m3/m5's powershot similar firmware. I've used to that from original M and if you ask me it is faster than DSLR when you are trying to expose a still, and also constant readings of the settings makes it a solid small video camera which was the reason I bought this camera, as I do not care about viewfinder because I am into cinema, and I think viewfinder actually slows you down and limits your perspective. However if you are using a telephoto a viewfinder is needed in most situations if the camera is not in tripod. M50 has a solid viewfinder and it does not make the camera clumsy that is why I love this camera, I can switch the viewfinder and LCD display back in forth and both are easy to use, and if you get used to the touch AF you don't need to turn camera to subject first to lock the focus just before composing the shot which is actually a big improvement when using the viewfinder. And eye AF is very much needed, on original EOS M it was hard to shot portraits with locked focus to the eye using wider lenses.

I am going off-topic, my m50 is black and other than palm rest clicky sound I've realized other parts are solid.

I've decided to clean my original M and it is buttons, the metal case now shines very nice. EOS M is very different to me and I will keep that camera because I love how sturdy, solid and small it is. Also I miss the turning control dial on the back.

I did not know only original EOS M and M50 has the true EOS software, I am glad I bought M50 then. On stills and video, it is a must to see and control settings constantly at will, in order to shoot film/video, and proper stills.

Is original EOS M all metal on outside ? I thought only the sides are metal, other parts are very hard plastic ? I hope both M50 and EOS M constructed within a metal frame inside. But I think canon used cheaper frame on M50 to gain more money that is why we hear a lot of sounds, and do not forget the cheaper plastic buttons compared to EOS M.

Hclarkx said:

Early on the M5 got a lot of flak for being "creaky" and "plasticky" ... I was most bothered by the set button which would do a kind of "scritch" when pressed. For sure the set button noise was gone after a couple months of use. The other sounds of plastic I think have also subsided ... or maybe I've come to accept them (though I'm not hearing them as I sit here playing with the M5). Maybe give the M50 some time. It will grow on you.

Click to expand...

I think I will give it some time to get used to. If I have not had original EOS-M, my expectations of the build and design quality would not that be higher. Thank you.

The lens change button is not smooth at all though, I think it is the only thing I would not be able to get used to. It feels like button is grinding through the machine body every time I press it, and it is very hard to do so. I am not exaggerating at all, it is terrible and feels like the button is not designed to fit there, it is as like the original lens change button has fallen down and someone tried to fit in another dslr's button into it's hole. maybe M5 does not have it but I do not think any camera on market has a lens change button like that.

northman3 said:

Thank you for your long answer. I did not wanted to get M5 at all because it is very big and it is still aps-c system.

Click to expand...

You're welcome! My answers are always (too) long - sorry! Actually the EOS M5 is pretty much exactly the same size as the M50 - just a little heavier. Like the M50 (and the other EOS M cameras, especially the ones without EVFs) they are actually unusually small for APS-C mirrorless models.

northman3 said:

And I am glad I did not wanted it because now I've learned it does not give constant update of settings on display when shooting.

Click to expand...

In fairness to it, I should probably reiterate that it does constantly update if the AF is set to Servo, but of course then locking AF is trickier if you want to do that (though a press on the left side (MF) of the multicontroller to drop into manual focus with native EF-M lenses is a workaround (which also works on the M50 in Servo AF of course). But it's great that the M50 gives back constant exposure metering in Single AF. After all, you don't always want to lock AF and exposure at the same time.

northman3 said:

It is good to know m50 has true eos firmware compared to m3/m5's powershot similar firmware.

Click to expand...

Actually, the M50 is still classed internally by Canon as a Powershot-based model, I think (it has a Canon model code of PC2328, and the PC prefix is what arrived on the M3, a prefix shared with Powershots, whereas the M and M2 were DS prefixes, shared with the DSLRs). Canon have variously removed and added features on both ranges more with the passage of time (I've used a Powershot which had features I missed on the EOS M3 for example, which had been on the EOS M) - I suspect it's more a generational thing and perhaps the Digic generation in particular - they maybe have a set of features that they reconsider with each redesign of the image processing and firmware. For example, the EOS M50 and the EOS R (which is a DS-prefix mirrorless, by the way) are both Digic 8 and they have a very similar approach and interface, though the R has quite a lot of extra customisations on top of the M50's, due to its position higher up the range and different user/usage profile. Nonetheless, it's interesting to see the similarities in interface between these two models, a PC- and DS-prefix mirrorless model.

northman3 said:

I've used to that from original M and if you ask me it is faster than DSLR when you are trying to expose a still, and also constant readings of the settings makes it a solid small video camera which was the reason I bought this camera, as I do not care about viewfinder because I am into cinema, and I think viewfinder actually slows you down and limits your perspective. However if you are using a telephoto a viewfinder is needed in most situations if the camera is not in tripod.

Click to expand...

Agreed (on the latter - I'm not into video myself so bow to your experience/expertise).

northman3 said:

M50 has a solid viewfinder and it does not make the camera clumsy that is why I love this camera, I can switch the viewfinder and LCD display back in forth and both are easy to use, and if you get used to the touch AF you don't need to turn camera to subject first to lock the focus just before composing the shot which is actually a big improvement when using the viewfinder. And eye AF is very much needed, on original EOS M it was hard to shot portraits with locked focus to the eye using wider lenses.

I am going off-topic, my m50 is black and other than palm rest clicky sound I've realized other parts are solid.

Click to expand...

Not really off-topic - I asked because, aside from squeakiness from the white version's gloss paint, it actually feels more solid in white form due to the lack of texture that can resonate against the fingerprints, and that paint is also quite thick, adding a gram or so and possibly stiffening the build a bit. But largely, it's just a perception thing overall anyway and doesn't seem to be a serious build weakness in either case. Most prefer the black finish of course, but I have an occasional liking for white cameras (my M is a white one too)!

northman3 said:

I've decided to clean my original M and it is buttons, the metal case now shines very nice. EOS M is very different to me and I will keep that camera because I love how sturdy, solid and small it is. Also I miss the turning control dial on the back.

Click to expand...

That's something that the EOS M5 and M6 do have, but hopefully updated variants of them might come soonish which have the M50's operating logic.

northman3 said:

I did not know only original EOS M and M50 has the true EOS software, I am glad I bought M50 then. On stills and video, it is a must to see and control settings constantly at will, in order to shoot film/video, and proper stills.

Click to expand...

I must have a look at the video mode on the M5 - I suspect it will be more forthcoming about exposure then, though until I check it I won't know for sure. But anyway, the M50 does behave how you need so that's a success. As I said in my other post, not sure that the M50 actually has true EOS software technically, but since it is re-evolved to act like it, that's the important thing.

northman3 said:

Is original EOS M all metal on outside ? I thought only the sides are metal, other parts are very hard plastic ? I hope both M50 and EOS M constructed within a metal frame inside. But I think canon used cheaper frame on M50 to gain more money that is why we hear a lot of sounds, and do not forget the cheaper plastic buttons compared to EOS M.

Click to expand...

Actually, the original M's sides are the plastic parts! (The black, textured areas). The front and back shells are both metal (actually different alloys it appears, as the silver version has a visibly different finish on each half) but both are equally cold (one of the most reliable ways to tell metal and plastics apart, though the camera needs to be cool at the time and I find a back of the finger more sensitive to this than a fingertip). As to the inner chassis, hard to tell unless Canon shows exploded views, makes a clear statement or a website does a teardown - I wouldn't be surprised if the M5 had a metal inner chassis (which in some cases is only the small area around the sensor and shutter box) and the M50 might be all engineering plastics - it could explain the weight difference. However, unless one is really determined to mistreat a camera it shouldn't be too significant. Regarding the buttons, I would say the (back) buttons on all my current M-series bodies, the M, M5 and M50, are all plastic - it's just the detail finish and the design that differs.

An off-topic aside/rant: At least Canon haven't "done an EOS 4000D" on the EOS M-range (the current 4000D/3000D/Rebel T100 has the usual bottom-of-the-range EOS DSLR cutbacks - no sensor cleaning, the basic 9-point AF system, no touchscreen, no movement of the screen, slow continuous shooting (well, they're still on Digic 4+ for these two models) etc. - but adds a stunning array of cuts compared with both its predecessor (the 1300D) and the 1300D's replacement the 2000D - whilst some are sensible, such as retaining the 18MP sensor of the 1300D versus the 2000D's upgrade to 24MP, the rest are significant: an all-plastic lens mount, a smaller (2.7") LCD which more signficantly is only 230k dots, a low resolution not seen for many years, no dioptric correction for the eyepiece (a first-time omission for any DSLR of any brand), no power switch (you have to turn it on by rotating the exposure mode dial to a mode rather than "off" and vice versa to turn off), no speaker (so only silent movie playback in-camera), a manual lift-up flash (OK, that's like the M50 and not that bad a design feature, but it removes auto-popup on their most "beginner" oriented DSLR), and intentionally cheapened finish lacking a rear thumbgrip leatherette area and only white, screen-printed labelling for controls (colour costs more apparently) and no marking on buttons, just next to them. Compared with the 2000D it also loses wired remote compatibility and NFC. Oh, and shared with the 2000D (only, so far), it has the very odd omission of the large, central X contact in the hot shoe to ensure beginners can only use Canon EX-series flashes on it, and not always with all features. Hope none of these cutbacks come to the EOS M range. Can't help thinking that with all the cuts to the 4000D to get its price down, they run the risk of making the experience too off-putting to beginners. I recently noticed a thread by an EOS 4000D purchaser on that range's forum which clearly shows this dissatisfaction - the title calls it a camera "made of dirt"!

northman3 said:

Hclarkx said:

Early on the M5 got a lot of flak for being "creaky" and "plasticky" ... I was most bothered by the set button which would do a kind of "scritch" when pressed. For sure the set button noise was gone after a couple months of use. The other sounds of plastic I think have also subsided ... or maybe I've come to accept them (though I'm not hearing them as I sit here playing with the M5). Maybe give the M50 some time. It will grow on you.

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I think I will give it some time to get used to. If I have not had original EOS-M, my expectations of the build and design quality would not that be higher. Thank you.

The lens change button is not smooth at all though, I think it is the only thing I would not be able to get used to. It feels like button is grinding through the machine body every time I press it, and it is very hard to do so. I am not exaggerating at all, it is terrible and feels like the button is not designed to fit there, it is as like the original lens change button has fallen down and someone tried to fit in another dslr's button into it's hole. maybe M5 does not have it but I do not think any camera on market has a lens change button like that.

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Yes, that is noticeable on mine too, and has been remarked upon in the past by others. I suspect this button might be plastic too, finished to look like metal, and I think its composition channels the resonance from the action and amplifies the sensation of roughness. It may even be intentionally stiffened too to ward off accidental depression but the overall result is quite an unpleasant feeling. But at least be assured it's not a fault on yours - all M50's appear to be like it.

Helen said:

northman3 said:

I did not know only original EOS M and M50 has the true EOS software, I am glad I bought M50 then. On stills and video, it is a must to see and control settings constantly at will, in order to shoot film/video, and proper stills.

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I must have a look at the video mode on the M5 - I suspect it will be more forthcoming about exposure then, though until I check it I won't know for sure. But anyway, the M50 does behave how you need so that's a success. As I said in my other post, not sure that the M50 actually has true EOS software technically, but since it is re-evolved to act like it, that's the important thing.

Helen said:

Is original EOS M all metal on outside ? I thought only the sides are metal, other parts are very hard plastic ? I hope both M50 and EOS M constructed within a metal frame inside. But I think canon used cheaper frame on M50 to gain more money that is why we hear a lot of sounds, and do not forget the cheaper plastic buttons compared to EOS M.

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Actually, the original M's sides are the plastic parts! (The black, textured areas). The front and back shells are both metal (actually different alloys it appears, as the silver version has a visibly different finish on each half) but both are equally cold (one of the most reliable ways to tell metal and plastics apart, though the camera needs to be cool at the time and I find a back of the finger more sensitive to this than a fingertip). As to the inner chassis, hard to tell unless Canon shows exploded views, makes a clear statement or a website does a teardown - I wouldn't be surprised if the M5 had a metal inner chassis (which in some cases is only the small area around the sensor and shutter box) and the M50 might be all engineering plastics - it could explain the weight difference. However, unless one is really determined to mistreat a camera it shouldn't be too significant. Regarding the buttons, I would say the (back) buttons on all my current M-series bodies, the M, M5 and M50, are all plastic - it's just the detail finish and the design that differs.

An off-topic aside/rant: At least Canon haven't "done an EOS 4000D" on the EOS M-range (the current 4000D/3000D/Rebel T100 has the usual bottom-of-the-range EOS DSLR cutbacks - no sensor cleaning, the basic 9-point AF system, no touchscreen, no movement of the screen, slow continuous shooting (well, they're still on Digic 4+ for these two models) etc. - but adds a stunning array of cuts compared with both its predecessor (the 1300D) and the 1300D's replacement the 2000D - whilst some are sensible, such as retaining the 18MP sensor of the 1300D versus the 2000D's upgrade to 24MP, the rest are significant: an all-plastic lens mount, a smaller (2.7") LCD which more signficantly is only 230k dots, a low resolution not seen for many years, no dioptric correction for the eyepiece (a first-time omission for any DSLR of any brand), no power switch (you have to turn it on by rotating the exposure mode dial to a mode rather than "off" and vice versa to turn off), no speaker (so only silent movie playback in-camera), a manual lift-up flash (OK, that's like the M50 and not that bad a design feature, but it removes auto-popup on their most "beginner" oriented DSLR), and intentionally cheapened finish lacking a rear thumbgrip leatherette area and only white, screen-printed labelling for controls (colour costs more apparently) and no marking on buttons, just next to them. Compared with the 2000D it also loses wired remote compatibility and NFC. Oh, and shared with the 2000D (only, so far), it has the very odd omission of the large, central X contact in the hot shoe to ensure beginners can only use Canon EX-series flashes on it, and not always with all features. Hope none of these cutbacks come to the EOS M range. Can't help thinking that with all the cuts to the 4000D to get its price down, they run the risk of making the experience too off-putting to beginners. I recently noticed a thread by an EOS 4000D purchaser on that range's forum which clearly shows this dissatisfaction - the title calls it a camera "made of dirt"!

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Yes, sadly canon does not make good budget products anymore. I've purchased the canon M50 secondhand because I've found a good kit deal which was used only 1 month. Also I already have a good pancake 22mm EF-M lens so that would be a waste to go with Sony mirrorless. Even my 18-55 lens came with original M is useful, because it has dynamic IS for video. Adapter is pretty good too and I've ordered a cheap one from china now, canon might be becoming a bad company but their ef-s lens collection is still large and used by everyone including cinema cameras, easily accessible.