EOS-M200 best easy to use camera

It's almost never mentioned here so I was surprised to see the EOS-M200 topping dpreviews list of "Most popuplar cameras" earlier this week only getting bumped down to number two after the Sony A1 review. (this is on the right column uner latest reviews and finished challenges).

A bit confused I started poking around and found the EOS-M was recently voted by dpreview staff as the Best Easy to use camera 2021:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-easy-to-use-cameras

The list of runners up that the M200 bested is a weird mix ranging from M43 to full frame:

• Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D)
• Canon EOS RP
• Fujifilm X-T200
• Nikon Z50
• Olympus PEN E-PL10

So how about some M200 love on the EOS-M forum? Do we have any lurkers here using the M200 that would like to relate their experience??????

keeponkeepingon said:

It's almost never mentioned here so I was surprised to see the EOS-M200 topping dpreviews list of "Most popuplar cameras" earlier this week only getting bumped down to number two after the Sony A1 review. (this is on the right column uner latest reviews and finished challenges).

A bit confused I started poking around and found the EOS-M was recently voted by dpreview staff as the Best Easy to use camera 2021:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-easy-to-use-cameras

The list of runners up that the M200 bested is a weird mix ranging from M43 to full frame:

• Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D)
• Canon EOS RP
• Fujifilm X-T200
• Nikon Z50
• Olympus PEN E-PL10

So how about some M200 love on the EOS-M forum? Do we have any lurkers here using the M200 that would like to relate their experience??????

Click to expand...

I have M200, got it about 6 months ago. Fine camera, great IQ, not so great handling (have to buy official canon face jacket). With Sigma 30mm it gives me a really good photos (i prefer 50mm equivalent).

But lack of controls is not so great, sometimes I miss the shot only because it takes too much time to get through the touch screen menus to switch something.

So... I don't think it's number 1 camera for anyone, but it's compact, and with a compact lens it should be great.

When I got it, I was thinking about getting 22mm Canon lens with it. But my lens was faulty, and I don't like the image output from this lens, because my 15-45 kit lens was giving me almost the same image quality for free. So I got 30mm Sigma, and now the camera is not so compact

So, right now I'm thinking, that if someone really want to invest into the M system, they should go for M50 (cheaper) or M6m2 (compact and full of stuff), and skip M200. Only if you sure, that you really need compact body and you want to go for 22mm you should go for M200.

I've upgraded the M100 of my mother with the M200. AF is great. Canon charges you for it as the M100 was more affordable, but if you love good AF it's value for money in my opinion.

Biggest downside: You can't toggle functions for the dial with a button, like you can with the M50. OTOH: there's no viewfinder, so it's a bit more logical to rely on touch screen operation.

In Av mode the aperture control is readily available. Changing ISO not convenient. In M mode shutter speed control is readily available. Changing the aperture or ISO in M mode is not convenient. For most users that won't be a problem, as they will use it in auto-mode anyway, and still it's doable via the touch screen, however, not very quick.

It stays true to the original M form size which I like very much and which was truly pocketable.

ericch said:

It stays true to the original M form size which I like very much and which was truly pocketable.

Click to expand...

In my opinion there's just one pocketable lens: the 22mm. And in my opinion that's not a "can do it all" lens, because the 32mm is better suited for portraits and still wide enough for allround stuff, however, that one is too protruding if you want to have a pocketable combo. The RP + RF50mm f/1.8 stm might be even a better fit.

So I never got that idea of one camera and one lens fitting in your pocket. You can do it with just one lens, and as I would need other lenses next to it, for me it simply doesn't work without a bag.

The M200 is my first (and only) M camera. The reason for buying the M200 is the because of the size of the camera. It is really pocketable (jacket) with the 22mm. The 22mm is also another reason for me getting a M camera. It is small, light and reasonably priced with good IQ. The 22mm stay on my M200 most of the time. The size of the M200 make it less conspicuous and less intimidating to the subject.

In term of sensor image quality, I do not think there is any big difference between M200 and other aps-c camera (except for the M6ii). The DPAF autofocus is fast and reliable too. The main difference is the shooting experience. I usually shoot in aperture priority. The only control dial is used to adjust the aperture and can be toggle to exposure compensation with a press of the button. To adjust ISO setting, I will need to use the touchscreen. I took some times to get used to this mode of operation. Fortunately, the touchscreen is pretty responsive and easy to use.

The only point which I do not like is the lack of grip. It is not so steady when shooting with 1 hand. So I ended up pasting with a Flipbac finger grip in front which improve the grip and 1-hand operation. If the M200 come with a small grip like the G7Xii, it will be perfect.

The other drawbacks of this camera is the lack of viewfinder and hot shoe. But it is not a big issue for me as I seldom find the need for EVF and I never use external flash.

I find that M200 is really suitable for beginner with no compromise on the image quality.

I don't have an M200 in my arsenal, but I do have an M100, and I really like it - I use it differently to other cameras I own, taking full advantage of it not having a viewfinder and only having touch controls. I use it mainly with the 28mm macro, or with the 22mm, and find it huge fun. I also use it with a wrist strap, which makes it much easier to hold for me.
I'm considering an M200 if I can get one for a sensible price, simply for the AF improvements.
Would I want one as my only camera? No, no, a thousand times no.
But I find it really boosts my creativity, and drives me to get shots I wouldn't get with any other camera because of the way I use it.

thunder storm said:

ericch said:

It stays true to the original M form size which I like very much and which was truly pocketable.

Click to expand...

In my opinion there's just one pocketable lens: the 22mm. And in my opinion that's not a "can do it all" lens, because the 32mm is better suited for portraits and still wide enough for allround stuff, however, that one is too protruding if you want to have a pocketable combo. The RP + RF50mm f/1.8 stm might be even a better fit.

So I never got that idea of one camera and one lens fitting in your pocket. You can do it with just one lens, and as I would need other lenses next to it, for me it simply doesn't work without a bag.

Click to expand...

I agree but I don't need to have the 22mm do it all. I just need better-than-smartphone quality walk around pocketable then if I do have something like sports/portraits I can "bring out the big guns" and use a bag. ILCs are about flexibility, pocketable when you need it and big when you don't.

I did have to chuckle about your only one lens because I had the 75-300mm attached with the adapter to my M100 last week and I was using my jacket pocket. Sure it did not fit, it left the M100 hangiing out, but he M100 is so light it was fine walking around like that. (background: kids started back up with soccer but they kick the parents off the field and so we had to watch from outside the fence, ithe 75-300m is "meh" but it's my longest lens for long distance spectating).

RP is not even in the same ballpark and I can't imagine it fitting in a pocket with any EF or R lens:


Dragging my feet on the 32mm..... Thanks for the recommendation and It looks fantastic but I'm still on the fence on if I should continue with the M system. Waiting to see what the "pivot" or whatever they are calling it canon is rumoured to be planning this year before investing that much more in to the system.

ericch said:

It stays true to the original M form size which I like very much and which was truly pocketable.

Click to expand...

I have the original M and the M100. I do like the size but for some reason I like the ergonomics of the original M more than the M100.... maybe it's the hot shoe or the M100 is just a bit too small.....

sgangker said:

e only point which I do not like is the lack of grip. It is not so steady when shooting with 1 hand. So I ended up pasting with a Flipbac finger grip in front which improve the grip and 1-hand operation. If the M200 come with a small grip like the G7Xii, it will be perfect.

Click to expand...

Did you try the canon "face jacket" that beefs up the grip a bit?

Glad you’ve found something you like.

I used to have an M100 for a few months before I decided to give it to a friend. Overall, the handling left me cold - the one neat feature was the tilt screen. On the other hand, I still keep and occasionally use my M original — a true classic, slow but charming.

I find the current “sweet spot” of the M system — in terms of price, performance, handling and relative compactness/lightness — is the M50. (No need for optional EVF, grip, jacket...)

The M50 body couples nicely with the 22mm, the 32mm as well as the Sigma 56mm.

Just some friendly comments on the side.

keeponkeepingon said:

thunder storm said:

ericch said:

It stays true to the original M form size which I like very much and which was truly pocketable.

Click to expand...

In my opinion there's just one pocketable lens: the 22mm. And in my opinion that's not a "can do it all" lens, because the 32mm is better suited for portraits and still wide enough for allround stuff, however, that one is too protruding if you want to have a pocketable combo. The RP + RF50mm f/1.8 stm might be even a better fit.

So I never got that idea of one camera and one lens fitting in your pocket. You can do it with just one lens, and as I would need other lenses next to it, for me it simply doesn't work without a bag.

Click to expand...

I agree but I don't need to have the 22mm do it all. I just need better-than-smartphone quality walk around pocketable then if I do have something like sports/portraits I can "bring out the big guns" and use a bag. ILCs are about flexibility, pocketable when you need it and big when you don't.

I did have to chuckle about your only one lens because I had the 75-300mm attached with the adapter to my M100 last week and I was using my jacket pocket. Sure it did not fit, it left the M100 hangiing out, but he M100 is so light it was fine walking around like that. (background: kids started back up with soccer but they kick the parents off the field and so we had to watch from outside the fence, ithe 75-300m is "meh" but it's my longest lens for long distance spectating).

RP is not even in the same ballpark and I can't imagine it fitting in a pocket with any EF or R lens:
https://camerasize.com/compact/#833.349,815.945,ha,t

Dragging my feet on the 32mm..... Thanks for the recommendation and It looks fantastic but I'm still on the fence on if I should continue with the M system. Waiting to see what the "pivot" or whatever they are calling it canon is rumoured to be planning this year before investing that much more in to the system.

Click to expand...

i think you will find as canon bring out more lower end RF camaras out the higher end M bodys will get the chop...we have already lost the M5mkii which is why i left..hower ever although i am missing the 11-22 i think canon did me a favour after using the R6 for a time

I bought an M100 as an alternative to the G7X. Both have the same no-viewfinder nohotshoe form factor, and can be carried in a belt-pouch type camera bag. The M doesn't have a power lens, so there is no worry about a "lens error" message. The M lens can be removed, so removing dust from the sensor wouldn't be a big deal. The M has dual pixel autofocus. If I ever get ambitious, there are a few additional M lenses I could buy. The M also cost less.

The M100/200 are adorably small, so they don't attract attention. These days, anyone with a large camera is considered to be a pedophile, or terrorist, or otherwise up to no good.

keeponkeepingon said:

sgangker said:

e only point which I do not like is the lack of grip. It is not so steady when shooting with 1 hand. So I ended up pasting with a Flipbac finger grip in front which improve the grip and 1-hand operation. If the M200 come with a small grip like the G7Xii, it will be perfect.

Click to expand...

Did you try the canon "face jacket" that beefs up the grip a bit?

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/camera-face-jacket-eh-fj-border-yellow

Click to expand...

Yes. I saw something similar before while searching for a camera grip. The face jacket is good as it offer the grip and some protection (against knock and drop) for the camera. But was worried that the surface finishing of the grip might be too smooth/slippery. So in the end, I got the Flipbac G4.

Using the M200 in full auto mode is super easy, very similar to smartphone experience. The touch screen interface has been the best in the industry since the original M.

If you enter the menus it is still very simple, well-arranged and self-explanatory.

The reasons I chose one for myself are:

- size and weight

- reasonable price

- good IQ

This camera has a huge potential for creative photography and it is a joy to use. Yes, I added a grip and there were some things that I missed, but I bought a phone app for 10$ and now I enjoy exposure bracketing, focus bracketing, time-lapse and more.

I just click the Bin on the Navigation button then use the dial, pretty easy and quick.

For ISO, just tap then Dial.

keeponkeepingon said:

thunder storm said:

ericch said:

It stays true to the original M form size which I like very much and which was truly pocketable.

Click to expand...

In my opinion there's just one pocketable lens: the 22mm. And in my opinion that's not a "can do it all" lens, because the 32mm is better suited for portraits and still wide enough for allround stuff, however, that one is too protruding if you want to have a pocketable combo. The RP + RF50mm f/1.8 stm might be even a better fit.

So I never got that idea of one camera and one lens fitting in your pocket. You can do it with just one lens, and as I would need other lenses next to it, for me it simply doesn't work without a bag.

Click to expand...

I agree but I don't need to have the 22mm do it all. I just need better-than-smartphone quality walk around pocketable then if I do have something like sports/portraits I can "bring out the big guns" and use a bag. ILCs are about flexibility, pocketable when you need it and big when you don't.

I did have to chuckle about your only one lens because I had the 75-300mm attached with the adapter to my M100 last week and I was using my jacket pocket. Sure it did not fit, it left the M100 hangiing out, but he M100 is so light it was fine walking around like that. (background: kids started back up with soccer but they kick the parents off the field and so we had to watch from outside the fence, ithe 75-300m is "meh" but it's my longest lens for long distance spectating).

RP is not even in the same ballpark and I can't imagine it fitting in a pocket with any EF or R lens:
https://camerasize.com/compact/#833.349,815.945,ha,t

Dragging my feet on the 32mm..... Thanks for the recommendation and It looks fantastic but I'm still on the fence on if I should continue with the M system. Waiting to see what the "pivot" or whatever they are calling it canon is rumoured to be planning this year before investing that much more in to the system.

Click to expand...

For what a M50 is going for right now on ebay I am sorry I did not invest every cent I had in the M system when they were on sale at Canon.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...d=1&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=1000

sgangker said:

keeponkeepingon said:

sgangker said:

e only point which I do not like is the lack of grip. It is not so steady when shooting with 1 hand. So I ended up pasting with a Flipbac finger grip in front which improve the grip and 1-hand operation. If the M200 come with a small grip like the G7Xii, it will be perfect.

Click to expand...

Did you try the canon "face jacket" that beefs up the grip a bit?

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/camera-face-jacket-eh-fj-border-yellow

Click to expand...

Yes. I saw something similar before while searching for a camera grip. The face jacket is good as it offer the grip and some protection (against knock and drop) for the camera. But was worried that the surface finishing of the grip might be too smooth/slippery. So in the end, I got the Flipbac G4.

Click to expand...

I don't have a problem with the grippiness of the facejacket but reading the reviews the grippiness varries by color for some reason. I have yellow and it's fine. Your solution is better in some ways. Less protection but a more pronounced grip and you don't need to remove your grip to get to the battery or tripod screw. Looks really nice, I may have to convert over.....

m100 said:

For what a M50 is going for right now on ebay I am sorry I did not invest every cent I had in the M system when they were on sale at Canon.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...d=1&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=1000

Click to expand...

$500? So expensive! My M100 was $250 a couple of years ago new with the kit lens. I originaly got it for my take everywhere carry around but smart phones are so good these days it's my go-to when I need a long zoom or want to play with UWA. The small size is not wasted as even equiped with an adapted 55-250 the M100 actually fits in my jacket pocket with it zipped up. The 75-300 is just a little too big but I can cary it around with part of the M sticking out.

tomwilde said:

I bought an M100 as an alternative to the G7X. Both have the same no-viewfinder nohotshoe form factor, and can be carried in a belt-pouch type camera bag. The M doesn't have a power lens, so there is no worry about a "lens error" message. The M lens can be removed, so removing dust from the sensor wouldn't be a big deal. The M has dual pixel autofocus. If I ever get ambitious, there are a few additional M lenses I could buy. The M also cost less.

The M100/200 are adorably small, so they don't attract attention. These days, anyone with a large camera is considered to be a pedophile, or terrorist, or otherwise up to no good.

Click to expand...

I hear you. I'm an old guy with young kids so unless my kids are at my hip it looks really strange hanging out at a playground with my 5D and a big lens. But the M100 with the 22mm or kit lens looks mostly-harmless.
But put on a big lens and you still look suspicious. Even at kids sporting stuff where most of the parents know me I feel awkward. The thing is these days everyone just uses their smartphones so I'm literally the only one out there with anything bigger than an iphone......