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Which EOS M camera for me?

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BrianOdell

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I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
 
BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
The lens selection sounds great (I own them all but a 32mm)!
I am especially fond of the Siggy 56mm for potraits and the 11-22mm for landscapes and interiors.
Owning M100 and M6II, I would prefer the M6II because:
  • Higher MP 32 vs. 24
  • optional EVF use, I really enjoy that I can attach and detauch to my liking and adapt to the situation.
  • AF and adjustable features are better, more sofisticated
That said, the slim M100/200 bodies stow away more compact.
Do realize that M200 has a slightly better AF, but is omitting sensor cleaning!
M100 still has it.
 
BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I have M6i and M100, so my experience is limited to these two models. And I am making no videos, only stills.

To my mind, M100 is - for what it offers - an underrated camera. Although it has less dials than my M6, almost all settings can be changed within a few seconds. But you need to use the LCD, which is, however, very responsive. As it is obviously with all newer M-models.

AF with my M6 is (for me) never a problem. And this I can also confirm for M100. Concerning IQ, it is great with both cameras because of the same sensor.

If you really want a small camera, and you are ready to accept the operation via LCD, I don't see any problem with the M100. Only thing I miss is a hand grip as my M6 has.
 
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The m100/m200 models definitely have the edge on compactness. With either it will help if you are very comfortable taking pictures with a smartphone because you will have to learn and use the screen controls. There's a dearth of buttons, wheels and such. I have an m100 and can't deny it's easy to carry and capable of high image quality.

However, I'm not that big a fan of operating off the LCD. I also long for a really good printed camera manual, especially because the m100 has its own controls and ergonomics. On-screen help and prompts are provided. As I said, I wish a good printed manual was provided. A printed manual can be ordered from third-party vendors, but they're printouts of the in-camera help system, provided by Canon as a .pdf file. So, no handy index, and the printout is tedious and annoying to use.

If any of that puts you off, you might consider an M50 or M50 MkII, or M6 Mk.II. They're not that much bigger and would fit easily in a small shoulder bag with a lens or two.
 
Maxmolly7 said:
BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
The lens selection sounds great (I own them all but a 32mm)!
I am especially fond of the Siggy 56mm for potraits and the 11-22mm for landscapes and interiors.
Owning M100 and M6II, I would prefer the M6II because:
  • Higher MP 32 vs. 24
  • optional EVF use, I really enjoy that I can attach and detauch to my liking and adapt to the situation.
  • AF and adjustable features are better, more sofisticated
That said, the slim M100/200 bodies stow away more compact.
Do realize that M200 has a slightly better AF,
Click to expand...
Makes a big difference for portraits with the 32mm f/1.4 and Sigma 56mm f/1.4. For those lenses I wouldn't go with the M100.
Maxmolly7 said:
but is omitting sensor cleaning!
M100 still has it.
Click to expand...
 
I think that biggest bang for the buck is probably M50 mk II and I kind of feel that is the only M likely to get a replacement.

I would also wait for the R100/R50 for them being a bit more futureproof.

--
KEG
 
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I think the M50II is the last M actually.

And yes, it's the biggest bang for the buck.
 
rz64 said:
BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I have M6i and M100, so my experience is limited to these two models. And I am making no videos, only stills.

To my mind, M100 is - for what it offers - an underrated camera. Although it has less dials than my M6, almost all settings can be changed within a few seconds. But you need to use the LCD, which is, however, very responsive. As it is obviously with all newer M-models.

AF with my M6 is (for me) never a problem. And this I can also confirm for M100. Concerning IQ, it is great with both cameras because of the same sensor.

If you really want a small camera, and you are ready to accept the operation via LCD, I don't see any problem with the M100. Only thing I miss is a hand grip as my M6 has.
Click to expand...
One of the first things I did with the M100 was to stick a flipbac finger grip to it; that transforms the handling. Changing lenses the amount I do, I prefer the idea of the self-cleaning sensor of the M100 to the improved focussing of the M200, but I've not tried the latter. I find an eye level viewfinder a disadvantage for portraits as I'm as tall or taller than most of my subjects and it gives the impression that I'm looking down on them; while holding the camera at waist level gives a more flattering perspective. That, and the size of the thing is why I'm not tempted by an M50.
 
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BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
buy those 4 lenses from your friend for a great price

get a m6II which has e-shutter, can shoot up to ss 1/16,000 in direct sunlight, and works great with those lenses and dxo Photo lab with NR
 
My path has been M100 as my first canon Mirrorless and it’s taken some of my fav pics. Love the form factor.

About six months ago, I upgraded to the M200 and I have to say I was quite amazed at how much quicker the camera seemed, and how much better the auto focus was. For taking pictures of kids and other moving things. It really was a good upgrade for me.

(At one point I had all 3: M100, M200 and M6 Mk II. It seemed a bit excessive for my needs so I sold the M100.)

So, in the meantime, when the M6 mark II “fire sale” occurred I upgraded, and it is indeed quite an amazing camera. But I will say though after using the M6 mark II and going back to the M200 I really do love the M200.

Considering your desire for a travel camera, I would definitely recommend the M200. If you’re OK without sensor cleaning and without in Camera RAW processing, it’s great. Cheers! Dave
 
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MAC said:
BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
buy those 4 lenses from your friend for a great price

get a m6II which has e-shutter, can shoot up to ss 1/16,000 in direct sunlight, and works great with those lenses and dxo Photo lab with NR
Click to expand...
You beat me to it! ;-)

To the OP (welcome BTW), the M6ii would be able to replace all of those DSLRs (even the 5D2), and still maintain a very compact form factor with much improved autofocus, resolution, and feature set!

In fact it'll surpass all of the camera bodies listed, including the M100 and M200 in low light ability (esp with the addition of DxO Photolab 6)... save for the new R6 of course :-) .

The extensive capabilities of the M6ii have been well documented (here's a previous thread with some good information and samples)...

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4501836

Follow the links in that thread for more samples.

Seriously, for something that rivals even the R6 in capabilities (esp the autofocus using Spot AF with Servo), the M6ii is my all-time favorite "fun" body. Plus it maintains the familiar ergonomics and 3-wheel exposure adjustments of the other Canon cameras.

Anything smaller, and I just reach for my phone. ;-)

Good luck in your quest!

R2

ps. Agree that you should go for all 4 of those excellent lenses too!
 
R2D2 said:
MAC said:
BrianOdell said:
I’m looking for a smaller, Canon camera to carry around with me when I want to leave all my other Canon gear at home (own an SL1, 70d, 5d ii, and an R6), for stills only. No video. I think I’ve settled on the m100 or the m200. Is there a big difference between these 2? AF speed? Low light performance? I can purchase any of the following from a friend: the EFM 11-22, 22 & 32, and the Sigma 56 lenses. I was also looking at the M6ii but since I own other cameras that are slightly “larger,” I wanted to keep this as small as possible…

Thank you!
Click to expand...
buy those 4 lenses from your friend for a great price

get a m6II which has e-shutter, can shoot up to ss 1/16,000 in direct sunlight, and works great with those lenses and dxo Photo lab with NR
Click to expand...
You beat me to it! ;-)

To the OP (welcome BTW), the M6ii would be able to replace all of those DSLRs (even the 5D2), and still maintain a very compact form factor with much improved autofocus, resolution, and feature set!

In fact it'll surpass all of the camera bodies listed, including the M100 and M200 in low light ability (esp with the addition of DxO Photolab 6)... save for the new R6 of course :-) .

The extensive capabilities of the M6ii have been well documented (here's a previous thread with some good information and samples)...

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4501836

Follow the links in that thread for more samples.

Seriously, for something that rivals even the R6 in capabilities (esp the autofocus using Spot AF with Servo), the M6ii is my all-time favorite "fun" body. Plus it maintains the familiar ergonomics and 3-wheel exposure adjustments of the other Canon cameras.

Anything smaller, and I just reach for my phone. ;-)
Click to expand...
I have got a mini M6ii:

G7 X mk II, cleanish ISO 6400 pictures at f/1.8 with the help of DXO Photo Labs!
R2D2 said:
Good luck in your quest!

R2

ps. Agree that you should go for all 4 of those excellent lenses too!
Click to expand...
 
I have the M100. I use a padded wrist strap, and usually have the 22mm for general photography on the nose. Great combo for the street.

For 20 years I've been shooting RAW but the jpgs out of this camera are beautiful. So if you're looking for P&S that's easy to handle and cheap this is it.
 
KEG, could it be that you have too much stuff? ;-)
 
DaveGuitar said:
My path has been M100 as my first canon Mirrorless and it’s taken some of my fav pics. Love the form factor.

About six months ago, I upgraded to the M200 and I have to say I was quite amazed at how much quicker the camera seemed, and how much better the auto focus was. For taking pictures of kids and other moving things. It really was a good upgrade for me.

(At one point I had all 3: M100, M200 and M6 Mk II. It seemed a bit excessive for my needs so I sold the M100.)

So, in the meantime, when the M6 mark II “fire sale” occurred I upgraded, and it is indeed quite an amazing camera. But I will say though after using the M6 mark II and going back to the M200 I really do love the M200.

Considering your desire for a travel camera, I would definitely recommend the M200. If you’re OK without sensor cleaning and without in Camera RAW processing, it’s great. Cheers! Dave
Click to expand...
So, you’d say the m200 is worth it over the m100, just in AF speed alone?

I know the m100/m200 will feel great with the little 22mm, but I wonder how it feels with the 32, or the sigma 56? Plus, when you have a viewfinder, and press it against your eye when taking portraits, it helps stabilize the camera. Is it difficult to shoot with the screen with lenses like the 32/56?
 
Probably.
 
BrianOdell said:
DaveGuitar said:
My path has been M100 as my first canon Mirrorless and it’s taken some of my fav pics. Love the form factor.

About six months ago, I upgraded to the M200 and I have to say I was quite amazed at how much quicker the camera seemed, and how much better the auto focus was. For taking pictures of kids and other moving things. It really was a good upgrade for me.

(At one point I had all 3: M100, M200 and M6 Mk II. It seemed a bit excessive for my needs so I sold the M100.)

So, in the meantime, when the M6 mark II “fire sale” occurred I upgraded, and it is indeed quite an amazing camera. But I will say though after using the M6 mark II and going back to the M200 I really do love the M200.

Considering your desire for a travel camera, I would definitely recommend the M200. If you’re OK without sensor cleaning and without in Camera RAW processing, it’s great. Cheers! Dave
Click to expand...
So, you’d say the m200 is worth it over the m100, just in AF speed alone?

I know the m100/m200 will feel great with the little 22mm, but I wonder how it feels with the 32, or the sigma 56? Plus, when you have a viewfinder, and press it against your eye when taking portraits, it helps stabilize the camera. Is it difficult to shoot with the screen with lenses like the 32/56?
Click to expand...
To my mind, it is no problem, both with the 32mm or with the 56mm.
 
Analog4Ever said:
I have the M100. I use a padded wrist strap, and usually have the 22mm for general photography on the nose. Great combo for the street.

For 20 years I've been shooting RAW but the jpgs out of this camera are beautiful. So if you're looking for P&S that's easy to handle and cheap this is it.
Click to expand...
 
In case it is helping you: Me Too! 🤣
 
rz64 said:
Analog4Ever said:
I have the M100. I use a padded wrist strap, and usually have the 22mm for general photography on the nose. Great combo for the street.

For 20 years I've been shooting RAW but the jpgs out of this camera are beautiful. So if you're looking for P&S that's easy to handle and cheap this is it.
Click to expand...
Yes, I can confirm that jpgs are great :)
Click to expand...
Maybe I need to start shooting raw+jpgs now. What settings are you all using for jpgs? I saw someone posted a "preset" that gives a Leica like feel but I haven't tried it.
 
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