Canon EOS M100 - The little engine that could...

Background.

A. We’ve reached a point now-a-days where all of the camera brands are producing models capable of superb imagery. It’s all a matter of what attracts you the most - that is, appearance, ergonomics, speed, options, and the type of shooting you do. To see folks squabbling about which camera brand is the best - well, that is often a waste of energy, IMO. Having said that, I strongly believe that this new Canon M100 is a camera that could provide a surprisingly strong attraction to any brand user out there. This is my “limited” personal review of the M100. I say “limited” because I only shoot stills (not video), I shoot in RAW only, and I don’t use any of the features relating with WiFi or Bluetooth (transferring images). In other words, most of my photography is under general photographic conditions - scenic, family, portrait, some special event, pet, and architectural. And I suspect that for users of this genre of camera, most will fall in the same general category.

B. Whenever a “basic” category of camera is released, many of the subsequent reviewers tend to have this habit of labeling the “who’s it’s for” category as being mainly for mobile phone users wanting to upgrade. That tends to irk me a bit because rarely is it mentioned that a particular entry-level model may also be sought after by advanced users who wish to use a simpler model that is still capable of rendering the same superb (higher end) IQ levels that they’ve been accustomed to. And that most certainly is the case for the Canon EOS M100. Fortunately, the reviewers at DPReview have recognized the unique characteristics of the M100 and have afforded it their “highly recommended” award.

First Impressions.

1. How I use the M100. I tend to shoot RAW with all the cameras that I own, and primarily in Aperture Priority mode. I don’t use any specialized shooting modes that are often included with more basic level cameras because that affects JPG‘s only. My preferred method of converting RAW files is in either Lightroom or ACR within Photoshop. I’ve been using this combo for over a decade and I’ve become quite good working with this software. After adjusting the RAW files (if needed), I save the resultant images as TIFF files. From there, I convert to various sized JPG’s for web usage using the excellent (and free) batch conversion program, “Irfanview.“ As a reference point, the only M series cameras that I own are some of the older models - that is the M, M2, M3, and M10, so some of my comments below regarding certain “new” features on the M100 are only based on my comparisons to the older models.

2. Shooting stills and/or video? I’m primarily a stills image guy - not a video afficionado, so please don’t jam me for not mentioning video features. I just don’t use video in any of my digital cameras - but like anything else, that may change in the near future - I‘m sure of it.

3. How are the colors rendered by this M100? For me personally, I was drawn to the likes of the earlier M and M2 due to the rich (traditional), warmer color tonality that Canon has been known for. This changed a bit with the release of the M3 (that had been discussed quite a bit on this forum) and the M10. Both of those cameras were nice - but their color tonality was - for a lack of a better description - a bit “cooler” and different than the earlier M and M2. With the M100, the warmer, rich color tonality seems to have returned to a considerable degree. BTW, the RAW file size of an M100 image is 69 MB each. Perhaps some of you who have the M5 and M6 can chime in with regards to color comparisons to the earlier M and M2 versions.

4. What about the LCD quality? Since the M100 (like a half-dozen other mirror less models from various brands) is an LCD-only camera, a logical question arises as to how easy it is to view and use in bright outdoor conditions. Some brands have horrible LCD’s that are almost impossible to view in bright outdoor conditions (I.E. Fuji X-A3 and X-A5), while others do fairly well. The M100 LCD is comparable with many other excellent cameras in that prior to 12 Noon, it’s fairly easy to use and view the LCD and discern details within a scene. However, when you shoot in overly bright mid-to-afternoon lighting (1 - 4 PM - the worst time of day for photography), viewing the LCD becomes more far more difficult due to intense mid-day glare and heavy contrast scenarios. In addition, if you wear glasses (like I do), you may have to tilt your glasses down so you can see the LCD screen more directly, as eyeglass optics can exacerbate the situation. And this is something that most, if not all cameras LCD‘s would have difficulty with. The M100 is no different in this regard. The only way to deal with this is simply to increase the brightness of the screen within the menu options - which I did.

5. What about battery life? I was surprised in that the other day I went out around the town where I reside and shot a series of scenes. I took 311 images and the battery still showed all 4 bars - not bad, IMO. I did not use the flash as all of my images were taken outdoors.

6. Is the M100 really just an entry level camera with limited options? Handling-wise, if you’ve been accustomed to the M10, then the M100 is basically the same, but with an added plus that you are afforded a few additional option choices within the menu structure. Another striking variable is that the M100 body is shockingly small and it makes you wonder how Canon managed to make it this small with an APS-C sized sensor. Granted, you don’t have many buttons or dials on this camera, but most everything has been relegated to the menu system. To me the M100 (and M10 which preceded it) is sort of an evolution of the Canon S90, S95, and S100 genre of cameras. That is they were simple, plain looking, yet have quite a few options choices within the menu system. Now if you're definition of an advanced camera model means having plenty of buttons and dials, then yes...the M100 will come off as looking purely entry level.

7. Metering and Exposure quality. Unless I’ve overlooked something (and you other M100 owners please set me straight here), the only issue I have (and it very well might be something I‘ve overlooked somewhere) with the M100 is that the metering seems seems to be biased to where the AF point is. This can result in many under and over-exposures. For example, if I place the AF point on a bright area - let’s say the top of a tree line near the sky - the meter will read this as being overly bright and the image will be anywhere from 1/3 to 1 full stop underexposed. And vice versa, if I place the AF point in a shady area, the image will often be overexposed by the same amount. And yes, before you say it, I am using the "evaluative" metering (not spot) mode, along with using the single AF point (small square size) AF option. I know in some of my other brand of cameras, there is an option in the menu system that allows you to disconnect the metering from the AF point, so that the entire scene is metered, rather than just the AF area. So what am I missing here? I’ve come to expect this, and since I shoot in RAW, I can easily adjust.

8. Dynamic Range. Surprisingly, the RAW files of the M100 have quite a bit of DR - and a bit more so than the previous 18 MP M10. Now obviously, if you shoot in JPG mode (which I don’t), you won’t have much latitude due to the nature of that file type. I was able to adjust several images that were totally underexposed (and overexposed) and bring them back to balanced levels with blue skies and excellent details in the shadows. You just can’t say that about some other cameras.

9. How’s the feel and handling in general? The feel of the M100 in the hand is about on par for this genre of camera. As an aside, I attached an excellent (yet inexpensive) brown leather camera case (bottom portion) which helps in holding the camera. This particular camera case has a flap on the bottom that allows you to access the battery/SD card compartment without having to remove the case. It looks great, protects the camera, and contributes in being able to grip the camera. These can be purchased on eBay (from overseas vendors) for as little as $9.00 USD. Here’s one as an example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leather-half-Case-Bag-Grip-for-Canon-EOS-M100-black-brown-coffee-pink-or-white/112661354435?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=413121631573&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

In addition, I added a Schott style glass LCD protector. Operations-wise, the camera is fast to react, the touch screen interface is absolutely superb and instantaneous, and access to various menu functions is simple once you’ve adjusted to the layout. IMO, I view the M100 (and the previous M10 before it) as filling several niche user areas. It can be viewed as a simple P&S camera - thus replacing many similar sized enthusiast models, it can handily compete IQ-wise within the general mirror less community, and the M100 gives you DSLR-like image quality in such a small package. No - this is not the camera for high speed sports, but surprisingly, the M100 does fairly well in some areas with faster movement. IMO, it is an excellent general photography camera, and that is a realm that most users tend to occupy.

10. How’s the quality of the 15-45 Kit lens? As for the kit 15-45 lens, this has been a sore spot for me for a long, long time. Look, I think most of us can agree that the need for a “good” standard zoom lens that begins at a wider 24 MM equivalent is essential. Up until the purchase of the M100, I had two 15-45’s and none of them being consistent across the frame. The new one that came with the M100 kit was completely soft across the right, full 1/3 rd of the frame. It was so blatantly obvious that when I first opened my first sample , it hit me like a ton of bricks. I subsequently packed up the lens and sent it in to Canon either for repair or replacement. I had never used Canon service previously, so I didn’t know what to expect. Well, boy was I surprised! I mailed it on a Monday (Priority Mail US) and it arrived at Canon New Jersey on Wednesday. That same day Canon emailed me to say that they are mailing a replacement lens, and I received the new one on Friday - talk about fast! No complaints here, that’s for sure. When I tested the new lens, I was pleasantly taken aback to see that it was a superior copy and I’d say a good 98-99% of the frame was consistent from left to right. Considering the basic kit genre of this lens, I’m happy. Me thinks that Canon has had to deal with a wealth of 15-45's being shipped back for repair, adjustment, or replacement - which doesn't bode well for the quality control aspect of this lens.

11. OK - so what about the speed and quality of AF? Much has been written about DPAF in various Canon cameras, so there’s no need for me to address that. It’s just plain awesome - I love it! Another nice thing (when compared to the older M cameras mentioned previously) is that you have an option to resize the AF square to different sizes (including very small - walllaaaaaa) on the M100. What a convenience this is, especially to those of us who have used various other brand cameras (where this particular feature has been available for years).

12. Sample Photos. My only reason for providing some samples on the next posting is to showcase the color tonality and quality of the IQ captured by the M100. I typically tend to provide sample images taken from some vacation travel for reviews, but in this case I’m going to provide samples that were conveniently taken in or around my small North Carolina town where I live. All were captured in RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode. After conversion to TIFF files, they were then converted and resized down to web JPG’s at a 95% setting to around 2000 x 1350. I never post full sized images because of the sheer size of the files involved. The ones being posted here are large enough for you to enjoy - vicariously I hope - of the scenes captured. Please make sure to click on the “original size” link below each image to bring up a larger, much sharper version than the thumbnail.

13. Why a 4.5-star rating for the M100? This was very simple for me. I evaluated the camera based on the genre that it falls under. It is a delightful and fun camera to use - but more so, it can render images that can stand up to the best of them. So for me - and after all, this is all subjective - I felt it easily earned a 4.5 star rating. I’m assuming that not only will this camera be considered by other EOS M users, but as a multi-brand system user myself, I can most enthusiastically recommend this M100 to other brand users as I believe they will not be disappointed, provided that folks realize the type of camera it is. We often tend to liken simpler cameras with much more expensive, higher end models and obviously, some comparison disappointments can set in.

Some sample images are included in the next posting (give me a few minutes to post them before complaining). Give me a few minutes to upload the images before anybody complains, "hey, where's the photos?" Please don't respond until I get the images posted - thanks!

All image samples below captured with the M100/15-45 duo. The 15-45 was a replacement copy sent to me by Canon after the first one was absolutely horrible. All images were shot in RAW mode, converted with Adobe ACR within Photoshop and saved as TIF Master files. From there I created JPG files for web usage at a 95% quality level, resized down to 2000 x 1350 using the excellent batch conversion program called "Irfanview." All shots were AWB, Aperture Priority Mode at F6.3 through F8, ISO 100 to ISO 200.

The scenes were shot around where I live - that is the towns of Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs, and other Wake Country, NC scenes. Scene descriptions will be below each image posted.

Be sure to click on the "Original Size" link below each image to bring up a larger, sharper version of the image.

NOTE: I capture all of my images in Adobe RGB mode because I like the expanded color spectrum, so these JPG's have been uploaded with that profile. For some systems, you may not be able to discern the full range of colors, and as a result, these images may look dull and life-like. If you saw them in fully Adobe RGB, you'd appreciate the rich color tonality.

Most browsers can display the Adobe RGB profile, but if you're having issues with your Firefox based browsers (i.e. Firefox, Waterfox, Cyberfox, and Commodo Ice Dragon), let me know, so I can tell you what to set in your "About:Config" file to change it so it can.

Scene: Bass Lake Waterfront center, Bass Lake Park (and lake), Holly Springs, NC

Scene: On the verandah of the Bass Lake Waterfront center, Bass Lake Park (and lake), Holly Springs, NC

Scene: Canoe rentals, Bass Lake Park, Holly Springs, NC

Scene: A segment of the Bass Lake trail that goes around the lake, Holly Sorings, NC

Scene: Historic little post office for Fuquay Varina, NC - used just for historical references.

Scene: An apartment unit with one of the many ceramic wild cats being displayed throughout the town of Fuquay Varina.

Scene - side view of one of the dozen different huge ceramic, painted cats displayed throughout Fuquay Varina.

Scene: One of the older, historic mansions in the town of Fuquay Varina.

Scene: A restaurant by the name of "Rock Harbor Grill" has this metal artwork sitting right next to it. Excellent food at this local eatery.

Scene: Historical old elementary school classrooms in the town of Fuquay Varina, NC

Scene: The historic (and fully functional) Grist Mill in Yates Mill Historic County Park, Wake County, NC

Scene: The historic (and fully functional) Grist Mill in Yates Mill Historic County Park, Wake County, NC

Scene: Sunset Lake, Holly Springs, NC

Scene: Sunset Lake, Holly Springs, NC

Scene: Sunset Lake, Holly Springs, NC

Scene: Sunset Lake, Holly Springs, NC

Scene - artwork in one of the local parks in Fuquay Varina, NC

Good review. A few points:

"BTW, the RAW file size of an M100 image is 69 MB each" I'm getting around half that (29-54MB, mostly in the lower end of that range). I shoot exclusively raw. Perhaps you're shooting busy scenes in a high ISO, or raw+jpeg?

"the metering seems seems to be biased to where the AF point is." I don't suppose you're pressing the "AE lock" button? Or have fiddled in the custom functions menu and changed something? Does the metering change when you half, or fully, press the shutter?

You have yours set to either RAW small or RAW medium.  In regular RAW mode, your files will be the full sized 69 MB size.  Check your Q set button and look at your file size settings.

AE button?  Where is that on the M100?  I don't see it.  I've triple checked everything in the menu - nothing unusual.  And yes, when you half press the shutter button, depending on where the AF point is, you will see an over or underexposure.  Of everything here, this is what I'd like to solve the most.

Ben Herrmann wrote:

You have yours set to either RAW small or RAW medium. In regular RAW mode, your files will be the full sized 69 MB size. Check your Q set button and look at your file size settings.

AE button? Where is that on the M100? I don't see it. I've triple checked everything in the menu - nothing unusual. And yes, when you half press the shutter button, depending on where the AF point is, you will see an over or underexposure. Of everything here, this is what I'd like to solve the most.

It's hard to find a definitive description of what the metering modes actually do in any detail. But I just had a google and a fair few descriptions of evaluative mode suggest that it's supposed to be factoring in the active focus point. (https://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/canon-metering-modes-how-to-get-perfectly-exposed-images-in-any-situation-1320895)

The AE lock button is the little * button. The left button on the control pad. It's mentioned on the p124 in the manual. So you can get the desired metering, press that button, then focus by half pressing the shutter, then recompose and finally fully press the shutter.

I think you're wrong about the RAW file size though. You can alter jpeg quality settings, but regarding raw you either have it enabled, or not. You're taking raw + jpeg. Try going to the erase photo option, then removing just the jpeg. You'll find your file size drops to just that of the RAW file.

I realize that was a typo.  I meant to say that TIF file sizes are 69 MB (not RAW file size).  It was just brought to my attention and I was wrong.  I had meant TIF file size.  Sigh...old ag sets in.

It was a typo.  I meant to say that TIF file sizes were 69 MB each.  Some folks (like myself) convert RAW files into TIF images (masters).  So yes, you were correct and thanks for making me double check that.  And I shoot in RAW mode only - never JPG, and I never shoot RAW + JPG only.

Also, in check the AE mode (asterisk), I didn't depress that at all, as the over and underexposure scenarios were consistent.  You'd have to consciously press that asterisk indicator prior to each photo being taken.  But I know it's something that I've missed and it's driving me crazy.  Until then, I can work around it.

Beautiful , they look good to me .

I enjoy reading Ben's and also Marco Nero's posts being two people actually using specific gear

I've gone through many SLRs including Rebels from the original 300D  to Canon 60D, compact SL1 plus using more expensive models renting for paying jobs like the 7D II and 5D III.

After a trip 2 years ago with my SL1 and G7X II (I also shot the original G7X on a 2 week trip to Italy before getting the G7X II ) I came home and sold all my SLR gear and committed to compact cameras. The G7X II has been stellar but like Ben recently purchased a M100, 15-45mm lens and EF-M - EF / EF-S adapter.

I borrowed a friend's EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lens and put it on my M100 yesterday. All I can say is WOW......The DPAF, larger APS-C sensor and IQ is fabulous.

I am resisting buying more EF-M lenses until I rent a few and see what I really need. So far the 15-45mm is fine along with EF-M adapter. I do want to only have lenses with IS so we'll see what develops in the M line.

I did consider the M6 as I learned to live without any EVF. Framing and shooting a screen from my iPhone 6s Plus to G7X II and now M100 hasn't been a problem at least for me. A hat or my left hand works well LOL......

I actually liked that the M100 doesn't have the rear fussy dial around the 4 way controller and have been using the touch screen 90%. Granted I've been using touch screens since my 60D and SL1 so for me it's second nature now.

One control not mentioned is the little dial around the shutter release. I think it's great! It's out of the way, controls certain functions and low profile.

I'll use my M100 as my main camera for everything except for underwater shooting (full disclosure I'm a Fantasea and Ikelite dealer.)

With my iPhone 6s Plus, G7X II (and small UW system) and now the great M100 I'm traveling lighter than ever

www.haasimages.com

+1 for the M100 as a great take anywhere camera. Some of you might remember I posted a question on whether the G7xii or the M100 would be better suited to this role.

I bought a second hand G7xii and, in retrospect, thankfully it wasn't in as good a condition as the seller listed it on ebay, so sent it back and got a refund.

Just went to India on business and had a couple of days off... so took M5 for those days and the M100 with 22mm for walk around. Tried my hand at 'street' style and was delighted with the M100 performance... even though it was real trial and error and many of the resulting images need work in PP.

A quick example... this is the JPEG (although I also have the RAWs, but no time to work on them at present). Shadows boosted in Photoshop Essentials and cropped to size. Pretty poor quality image, but a nice example of how shooting from the hip can work with this camera. Virtually no one glanced in my direction as it fits pretty much in the hand.

Edited: Not sure what I did with that image... anyway, here's a quickly processed RAW using DPP...

And, the original JPEG...

Yes, you're right - that dial around the shutter release is a gem, isn't it!  It becomes so easy to adjust aperture and/or shutter speeds and it sits perfectly where you can adjust it in a most comfortable manner.

And with regards to the EF-S 55-250 IS STM, I would have never figured to like such a lens as much as I did.  But when I got one at a fantastic price, I was taken aback at the exceptional clarity of this optic.  Currently, I have it attached to my M3 and an adapter.  Sure, it's a larger lens, but in this case, for a long zoom, it is unmatched for its price vs performance ratio.

And since you mentioned EF-S lenses, although I've been screaming for Canon to release more EF-M lenses (and good ones at that), there are two EF-S lenses that defy expectations in my book, and they are:  1) The EF-S 10-18 F4.5-5.6 IS STM (the clarity of this lens is unbelievable for the price point), and; 2) the EF-S 55-250 we just talked about.  I would suggest to anyone with M bodies to look at these two very inexpensive lenses that manage to have very high level optical characteristics.

Ben,

I agree the EF-S 55-250mm while looking huge on the M100 with adapter focusses well and is a bit faster f4-5.6 plus longer at 250mm (400mm equivalent.)

Add in the bargain price and I decided I will only consider purchasing a EF-S 55-250mm IS STM plus maybe a 10-18mm IS STM. I owned both of those on my SLRs and they both are fabulous lenses for the money.

The M100 is a best buy at least for me

get an M50 and then put some sample pictures up here?  they would have to be better than the DPR samples I just observed.  Your pics with the M100 might just sell a lot of cameras for Canon!

Y'know - I'd love to get the M5 (or the M6, perhaps even the M50) - but I just can't see doing any of this until Canon gets their "sh_t" together by releasing more lenses (and good quality lenses at that).  It's absolutely embarrassing that with a total of 8 bodies released since 2012, there are still only 7 lenses available - and only two of them have metal lens mounts and are of sufficient quality.

Yeah, I'm with you on the samples often thrown into the mix by various sites - almost like an afterthought.  The M100 (and M50 from what I've seen so far) look really good and if a higher level of IQ is important, then they should sell quite well.  Problem is that in many sites, if you were to evaluate the camera based on the samples they post, then lots of people would pass on getting those particular cameras.

I often shoot my more interactive classes to give students a memento of their time at University.  My initial use of the M100 is very encouraging.  Here's a candid snap at ISO2000 forced by 1/100 to avoid too much motion blur and f4 for a little more DOF.  using the wonderful 22mm, of course!  I'm still learning about processing RAWs, so forgive the production values.

No one really notices me with the M100 and the shots turn out to be very natural.  I've also used my 6Dii with 35 f2... which delivers great results using Liveview.  But, they do tend to see it coming!

Ben Herrmann wrote:

7. Metering and Exposure quality. Unless I’ve overlooked something (and you other M100 owners please set me straight here), the only issue I have (and it very well might be something I‘ve overlooked somewhere) with the M100 is that the metering seems seems to be biased to where the AF point is. This can result in many under and over-exposures. For example, if I place the AF point on a bright area - let’s say the top of a tree line near the sky - the meter will read this as being overly bright and the image will be anywhere from 1/3 to 1 full stop underexposed. And vice versa, if I place the AF point in a shady area, the image will often be overexposed by the same amount. And yes, before you say it, I am using the "evaluative" metering (not spot) mode, along with using the single AF point (small square size) AF option.

Yes, Evaluative Metering is tied to the autofocus system. The assumption seems pretty straightforward: you're going to lock the AF point on your subject. So whichever AF point locks, the metering segment covering that AF point is picking up your subject.

But it's not simply using the metering at that one point. Evaluative metering also examines the brightness of the segments around the one at the locked AF point, and the brightness of segments farther away. Based on its analysis of the brightness patterns, it determines how much the exposure should be adjusted up or down.

Notice that when you lock AF, Evaluative Metering immediately locks exposure. That way you can recompose without confusing the metering system.

Spot, partial, and center-weighted average are concerned with the center, and don't care about AF. A few of Canon's most expensive DSLRs do offer the option of linking Spot Metering with the AF point, but as far as I know, the M100 doesn't.

I've been so accustomed to having the option to attach (or unattach) AE to the AF point with my Fuji cameras, that I wonder why it hasn't caught on with other brands (even the lower tier cameras).

But I must add that I have not experienced this over or under exposure scenario with the previous M10, M1, M2, and M3 (the cameras that I currently use).