Replacing old 550D/T2i + EOS M for M6/M5

Hi
I have a old 550D and a Original M that I want to change. I have the possibility of a good deal with M6 MK1. Also the M5 is getting cheaper (speaking used market)

I mostly do city/landscape photos, kids, vacation and so on. The original M is what it is regarding AF speed, so I just use for when I want to take photos of steady objetcs or go in a city tour very light, normally paired with the 22mm F2. Adding bigger lenses on the original M make is handling not so confortable, and for that I use a lot more the 550D paired mostly with a SIGMA 17-70 C. Also it's my choice for taking in some events (not much at this time, and not professionaly) paired with an external flash. I also state that the 550D fails alot in moving objets with defocus photos, especially of my kids running to me.

Yesterday I went to shop but they only have the M50 mk1/mk2 and the M6 mk2, and they both go over my budget. But trying both I felt more confortable holding the M6 mk2.

So my questions are:

1- Can a M5 or M6 replace the old 550D/M1 combo?

2-Is the handling of M6 very different from the M6 mk2?

3-How are the handling of the M5 compared with M6 mk1 or even the M50?

Thanks in advance, Regards

Toze3 wrote:

Hi
I have a old 550D and a Original M that I want to change. I have the possibility of a good deal with M6 MK1. Also the M5 is getting cheaper (speaking used market)

I mostly do city/landscape photos, kids, vacation and so on. The original M is what it is regarding AF speed, so I just use for when I want to take photos of steady objetcs or go in a city tour very light, normally paired with the 22mm F2. Adding bigger lenses on the original M make is handling not so confortable, and for that I use a lot more the 550D paired mostly with a SIGMA 17-70 C. Also it's my choice for taking in some events (not much at this time, and not professionaly) paired with an external flash. I also state that the 550D fails alot in moving objets with defocus photos, especially of my kids running to me.

Yesterday I went to shop but they only have the M50 mk1/mk2 and the M6 mk2, and they both go over my budget. But trying both I felt more confortable holding the M6 mk2.

I shot with the 650D for a couple of years.  Basically the same as your 550D but with improved AF tracking.  It actually worked quite well for me, but its buffer and FPS were too lacking for serious action shooting (IME).

I shot with the M5 for a couple of years, and left my DSLRs behind!    Except for birding.

I've owned the M6 for a couple of years.  I use it for in-studio product shots (low res.).

I've owned the M6 Mk2 for a couple of years.  I use it for Everything now except birding and some (~pro) event shooting.  Here's a previous thread with some good info...

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

So my questions are:

1- Can a M5 or M6 replace the old 550D/M1 combo?

You get the mirrorless shooting experience of course, but IMHO the capabilities are about the same (as your 550D). Definitely an improvement over your M1 tho.

2-Is the handling of M6 very different from the M6 mk2?

M6ii has a better grip, and I like the M6ii's controls much better.  The M6ii is waay speedier than any of your other options too.  Just a pleasure to shoot.

3-How are the handling of the M5 compared with M6 mk1 or even the M50?

I personally like the option of NOT having an EVF (if you don't want to mount one), and I love the Tilting LCD over the articulating one. But that's entirely personal preference.

Bottom line, my advice would be to sell the car if you have to, to fund an M6 Mk2.

R2

Toze3 wrote:

So my questions are:

1- Can a M5 or M6 replace the old 550D/M1 combo?

Yes it can.

I still have my M and old t2i that I still use once in a while. I like the mirror slap squeak it makes. M with ML is good for time lapse.

Not worth selling on my end, so I have just held on to them.

M6 is a capable camera, I still use it 50% of the time. If I was looking to swap, I would just go to the M6ii.

I would probably pick up a M6ii this BF if there are any irresistible deals.

trungtran wrote:

Toze3 wrote:

So my questions are:

1- Can a M5 or M6 replace the old 550D/M1 combo?

Yes it can.

I still have my M and old t2i that I still use once in a while. I like the mirror slap squeak it makes. M with ML is good for time lapse.

Not worth selling on my end, so I have just held on to them.

M6 is a capable camera, I still use it 50% of the time. If I was looking to swap, I would just go to the M6ii.

I would probably pick up a M6ii this BF if there are any irresistible deals.

I use ML on both T2i and M, also did a lot of dual iso shots. Hope ML it arrives to M6.

The original M is amazing build quality, but the focus performance or lack of it, make me think on the M6 for at least replace the M and keep behind the T2i/550D. Still don't know how I will be comfortable or not holding the M6 with the sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 C. At least until canon release a EF-M 15-45 F2.8-4 or so. Ehehe maybe one day. Because I really don't think the EF-M mount is much different of the EF-S that is 10 years older,it lacks the lighter zoom lens and a bigger FL prime.

If in the end I felt not comfortable with bigger lenses I will keep the 550D and replace the original M at a lower cost. In the future I could replace the 550D with a M5 MK2.

Other option that was in my mind was going to a 80D, but I think I will stick with the M.

R2D2 wrote:

Toze3 wrote:

(...)

I shot with the 650D for a couple of years. Basically the same as your 550D but with improved AF tracking. It actually worked quite well for me, but its buffer and FPS were too lacking for serious action shooting (IME).

I shot with the M5 for a couple of years, and left my DSLRs behind! Except for birding.

I've owned the M6 for a couple of years. I use it for in-studio product shots (low res.).

I've owned the M6 Mk2 for a couple of years. I use it for Everything now except birding and some (~pro) event shooting. Here's a previous thread with some good info...

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

Very good background. I have to ignore the M6 mk2 for now ehehe between M5 and M6, can the M6 make the same that M5, and make you left your DSLR behind?

So my questions are:

1- Can a M5 or M6 replace the old 550D/M1 combo?

You get the mirrorless shooting experience of course, but IMHO the capabilities are about the same (as your 550D). Definitely an improvement over your M1 tho.

At least I know will not get worst on this field, thanks.

2-Is the handling of M6 very different from the M6 mk2?

M6ii has a better grip, and I like the M6ii's controls much better. The M6ii is waay speedier than any of your other options too. Just a pleasure to shoot.

I will try to not think on this eheeh

3-How are the handling of the M5 compared with M6 mk1 or even the M50?

I personally like the option of NOT having an EVF (if you don't want to mount one), and I love the Tilting LCD over the articulating one. But that's entirely personal preference.

Bottom line, my advice would be to sell the car if you have to, to fund an M6 Mk2.

R2

I really get the impressions is quite a huge jump between M5/M6 and M6 mk2, but the price were are, is still to high for me, and the price in used market is almost the same as new. I'm mostly a casual shooter, but like to learn an improve every time.

My opportunity with the M6 is because I can get it around 200€. The price of M6 mark2 almost put me think on the Canon RP...at least on the store i went.

Also I'm collecting funds for the EF-M 11-22mm.

I can't sell the car eheheh but i understand your point. thanks

Toze3 wrote:

If in the end I felt not comfortable with bigger lenses I will keep the 550D and replace the original M at a lower cost. In the future I could replace the 550D with a M5 MK2.

I have an A7ii and adapt all the bigger lenses on this camera now so I rarely use the M6 adapted.

I have tried using 17-85 and 18-135 on the M cameras in the past and they felt big. Still usable, just strange carrying it around since it is very front heavy. If you get a M5 or M50, it will balance better.

My 85mm 1.8 is about the limit I would like to adapt on the M6.

23speaker23 wrote:

Toze3 wrote:

My opportunity with the M6 is because I can get it around 200€. The price of M6 mark2 almost put me think on the Canon RP...at least on the store i went.

Also I'm collecting funds for the EF-M 11-22mm.

I can't sell the car eheheh but i understand your point. thanks

This is a good approach. You have to keep the lenses in mind and not dump all your money on a top body and then use it with a so-so kit lense.

Others on this board may disagree but this is my point of view.

I share the same view of you. This is a hobby also, so don't want to overbudget here, I really don't mind to get older bodies if they fit my needs and that is really my question here.

I am happy with my m6. I use it for everything these days but most of all for my family and my little son in particular. I sometimes wish for a faster AF. Buying an m6ii wouldn't make a hole in my pocket... but if I get away with my current setup then why spend more money.

This reply well my question, I'm going foward with the M6. Worst case scenario will replace only my Original M, and for sure will reliefe alot my T2i/550D to only events that need extra battery, or to have 2 cameras. But i'm not a pro, some friends just ask me to take the camera, but never in a professional way, I always advert for that.

To give more perspective... I still have a 5d mark2 with a bag of lenses. I don't touch it these days.

Get the 11-22 and a fast prime. Either an efm32 or one of the sigmas. These small and fast primes is where the m shines.

Take care.

Next one will be the 11-22 for sure, they are around 250-300€.

After this who knows if not apear a fast standard zoom or possible go to the Sigma 56 F1.4 or buy a EF 50 1.8 STM and use my Canon EF-EFM adaptor.
I already had a EF 50 F1.8 II and sold it when got the Sigma 17-70 C (it's +95% time on my 550D). Also have a EF-S 55-250 but this one I tend to use only in sports (outdoor) but most confess my 550D is not the best for fast action, I have to focus in a place and wait for the motive to be there to shoot!! ehehe I don't know if the M6 will grant an improvement here.

Toze3 wrote:

23speaker23 wrote:

Toze3 wrote:

My opportunity with the M6 is because I can get it around 200€. The price of M6 mark2 almost put me think on the Canon RP...at least on the store i went.

Also I'm collecting funds for the EF-M 11-22mm.

I can't sell the car eheheh but i understand your point. thanks

This is a good approach. You have to keep the lenses in mind and not dump all your money on a top body and then use it with a so-so kit lense.

Others on this board may disagree but this is my point of view.

I share the same view of you. This is a hobby also, so don't want to overbudget here, I really don't mind to get older bodies if they fit my needs and that is really my question here.

I am happy with my m6. I use it for everything these days but most of all for my family and my little son in particular. I sometimes wish for a faster AF. Buying an m6ii wouldn't make a hole in my pocket... but if I get away with my current setup then why spend more money.

This reply well my question, I'm going foward with the M6. Worst case scenario will replace only my Original M, and for sure will reliefe alot my T2i/550D to only events that need extra battery, or to have 2 cameras. But i'm not a pro, some friends just ask me to take the camera, but never in a professional way, I always advert for that.

To give more perspective... I still have a 5d mark2 with a bag of lenses. I don't touch it these days.

Get the 11-22 and a fast prime. Either an efm32 or one of the sigmas. These small and fast primes is where the m shines.

Take care.

Next one will be the 11-22 for sure, they are around 250-300€.

After this who knows if not apear a fast standard zoom or possible go to the Sigma 56 F1.4 or buy a EF 50 1.8 STM and use my Canon EF-EFM adaptor.
I already had a EF 50 F1.8 II and sold it when got the Sigma 17-70 C (it's +95% time on my 550D). Also have a EF-S 55-250 but this one I tend to use only in sports (outdoor) but most confess my 550D is not the best for fast action, I have to focus in a place and wait for the motive to be there to shoot!! ehehe I don't know if the M6 will grant an improvement here.

The M6 is a good choice if you don’t need to push it too hard.  I have some very fine photos from the 2 years I spent with the M5 (its sibling).

Enjoy your new camera!

R2

R2D2 wrote:

The M6 is a good choice if you don’t need to push it too hard. I have some very fine photos from the 2 years I spent with the M5 (its sibling).

Enjoy your new camera!

R2

Your inputs were fantastic, I really appreciate!

And feel happy canon are in the right way in the M, after the fail of original M.

Also there is some doubts about the M system right know, that push me back to invest alot in the system, but I really believe canon will go with M for APS-C and R for FF.

It's the EF/EF-S that will be legacy systems, but at the same time the ones that make people buying M and R.

Your choice between the M5 and M6 really comes down to the EVF.

I need to wear glasses for reading or seeing close detail, but not for walking around outside so for me it is a no-brainer - the EVF is essential. If I were to use the LCD (like I did for the time I owned a M3) it would mean that I would either be taking reading glasses off and on continuously or wearing multi-focal glasses outside. I also live in sunny Queensland, Australia where bright sunshine is the norm, and LCDs are not great in bright sunlight. I also used a few DSLRs (450D, 600D, 70D & 6D ii), so I was much more used to using a viewfinder. I did buy an add-on EVF for my M3 when I had it and found it to be an awkward shape to leave on the camera - it turned a compact camera into an awkwardly shaped thing with a big "bump" on top.

But everyone's situation is different and some people love the LCD. I would think that this is the single biggest difference between to the two cameras, so you might want to consider how important the LCD is for you.

I think that for most things the M5 would easily be an improvement over a 550D - perhaps not for faster moving action or handling with larger lenses. The M5 is a very capable little camera that can produce great photos with it's 24Mp sensor (same as 80D), and it has lots of dials etc for DSLR-like controls (unlike the M50). I still prefer shooting with my 6D ii, but when I want to travel lighter the M5 (18-150, 11-22 & 22mm) gets the job done. It does not handle well with large lenses like my 100-400L ii.

Colin

Thanks Colin

Andy01 wrote:

Your choice between the M5 and M6 really comes down to the EVF.

Agree, and also size. I think only testing I will be sure of which one fits me better.

My thing with the VF is that I still thinking that holding the camera like a SLR is more easier and steady than a PowerShot style, with bigger lenses or long focal lengths. I just have a 17-70 C as general purpose "fast" lense and also a 55-250 that use occasionally.

I need to wear glasses for reading or seeing close detail, but not for walking around outside so for me it is a no-brainer - the EVF is essential. If I were to use the LCD (like I did for the time I owned a M3) it would mean that I would either be taking reading glasses off and on continuously or wearing multi-focal glasses outside.

That's also a point, I do wear glass most of the time, and that bothered me with the VF operation. I normally take them out for shooting.

I also live in sunny Queensland, Australia where bright sunshine is the norm, and LCDs are not great in bright sunlight. I also used a few DSLRs (450D, 600D, 70D & 6D ii), so I was much more used to using a viewfinder. I did buy an add-on EVF for my M3 when I had it and found it to be an awkward shape to leave on the camera - it turned a compact camera into an awkwardly shaped thing with a big "bump" on top. But everyone's situation is different and some people love the LCD. I would think that this is the single biggest difference between to the two cameras, so you might want to consider how important the LCD is for you.

I'm looked for used EVF options but the price put me away. Even with my original M in sunny days I don't remember to struggle with the screen

I think that for most things the M5 would easily be an improvement over a 550D - perhaps not for faster moving action or handling with larger lenses. The M5 is a very capable little camera that can produce great photos with it's 24Mp sensor (same as 80D), and it has lots of dials etc for DSLR-like controls (unlike the M50). I still prefer shooting with my 6D ii, but when I want to travel lighter the M5 (18-150, 11-22 & 22mm) gets the job done. It does not handle well with large lenses like my 100-400L ii.

Colin

550D is not top notch for moving subjects...hoping M6/M5 could be better there ehehe.

I never had the chance to test or grab a M5 , but I'm really struggling between the "familiarity" with SLR of M5 or compactness (and price) of M6.

Andy01 wrote:

Your choice between the M5 and M6 really comes down to the EVF.

I need to wear glasses for reading or seeing close detail, but not for walking around outside so for me it is a no-brainer - the EVF is essential. If I were to use the LCD (like I did for the time I owned a M3) it would mean that I would either be taking reading glasses off and on continuously or wearing multi-focal glasses outside. I also live in sunny Queensland, Australia where bright sunshine is the norm, and LCDs are not great in bright sunlight. I also used a few DSLRs (450D, 600D, 70D & 6D ii), so I was much more used to using a viewfinder. I did buy an add-on EVF for my M3 when I had it and found it to be an awkward shape to leave on the camera - it turned a compact camera into an awkwardly shaped thing with a big "bump" on top.

But everyone's situation is different and some people love the LCD. I would think that this is the single biggest difference between to the two cameras, so you might want to consider how important the LCD is for you.

I think that for most things the M5 would easily be an improvement over a 550D - perhaps not for faster moving action or handling with larger lenses. The M5 is a very capable little camera that can produce great photos with it's 24Mp sensor (same as 80D), and it has lots of dials etc for DSLR-like controls (unlike the M50). I still prefer shooting with my 6D ii, but when I want to travel lighter the M5 (18-150, 11-22 & 22mm) gets the job done. It does not handle well with large lenses like my 100-400L ii.

Colin

My experience is similar to yours, I find it much easier on the eyes to use the M6ii's EVF and use it most of the time. For me it's much sharper than the rear screen, I use manual focus lenses sometimes and it's a must for critical focus.

That being said, there are times and some situations where it is just 'natural' to hold the camera in front of you to take a shot, there are times when I'll do it without thinking. The rear screen is specially useful when the camera is on a tripod or mounted on a telescope for astrophotography.

I like the tilting rear screen for high and low angle shots, and much prefer it over the articulating screen my old T1i had, it's so much faster and isn't fiddly to use.

I sold my T1i when I upgraded to later Canons, but didn't get much for it.  Lately reprocessing some of my old +images from that camera using DxO PL4 which can clean up the noise beautifully, I wish I had kept it for a second body for times when I don't have time to switch lenses.  The output is really quite decent when you process the images with modern de-noise software.

I finally end up making the deal with the M6 bundle. It came with the M15-45 a speedlite 270EXii a card and the bag. The small speedlite could be a better option than my Metz af 58 for compact travel.

So here are my first impressions in my quest to replace my combo 550D/T2i + Original M.

So regarding comparation with my Original M it's a no brainer here. I wanted small size, better focus, and also gained a built in flash.

Also was curious if it fits my small bag LP dashpoint 20, and it fits with the M22

My really doubt is if it will replace my DSLR in the handling and AF performance. So I placed my Sigma 17-70 C to see how it looks.

And for my surprise it handles in the hand very nicely. The height is about the same that paired with the 550D.

The AF isn't still the same at low light, so this is something to consider. Possible if I will keep the 15-45 and buy a sigma 56 and sell the 17-70 or keep it until the release of a fast one.

I also got the M15-45 and in my preliminary test it didn't felt to bad, with enough sharpness for my needs, bit this really needs more use to find out if it will serve me.

The other things that I wanted was the WiFi connectivity to share photos and tested and it works nice.

Something that also pleased me was the manual controls, much better than my 550D.

Now I have to run more trials and use and check it.

Thank u all

Toze3 wrote:

The AF isn't still the same at low light, so this is something to consider. Possible if I will keep the 15-45 and buy a sigma 56 and sell the 17-70 or keep it until the release of a fast one.

I also got the M15-45 and in my preliminary test it didn't felt to bad, with enough sharpness for my needs, bit this really needs more use to find out if it will serve me.

Big congrats on the new camera!

If you’re having difficulty focusing in low light (IME the biggest difference between the M6 and M6ii), then use One Shot AF (instead of Servo) in those cases, if you haven’t tried that already.

Happy shooting!

R2

ps. Check the kit lens for decentering (the most prevalent copy variation).

Thanks R2D2

I did that, also used fixed at point in the center.

It does less hunting with the sigma, so that's why I'm suspecting about the fw.

Comparing to 550D my observations in autofocus:

• In good light contrast both are very quick, think the M6 have an edge, but really nothing important.
• Low light and low contrast both struggle to get focus. Worse the M6.
• Low light good contrast, better AF in both but better with 550D

Have to check if the 55-250 get improvement after FW update.

Fortunately +80% of my photos are with some light, hope will be enough.