Recently Canon announced their long awaited mirrorless / interchangeable lens camera. Honestly, the announcement is something I awaited for a long time. It was not too long ago that when I travelled I would carry an almost pro kit – DSLR, selection of L lenses and occasionally complimented with a medium format camera. This resulted in a fairly packed Tenba shooter bag. Lately I travel with a only Leica M2 and Canon G12. Before anyone scoffs – the small kit resulted in numerous photographic awards and gallery entries.
I have a strong desire for a good, capable, and moderately portable digital camera. My basic requirements are few but important to me: viewfinder, good manual controls, and good autofocus speed. Good image quality should go without saying, and perhaps I am a little forgiving in this area as I do a good bit of B&W conversion. While I expected a new lens mount when Canon finally decided to make this camera, I really hoped my needs might make it into the system.
Being used to the G12’s autofocus speed (not great, but manageable) I expect the M will be no worse. The lack of viewfinder, and this is a me preference, is almost a deal breaker. As an eyeglass wearer one would think I would be all for LCD panels for composition; not the case – at all but I will not get into that now. Sadly, the deal breaker for me will be the touchscreen for a majority of controls. I could write paragraphs about much I do not like touchscreen controls but here are basics: gloves, bright sun, hot / sweaty fingers (I live in Texas), and on and on. I have little doubt the image quality will be on par.
Canon had plenty of time to sit on the sidelines and watch the competitors so I guess they know their market. Yes, they offer an adapter for their large EOS lens lineup but if I have those lenses I have a body already. Honestly, I cannot see that being a good selling point for people moving from a basic PnS. To take full advantage of the M I would almost certainly require at least one lens, and if I have to invest in a new system I’m not sure it would be Canon.
Looks like I need to keep looking for a smaller digital that meets my needs. Perhaps something from Fuji or talk myself into the Leica X2 with Olympus EVF.
CJN Studios 