Canon's first mirrorless — 18MP APS-C EF-M mount with notoriously slow AF that improved via firmware.
The Canon EOS M was released in October 2012 as Canon's first compact system camera using the EF-M mount, providing an 18.0MP APS-C CMOS sensor in a 262g body. The original Hybrid CMOS AF system — Canon's first implementation in a compact system camera — was notably slow at launch; a 2013 firmware update improved AF performance substantially. No EVF — LCD-only composition. The EF-EOS M adapter enables use of existing Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
The 18.0MP APS-C CMOS sensor pairs with DIGIC 5 processing. Hybrid CMOS AF (phase + contrast detect) powers the AF system. Burst shooting at 4.3fps. 1080p/30fps video. No EVF — rear LCD only. No IBIS. Battery life approximately 230 shots using the LP-E12. Body weight approximately 262g with battery and card, single SD card slot.
The EOS M's original AF was the most-cited limitation at launch: the first-generation Hybrid CMOS AF was slow in challenging light compared to contemporary DSLR phase-detect systems. The 2013 firmware update improved AF speed to a practical level for casual use. For Canon photographers who already owned EF and EF-S lenses, the EF-EOS M adapter provided full lens functionality in a compact body. The 262g weight provides APS-C image quality in a genuinely compact form factor.
On the used market the original EOS M is very affordable as a vintage Canon compact system camera. Condition checks: AF performance after firmware update — confirm current firmware version — LP-E12 battery health (specific to the EOS M series and Rebel SL1), and single SD slot. The EOS M50 (2018) provides DPAF. Canon has ceased new EF-M lens development. Compatible with EF-M native lenses; EF and EF-S lenses via the EF-EOS M adapter.