Messages

1

EOS-M / Re: EOS M Autofocus Performance Won't Improve via Firmware [CR2]

« on: April 03, 2013, 10:19:33 AM »

I do a lot of wildlife photography and lugging gear around especially on aeroplanes is a problem. I have several L lenses from 70-200 f2.8 IS to the 500mm F4. I normally have these attached to my 1D MkIV. I have often wished I had another short lens attached to a body for quick access but the additional weight was prohibitive.

Naturally when the EOS-M came onto the market I was very excited as I thought this would be a great 2nd and 3rd camera! Lightweight and cheap. Well since then I have been reading all the reviews on the slow AF I put that idea on hold, game and birds don't wait for slow AF may as well do a lens change if that's the case. It seems as if Canon is actually incapable of doing an upgrade as I am sure they would have done so long ago. I guess waiting for Firmware upgrade is a waste of time. I think they may be able to address the problem with the MkII, well maybe.

FWIW, we have an EOS M and a Fuji X100s (and a 1D Mark II if we need to look serious).  Frankly, the X100S with it's fancy new focus system doesn't strike me a much faster then the EOS M with either EF-M or EF lenses.   I believe the slow/hunting AF reports are exaggerated.  If you're really interested in the camera, I'd recommend testing it out before you dismiss it based on reviews.  I have little doubt that the next version of the EOS M will be improved in all aspects, but jumping to the much adored X100S, makes me realized how capable the EOS M is.  Plus, with that 22mm lens, you're getting some stellar IQ in a tiny, tiny package that you can take damn near anywhere.  It sounds like the new SL1 is pretty peppy when not using Live View.  It might be one to consider.

2

EOS-M / Re: EOS M Autofocus Performance Won't Improve via Firmware [CR2]

« on: February 19, 2013, 10:49:53 AM »

+1 to all of this.  "Saved" is a strong word, but after months with the camera, Magic Lantern has kept my camera off of eBay...losing a chunk of it's value has something to do with that, too.  Between Focus Peaking and being able to up the bitrate, ML is a real boon.

It's an odd little camera.  After a decent amount of time with it, I tend to only dislike it when I'm not using it, but when I am, I have few qualms.  I really appreciate just how small this camera can become. 

what I dont get is
when you use touch to shoot the AF is just fine
when you use it in a studio with studio strobes even using the shutter button the AF speed is about on par with a rebel (this is EFM 18-55 vs 600D with EF-S 18-55)

however if you use the shutter button any other time its a dog to the point of being basically unusable

I plan on using mine for video and timelapse mostly the kit lens is sharp stopped down and has IS so is pretty good for this, the 22mm is a great little lens too

I've gotten impatient and installed the ML alpha on it now and its looking pretty good so far!

3

EOS-M / Re: EOS M Firmware Coming Soon

« on: February 12, 2013, 12:00:55 PM »

You should look into Magic Lantern.  It is only in Alpha for the M, but this will give you time lapse as well as some great video tools.

I second this.  It seems remarkably stable.  I have some older, manual lenses, when used with focus peaking really bring a lot of fun to this camera.  The only nit pick with the current ML release is the overlay sits atop the Canon menus, but it sounds like they have a fix in the works.

I'm not expecting a "new camera" with a firmware update, but an improvement will be nice, though I dont' have a big beef with the AF performance outside of a handful of times.

I agree with many that the tap to focus option is faster than the half-pressed shutter release.

4

EOS-M / Re: Why no Sigma DN lenses for Canon M?

« on: February 04, 2013, 10:08:48 PM »

http://www.canonwatch.com/ibelux-announces-40mm-f0-85-lens-for-eos-m-system/  here's a start.

5

Lenses / Re: New EOS-M Lenses Soon [CR2]

« on: January 17, 2013, 11:55:00 AM »

As an EOS M owner, an EF-M prime or two would be welcome.  EF-M primes with proper markings would be the bees knees, but I ain't holding my breath.  The 22 kit lens produces a very nice image, albeit, the AF can be problematic, there is no question there.  Right now, I mainly to use m39 or m-mount lenses with an adapter for their size and that they're easy to focus...the screen on the EOS M is very, very nice.

Now and then, I lament not going the Fuji route but really, only for the X-Trans sensor (or just going a little nuts and buying the Sigma DP 2 Merrill).  I shoot enough video that I wanted complete manual control over it, someting the Fuji does not offer, which is even more of a head-scratcher, for me, than any shortcoming on the EOS M.

The bottom line, for me, is that while it's an easy target, the EOS M is a fun camera with great IQ.  Whenever I think of it's shortcomings, I just have to look at the pictures it produces to clear those thoughts.

6

EOS-M / Re: To buy M or not to buy M?

« on: December 20, 2012, 01:55:59 PM »

I have one and the 22mm lens.  I also have the EF adapter and a Leica M mount adapter (from RainbowImaging -- i think is the username on Amazon and eBay).  It's a fun camera.  I am not disappointed.  The focus issues are managable and only seldom do I curse at it.   The image quality is very nice.  My other camera is a hand-me-down 1D Mark II, which I haven't touched since.  I am rarely without this camera.

So...here's another vote for this camera.

7

EOS-M / Re: Canon EOS M with Manual Lenses (Zeiss etc with no electronic contacts)

« on: November 16, 2012, 01:23:58 PM »

I know DSLR's require you to change the settings to something like "Take picture without lens" or somehting similar.  I am sure there is the same in the M's settings somewhere.

It's in the Custom Functions (C.Fn) menu...the 4th wrench. C.FN IV (#7)

Please post some pics!