Canon EOS M100 Review: High image quality at an entry-level price

Canon entered the mirrorless system camera segment a little later than other manufacturers and did not stain itself with fame with the first generation of mirrorless cameras. Fortunately, this has changed with the second camera generation. The Canon EOS M100 is the third generation and entry-level mirrorless system camera from Canon. This test report shows what the camera can do and whether the few control elements in use are a hindrance and much more.

Short evaluation

Pros

• Small, elegant housing
• Fast and precise touch operation
• Simple handling and well thought-out menu navigation
• Good image quality up to ISO 800

Cons

• Almost invisible NFC logo on the underside hard to find
• Slippery and cheap plastic “leathering”
• Missing TTL flash shoe
• Video function only with Full HD resolution, no 4K

We’re going to catch up on the detailed introduction, because in our opinion Canon is doing everything right with the M100: at an entry-level price, you get a compact, mirrorless system camera with the latest generation of sensors and thus fast autofocus and high image quality. A virtue that many other manufacturers no longer pursue.

Shortly before the end of August, Canon announces the EOS M100, a new system camera that expands its in-house system camera portfolio with an entry-level camera. The easy-to-use 24 megapixel APS-C camera will be available from October 2017 in two different colours and in two sets, as well as individually as a housing.

At 108 x 67 x 35 mm, the Canon EOS M100 is extremely compact and weighs just over 300 grams without a lens. [Photo: Canon]

The Canon EOS M100’s 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor promises high image quality. [Photo: Canon]

Not every photographer needs a fully equipped camera or is willing or able to spend a lot of money. On the other hand, you don’t want to cut back on image quality and autofocus speed. The Canon EOS M100 addresses exactly this target group for less than 500 euros without or 600 euros with lens. The large APS-C sensor provides a resolution of 24 megapixels. In addition, Canon’s dual-pixel CMOS AF technology provides fast phase autofocus with measurement on each pixel. Together with the fast image processing of the Digic 7 processor, fast 6.1 frames per second are possible.

The Canon EOS M100 was tested with the set lens EF-M 15-45 mm. [Photo: Clara Andersson]

The fact that the EOS M100 focuses on newcomers or newcomers to smartphones becomes clear from the operating concept. The camera has a 7.5 cm, 1.04 million pixel touchscreen that can be folded upwards by 180 degrees and has a resolution of 1.04 million pixels. This facilitates not only ground-level recordings, but also selfies. Thanks to the touch screen, the camera should be easy to operate, and the camera also displays appropriate aids for correct setting of the recording parameters. In addition to a fully automatic scene recognition system, numerous filter effects are also available for the recording; if you wish, the M100 can also be operated semi-automatically or manually.

Thanks to dual-pixel CMOS AF, the Canon EOS M100 promises fast focusing. [Photo: Canon]

From October 2017, the Canon EOS M100 will be available in the colours black, grey and white for just under 480 euros. The set with the EF-M 15-45 mm IS STM will cost almost 600 Euro. [Photo: Canon]

If you want to zoom more, the Canon EOS M100 is available as a set with the EF-M 15-45 mm IS STM and EF-M 55-200 mm IS STM at a price of almost 830 Euro. [Photo: Canon]

For brightening, the Canon offers a small built-in flash, but a flash shoe is missing. WLAN and Bluetooth are available for wireless communication. The latter enables a permanent connection of the camera to the smartphone, for example to transfer the coordinates to the camera for geotagging. WLAN, on the other hand, ensures a high data transfer rate. This allows you to transfer high-resolution photos to your smartphone. In addition, the Canon Camera Connect App, which is available free of charge for iOS and Android, allows remote control of the camera including live image transmission, recording parameter setting and triggering.

The video function of the Canon EOS M100 is somewhat more modest with Full HD resolution, but thanks to 60 frames per second, movement can be captured smoothly. The integrated stereo microphone records the sound and stores it in MP4 format. If you want, you can even connect an external stereo microphone for better sound recording. By the way, the Canon EOS M100 with dimensions of 107 x 67 x 35 mm is one of the most compact interchangeable lens cameras ever and is pleasantly light with just over 300 grams (without lens). From October 2017, the Canon EOS M100 will be available in the colours black, grey and white for just under 480 euros. The set with the EF-M 15-45 mm IS STM will cost almost 600 Euro. If you want to zoom more, the Canon EOS M100 is available as a set with the EF-M 15-45 mm IS STM and EF-M 55-200 mm IS STM at a price of almost 830 Euro.

Ergonomics and workmanship

With housing dimensions of only 108 x 67 x 35 mm (W x H x D), the EOS M100 can compete with a compact camera. At least until the EF-M 15-45 mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM included in the kit or another lens is mounted. This enlarges the camera, but it is on about the same level as an OM-D E-M10 from Olympus with the kit lens. At first glance, the housing of the M100 looks very elegant, albeit very reduced.

A rotary switch is located almost centrally on the top of the M100. In addition to the “On/Off” button, this contains three “luxurious” positions that allow the photographer to choose between automatic subject mode, photo mode and video mode. To the right is the shutter release button, which is surrounded by the camera’s only knurled wheel. On the right side you will find the dedicated video trigger.

The Canon EOS M100’s 7.5-centimeter touchscreen can be raised by up to 180 degrees, which not only simplifies ground-level shooting, but also selfies. The 3″ touch screen is attached to a joint that allows 180° forward movement. In addition, the touch operation is precise and fast. [Photo: Canon]

On the back side it continues on the right side with three dedicated function keys, an omnisector and the movable 3″ touch screen. The display can be folded up by up to 180° and thus simplifies selfies and also photographs from the worm’s perspective. The maximum brightness of the display is 735 cd/m². In addition to its function as a viewfinder, the display also serves as an input device for camera settings and recording parameters thanks to touch functionality. Thanks to precise control and well thought-out menus, this also works very well. The concept is aimed more at beginners, but even ambitious photographers quickly find their way to the manual mode and the semi-automatic mode. The photographer only has to live with fingerprints on the display. If the photographer likes the monitor clean, only the use of the control pad remains on the back. Also here the navigation through the menus is pleasantly simple and comprehensible.

Control is via the 7.5 cm touch screen, with tips and explanations to help new photographers understand the settings. Even for demanding results, a touch of the finger on the corresponding symbol is sufficient, comparable to the control of the smartphone. Just as easy is the selection of the pictures by wiping gesture.

The right side of the camera is empty except for one speaker. The mini-USB and micro-HDMI ports as well as the memory card slot are located on the left side of the camera. The memory cards used are SD form factor memories with SDHC, SDXC and UHS-I technology. The mechanical slide switch of the flash unit can also be found on the left side of the EOS M100. This is pushed forward and by a quite strong spring tension the flash bounces from its “rest position” on the top of the camera and with such force that it rebounds several times to stay in position. The camera does not have a flash shoe for external flashes. According to Canon, the guide number of the built-in flash unit is a meager 5 at ISO 100.

Inside the EOS M100, an APS-C CMOS sensor performs its duty with an effective resolution of 24 megapixels. The special thing about this sensor is not its resolution, but the fact that it has so-called dual pixels. These pixels share the responsibility for taking a photo, while they are used individually by the autofocus system to enable improved focusing speed.

The upper side of the camera presents itself very clearly with the few control elements. [Photo: Canon]

The front of the camera looks elegant on our test device, as only the button for unlocking the metal lens bayonet is visible. If you take the camera in your hand, however, you will immediately notice that the contrasting black material of the grip surfaces is not a rubber coating, but hard plastic. Unfortunately, this one just feels cheap. However, it is not only the “feeling of touch” that is clouded by the plastic, but the plastic does not offer the same “feeling of security”, especially as it continues on the back side at the intended “holding point”.

As a small special feature, the EF-M 15-45 mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens has a small lock switch. This locks and unlocks the lens. Before the photographer can use the camera, he must first unlock and extend the lens with this switch.

On the underside of the M100 are the battery compartment secured with a flap and the “¼” tripod thread mounted in the optical axis. The NFC antenna, which is required to connect the camera quickly and easily to a smart device, is also accommodated on the underside. Unfortunately, the milled NFC logo, which shows the position of the antenna, is very small and hard to recognize. The remedy would have been a deeper milling with additional white paint. Just as Canon does with the manufacturer’s logo on the front and ensures recognition value there.

Under a flap on the left side of the camera are the card slot, the USB and HDMI interfaces and the mechanical flash switch.

The power supply is a lithium ion battery type LP-E12 with 875 mAh. The battery cannot be charged in the camera via the USB interface. However, the LC-E12E charger is included with the camera. Unfortunately, the EOS M100 doesn’t have a dedicated connector for a power supply, yet the battery compartment door reveals a small soft plastic cover that covers a round opening. The opening coincides with the connection of the DR-E12 DC coupler, which is inserted into the camera instead of a rechargeable battery. The ACK-E12 power supply unit is connected to this connection. The M100 can then be permanently supplied with power. Both the power supply unit and the coupler are optional accessories.

Equipment 

The equipment of the EOS M100 naturally includes the usual photographic “suspects” such as a program as well as an aperture and time automatic. Of course there is also a manual mode. In addition, the EOS M100 has an automatic motif control. The camera uses this to analyze the subject and sets the exposure time and aperture as well as the image processing according to the subject. The camera offers various special effects such as a fisheye, miniature and watercolor effect so that the photographer can design images more individually. In order to get creative and individual colour effects as easily as possible, Canon has integrated a “Creative Assistant” into the M100. This allows the photographer to concentrate fully on the subject and the individual colouring. Sliders can be used to change contrast, color shifts, brightness and hue. There are also specifications such as black and white and sepia. When recording, the M100 does the rest of the settings necessary for recording. So that the photographer does not have to remember the settings, two created presets can be saved.

With the EF-M 15-45 mm, the Canon EOS M100 is only marginally larger than a luxury compact.

The picture styles are a little less creative. In these, the photographer can adjust the image sharpening with three sliders. In addition, contrast, color saturation and hue can be adjusted. In addition to seven customizable presets and an automatic function, there are three memory locations for your own creations.

The white balance of the M100 naturally offers an automatic mode as well as settings for artificial light, sun, shade and more. There is also a manual white balance option and the ability to enter a color temperature in °Kelvin. In addition, all white balance settings can be fine tuned using the mode dial.

When it comes to autofocus, the photographer cannot expect any technological miracles. The M100 works with a recording sensor that has so-called dual pixels. The technique behind these special pixels on the sensor is quite ingenious. Two light-sensitive elements are positioned on the surface of a pixel. A microscopically small lens is mounted in front of the dual pixels. The light now falls through the lens onto both elements and the image processor compares the contours of both images with each other. If the contours are congruent, the image is in focus. If the images are not congruent, the camera’s processor detects whether the focus setting needs to be reduced or extended depending on the position of the comparison. The EOS M100 combines these 24 million dual pixels into a total of 49 selectable measuring points for easier controllability. For taking photos, the dual pixels are connected together to form a “normal” pixel.

There are no connections on the right side of the M100, only an opening of the speaker is visible.

The speed advantage and also the use in poor lighting conditions is high or very precise with this type of focusing. Unlike Canon’s first mirrorless EOS M, the EOS M100 has become really fast. While the EOS M took a whole 1.48 seconds at wide-angle with a shutter release delay and autofocus setting, the EOS M100 also only needs 0.33 seconds at wide-angle. Although this is a significant increase, it is not a top speed compared to other manufacturers.

Autofocus functions include a field that can be set by the photographer by touching the touch screen. In addition, the autofocus can be set to recognize faces or track previously marked objects. Also included is an AF setting that continuously focuses on moving subjects.

The underside of the M100 has a tripod thread, the battery compartment lid and the almost invisible logo of the NFC antenna.

In addition, the EOS M100 naturally has a manual focus function. However, this can not be found via the focus function selection, but has to be activated cumbersomely in the main menu. The functions Autofocus (AF), Autofocus and Manual Focus (AF+MF) as well as Manual Focus (MF) are available to the photographer. In order to focus manually, the function must first be activated. After that, the photographer can’t just focus on it, but has to hold the shutter release button halfway down so that manual focusing via the focus ring is possible (AF+MF). In MF mode, the focus ring on the set lens is permanently active. With other EF-M lenses, it may also be necessary to flip a focus switch on the lens. In addition to a focus loupe, the photographer also has a focus peaking function with selectable colors at his disposal.

The photograph itself can be taken by the photographer in different resolutions and aspect ratios (3:2, 4:3, 1:1 and 16:9). However, the native aspect ratio of the sensor is 3:2 and only in this aspect ratio can the photographer access the entire resolution. The camera also offers the photographer a choice of two compression levels. In addition, you can choose between the sRGB and AdobeRGB color spaces and the image can also be recorded in raw data format if the photographer wants to perform image processing on the computer.

The highest video resolution of the M100 is 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and has a frame rate of 50 frames per second. A 4K resolution is unfortunately not available. The camera offers a total of three operating modes in video mode – a fully automatic mode and a manual mode in which the photographer must control the aperture and time. The third video mode is called a time-lapse movie. Here’s the name program: The photographer first selects a special scene mode program. Scene mode programs are available for quickly, slowly and very slowly changing motives. These scene programs set the limits within which the time-lapse video settings can be changed. It is also possible to manually set the interval time (2 -30 seconds) and the number of shots to be taken (30 – 900 shots). The camera calculates these two values in this setting so that the photographer does not have to calculate how much time the recordings take and how long the video will take at the end. Further settings include whether the camera should perform a new exposure metering before each shot or whether the image taken appears briefly on the monitor for checking purposes.

The EOS M100’s APS-C CMOS sensor has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels.

Canon currently uses Bluetooth and WLAN wireless connectivity in a variety of compact, SLR and non-reflective system cameras. The EOS M100 also belongs to these cameras and, in addition to WLAN and Bluetooth, also has an NFC function that simplifies pairing with a smart device. The respective smart device must of course also have such a function.

As usual, an app is required to connect the camera to a smart device. This app is available for Android and iOS free of charge in the respective stores. For the first setup, the app offers an understandable initial setup. During setup, apps such as the Samsung SmartLock system can cause problems on the smart device by blocking the connection to the camera. The photographer should set up the app and the camera before using it for the first time, as this can take some time and especially increases the battery consumption.

As mentioned, the M100 has two types of connection. The permanent Bluetooth connection is used to transfer location data (GPS) from the smart device to the camera. In addition, this type of connection allows a remote control function when the camera is used as a playback device. If the smart device is to be used as a remote control for recording, the WLAN connection is established and used. This can then be used to set the recording and all relevant functions. In addition, a live image can be transmitted.

The M100’s battery compartment contains the LP-E12 lithium-ion battery with 7.2 volts and 875 mAh.

The reason why the camera uses two different connection types is easy to explain and above all makes sense. The Bluetooth connection requires significantly less energy than the WLAN connection and thus permanent connections are more efficient. The WLAN connection, on the other hand, can transmit more data in the same time. This makes it the better choice for image transmission in the Live View remote control.

Picture quality

The memory card compartment and the USB and HDMI interfaces are located under a fixed sliding lid or soft plastic flap.

The Canon EF-M 15-45 mm 3.5-6.3 IS STM shows a quite decent performance. However, this is not the sole merit of the lens, but to a large extent of the internal image processing. This becomes visible with the electronic reduction of the edge darkening. In wide-angle distortion, the lens shows a clear barrel distortion that becomes visible at a distance of just 50 percent from the center of the lens to the edge. The chromatic aberration of the lens is almost invisible. The resolution of the M100 at medium focal length is higher than the resolution of the EOS M10. Compared to cameras from other manufacturers, the resolution is lower with a maximum of 53 line pairs per millimeter. Experience has shown that the camera will deliver better resolution results with higher quality lenses.

The signal-to-noise ratio indicates how well the picture signal differs from the noise signal. At 35 dB is the limit that is still considered acceptable. The Canon EOS M100 is below this at about ISO 800. The loss of detail due to noise reduction is low up to ISO 1,600, but the camera sharpenens again, which becomes clear in the sharpened results up to ISO 200. The grain size remains very fine throughout the ISO range and becomes more visible from ISO 1,600, as the contrast between “grain” and image increases.

The maximum input dynamic is about eleven f-stops at ISO 200. As ISO sensitivity increases, the input dynamic also decreases continuously, reaching about 7.5 f-stops at ISO 25,600. The tonal value transmission is not linear, but has raised midtones, as is usual with shoot-to-print cameras. The color reproduction also shows that the image processing of the JPEG images in the standard image style is designed to deliver images without post-processing. Green tones are shifted a bit more towards yellow-green and cyan tones are “defused” a bit. Magenta sounds are played back in the direction of red going. However, the color deviation remains small. The color depth is good with 23 of 24 bits. It then drops continuously and becomes slightly above ISO 3,200 acceptable.

Canon Camera Connect App

Facebook or Instagram are just a tap away. WLAN and Bluetooth offer uncomplicated and fast connection possibilities. The Canon Camera Connect App for iOS and Android makes sure of this. On compatible mobile devices , this even works without touching the camera. This is useful when images and movies need to be uploaded to the cloud for backup.

Compatibility

The EOS M100 adapts to the shooting conditions. The interchangeable lenses for the EOS M100 are compact and lightweight. Just in time for the next photo adventure. For even more possibilities, the EF-EOS M adapter can also be used with the particularly high-quality lenses of the extensive EF and EF-S series.

The camera is available in black, white or gray. The new front covers are available in nine matching colours. Matched shoulder straps offer wearing comfort and set additional accents.

Bottom line

Canon has placed the EOS M100 quite clearly for beginners in photography and with the EF-M 15-45 mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM has put together a fairly inexpensive set. The camera offers semi-automatic and manual modes, allowing the photographer to get deeper into photography. However, the missing TTL flash shoe is a bit of a hindrance. Also, wizards and special effects are always just a touch of the screen or a menu item away. The operating concept is uncomplicated, direct and easy to understand. The fast and precise touch screen is particularly helpful here. The fact that it is still mobile is a bonus that should not be underestimated when the camera is used in the frog’s perspective or for selfies.

The image quality is limited on the resolution side by the simple set lens, which also shows strong distortions. The image noise is fine-grained and not very disturbing, but it starts quite early. From ISO 1.600 onwards, the loss of detail due to internal noise reduction becomes apparent. The images are usable up to ISO 6.400, although it is recommended to record in raw data in order to perform a more effective noise reduction in image processing.

All in all, Canon’s EOS M100 is a great choice for photographers who want a flexible camera with interchangeable lenses, but who don’t want to neglect aspects such as compact size and ease of use. If the prospective photographer wants to take a closer look at all aspects of photography, he should take a look at the EOS M5, which has some important features for this purpose on board.

The EOS M100 is therefore, the camera of choice when it comes to creative ideas for new aspects of photography. In addition to the intuitive touch screen, the creative filters also contribute to this. Thanks to the new user guidance with tips and explanations, the various camera settings are clearly explained to beginners. This makes switching from smartphone to camera pleasantly easy. Whether it’s an attractive background blur or a brighter image, the EOS M100 takes professional-looking pictures that are worth seeing.

For Vlogger or Selfies, the EOS M100’s foldable touchscreen and selfie mode are especially handy. This setting makes for great shots right from the start – even when things get a little hectic. The “Smooth Skin” mode smoothes the skin tones in the image and is adjustable in five levels. In this way, it automatically ensures an advantageous image result.

The compact housing contains the proven technology of professional cameras. The EOS M100 is ready for the decisive moment in a flash. Every snapshot a work of art? Why not – because a good picture is not only a question of the right moment. With a 24.2 megapixel sensor, auto mode, and award-winning touchscreen operation, everyone can start enjoying great photos and Full HD video right from the start. Even the right sharpness is no challenge for the EOS M100. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF ensures razor-sharp focusing. The proof comes with every press of the trigger. If it’s already too dark or too bright for optimal shooting and other cameras or smartphones have trouble with the available light, the EOS M100 also captures the perfect mood with an ISO sensitivity of 100 to 25,600. And with the powerful DIGIC 7 image processor, even fast action shots are reliably captured thanks to fast readiness and continuous shooting at up to 6.1 frames per second.

Canon EOS M100 Datasheet