techradar

Canon is that latest manufacturer to join the compact system camera market after what feels like years of speculation.

For the Canon EOS M, the company elected to use the same 18 million pixel APS-C size CMOS sensor as found in its recently announced DSLR, the Canon EOS 650D.

With RRPs currently being around the same, making the choice between the two cameras can be a tricky one, especially if you are buying your first interchangeable lens camera.

We've had a look at the key similarities and differences to help make things a bit clearer.

Canon M vs Canon 650D lens mount and range

As the Canon M is not as deep as a DSLR, a new mount had to be created for the lenses. This EF-M mount is currently only directly compatible with two EF-M lenses, an 18-55mm zoom lens and a 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens.

If you own any Canon EF or EF-S lenses, and you want to use them with the M, you will need to purchase the mount adapter, which comes with a not-inconsiderable £123 ($203) additional price tag. Bear in mind that Canon will be selling the M with the 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens and mount adapter as a kit package.

On the other hand, the 650D of course has the standard EF mount, meaning all Canon EF and EF-S lenses are compatible with the camera.

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D viewfinder

For some, a viewfinder can make or break the decision whether to make a camera purchase. If you're one of the ones who can't live with composing images on the LCD screen, then the EOS M will not be your friend.

As yet, Canon says there are no plans to create either an electronic or optical viewfinder accessory for the M, but judging by the feedback over the past few days, we wouldn't be surprised if one did appear at some point in the future.

Those who appreciate optical viewfinders should opt for the 650D, its finder offers 95% coverage. You can also compose images on the LCD screen in Live Mode if that's your thing.

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D AF system

As it has no mirror, the Canon M only has the hybrid AF system that the EOS 650D uses in live view and video mode.

Meanwhile the 650D also has a dedicated phase detection AF sensor that is used when images are composed in the optical viewfinder, rather than on the screen.

Though the hybrid AF system, which combines phase detection and contrast detection AF, works pretty well in the 650D, it's not as fast as the phase detection system that works when images are composed in the viewfinder. This makes the EOS 650D a much better choice for shooting action and sport.

Canon M vs Canon 650D screen

The Canon 650D was the first DSLR in the world to have a touchscreen. The EOS M uses the same capacitive device.

On the M, this has a much more vital role than on the 650D, as the SLR has all the physical buttons and controls that you'd expect. Meanwhile, the EOS M has around 35% fewer buttons than its nearest equivalent DSLR and much of the operation is carried out on the screen.

In order to keep the size to a minimum, the M does not feature an articulating screen, unlike the 650D. Articulating screens are handy for shooting at awkward angles (for instance above the head or very low down), but also they mean that the screen can be hidden away from view when the camera is not in use.

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D flash

Canon believes that flash is not as important for amateurs and enthusiasts as it once was, largely thanks to better performance at high sensitivity (ISO) settings.

Therefore, in another bid to keep the M's size to a minimum, an integrated flash has not been included on the camera. However, should you find one necessary, there's a small flashgun provided as standard in the box (in the UK at least) with a Guide Number of 9m at ISO 100.

This means that the external Speedlite is not quite as powerful as the pop-up flash built on to the 650D, which has a Guide Number of 13m at ISO 100. A pop-up flash is also handier to access if you're in frequent need of extra illumination.

In addition it's worth remembering that both the 650D and the EOS M are compatible with larger Speedlites and flashguns through the hotshoe.

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D handling

There's quite a significant difference between how these two cameras will be handled, especially as the M strives to keep size to a minimum.

For those wanting quick access to certain functions and modes, the 650D may make more sense as it includes the traditional mode dial favoured by other Canon DSLRs.

Canon has stripped this dial right back to the bare minimum for the EOS M, with most of the controls needing to be accessed through the menu system or touch screen navigation.

With its larger size, the 650D also comes with a bigger grip, which some may feel more comfortable using.

Canon M vs Canon 650D frame rate

It was a little surprising to find that the EOS M can't match the 650D's frame rate, shooting at 4.3fps, compared with the 650D's 5fps.

As there's no mirror to move out of the way and slow-down operations, it would have been fair to assume that the camera could shoot quicker, not slower.

However, David Parry from Canon UK has explained to us, "I believe it's to do with the shutter mechanism inside, the mechanism isn't really built for speed, so it won't actually perform at the same kind of rate.

Buying Guide Canon EOS M vs Nikon 1 V1/J1

"Obviously you've got the same electronics inside, there's no reason why the sensor and the processor can't run at the higher speed, but I believe it's to do with the mechanism inside."

Although there's not a huge amount of difference between 4.3fps and 5fps, if you find yourself shooting a lot of fast-action subjects, such as sport, it may be something to consider.

It's also worth noting that as the EOS M uses hybrid autofocusing, it's likely to be slower than using the 650D via the viewfinder, which uses phase detection only in this mode.

Canon EOS M vs Canon 650D battery life

As the EOS M is constantly using the rear LCD screen, you can expect the battery life to be severely affected.

Canon claims that CIPA testing has shown the M can last for around 220-230 shots, which is around half the promised 440 shots from the 650D.

Shooting with a camera all-day can easily see 220 shots get eaten up, so if you're the kind of person who hardly puts the camera down, the 650D will probably be more appealing - or of course you could also buy an additional battery for the M.

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D price

At the time of launch, the 650D and EOS M share a pretty close RRP, at £799 and £769, respectively (both with 18-55mm kit lens).

However, the Canon EOS 650D price has already dropped down to £699 in places, and is already available to buy.

The M won't be on the market until around October, and with pre-orders looking likely to be high, it may be that the price won't come down for a while yet.

Conclusion

Comparing these two cameras is very much of a tale of swings and roundabouts. What you gain on one, you may feel that you lose on the other.

If you're on the verge of buying a camera and you can't wait until October to get your hands on one, then it may be a safe bet to plump for the 650D now.

Also, if you're a fan of viewfinders, traditional buttons and handling and don't want to add the extra expense of a mount adapter for any existing optics you've got, then the 650D may seem like a wiser choice.

However, if you're looking for something small that won't take up too much room in a bag, but you have the option to add your own/extra lenses if you require, then the EOS M is a good choice.

It's also worth bearing in mind what you want to do with your photography, if you're happy to leave the camera in Auto mode and don't need (very) quick access to manual settings, then the M may be ideal. However, if you want to learn more about the technical details of photography, and want all the benefits of a traditional DSLR, then the 650D may be a better bet.