Which Canon APS-C mirrorless cameras to choose?

In this article, I will take a closer look at the latest Canon APS-C mirrorless cameras in the EF-M system. Mirrorless cameras have grown rapidly in popularity over the past few years, thanks to advantages such as their compact size, DSLR-level image quality, and an expanding choice of lenses. The market has increasingly shifted toward larger, more advanced, and more expensive models, but not everyone needs a professional camera. This guide therefore focuses on Canon’s entry-level and mid-range APS-C mirrorless cameras, aimed at beginners and enthusiasts looking to improve their photography. In June 2022, Canon introduced its first Canon RF APS-C cameras, which effectively signaled the end of the EF-M system. You can also consult our detailed guide to those newer models.

For photographers looking for higher performance and working with a larger budget, take a look at our guide to Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Let’s now look at the main technical features of each camera. At the end of the article, I will also help you identify the model that best suits your photography and video needs, as well as your budget.

Before looking at the cameras themselves, it is worth remembering that a good body is only part of the equation: choosing the right lens is just as important. All the models covered below are compatible with EF-M lenses. With the appropriate adapter, you can also use Canon EF and EF-S DSLR lenses. To explore the available options, take a look at our complete list of Canon EF-M lenses.

If you are still unsure which type of camera best suits your needs, read our detailed guide on how to choose a camera and which criteria matter most.

The Canon EOS M200 is a compact interchangeable-lens camera designed primarily for beginners. It features a 24 MP sensor, Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus, a DIGIC 8 processor, burst shooting at up to 6 fps, a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 4K/24p video, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. One important point to note is that it does not include an electronic viewfinder.

It succeeds the Canon M100, although the differences are not immediately obvious. Most of the improvements come from the updated processor, including eye-detection autofocus, which works well for portraits and selfies. General subject tracking is less responsive, however. The newer processor also adds 4K video, although with a substantial 1.7× crop and a maximum frame rate of 24 fps. For smoother footage at 60 fps, you need to switch to Full HD.

Noise control from the 24.2 MP sensor is generally good. Image quality remains very strong between ISO 100 and 800, while ISO 1600 marks the point where degradation becomes more noticeable. Beyond that, JPEG quality declines more clearly.

Positioned at the entry level of Canon’s mirrorless range, the EOS M200 remains a capable and easy-to-carry camera. Like its predecessor, it is well suited to everyday photography, family trips, and casual use.

After the success of the original EOS M50, Canon took a conservative approach with the EOS M50 Mark II. It keeps the same mini-DSLR-style design in a compact and easy-to-use body. Its main features include a 24 MP sensor, a DIGIC 8 processor, Dual Pixel autofocus with eye detection, burst shooting at up to 10 fps, a fully articulated touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless livestreaming to YouTube.

Image quality is very similar to that of its predecessor, with vivid JPEG colors and pleasing contrast. The native sensitivity range extends from ISO 100 to 25,600. One of the main improvements is autofocus: face and eye detection now work in both stills and video, with responsive performance in good light and acceptable results in low light.

The camera can also record vertical video and livestream directly to YouTube. It shoots 4K UHD at up to 24 fps, but with a substantial 1.5× crop compared with Full HD. Although Canon promotes the camera as a vlogging option, the crop reduces the flexibility of the fully articulated screen.

Compact, responsive, and easy to learn, the M50 Mark II is a good option for beginners interested in both photography and video. However, if eye detection is not essential, the original EOS M50 may offer better value.

With its 32.5 MP APS-C sensor, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is one of the most capable cameras in the EF-M range. It can be seen as a more compact counterpart to the EOS 90D DSLR, which was announced at the same time. The two cameras share several core features, including a 32.5 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 processor, uncropped 4K video at 30 fps, and autofocus with eye detection and subject tracking.

Visually, it remains close to the original M6, but it brings substantial improvements in both speed and features. The sensor resolution is higher, burst shooting increases from 7 to 14 fps, Dual Pixel autofocus is more accurate, and the expanded ISO range reaches 51,200. The sensor delivers a high level of detail, with noise remaining well controlled up to ISO 1600. JPEG color rendering is also very good.

For video, the EOS M6 Mark II records 4K across the full sensor width. In Full HD, it can reach 120 fps for slow-motion footage.

The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is more clearly aimed at photographers than its predecessor. It may not lead the class in every area, but it performs well across the board and remains enjoyable and straightforward to use.

In 2016, Canon introduced the EOS M5, a more advanced successor to its first APS-C mirrorless camera, the EOS M. The M5 represented a major step forward for Canon, with Dual Pixel autofocus, the 24 MP CMOS sensor from the EOS 80D, a DIGIC 7 processor, a tilting touchscreen, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, Full HD video at 60 fps, numerous external controls, and a built-in electronic viewfinder.

The DIGIC 7 processor extends the M5’s ISO range to 25,600, compared with 12,800 on the M3. Noise becomes clearly visible from ISO 3200 onward. JPEG quality is good, with pleasing color reproduction, although the 7 fps burst rate can feel limiting when photographing moving subjects.

For video, the M5 records Full HD 1920 × 1080 footage at up to 50 fps, compared with 25 fps on the M3. However, it still does not offer 4K recording.

The M5 is a solid, conventional camera that is easy to understand and pleasant to use for both beginners and more experienced photographers. Despite a few limitations, it remains a capable enthusiast mirrorless camera.

The table below summarizes the main specifications of these cameras.

For first-time photographers, or anyone looking for a small and casual camera that is easy to carry, the EOS M200 is a sensible choice. It is compact, affordable, and capable of producing very good everyday images with minimal effort. Its modest burst rate and relatively slow subject tracking make it less suitable for fast or unpredictable action.

In the same category, the EOS M50 Mark II is a better fit if you want something more responsive and versatile than the M200. It is a good beginner-friendly option for both photography and video, and it can also work well for vlogging when paired with a suitably wide lens.

Photographers with some experience who want a solid, versatile, and responsive camera should consider the EOS M5 or the EOS M6 Mark II. The M5 is older, but it still offers good handling and the advantage of a built-in electronic viewfinder. The M6 Mark II is the stronger option if you prioritize speed, resolution, and 4K video.

That brings us to the end of this guide to Canon APS-C mirrorless cameras. Although the EF-M system is now outdated, these models can still be relevant on the used market for beginners and enthusiasts who already own compatible lenses. Still deciding between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR? Take a look at our guide to Canon APS-C DSLR cameras.

See you soon,

Written by Sylvain PONS

I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.

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