anyone using the eos-m to shoot .mov footage?
- Thread starter robfilms
- Start date
I picked one up in August as a travel stills shooter and to use it as a b-cam to my T2i. I absolutely love the EOS-M, now that I have figured out its strengths and weaknesses.
The positives:
The images are beautiful. Yes, it still has the DSLR look and suffers from some aliasing and moire, but you're not looking at this camera if you don't expect and know how to work around these things.
The 22mm f/2.0 lens is gorgeous. It's also getting harder to find. I just picked up a Glidecam iGlide the other day and tried the EOS-M with the 22mm and was very pleased. I'll post something when I've used it in the real world... no sense in wasting more Vimeo bandwidth on one of those pointless "test" videos.
The Canon EF adapter is a must. I've shot with my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 and have gotten great results. I've also used my Tokina 11-16 and have been very pleased.
The camera handles low light situations very well. Stills are even better.
Canon did include external mic input and manual audio control. In-camera audio is still on par with other DSLRs (read: not a reliable, primary source where quality is concerned, and with no way to monitor), but it can bail you out in a pinch. Adding a RØDE VideoMic Pro, with the manual audio controls, gives reliable reference audio for second-system sync, and b-roll nats that can be handy in the background of the sound mix.
Here are the challenges:
The small form factor makes handheld shooting really sketchy. I have not rigged any kind of shoulder support yet, but am exploring solutions that make sense.
It is difficult to keep focus for run-and-gun, and I don't recommend it for anything outside of a controlled situation (interviews and studio shoots on a tripod). The LCD screen to date has no viable viewfinder loupe solution, and until that happens both the focus and handheld stability issues will persist. Having a loupe and adding a hand grip to the threaded mount would make a splendid little rig in the spirit of old Super 8mm cameras.
The M lenses have infinite focus rings, which frustrates me to no end and compounds the difficulty in keeping focus.
The camera is largely touch-screen driven. The scroll wheel can adjust aperture and shutter speed, but changing any other settings on the fly is difficult.
Vintage glass will work, via adapters, but only in video mode. I took my M into the Great Smoky Mountains for fall colors and used one of my Yashica ML lenses for some video. I tried to take stills and the shutter would not release.
In all, this is a great camera to keep in the kit. As with any camera, as long as you understand that it can be the right tool or the wrong tool and how to identify which it is in any situation, it can be a worthy investment.
The positives:
The images are beautiful. Yes, it still has the DSLR look and suffers from some aliasing and moire, but you're not looking at this camera if you don't expect and know how to work around these things.
The 22mm f/2.0 lens is gorgeous. It's also getting harder to find. I just picked up a Glidecam iGlide the other day and tried the EOS-M with the 22mm and was very pleased. I'll post something when I've used it in the real world... no sense in wasting more Vimeo bandwidth on one of those pointless "test" videos.
The Canon EF adapter is a must. I've shot with my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 and have gotten great results. I've also used my Tokina 11-16 and have been very pleased.
The camera handles low light situations very well. Stills are even better.
Canon did include external mic input and manual audio control. In-camera audio is still on par with other DSLRs (read: not a reliable, primary source where quality is concerned, and with no way to monitor), but it can bail you out in a pinch. Adding a RØDE VideoMic Pro, with the manual audio controls, gives reliable reference audio for second-system sync, and b-roll nats that can be handy in the background of the sound mix.
Here are the challenges:
The small form factor makes handheld shooting really sketchy. I have not rigged any kind of shoulder support yet, but am exploring solutions that make sense.
It is difficult to keep focus for run-and-gun, and I don't recommend it for anything outside of a controlled situation (interviews and studio shoots on a tripod). The LCD screen to date has no viable viewfinder loupe solution, and until that happens both the focus and handheld stability issues will persist. Having a loupe and adding a hand grip to the threaded mount would make a splendid little rig in the spirit of old Super 8mm cameras.
The M lenses have infinite focus rings, which frustrates me to no end and compounds the difficulty in keeping focus.
The camera is largely touch-screen driven. The scroll wheel can adjust aperture and shutter speed, but changing any other settings on the fly is difficult.
Vintage glass will work, via adapters, but only in video mode. I took my M into the Great Smoky Mountains for fall colors and used one of my Yashica ML lenses for some video. I tried to take stills and the shutter would not release.
In all, this is a great camera to keep in the kit. As with any camera, as long as you understand that it can be the right tool or the wrong tool and how to identify which it is in any situation, it can be a worthy investment.
alex-
thank you for the thoughtful response.
i am hoping to set-up my pair of eos-m as a very low profile interview kit for folks who are easily intimated by a bigger rig.
(i tape lots of illegal immigrants and this has been an issue).
i'm suggesting a pair of cameras locked down with different angles and sized lenses.
i was going to use a mix pre (not a mix pre-d) as the audio front end and then cable into one of the eos-m as a digital dump.
i'm also thinking about using a tascam dr60d as part of that front end.
have you been able to determine if there is a 10 minute record limit as on many other dslrs?
(i'm not a dslr person. my main rig is a sony fs100 but for this low profile set-up, i'm willing to go two system.)
i was going to mount the sennheiser mke600 as an on-camera mic for reference track.
a sony ecm 77 lav and either a akg blueline hypercardiod for indoors or a at875 or a rode ntg1 for outdoors.
have you thought about installing magic lantern?
what do you use as a focus aid?
(the 2x-4x-8x magnification?)
external monitor?
do you find using the histogram as a helpful exposure tool?
is there any access to zebras or setting ire?
for lenses i have the kit 22mm and the kit 16-55mm.
i also have the canon ef-s 55-250mm is.
i also have the canon 40mm/f2.8 pancake.
plus i have a pentax pk to ef-m adapter and a few pentax legacy k mount lenses.
(i used to shoot pentax still cameras and i always liked their glass/look! ymmv)
i look forward to any thoughts you care to share.
be well.
rob
smalltalk productions/nyc
Hi, Rob!
I think two EOS-Ms would make a great interview kit for just such an occasion. To try and answer your questions:
I've not tried recording primary audio in-camera, so I cannot address the use of a MixPre to feed the camera except to say that I never rely on in-camera DSLR as my audio source. The DR-60D would be a viable solution.
The record limit that most Canon DSLRs have is 12 minutes (4GB). EOS-M does not have that limit as it splits files, but I have not tried to cross that bridge yet.
I have not yet gone the ML route as it is not yet officially released for EOS-M, or wasn't the last time I looked. It will install and run, but not with full functionality. The ML website lists it as a supported camera because of recent builds that run on it, but if you look at the last stable release (the most recent official release), EOS-M isn't supported. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.
I have a Lilliput monitor that I use occasionally, but since I have determined this camera to be most suited for controlled, tripod-based work like interviews I tend to set my focus using the magnification tool. In a locked-down setup like that it's easier to use the LCD for focus,e specially behind the lights.
The histogram is useful once you learn how to read it for video, but a waveform from ML would be SO much better. There are no zebras (also an ML benefit).
Hope that helps!
Peace,
Alex
I think two EOS-Ms would make a great interview kit for just such an occasion. To try and answer your questions:
I've not tried recording primary audio in-camera, so I cannot address the use of a MixPre to feed the camera except to say that I never rely on in-camera DSLR as my audio source. The DR-60D would be a viable solution.
The record limit that most Canon DSLRs have is 12 minutes (4GB). EOS-M does not have that limit as it splits files, but I have not tried to cross that bridge yet.
I have not yet gone the ML route as it is not yet officially released for EOS-M, or wasn't the last time I looked. It will install and run, but not with full functionality. The ML website lists it as a supported camera because of recent builds that run on it, but if you look at the last stable release (the most recent official release), EOS-M isn't supported. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.
I have a Lilliput monitor that I use occasionally, but since I have determined this camera to be most suited for controlled, tripod-based work like interviews I tend to set my focus using the magnification tool. In a locked-down setup like that it's easier to use the LCD for focus,e specially behind the lights.
The histogram is useful once you learn how to read it for video, but a waveform from ML would be SO much better. There are no zebras (also an ML benefit).
Hope that helps!
Peace,
Alex
Alpha Beta Omega
Veteran
I also have the EOS M but hate it. No good as a still camera and no good as a video camera. Pretty insufficient low light performance and awkward to use. Images can come out good but often the camera misses focus due to the slow AF. As for video there are many options that helps you making better videos than the EOS M.
The camera feels good to hold and the display is excellent and the images that are good looks fine but I would pick something like the GX7 or similar any day over the EOS M.
The camera feels good to hold and the display is excellent and the images that are good looks fine but I would pick something like the GX7 or similar any day over the EOS M.
GHKAM
Well-known member
I agree with your assessment. It is awkward.
Let me add that the EOS M's LCD also lacks good contrast for accurate manual focus, at least if you have to MF while recording/as the focus assist won't be available.
It needs an external monitor via HDMI, but will kill the low profile the OP wants plus adds to the price. At that point, yeah you might as well get a small Panasonic mirrorless camera more suited for video such as the GX7 or G6.
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The slow AF issues were addressed in firmware updates. Are you up-to-date?
That aside, "no good" is a pretty broad dismissal if the camera is able to produce good images. Personally, I find low light/high ISO performance far above my T2i, and I've been able to take some great stills and video with it. The sensor is good, so it really comes down to the glass in front of it. The controls are awkward for those not used to them, but that can be overcome with practice.
Different tools for different needs. Not everyone will like this camera, but that's okay. Find the one that works best for you. For use alongside EOS Rebel cameras, this may be a better match just to keep image sensors and picture profiles consistent.
I enjoy the camera and use it as a decent b camera. I just have the 18-55 but it's a decent lens for the price. I use the camera for moving car footage. I use suction cups and mount the camera on various spots on the car. I don't go too fast but if the camera gets destroyed I spent less for it so it's not quite as bad. last time I used it bird poop got on it so the cameras been put through the ringer. I wish I had the 22 also for the low light capabilities and compactness.
16mman
Active member
It survived bird poop? Awesome. I shoot with a T2i and I'm really considering getting one as a B camera as well. Also, because I'm a western consumer, I like small electronic things : ) The company I work for sells an EF to M adapter that's a lot cheaper than Canon's, so I'll probably pick that up too.
A friend asked me a question i cant answer, the EOS M in video mode can take stills but wanted to know if they are full quality stills or just video resolution stills,perhaps a EOS M owner can answer the question.
On another point i have seen many lovely EOS M films on line,the color rendition on most looks lovely,better than Panas greens for instance by a big margin,but thats my opinion.
On another point i have seen many lovely EOS M films on line,the color rendition on most looks lovely,better than Panas greens for instance by a big margin,but thats my opinion.
testing the 18-135mm but trying to get old a bit of an old world look, it came out noisy in places,too high a shutter speed,but reasonably pleased overall.
https://vimeo.com/87358224 Vimeo payback soft compared to origional file
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYF4dBvsz5Y
https://vimeo.com/87392244
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIXlFn1f0HI
A little camera like the EOM can be hard work,All auto on the second one.
https://vimeo.com/87358224 Vimeo payback soft compared to origional file
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYF4dBvsz5Y
https://vimeo.com/87392244
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIXlFn1f0HI
A little camera like the EOM can be hard work,All auto on the second one.
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I am so happy to find this thread! I just got an EOS M kit a couple of weeks ago, and I absolutely love it!
I am a long time Canon user. I used to be a more serious photographer, back in the day of the D30 and then the 1DsII, when I had a studio.
Now I am disabled/retired, and my main Canon camera for stills & video is the T4i.
The EOS M is basically the same sensor in a kit about 1/4 the size (with lens), so I am delighted to have it as a companion to the T4i. I was able to immediately set it up with my wide, flat profiles and dial in all of the same settings. I know what the sensor will give me, and I know all of the camera menu options.
Plus I can use my Canon EF and EF-S lenses via adapter. (I know that the EF-S STM lenses in particular are supposed to focus pretty well with the EOS M. I like the 18-135 mm on the T4i for "camcorder" type work.)
It is amazing to shoot with the EOS M with the 22 or 18-55 mm next to my T4i with the 24-70 II or 70-200 II!
In fact, I shot stills at a concert with the T4i with those 2 lenses, along with 2 EOS M bodies, one with the 22 mm (for the 2.0 aperture) and one with the 18-55 mm. For an additional $500 for the 2 cameras it is a fantastic setup!! The little EOS M 90 ex flash can also serve as the master flash to my 60 EX flashes for portraits/group shots etc.
I am hoping that we see an EOS M3 this fall with the Dual Pixel Auto Focus (DPAF) of the 70D, C100, and C300. That would be an amazing little kit for video.
I have a couple of Hoodman LCD viewfinders. I was able to attach the Hoodman to the EOS M with no problem. There are a couple of ways to do it.
1.) To use the EOS M with the Hoodman/Hoodman Cinema Kit that allows the Hoodman to swing away, you can get a hot shoe "extension" device for $25. I haven't tried that yet:
Hoodman HoodBoost Micro 4/3 HoodLoupe Adapter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740371-REG/Hoodman_HBST_MICRO_4_3_HOODLOUPE_3_0.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740371-REG/Hoodman_HBST_MICRO_4_3_HOODLOUPE_3_0.html
2.) There is also a $100 "mounting plate" with a swing arm that looks like a more elegant solution. I haven't tried that yet either:
Hoodman Custom Finder Plate for Video Capture
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/937215-REG/hoodman_custom_finder_plt_for.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/937215-REG/hoodman_custom_finder_plt_for.html
3.) What I have used so far is a way overpriced $40 RedRock adapter to allow the Hoodman to slide onto the base plate (I use a RRS base plate and RRS clamps on all of my devices):
Redrock Micro microFinder Loupe Accessory Kit
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...054_0001_microFinder_Loupe_Accessory_Kit.html
This works a bit better in stills mode, where it can stay permanently affixed. I am able to slide it in and out when needed. So far that has OK worked for me. I am sure you can see how you coul easily make your own adapter and not have to spend $40 for this little piece of metal.
I may try the "swinging arm" base plate, although it may also make changing batteries a pain.
They are available for $95 shipped on eBay. The 18-55 is about $85 shipped.
The camera with a 22 mm or 18-55 mm sells for about $225-$250, sometimes with a flash. Both lenses are excellent for their price point, although the 22 mm is optically much better than the 18-55. The 11-22 from Japan is also supposed to be an absolutely stellar lens for $425, although I rarely shoot that wide and haven't tested it yet myself.
There is a Custom Function that you can turn on to "Allow Release Without Lens." Change that setting and the vintage lenses will work quite well for stills. There is also the 5x and 10x magnifier that help with manual focus.
I usually set the camera to "Aperture Priority" for stills, then the camera will choose the shutter speed based on the amount of light that the lens is letting in, depending on how far stopped down it is. Even though it can't control the lens aperture.
I have 3 Canon FD lenses that I bought a couple of years ago for a NEX body. I also have an FD to EF-M adapter, so I have been playing with those a bit.
Cheers!
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I have since discovered, after taking some measurements and ordering a spare mounting frame, that the LCDVF 3/2 does fit nicely on the EOS-M and does not interfere with the touch screen. I must have misaligned or measured incorrectly the first time I looked into it. This is great because I already have one on my T2i, so with the spare frame I can move it between cameras.
Well, the M2 that is being released, so far as I have read, is only being offered in Asian markets. I think there was an overall lackluster reception in the North American market for the M, so Canon are not really focusing on it here anymore. That's unfortunate.
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I just wanted to be sure that you saw this toward the end of my first post:
There is a Custom Function that you can turn on to "Allow Release Without Lens." Change that setting and the vintage lenses will work quite well for stills.
That looks like a better set-up for the touch screen than the Hoodman. Somehow I wound up with 3 Hoodman. Looks like I will have to swap out for a magnetic frame like yours, or similar.
I've been taking a look at this! I have a Zacuto Target Shooter that may work out ok.
I have also been looking for a smaller, elegant handle, as you mentioned.
It looks like there is either a $10 metal bar or wooden handle at B&H, or jumping up to something like the Zacuto Point N Shoot. It is a bit more elegant, but it is also about $65 shipped. It seems counter to the idea of this little $300 camera, including 2 awesome lenses...
The M2 is available on eBay for $660 for the body. The EOS M was still the #2 selling mirrorless in Japan last year.
The 11-22 STM EF-M lens runs about $425 on eBay. It is supposed to be an excellent lens. I rarely shoot that wide though, so I haven't purchased it myself.
One of the mirrorless sites said that only 20,000 mirrorless per month are sold in the US. So the whole segment is only 240,000 cameras. DSLR's are still much more popular here, mostly with males. Apparently 70% of the US DSLR buyers are male, while 70% of the Japanese mirrorless purchasers are female.
I am hoping/expecting that Canon will release a T6i and an EOS M3 with the Dual Pixel Auto Focus of the 70D. At least after they release the new 7DII, probably also with DPAF.
I understand that the 7DII was delayed from the 2Q. I assume that it will be announced around mid-August for Photokina. I hope Canon finally gives us a new sensor with DR to compete with the Sony Exmor, et. al. The auto focus on the 70D looks killer, but we need a new picture too!
We will see! In the meantime, the existing EOS M will make a fun summer toy.
Cheers!
There is a Custom Function that you can turn on to "Allow Release Without Lens." Change that setting and the vintage lenses will work quite well for stills.
That looks like a better set-up for the touch screen than the Hoodman. Somehow I wound up with 3 Hoodman. Looks like I will have to swap out for a magnetic frame like yours, or similar.
I've been taking a look at this! I have a Zacuto Target Shooter that may work out ok.
I have also been looking for a smaller, elegant handle, as you mentioned.
It looks like there is either a $10 metal bar or wooden handle at B&H, or jumping up to something like the Zacuto Point N Shoot. It is a bit more elegant, but it is also about $65 shipped. It seems counter to the idea of this little $300 camera, including 2 awesome lenses...
The M2 is available on eBay for $660 for the body. The EOS M was still the #2 selling mirrorless in Japan last year.
The 11-22 STM EF-M lens runs about $425 on eBay. It is supposed to be an excellent lens. I rarely shoot that wide though, so I haven't purchased it myself.
One of the mirrorless sites said that only 20,000 mirrorless per month are sold in the US. So the whole segment is only 240,000 cameras. DSLR's are still much more popular here, mostly with males. Apparently 70% of the US DSLR buyers are male, while 70% of the Japanese mirrorless purchasers are female.
I am hoping/expecting that Canon will release a T6i and an EOS M3 with the Dual Pixel Auto Focus of the 70D. At least after they release the new 7DII, probably also with DPAF.
I understand that the 7DII was delayed from the 2Q. I assume that it will be announced around mid-August for Photokina. I hope Canon finally gives us a new sensor with DR to compete with the Sony Exmor, et. al. The auto focus on the 70D looks killer, but we need a new picture too!
We will see! In the meantime, the existing EOS M will make a fun summer toy.
Cheers!
Cory Braun
Well-known member
Could you post a link to where I can find this deal? I'm interested in picking up an eos m, but haven't seen a deal that good. Specifically with the 22mm.
There were a couple that sold in the last few days on Fred Miranda with a 22 mm.
There are none available right now there with the 22 mm. There is one with the 18-55 mm at $300, with a Fotodiox adapter, which is usually about $35 I think:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1293029
There have also been some used bodies selling from Henry's in Canada on eBay. I bought an EOS M with the 18-55 mm shipped for $255 I think.
Have a look around and see what you turn up. They have been showing up every other day on Fred Miranda.
I had planned to sell one of my bodies. I think I can sell a 22 mm also, I wound up with 2. It is late now and I have to figure out what to keep. Price would be my actual cost + shipping.
More after noon. Cheers - good luck!
Cory Braun
Well-known member
Thanks! Sounds good, if you could send me a PM tomorrow with the price, I'd really appreciate it.
Keep an eye on B&H. They're carrying grey market (imported) models now, including a kit with the body, both 18-55 and 22 lenses, and flash.
My only beef with the stock lenses, as much as I love the images I can get out of that 22mm, is the infinite focus ring. Servo focus is a massive PITA.
My only beef with the stock lenses, as much as I love the images I can get out of that 22mm, is the infinite focus ring. Servo focus is a massive PITA.