Introduction
The Canon EOS M200 is a compact mirrorless camera designed for beginners and enthusiasts who are looking for a simple yet capable camera. Released as the successor to the EOS M100, the M200 aims to blend ease of use with modern features, making it a versatile choice for those new to photography or upgrading from a smartphone camera. In this review, we will be discussing in-depth the Canon EOS M200's design, features, user experience and how it stacks up against its competitors.
Design and Build Quality
Compact and Lightweight
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS M200 is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing only 299 grams including battery and memory card, this camera is perfect for shooting on the go. Its compact size allows it to be easily carried in a bag or large pocket, making it an ideal choice for travel photography and everyday use. Despite its compact form, the camera feels solid and well-built, giving off a feeling of durability and reliability.
Intuitive Control Layout
Canon has kept a simple and intuitive control layout with the EOS M200, which is great for beginners. The buttons are logically placed, ensuring that users can navigate settings easily without any hassle. The camera also includes a 3-inch touchscreen that tilts upward 180 degrees, which is perfect for vlogging and selfies. This flip-up screen is responsive and adds a layer of convenience, particularly for users transitioning from smartphone photography.
Build Materials and Durability
The Canon EOS M200's build quality is impressive for its price. The body of the camera is made of high-quality plastic, which makes it light as well as strong. The grip is comfortable, although a little shallow, which may be a consideration for those with larger hands. Overall, the build materials are good enough for everyday use, but it is not weather-sealed, so caution is advised in adverse weather conditions.
Camera Features
Sensor and Image Quality
The Canon EOS M200 sports a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is similar to the sensor found in many of Canon's entry-level DSLRs. This sensor is paired with the DIGIC 8 image processor, which allows taking high-resolution photos with good dynamic range and color accuracy.
APS-C CMOS Sensor
The APS-C sensor is known for its ability to deliver sharp images with less noise even in low light conditions. This makes the EOS M200 a good choice for both outdoor and indoor photography, whether it's bright landscapes or low-light interiors.
DIGIC 8 Image Processor
The DIGIC 8 Image Processor boosts overall performance, allowing faster autofocus, better image quality and better noise reduction. It also supports 4K video recording, which is a feature that is becoming increasingly essential for modern cameras.
Autofocus System
Autofocus is a vital aspect of any camera, and the EOS M200 does not disappoint in this regard. It features Canon's Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF) technology, known for its speed and accuracy.
Dual Pixel Autofocus
The Dual Pixel Autofocus system provides quick and precise focusing, which is especially beneficial for capturing moving subjects. It's effective across a wide area of the frame, ensuring that your subject is in clear focus in the center of the image or at the edges.
Eye Detection Autofocus
Additionally, the camera also includes eye detection autofocus, which is great for portrait photography. This feature automatically detects and focuses on a subject's eyes, resulting in sharp and clear portraits every time.
Video Capabilities
For video enthusiasts, the Canon EOS M200 has a number of features that make it a viable choice for casual video production.
4K Video Recording
The camera supports 4K video recording at 24fps, which provides detailed footage with good clarity. Although the 4K mode includes a slight crop, which may limit your field of view, it's still a significant step up from 1080p for those capturing higher-resolution video.
Time-Lapse and Slow Motion
Apart from 4K, the EOS M200 also supports time-lapse and slow-motion video recording. These creative options allow users to experiment with different types of videography, thereby adding variety to their content.
User Experience
Ease of Use
The Canon EOS M200 has been designed with beginners in mind, and this is evident in its user-friendly interface and controls.
Touchscreen Interface
The 3-inch touchscreen is highly responsive and supports touch-to-focus, which is intuitive for people addicted to smartphone photography. The ability to navigate menus and adjust settings through touch is a welcome feature that simplifies the overall user experience.
Guided User Interface
Canon has included a guided user interface on the EOS M200, a great feature for beginners. This interface provides explanations and tips for various camera settings and modes, making it easy to learn the fundamentals of photography.
Connectivity Options
Staying connected is important in the digital age, and the EOS M200 offers a number of options to easily share your photos and videos.
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
The camera is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for easy transfer of images and video to your smartphone or tablet. This feature is perfect for quick sharing on social media or for backing up your photos on the go.
Canon Camera Connect App
The Canon Camera Connect app further improves connectivity, allowing you to remotely control the camera from your smartphone. This is particularly useful for group shots or when you want to take a selfie without touching the camera.
Battery Life and Performance
The battery life of the EOS M200 is good, with the ability to shoot about 315 shots on a single charge. Although this may not be as much as some DSLRs, it is more than enough for casual photography and day trips. However, it is advisable to carry an extra battery for longer walks or more intensive shooting sessions.
Lens Compatibility and Accessories
EF-M lens mount
The Canon EOS M200 uses the EF-M lens mount, designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras. There is a modest selection of EF-M lenses available, covering a variety of focal lengths and purposes.
Adapter for EF & EF-S lenses
For those who already have Canon EF or EF-S lenses, the EOS M200 can accommodate these lenses using an adapter. This expands the camera's versatility, providing access to Canon's widest range of lenses for different shooting styles and needs.
Necessary Accessories
To get the most out of the EOS M200, consider investing in a few essential accessories. These might include a protective case, extra battery, a tripod for stability, and an external microphone if you plan on doing a lot of video work.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and light weight design
- User friendly interface with touchscreen
- High quality images with good dynamic range
- 4K video recording capabilities
- Excellent autofocus performance with eye detection
Cons:
- Limited native lens selection
- No electronic viewfinder (EVF)
- 4K video cropping can be restrictive
- Not weather-sealed
Comparison with Competitors
Canon EOS M200 vs. Sony Alpha a6100
Compared to the Sony Alpha a6100, the Canon EOS M200 holds its own with its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls. However, the a6100 offers better autofocus performance and a wider selection of native lenses, which may attract more advanced users.
Canon EOS M200 vs Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 offers a more robust build and slightly better ergonomics, making it a strong contender against the EOS M200. However, Canon cameras are more compact and lightweight, with a simple interface that is suitable for beginners.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Canon EOS M200 is priced competitively, making it a great choice for value for money, especially for beginners. It offers a good balance of features, image quality, and ease of use, making it an attractive option for those looking to move beyond smartphone photography without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy the Canon EOS M200?
The Canon EOS M200 is ideal for beginners and casual photographers who want a versatile, easy-to-use camera that can produce high-quality photos and videos. It's perfect for those who want to explore photography beyond their smartphones without getting into the complexities of more advanced camera systems. It is also a great travel companion because of its compact size and light weight.
Conclusion
Canon EOS M200 is a strong contender in the entry-level mirrorless camera market. It combines a compact design with user-friendly features and solid image quality, making it a great choice for beginners and hobbyists alike. Although it has some limitations, such as the lack of an EVF and limited native lens selection, it offers great value for its price and is a great step up from smartphone photography.
FAQs
1. Is the Canon EOS M200 good for beginners?
Yes, the Canon EOS M200 is an excellent camera for beginners because of its user-friendly interface, guided UI and intuitive touchscreen controls.
While the Canon EOS M200 delivers high-quality images and 4K video, it lacks some features that professionals may need, such as weather sealing and a wide native lens selection.
3. What are the best lenses for the Canon EOS M200?
Some popular EF-M lenses for the Canon EOS M200 include the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, and the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM.
4. Does the Canon EOS M200 have image stabilization?
The Canon EOS M200 does not have in-body image stabilization, but some EF-M lenses do come with optical image stabilization (IS).
5. How does the Canon EOS M200 perform in low light conditions?
The Canon EOS M200 performs quite well in low-light situations, thanks to its APS-C sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, which help reduce noise and maintain image quality in low light.
In the UK, the Canon EOS M200 generally costs between £450 and £550 for the body only, depending on the retailer and any current promotions. U.S.A. In the U.S., the price for the body alone is typically between $500 and $600.
7. When was Canon EOS M200 released?
The Canon EOS M200 was officially released in October 2019.
