Guest post by Duy Linh Tu:
EOS-M Video Setup from Duy Linh Tu on Vimeo.
Canon recently slashed prices on its EOS-M, making this mirrorless camera one of the best deals going today for shooting high-quality video. It has the same sensor size and image quality as Canon’s Rebel T series of cameras and with some simple accessories you can turn it into a fully-functioning ENG/documentary camera. Great images. Great audio. No syncing required. The best part? The camera often goes for less than $250 online.
In terms of image quality, the EOS-M is the same as the T2i, T3i, T4i, T5i, and the SL1. But it is mirrorless, so the form factor is much more compact. The downside, in terms of video production, is that it lacks an on-screen audio meter and a proper headphone jack. These are problems that plague all of Canon’s Rebel line. But with a few inexpensive accessories, the EOS-M can be turned into a proper video camera that records great images and clear audio, all without the need to sync.
This is not a 5D mk3 or a 70D. But for the budget shooter, this is a great bargain camera. And when stripped bare, it is truly pocketable – I carry it everywhere with me. My Mark 3 is too bulky and my iPhone 5S, while exceptional, doesn’t provide the same level of performance.
Duy Linh Tu is Assistant Professor and Director of Digital Media at the Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University.
