Canon’s 18 Megapixel EOS M Mirrorless Camera To Be Released In October At $799.99 [PHOTOS & VIDEO]

After having remained missing from the list of mirrorless camera manufacturers for quite some time, Canon has finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. On Monday, the company officially announced the EOS M, a new digital camera with an 18 megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor and broad lens support.

Canon said that two new lenses had been specifically designed for this new addition to the EOS family - the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens and the optional EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. The camera also comes with the ability to use the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses through the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS M.

According to The Verge, the new Canon EOS M is like a repackaged Rebel T4i, sharing nearly all its specs with Canon's entry-level DSLR. For example, the 18 megapixel APS-C sensor can also be found in the T4i.

Powered by Canon's latest DIGIC 5 processor, the EOS M can shoot 4.3 frames per second, but only in a single mode. It offers ISO range up to ISO 12,800 and expandable to ISO 25,600.

Canon said that video would be the real strength of the EOS M. It records MPEG-4 AVC H.264 video as an .MOV file in a range of NTSC and PAL professional frame rates, including 1080p Full HD video at 30p (29.97), 24p (23.976) and 25p, 720p HD video at 60p (59.94) or 50p and Standard Definition video at 30p (29.97) or 25p.

The camera offers Canon's Movie Servo AF for continuous autofocus and tracking of moving subjects. The Hybrid CMOS AF system, located on the CMOS sensor itself, combines phase-difference AF and contrast AF, delivering fast and continuous autofocus in almost every mode - one of the impressive new features found in the T4i.

The EOS M features manual audio level control to 64 levels, a built-in stereo microphone which includes a wind filter and an attenuator function to reduce audio distortion in extra loud situations.

Along with the EOS M, Canon also introduces two new M-series lenses with new EOS M mounts - the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. In addition to the two lenses, any of Canon's EF and EF-S lenses can be used with the EOS M with the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS M.

Canon has also announced a new compact and lightweight flash unit, the Speedlite 90EX, which is capable of coverage for 24mm wide angle lenses (35mm equivalent) with maximum guide numbers of 30 feet (9 meters) at ISO 100.

Canon said that the EOS M Digital Camera bundled with the new EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens would be available in October for an estimated retail price of $799.99. A white version of the camera will also be available through the Canon Online store.

On the other hand, the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, Mount Adapter EF-EOS M and Speedlite 90EX will all be available in October at an estimated retail price of $299.99, $199.99 and $149.99 respectively.

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