mirrorless APS-C camera's what are your recommendations and why did Canon f- it!

[The Stigenator]

So I am a canon user with lots of EF and EF-S lenses for my canon system.
I am going on vacation to Thailand, Cambodia and a few other countries. I want a lighter camera. I have a Canon G15 which I found I used a lot more in Bali (february) than I did with the DSLR. However the image quality of the G15 sucks compared to the APS-C due to sensor size, but having a pocketable camera made a big difference.

I was looking at mirrorless camera's, which is a whole different ball game. I love the Sony a6000 one, but I am a canon guy with canon lenses. I found the Canon EOS-M3 is right up with same range as the a6000.

My issue is should I just take my cheapest EOS body (Canon XS) with some lenses + G15
or
buy a new EOS-M3 + adapter & the G15 (if needed).

Why the F did Canon decide to use a new interface for the EF-M lenses, cant they just kept the EF format and called it a day! Seriously!

Though i see that the interface size may have been something, but seriously!

With that in mind, should I try the EOS-M3? Is it worth it? I will eventually have to update my DSLR bodies as they are super outdated but work horses.

 

[Belegost]

Find a store around with an SL1 to play with - it's not quite mirrorless small, but quite a bit smaller than other DSLRs, and of course mounts EF/EF-S lenses natively.

 

[ElFenix]

Why the F did Canon decide to use a new interface for the EF-M lenses, cant they just kept the EF format and called it a day! Seriously!

because when you get rid of the mirror you don't need all that room inside the camera body for it to move around. and since most people want mirrorless cameras because they're smaller than SLRs, you're going to eliminate all that space. the adapter should be fine because EOS is 100% electrical anyway.

 

[jtvang125]

Two big questions I think you should get answered first before plopping down that much cash.

1. Previous EOS-Mx models didn't have that great of a AF system. Many reviews said it was slow and hunted too often. Hopefully this has been improved in the M3. May want to find a store to try it first or rent one.

2. No built-in VF. I'm going to assume you're use to one since both of your current cameras have one. You can get the add-on EVF but that's more money and add bulk. Fortunately the adapter isn't too expensive.

Also the reason they had to go with a new mount system is because lenses designed for the EF mount requires a longer flange distance (distance from front of mount to the sensor) due to the mirror box. Hence the adapter needed to add the missing space when using EF/EF-S lenses on a mirrorless. Same thing with Sony needing an adapter to use dslr lenses on their e-mount mirrorless cameras.

 

[Syborg1211]

To me, it sounds like you want a better pocketable camera and not a smaller but still not pocketable mirrorless camera system. Check out the Sony RX100 and call it a day.

 

[NAC]

As others wrote - a new lens mount was created so that the mirrorless cameras could be smaller. Without the EF-M lens mount, the EOS M cameras would basically have been about the size of the DSLR SL1, which is quite thick compared to a EOS M.

BUT, the EF adapter for the EF-M mount is pretty cheap and will allow you to use any EF or EF-S lens, and the auto-focus speed and performance should basically be the same as if there was no adapter.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

The reason why the adapter is required is because there is a required distance between the back of the lens and the plane of the sensor/film. (Called the register distance) It has to be this distance in order for the lens to focus correctly. If the lens is brought closer to the plane of the sensor then it loses some of its close focus ability. I.e. if the lens normally can focus to a close distance of 1.5 feet, it would only be able to focus to a close distance of 3 feet. So it has an "anti-macro" effect on all of your lenses. Doing the opposite (adding distance between the back of the lens and the sensor) is why macro tubes work to create a macro effect with normal, non-macro lenses.

Every body+lens system has a required register distance. If the camera body is too small to work with a given lens, then you have to use a spacer/adapter to make up the difference.

 

[Gooberlx2]

To me, it sounds like you want a better pocketable camera and not a smaller but still not pocketable mirrorless camera system. Check out the Sony RX100 and call it a day.

I agree. However, since OP complained about sensor size, perhaps he should look into a Ricoh GRii (if the prime lens is okay) or meet in between with a m4/3 system. Not sure any of those are truly pocketable though.

 

[repoman0]

I just bought a Fuji X-T1 to get back into photography and almost posted about it here beforehand. It's pretty awesome so far, coming from the digital rebel xt days. Love the look, controls, very nice lenses, and inconspicuous character / lack of loud mirror noise, though I was suspicious at first and was tempted to grab a Canon 6D/7D/70D instead because that's the system I know. I started off with just the 23mm f/1.4 lens instead of the kit, and got it all used but looking brand new for $1140 from that Amazon warehouse deals cyber monday thing. I'll probably add their 10-23mm super wide to the kit before a few upcoming vacations in 2016

 

[AkumaX]

SL1. Or convert to Sony

 

[The Stigenator]

The SL1 seems interesting. Its smaller than my Rebel XS but more updated. The Rebel XS is my go to travel camera but I tend to use the G15 more. The picture quality of the Rebel XS is much better though.

So that said I think the SL1 is a better choice in terms of ISO expansion and stuff. I have to look into it more though. The ISO (I am limited at 1600 on my Rebel XS), the SL1 expands upto 25K, but will do ISO 12800 no problems. Though high ISO does not meant usable pictures, but ISO 3200 is useful if its low noise.. currently my Rebel XS at 1600 is pretty bad, I rarely shoot at that.

The Canon Refurb for an SL1 is 279 (body only) which isnt bad. Cheaper than buying an EOS M3. I have to price / figure this one out.