Those of us who love photography and love travel are constantly faced with a dilemma – what camera to bring and how to make it pack light.
I have found the solution to this problem in the Canon EOS M. It is the perfect travel camera as it is lightweight and with the 22mm lens, it fits in your jacket pocket.
Yes, a quality digital SLR with video capability and interchangeable lenses, that fits in a jacket pocket. It exists, and you have found it.
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Canon EOS M Review for Travelers
I am a travel writer and I also produce videos, so I specifically needed HD video capabilities with an external mic jack, of which this camera has both. For videos, I recommend picking up an Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone, also great for packing light. The first video I shot with this camera was in a small room, I did not use the mic, and the audio came through wonderfully.
By far the best part about this camera is the size, combined with the quality of images and video. When they say “compact” they aren’t kidding. I love to pack light, and the size and weight of equipment are very important to be able to accomplish this. This camera allows me to pack light without sacrificing the DSLR quality of my photos and videos.
Pros v. Cons
Pros: HD Video, external mic jack that fits my Lavalier mic, lightweight and small for packing, interchangeable lenses, touch LCD screen, same options as a regular Canon DSLR, same options as regular Canon point-and-shoot (fisheye lens, miniature setting, etc.)
Cons: auto-focus can be slow sometimes, the manual settings and other options can be difficult to find until you get used to it
What to Buy
There are many options to order your Canon EOS M. I recommend the entire package which includes both the 22mm and 18-55mm lenses as well as the shoe mount flash. When I bought it, I found this package for $450, and I’ve never seen it lower than that. If you are really on a budget and don’t care to have two lenses and the flash, you can get the camera for around $350, and I would recommend opting for the 18-55mm lens over the 22mm if you are only going to get one.
To accompany your Canon EOS M and Lavalier mic, I recommend this awesome package offered by SSE: 52mm Accessory Kit for Canon EOS M. It includes a 3 piece filter kit, 4-piece macro filter kit, 2 extended life replacement batteries, AC/DC rapid home/travel charger, mini HDMI cable, carrying case, wireless remote, hand strap, lens hood, lens cap and keeper, memory card wallet, and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
WOW. All those accessories for $49, you really can’t go wrong. Opening that box is like Christmas.
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