The Canon EOS M5 and the Canon EOS M6 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2016 and February 2017. Both the M5 and the M6 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS M5 and the Canon EOS M6? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The physical size and weight of the Canon M5 and the Canon M6 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The M6 can be obtained in two different colors [black, silver], while the M5 is only available in black.
If the front view area [width x height] of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon M6 is notably smaller [26 percent] than the Canon M5. Moreover, the M6 is markedly lighter [9 percent] than the M5. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M5 nor the M6 are weather-sealed.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
Body Specifications # Camera Model Camera Width Camera Height Camera Depth Camera Weight Battery Life Weather Sealing Camera Launch Launch Price [USD] Street Price 1. Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 979ebay.com2. Canon M6 112 mm 68 mm 45 mm 390 g 295 n Feb 2017 779ebay.com3. Canon M6 Mark II 120 mm 70 mm 49 mm 408 g 305 n Aug 2019 849ebay.com4. Canon M50 116 mm 88 mm 59 mm 390 g 235 n Feb 2018 779ebay.com5. Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 899ebay.com6. Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com7. Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com8. Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 679ebay.com9. Canon M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 499ebay.com10. Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com11. Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com12. Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The M6 was launched at a somewhat lower price [by 20 percent] than the M5, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor [sometimes also referred to as "crop factor"] of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio [sensor width to sensor height] of 3:2.
The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the M5 and the M6 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the M6 is a somewhat more recent model [by 5 months] than the M5, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.
The Canon EOS M5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The Canon EOS M6 offers exactly the same ISO settings.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS [Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor] sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ["DXO Landscape"], color depth ["DXO Portrait"], and low-light sensitivity ["DXO Sports"]. The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution [MP] Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.41262772. Canon M6 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.61317783. Canon M6 Mark II APS-C 32.3 6960 46404K/30p24.013.51848834. Canon M50 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p23.813.31684815. Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.3971786. Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.91272787. Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.41041798. Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.81169729. Canon M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.47536510. Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.09197111. Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.09157012. Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884 Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications [1080/60p].
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the M5 has an electronic viewfinder [2360k dots], which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the M6 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the M6 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon M5 and Canon M6 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder [Type or 000 dots] Control Panel [yes/no] LCD Specifications [inch/000 dots] LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen [yes/no] Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash [yes/no] Built-in Image Stab 1. Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n 2. Canon M6optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n 3. Canon M6 Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 14.0/s Y n 4. Canon M502360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n 5. Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 6. Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n 7. Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 8. Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n 9. Canon M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n 10. Canon T6ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 11. Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 12. Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n Note: *] Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.
The Canon M6 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M5 and the M6 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS M5 and Canon EOS M6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras [and selected comparators] provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 2. Canon M6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 3. Canon M6 Mark IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 4. Canon M50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 5. Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 6. Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY 7. Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 8. Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY- 9. Canon M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY- 10. Canon T6iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY- 11. Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY- 12. Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
Both the M5 and the M6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The M6 was replaced by the Canon M6 Mark II, while the M5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the M5 and M6 can be found, respectively, in the Canon M5 Manual [free pdf] or the online Canon M6 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon M5 or the Canon M6 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS M5:
- Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD [3.2" vs 3.0"] for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen [1620k vs 1040k dots].
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer [launched in September 2016].
Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS M6:
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More compact: Is smaller [112x68mm vs 116x89mm] and will fit more readily into a bag.
- More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment [20 percent cheaper at launch].
- More modern: Was introduced somewhat [5 months] more recently.
If the number of relative strengths [bullet points above] is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie [4 points each]. However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
M5 04:04 M6
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon M5 and the Canon M6 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the M5 or the M6 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites [amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]]. As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon M5 vs Leica D-LUX 5
- Canon M5 vs Leica X1
- Canon M5 vs Olympus XZ-2
- Canon M5 vs Sony A7R II
- Canon M5 vs Sony A9
- Canon M5 vs Sony ZV-1
- Canon M6 vs Fujifilm X-T1
- Canon M6 vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Canon M6 vs Nikon Z7 II
- Canon M6 vs Olympus E-400
- Canon M6 vs Panasonic G9
- Canon M6 vs Panasonic GF6
Specifications: Canon M5 vs Canon M6
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Is the M6 better than the M50?
Since Canon M6's has a larger sensor area with the same resolution, this means that it also has a larger pixel area hence better light collecting capacity for a given aperture compared to Canon M50.
Is the Canon M5 discontinued?
With little warning, but even less surprise, Canon Japan quietly moved the final EOS M camera lineup – the content-creation-oriented Canon EOS M50 Mark II, the powerhouse Canon EOS M6 Mark II, the former flagship Canon EOS M5 and the entry level Canon EOS M200 – to the "EOS discontinued products" section of its website ...
Is Canon M6 discontinued?
We have received reports from two different countries that the Canon EOS M6 Mark II has been discontinued. There will obviously be inventory in various stores around the globe.
How old is Canon M5?
Canon EOS M5 Specifications.