EOS M as compared to a S90 ... opinions please ...

A question for someone who has used or owned both a S90 (or S95, S100, etc.) and an EOS M:

I already have a S90, but have run into a chance to pickup a used EOS M (with a EF-M 18-55mm IS lens, the EX 90 flash and a couple batteries) for $290 CDN.

I know the basic parameters of the S90 and the EOS M, but my question is would I see a significant improvement with the EOS M's images over those produced by the S90 to justify the expense of an additional camera? I would be picking up an adaptor so I can use my existing EF and Sigma/Samyang/Rokinon lenses on the EOS M, so the total cost would be in the neighbourhood of $390 CDN.

I would be using the EOS M basically as a backup (and as an "easy-carry alternative) to my dSLRs (5DMk3 and 1DMk3 and lenses).

Thanks for sharing your experience and opinions ...

Maxdave

I haven't used an EOS M, but we do have an S90. It is a great camera, but pretty old now in terms of point and shoots, and its ISO is probably only good up to 1600. I tried 3200, and even with my own NR, it's not very often good to look at. I would think the EOS-M would be better IQ-wise in less than good lighting at the very least. I have often considered swapping out the S90 for the EOS-M.

M is quite nice for $300. I don't think any p&s will come close especially for what you pay for the EOS-M. Shot to shot delay can be an issue. Other that I like mine. Love that 22mm f2 lens.

EOS M vs S90

larger sensor APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm
More than 7.5x larger sensor

better image quality 65.0 vs 46.0
More than 40% better image quality

Better color depth 22.1 bits vs 20.2 bits
Distinguishes 1.9 more bits of color

Better maximum light sensitivity 12,800 ISO vs 3,200 ISO
The EOS M's maximum light sensitivity is 2 f-stops better

Shoots faster 4.3 fps vs 0.9 fps
Around 5x faster continuous shooting

higher true resolution 17.9 MP vs 10 MP
Capture around 80% more detail in your photos

this is from the this web site

http://snapsort.com …-M-vs-Canon_PowerShot_S90

The M is not pocket-able like the S90 is, but in return you get the same IQ as any other APS-C Canon DSLR while still being sturdy and lightweight compared to a full size DSLR. I more or less use the S100 on a daily basis as its always with me in my car or in my pocket / bag if I'm walking around town or hiking in the woods and not worry about the weight or storage of the camera which is really nice. But the M is definitely a nice compromise between image quality out of its larger sensor and the overall size/weight of the kit. If you are looking to replace your S90 with something that is still portable enough but has improved IQ, then I'd say go for it.

I had the M and S100, and M was better by a country mile. You had full manual, where the s100 was pretty crippled when it came to long exposures. In terms of functionality, M is like a DSLR, where s100 is not. Touch screen makes M super user friendly. For a point and shoot, S100 was nice, but the M is considerably better. More configurable, user friendly, image quality, different lens solutions, ect.

I have both a S95 and EOS M.

I carry the S95 with me for happy snaps, the kind of stuff I might put up on social media sites to share with family and friends. What the S95 does very well is video grabs. The image quality is pretty decent for a point and shoot as long as you shoot under 800 ISO. At higher ISO the EOS M creams the S95. The S95 also shoots RAW.

The EOS M is for more serious work. The 22mm lives on my EOS M and I occasionally use this combination for street candids. The focus is a tad slower than a DSLR but when you get it right the image quality is exceptional. Moving subjects are difficult to lock onto to. Videos are fantastic with full control like a DSLR. I'd love a swiveling screen on the EOS M. The 22mm is as sharp as any lens I've used. A very very nice little lens.

Very difficult to compare the S95 and EOS M. Both cameras have their uses. It's the bigger sensor in the EOS M that makes all the difference.

The M sounds perfect for you OP, I'd for sure pick it up at that price. I used mine as a emergency backup for my 6D until I got my X-E1 and it worked great for that, but keep in mind I also only really do portraits when it comes to paid work.

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #17045958
The M sounds perfect for you OP, I'd for sure pick it up at that price. I used mine as a emergency backup for my 6D until I got my X-E1 and it worked great for that, but keep in mind I also only really do portraits when it comes to paid work.

what's the meaning of or the full word of this >>> OP
i always see it when someone ask a question and people answering him
Thanks

moltengold wrote in post #17046008
what's the meaning of or the full word of this >>> OP
i always see it when someone ask a question and people answers him
Thanks

OP means original poster (the person who started the thread).

To go back on topic, I noticed also that the M had a firmware update some months ago which modestly improved the AF performance as well. With that in mind, I would just get the M and see how you like shooting with it on a day to day basis, after all its not too expensive with the body and lens together with the superior APS-C image quality over the S90.

outmywindow wrote in post #17046014
OP means original poster.

I noticed also that the M had a firmware update some months ago which modestly improved the AF performance as well. With that in mind, I would just get the M and see how you like shooting with it on a day to day basis, after all its not too expensive with the body and lens together.

Thanks a lot for the info

yogestee wrote in post #17045881
It's the bigger sensor in the EOS M that makes all the difference.

Agreed, that's the bottom line.

moltengold wrote in post #17046008
what's the meaning of or the full word of this >>> OP
i always see it when someone ask a question and people answering him
Thanks

OP = opening post, or original poster
TS = topic or thread starter

I prefer to use OP as opening post to refer to the text, and TS to refer to the person.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #17046038
OP = opening post, or original poster
TS = topic or thread starter

I prefer to use OP as opening post to refer to the text, and TS to refer to the person.

Thanks a lot TeamSpeed for the info

my wife uses a s95 and I'd considered it as a backup when I didn't want to go out with my DSLR but I don't liked very much the raw files when pushing up the ISO. Then I get the EOS M and never look back, there's no competition between them because the aps-c sensor of the EOS M, even with the slower AF I would go with the EOS M every time I don't want to use my DSLR, no matter if my only lens right now it's the 22mm.