The EOS M, announced today, has been anticipated ever since the company announced the PowerShot G1X in January. Interestingly, the new camera is totally unlike the G1X, except in packing a large sensor into a compact camera body.

The EOS M is Canon's long-awaited entry into the mirror-less compact system camera market. Announced in July 2012 it employs an 18 Megapixel APS-C sensor and a new EF-M lens mount with a 1.6x field-reduction factor.

Small lightweight simple body; 3 inch 1040k bright 3:2 touch-screen; 18 Megapixel APS-C sensor; Compatible with EF & EFS lenses using adapter; 1080p movies at 24; 25 or 30p; External microphone socket

Only 2 native EF-M lenses at launch; Sluggish AF performance; No electronic viewfinder option; Record button dead in non-movie modes; No built-in stabilisation

Canon has left it late in the day to release its first compact system camera: the EOS M. While other manufacturers have had a few years' head start, Canon has had the advantage of watching its competitors and the reactions of customers.

I would REALLY like to have an M mount automatic 2X tele-converter to add to my options since the M mount lenses are so sparse. Even though I use the adapter to attach my EF lenses, I got the M for its small walk around size.

excellent image quality; Superior build quality; Lightweight/Portable

Missing features/settings

The landscape in the hi-tech marketplace changed radically in 2009 when the Panasonic GF1 arrived on

APS-C sensor; compact; lightweight; and excellent image quality

no handgrip; no built-in flash

First off, this camera is capable of taking some GREAT pictures. After all, this is a cut-down mirrorless version of the Canon Rebel T4i. It has the same large APS-C image sensor and DIGIC processing as the T4i. However, getting those great pictures often requires some effort.

Canon's compact camera system debut has been an absolute age coming and, as the 18 megapixel EOS M arrives a full four years after some rivals' first, it has high expectations to fulfil.

Smaller more portable body than many competing CSCs; compatible with a wide range of accessories from the world's biggest camera brand; combination of sensor and Canon's optical excellence delivers sharp images that don't disappoint

Have to buy and use £130 adapter for access to wider range of Canon EF lenses; so-so battery performance; lacks a decent handgrip for a steady hold with longer optics; no on-board Wi-Fi; no optical or electronic viewfinder built-in

There are cheaper competitors available than the Canon EOS M, with quicker focus, a larger choice of lenses, as well as features including Wi-Fi. In addition, the other systems available either feature a built in pop-up flash or smaller external flashes.

Excellent noise performance up to ISO3200; Excellent image quality; Excellent colour reproduction; Excellent touch screen; Solid body with good handling; despite size; Mic socket

Little warning that the battery is going flat; Struggles to focus in low light; No built in Panoramic mode; Limited number of lenses; Short battery life

The compact system camera market has, by some distance, been the fastest growing segment within the digital camera market in the past few years, and while most of the major manufacturers have rushed to get on board and share the spoils the one notable exception has been Canon.

Responsive touchscreen interface; Image quality; Premium build quality; Generous specification

AF and burst shooting could be faster; Limited number of dedicated lenses

Due to it's light weight and the ability to use my existing Canon EF lenses I find that it useful as a backup for my main camera when travelling by air

Durable; Great Picture Quality; Lightweight; Simple Controls

No Optical Viewfinder; View Finder Bad In Sun