Image quality as strong as you'll find from a DSLR, but dithering autofocus and awkward ergonomics spoil the venture

Canon has thus far resisted the lure of the halfway house, waiting four years longer than rivals such as Panasonic to deliver a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. Has the time been spent wisely, waiting for others to bash the kinks out of the format before arriving with a market leader?

Canon hasn't exactly been quick out of the blocks in the race to launch compact system cameras and its first, the EOS M, comes four years after Panasonic kicked-off the whole shebang back in September 2008 with the launch of the Lumix G1 .

The Canon EOS M delivers on the image quality front, but is otherwise ultimately a let down. It's late to the compact system camera game and fails to offer anything truly special.

Image quality is DSLR-matching; EF-S lens adapter accessory available; flash included; fully manual movie mode with great results

Too pricey; autofocus system slower than the competition; battery life limitations; touchscreen has to be used to find certain settings/modes; no electronic viewfinder possible; limited EF-M lens options; flash not built-in

Canon's first compact camera system (CSC) model 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 models; 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 ￡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 optical or electronic viewfinder built-in

Canon's EOS M is its first ever CSC and comes with use of 70+ lenses via optional adapter, though it will satisfy consumers more than enthusiasts. Read our Canon EOS M review to find out more - REVISED 17 APRIL 2013

However, the M is let down by its AF system and its unbalanced feel that stems from it not having a decent grip.

When the first rumors of the Canon's mirrorless camera started circulating on the Internet, I was dying to see how Canon would respond to the Nikon 1 system. I wondered if Canon would release a small sensor mirrorless like Nikon, or go with a bigger sensor and a bigger mount.

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