Canon EOS M5 review: Video
A 3.5mm microphone socket is included alongside micro-USB and remote-release sockets
Video recording is available in full HD resolution at up to 60fps, with a built-in 3.5mm stereo socket for adding an external microphone (but no headphone socket). However, there’s no 4K video option, which this year we’ve seen as standard from companies such as Sony and Panasonic. You do at least get full manual control over exposure in video mode. You can also record time-lapse movies.
There’s 5-axis image electronic stabilisation on board for video recording, meaning footage is stabilised even when using non-IS lenses, and the electronic stabilisation can be combined with optical stabilisation when using compatible EF-M or EF-S lenses. It does a reasonable job of reducing camera shake and smoothing out panning movements, but not surprisingly it’s nowhere near as effective as the mechanical systems found in rival cameras from Olympus and Panasonic.
It’s also possible to pull focus from one subject to another during recording simply by tapping the touchscreen. Here, the Dual Pixel AF really comes into its own, producing smooth, controlled focus transitions with no hunting or overshoot. You’ll need to use an STM lens for this, though; lenses with other focus motors are liable to give visible juddering.
Video quality is much as we’d expect from a camera that only records Full HD. Exposure, white balance and colour are all very creditable, but fine detail is lacking and sharpening artefacts very visible. It’ll probably be acceptable for stills photographers who are dabbling in video, but if you’re serious about getting quality footage then you’d be much better off buying a 4K-capable camera.
