What the M5 does right, at least for me, is nearly-nail the ergonomics. So many mirrorless manufacturers try to reinvent the wheel, or adopt a stylized look, at the expense of functionality. The EOS M5 is familiar enough to any Canon DSLR user that they’ll be able to pick up and shoot with minimal re-learning. Yet, this comes in a compact package that still leaves room for average to largish hand. Button layout is great, with Canon’s Dial / Function customization button seeming like a brainless choice all manufacturers should introduce. Built-in EVF is a bit small, but still adequate. The tilting rear LCD is very handy, with the touchscreen function being among the best around.

As for image quality and performance, the M5 is essentially an 80D inside; 24MP APS-C sensor with pretty good low-light performance (it’s no Sony). The other big positive for the EOS M5 is Canon’s Dual Pixel AF. Fast, accurate autofocus performance, even in continuous and tracking modes. More importantly, this also translates to using Canon EF lenses via adapter.

Which leaves the elephant in the room, the lenses. The EF-M lens lineup, as of December 2016, is pretty much a joke for anything other than entry-level use. There’s no fast zooms or quality primes available. The EF-M 22mm is a snail, and the quirky EF-M 28mm Macro with built-in LED light is fun at first, but gets old pretty quick.

TL;DR: If you’re willing to use the EF to EF-M Adapter with the larger EF lenses, this camera is a treat. It’s an 80D in a more compact body. However, native lens selection is so-so. Die-hard Canon shooters will enjoy it for sure and is well worth a rent, but those looking for a full system with a plethora of native lenses will be disappointed.