What is going on with the EOS M camera and EF-M lens line?

First, Canon USA did not announce the EF-M 11-22mm lens. Canon USA later stated that this lens is not going to be imported to the USA: "Thank you for your inquiry regarding the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. We can certainly understand the confusion surrounding this release! Unfortunately, this specific lens will not be sold or serviced by Canon USA."

Then the big retailers dropped the EOS M price to an insane level.

Then the EOS M was marked as discontinued at Adorama. Adorama confirmed to me that their buyer's understanding is that EOS M has indeed been discontinued.

This, however, is in contrast to what my Canon USA PR rep is telling me: "The EOS M is not a discontinued product and this is also true for the lenses associated with this product." Canon USA will of course not disclose any future plans.

We are left to speculate the future of the M.

If Adorama's buyers are right, it seems strange to have two EF-M lenses available without a camera to sell them with. Is a new EOS M coming soon? Next week will mark the 1 year announcement anniversary of the EOS M, but I've only had my first-available "M" since November. This camera is not very old.

But, what the EOS M cameras need is the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF Canon has recently announced as coming in the Canon EOS 70D. Although the EOS M's AF performance is much improved with the recent firmware update, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF would make it an even better camera. So, introducing a new M model makes a lot of sense.

Introducing a "new" lens along with a new camera also makes sense – this happens frequently. Also having precedent is bringing a "new" lens to the USA after it has been available elsewhere in the world. I'm of course referring to the EF-M 11-22.

What makes sense to me is the introduction of an EOS M II featuring Dual Pixel CMOS AF and at the same time, announcing the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens in the USA.

Amazingly still in stock is the Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm Lens at Amazon – for $349.00 shipped. And the Canon EOS M with EF-M 22mm Lens for $299.00 shipped is available for backorder. Jump on this awesome deal if you have not already done so. Start your Christmas shopping early.

Read the Canon EOS M review for more information on this extremely good camera value.

Just because Canon USA is not importing the EF-M 11-22mm lens to the USA doesn't mean USA residents cannot get this lens. DigitalRev will be happy to send you one.

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