Article: Traveling light: The ups and downs of the Canon EOS M100 in Mexico

Carey Rose of DPreview wrote up an interesting article today about his experiences using the M100 and EF-M 22mm F2.0 while traveling to Mexico.

This personally is pretty near and dear to my heart, because the EOS-M system is my lightweight travel kit, and it's travelled probably in the 10's of thousands of miles with me over the years.

While I agree with most of what Carey suggests in this article, there are a couple of things that I think everyone should think seriously about, regardless of the camera system you use.

I have found that the best solution for traveling with cameras and charging batteries is to use third party USB based chargers. Not only do they work well, but they are also often lighter and smaller than the native AC power chargers.  Why? Because they don't have to have an AC to DC converter built into them, they just have to have a DC to DC converter to supply power to charge the batteries.  This has it's advantages because you can leave your USB power adapter and battery chargers out in the open in your hotel room and leave the room not being concerned about the possible theft of your camera.  As an example, this charger for LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries.

Little mention is made these days about system weight.  If your primary travel is around the Americas - this isn't that much of a problem as both domestic and international airlines are usually fairly lax about weighing carry on luggage.  Most North and South America based airlines don't even have a carryon weight limit assigned.

However, if you are a trans-Atlantic traveler or also travel to Asia frequently, you are sure to have noticed that the airlines are becoming very strict about carry on luggage size and weight requirements.  This is a case where the EOS-M system excels; as the lenses are small, light, and so are the camera bodies.  My travel kit weighs in at 1.4KG, which makes it capable to travel with most airlines that have a 7KG weight limit for personal plus carry on bag limitations. 

I think people at times underestimate the EOS-M system, it provides weight and size options that are near impossible with other larger, and especially full frame mirrorless systems.  Yes, the lenses are very consumer-based.  But that's part of the charm.  For the cost of the system, having an EOS-M system is a credible travel option, especially when you have to slim down your carry on weight.  You never want to get to the point where you are forced to check in your camera gear, or other valuables because you are over your weight limit.

What's in my travel camera bag?

Canon M5
Canon EF-M 11-22
Canon EF-M 18-150
Canon EF-M 22mm F2.0
Canon EF-M 32mm F1.4