The EOS M was Canon’s first small system or mirrorless system camera. On paper, it appeared to have a lot of potentials. Still, when it was initially released, it was somewhat pricey and suffered from a subpar focusing technology that was both sluggish and prone to wandering. Even though Canon released firmware updates that considerably improved the focusing performance, and the price dropped as more time passed, the harm had already been done.
At least in the United Kingdom, we now have the M3. The M3 utilizes an APS-C format sensor, similar to that of the M, but this time the maker has opted for the same device that has 24.2-million-effective pixels as found in the new Canon 750D and Canon 760D cameras. In addition, it is equipped with the same DIGIC 6 technology found in the two new DSLRs.
This combination enables a natural sensitivity range that can be set anywhere from 100 to 12,800, and it also has an extension option that can go up to 25,600. That is the same as the first M, but the first M only had an effective pixel count of 18 million, so it will be fascinating to watch how the new camera handles noise.
Canon EOS M3 Build Quality
The appearance of the Canon EOS M3 falls between that of a G-series compact camera, such as the Canon G16, and that of an SLR, such as the Canon 100D. It has the rectangular design of the G16. However, the top plate is flatter. Additionally, it features a finger grip on its front that is ergonomically curved and more rounded.
The Canon M3 weighs 366 grams (with the battery and memory card), making it somewhat lighter than the Canon 100D. However, the camera gives the impression of being heavier than it is because of its deceptive density. Additionally, it has a great and sturdy feel about it. These two issues are probably caused by the stainless steel component included in the product’s manufacture, together with magnesium alloy and polycarbonate resin.
The thumb ridge on the camera’s rear is rather modest but serves its purpose exceptionally well. It is constructed from or at least coated in the same rubber-like substance that covers the finger grip on the front of the camera. It has a relatively fine texture and a bright, contemporary look, and it gives an excellent purchase, making the camera feel comfortable and safe in your hand. The front grip has a sharp, modern design.
Canon EOS M3 Performance
Although the Canon EOS M3 can gather much granular information, doing so is not always as straightforward as one would want. The focusing system is frequently the source of the issue, just as it was previously with the original M. It will focus the lens fairly quickly and precisely most of the time, but there will be occasions when it will suggest that the subject is sharp when it is evident that it is not.
During this test, there were times when the active AF area was filled with the intended target, and the box was green to indicate that the lens had been focused, but it was pretty evident that the subject was out of focus, and it was the background that was sharp. These instances occurred when the active AF area was filled with the intended target, and the box was green to indicate that the lens had been focused.
This didn’t occur once or twice but several times, and it happened when I was utilizing both the 18-55mm kit lens and the 22mm lens provided for this study.
Canon EOS M3 Image Quality
During this evaluation, the Canon EOS M3 captured photographs of exceptionally high quality. JPEG photographs taken with this camera are completely noise-free from an ISO setting of 100 up to ISO 1600; the first sign of noise appears at an ISO setting of 3200. The speedier settings of 6400 and 12800 exhibit quite little noise and are most likely appropriate for tiny printouts and photographs to be used on the web.
The JPEG photographs were a touch soft right out of the camera when using the default Picture Style. If you want them to look their best, you should sharpen them some more in an application like Adobe Photoshop, or you may alter the option on the camera itself. The built-in flash did a fantastic job indoors, producing images free of red-eye and with enough exposure overall.
The nighttime shot turned out very well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which enabled the photographer to catch sufficient light in any given environment. The wide variety of Picture Styles, the opportunity to build your own, and the large selection of digital filter effects, which may be seen before the photograph is taken, are also significant advantages of this camera.
Canon EOS M3 Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 6 |
| ISO | Auto, 100-12800 (expandable to 25600) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF-M |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | ClearView II TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, on, off, slow synchro |
| Continuous drive | 4.2 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) |
| Format | H.264 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E17 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 250 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 366 g (0.81 lb / 12.91 oz) |
| Dimensions | 111 x 68 x 44 mm (4.37 x 2.68 x 1.73″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Canon EOS M3 Verdict
Although the M3 is a compelling camera, the 18-55mm kit lens drastically reduces the detail resolution, and the autofocus mechanism tends to focus on the backdrop instead of the photograph’s subject.
