Canon EOS M3 Review - The EOS M3 represents Canon’s first real step in to the enthusiast CSC market, and looks set to shake it up. See how it gets on in our full Canon EOS M3 Review.

Product Overview

Overall rating:

87%

Canon EOS M3

Features:85%
Design:90%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:90%
Value:85%

Pros:

  • Excellent design and user interface; Pleasing image quality; Huge improvement on predecessor

Cons:

  • Focusing speed and continuous shooting still behind competition; Lacking built-in viewfinder; Poor kits lens

Product:

Canon EOS M3 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£599.00 (with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom)
Canon’s commitment to its EOS M range of CSCs has been somewhat wavering since the launch back in 2012. Since the launch of the EOS M1 and supporting EF-M lens mount, only a single new camera has been launched, with the M2’s release limited to the Asian market. The lens range, meanwhile, has seen the launch of a supporting cast of just four models – a number put in perspective by competitor Fujifilm’s 17 X-series optics.

The EOS M3, however, marks a new direction for the series. The CSC is aimed very clearly towards the enthusiast photographer and, with an impressive specification and all-new design, could well announce Canon on the scene.

Canon EOS M3 product shot 16

Canon EOS M3 Review – Features

The M3 is built around a sensor found in both the Canon EOS 750D and 760D DSLRs, namely the all-new 24.2MP APS-C sized CMOS chip. Although this sensor is certainly welcome in a CSC, it is unfortunately lacking in the dual-pixel focus technology found in some more advanced Canon DSLRs.

Instead, the M3 features a 49-point hybrid AF system complete with on-sensor phase-detect pixels, and as such it should improve on the AF performance of its predecessor.

Canon EOS M3 product shot 8

The M3 utilises the same sensor as the Canon EOS 750D and 760D

The sensor boasts a sensitivity range of ISO 100-12,800, expandable to ISO 25,600, while the on-board processor supports continuous shooting of up to 4.2fps.

While some CSCs are now offering Ultra-HD 4K video capture, the M3 makes do with conventional full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel recording at 30, 25 or 24fps. It does offer built-in stereo mics however, as well as a 3.5mm jack.

Elsewhere, the M3 features a 3in, 1,040k-dot touchscreen on its rear which is hinged – as opposed to completely vari-angle – while unfortunately the M3 also ships without an EVF, although you can purchase one as an added extra at a later date.

Canon EOS M3 product shot 17

The M3 doesn’t feature a built-in EVF, although one can be purchased as an accessory

Finally, as you might expect for a new CSC the M3 features both Wi-fi and NFC connectivity for use with a smartphone or tablet, while it also features an IR receiver for tradition remote control.

  1. 1. Canon EOS M3 Review - Features
  2. 2. Canon EOS M3 Review - Design
  3. 3. Canon EOS M3 Review - Performance
  4. 4. Canon EOS M3 Review - Image Quality
  5. 5. Canon EOS M3 Review - Verdict
  6. 6. Canon EOS M3 Review - Hands-on First Look
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