• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Canon EOS M advantages over Canon EOS M3

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.30 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 44 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster RAW shooting
    4.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    6 vs 4 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Canon EOS M3 advantages over Canon EOS M

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,169 vs 827 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Less shutter lag
    0.13 vs 0.74 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon EOS M3

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality similar to Rebel T4i, T5i and SL1 DSLRs, with 18-megapixel APS-C-type sensor delivering considerable resolution for a mirrorless camera; Solid build and sleek design; Bright, high-resolution 3-inch LCD touchscreen monitor; Full 1080p HD video recording that's virtually silent with an STM lens.

  • Barely acceptable autofocus speed still lags far behind most mirrorless cameras despite firmware update fix; Limited physical controls and buttons, including no Program, Priority, or Manual on Mode dial; Lacks built-in flash or electronic viewfinder option; Only two compact EF-M mount lenses currently available.

  • DSLR image quality & resolution in a mirrorless body; Higher-res 24MP APS-C sensor; Much improved AF performance; Better ergonomics with full PASM dial; Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC; Tilting LCD.

  • No built-in EVF; Limited native lens selection; Slow burst mode; Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; No 60p video frame rate or 4K video option.

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Canon EOS M
Sony NEX-C3
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon EOS M3
Sony NEX-C3
  • $429
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Canon EOS M
Sony NEX-5N
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Canon EOS M3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $429
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Canon EOS M
Sony NEX-5R
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Canon EOS M3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $429
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Internal flash
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A5100

Canon EOS M
Sony A5100
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • External Mic Jack
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Canon EOS M3
Sony A5100
  • $429
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • External Mic Jack
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X-E3

Canon EOS M
Fujifilm X-E3
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Canon EOS M3
Fujifilm X-E3
  • $429
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
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