Canon EOS M3 Review

The Canon EOS M3 is the third generation mirrorless camera. The Canon EOS M range of cameras combines the performance and versatility of a DSLR with the portability of a compact camera. Powered by Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF III technology, the EOS M3 features fast AF speed and a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor working in tandem with the latest DIGIC 6 image processor to ensure superb image quality.

“Canon’s latest mirrorless camera, the EOS M3, is designed to appeal to photographers who want the flexibility and versatile features of a DSLR camera without its bulk,” said Edwin Teoh, Assistant Director, Consumer Business Marketing, Canon Singapore. “Packed with Canon’s newest, fastest mirrorless AF technology, the EOS M3 pairs seamlessly with Canon’s range of interchangeable lens to deliver crisp, beautiful images.”

Source: Canon Singapore press release

Recently, I was given the opportunity and arrangement to review the Canon EOS M3 and there were some pretty fun photography adventures and events that I used with the Canon EOS M3. Let me share more details on the Canon EOS M3 product specifications before I share my views and thoughts on the Canon EOS M3

Product Specifications – Canon EOS M3

Dimensions: Approx. 110.9 x 68.0 x 44.4mm

Weight: Approx. 319g (body only) 366g (includes battery and memory card, CIPA standards)

Image sensor: 24.2megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

Imaging processor: DIGIC 6

ISO speed: 100-12,800 (expandable to 25,600)

Continuous shooting speed: approx. 4.2 fps

Maximum video quality: 1920 x 1080 Full HD, 30fps

AF: Hybrid CMOS AF III

Wi-Fi: Yes, NFC-enabled

LCD: 180/45 degree tilt touch panel LCD – approx. 1.04 million dots

I brought the Canon EOS M3 out during the review period, for different events and photography walkabouts. During this period, I covered food photography, wildlife, cats, photography walkabout and NDP 2015 rehearsals. This was a very interesting period that allowed me to explore the Canon EOS M3 in different fields of photography.

Through the various type of photographs that I shot with the Canon EOS M3, you would have a glimpse of the quality of the Canon sensor, EF-M lens and the photographs produced.

Now, let me share with you my views, the pros and cons of the Canon EOS M3 during the time I had with me for the camera review –

Pros

Hand grip and thumb grip
Compact and lightweight, not too heavy
Can fit in Canon’s wide and diverse range of EF lenses family with the EF to EF-M adaptor
Can use Canon EOS family accessories such as Canon Speedlite Flash and transmitter
Flip screen
Touch screen shutter
Informative viewfinder screen with histogram and levels
Wi-Fi capability that allows easy transfer of photos
Excellent image quality with 24.2MP and Digic 6 processer

Cons

On/Off button ~ Too small and not easy to press
Not enough EF-M series lenses available
Servo tracking is not fast (especially for fast moving objects e.g. planes flying)

Points to note

Additional cost to get EF to EF-M adaptor
Additional cost to get EVF

EF-M 55-200mm review

Lightweight for a telephoto zoom lens
pretty smooth bokeh at f/6.3

EF-M 18-55mm review

lightweight
ideal for travel and events

Video recording capabilities

First and foremost, I have to confess upfront that I am not really a video person. I am first and foremost, a photographer that specialises in stills photography. In the modern society today, videography is becoming more crucial, common and requested. Therefore, the modern digital camera systems have the capabiliites to capture and record videos in high quality output.

I used the Canon EOS M3 with EF-M lens to record The Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF) SG50 aerial display during Singapore’s NDP 2015 combined rehearsal 3. It worked really nicely for me and quality of the video was really good. During the NDP 2015 combined rehearsal 3, I mounted the Canon EOS M3 on top of my Canon EOS 70D to record combined rehearsal 3 fireworks. This worked nicely for me too!

EF to EF-M adaptor review

The Canon EF-EOS M mount adaptor is an optional accessory for the Canon EOS M3. It is highly recommended to get the this adaptor and you can gain access to Canon’s EOS family of over 70 EF/EF-S lenses that allows you to enjoy your photography with the Canon EOS M3.

Having own EF lenses, I was able to adapt and used my EF lenses on the EOS M3, it widens my photography styles and opportunities with my EF17-40mm f4 L USM lens and EF 70-200mm f4 L USM lens.

In one experiment, I was able to connect the EF-EOS M mount adaptor with 2.0x teleconverter and my Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L USM lens.

I was able to tap on the Canon EOS M3 Hybrid CMOS AF III technology and LiveView to take photographs with the above combination. This combination can be useful for photographers who plan to bring out the EOS M3 with their big lenses and teleconverter.

EVF-DC1 Electronic View Finder review

The Electronic View Finder (EVF) is an optional accessory for the Canon EOS M3. For the purist/traditional photographer who loves/prefers the viewfinder versus the LCD screen, the EVF is highly recommended. The EVF can be turned into a ninety degree angle that photographers might find it useful for their shootign needs. In my personal humble opinion, street photographers would prefer using the EVF versus using the LCD screen.

I reviewed the EVF before in a previous Canon compact camera review. It is something that I would want to have if I own a Canon compact or mirrorless system.

Final Thoughts

The Canon EOS M3 is a pretty good mirrorless digital camera, while it doesn’t have many EF-M lenses available yet, consumers still can have the option of using the big EF family lenses via the adaptor. It is ideal for general purpose, food, events, marco and travel photography. While it is not really ideal for fast action photography, photographers are still able to capture some action shots with the Canon EOS M3. The video recording function is pretty good

For existing Canon photographers with their existing DLSR gear and lenses, the Canon EOS M3 can be a good addition to your camera gears line up, just add in the EF to EF-M adaptor and you can continue to use your Canon gears! It can be a good backup camera or your everyday carry around camera in your bag.

Personal thoughts and opinions on the mirrorless camera system

The mirrorless camera system by Canon and other brands are definitely here to stay, while I personally don’t see it as a total replacement for DSLR or MF, it does give them a run for the money and the digital camera total market share.

A mirrorless camera system is ideal for a number of photography fields such as street, food, macro, landscapes and travel. In my personal humble opinion, the mirrorless camera system is not ideal for fast paced action such as sports, wildlife and fast paced events.

With a lighter camera body weight for the mirrorless camera system and being more compact, it can be more attractive and enticing towards photographers to make the switch. Having carried the Canon EOS 1D Mark III, Canon EOS 70D, EF 300mm f/2.8 L, EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM and EF17-40mm f/4 L USM for my sports photography shoot. I know first hand how taxing and tiring this type of heavy duty photography setup can be for my body.

Whether we can see mirrorrless camera system reaching that level and replacing the DSLR for fast action photography awaits and remains to be seen.

My thoughts and opinions on the Canon EOS M3

The Canon EOS M3 can be a good everyday camera that you can put in your bag, especially the combination Canon EOS M3 with EF-M 18-55mm lens. From the photographs that I shot and uploaded into Flickr, you can see how it can fit into your daily life, whether leisure or work.

When the Canon EOS M3 was used in my wildlife or action photography outings, there were some challenges. Yet, the Canon EOS M3 was still able to produce some nice photographs of the wildlife that I managed to spot, such as kingfishers, cats, squirrel, cat fish etc.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS M3 is now available at authorised retail stores in Singapore