Canon EOS M3 mirrorless camera info
Canon EOS M3 mirrorless camera
Interchangeable lens compact camera from Canon
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Canon’s 3rd entry into the mirrorless market is aimed at more advanced users. There should also be more EF-M lenses before too long.
Key features:
- A 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, front control dial, Hybrid CMOS AF III AF system and an articulated 3.2″ LCD capable of flipping up by 180 degrees.
- There is also a more pronounced grip, a new DIGIC 6 processor and an exposure compensation dial on the top plate.
- Connectivity includes Wi-Fi with NFC.
- It offers 1080/30p video recording, a hotshoe for optional viewfinder accessory and a built-in pop-up flash.
EOS-M and EOS M2 information is on a different page (they are very similar).
All our mirrorless rumours (from 2009) are now on the Mirrorless camera rumours page. This is where rumour info about additional models and lenses will be placed.

EOS M3 information
This page has full specs and links to reviews and information about Canon’s new ‘Mirrorless camera
EOS M3 Reviews/previews
- Quick look AP
- Hands on DPR
- EOS M3 info Canon UK
- Canon CPN info
- An interesting practical review of using the M3 by Dan Berdal
Headline Specifications
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- EF-M lens mount
- Digic 6 processor
- ISO 100-12800, 25600 (extended)
- 49-point AF (Hybrid CMOS AF III)
- Manual focus with 5x or 1x magnified view and peaking display
- 384-zone evaluative metering
Ordering the EOS-M3
In the UK, Keith gets our new Canon kit from Park Cameras – EOS M3 order<
Latest info
2015 August
27th The M3 is going to be available in the US. Some links, if you’d like one… Adorama | B&H
April
15th An interesting practical review of using the M3 by Dan Berdal
March
17th Updated links above.
11th A Canon interview [DPR] (from CP+) mentions mirrorless.
Q Why no M3 in the USA
A Not my fault, ask Canon USA
February
13th Seems that if you want an M3 in Europe, there is only going to be the kit option (18-55) available.
No other kits, no EVF, no EF adapter… [EM]
7th DPReview ‘hands on’ M3 article.
6th The M3 is launched, but not yet for the US market.
Key features
24.2-million-pixel APS-C CMOS sensor
EF-M lens mount
Digic 6 processor
ISO 100-12800 (standard), 25600 (extended)
49-point AF (Hybrid CMOS AF III)
Manual focus with 5x or 1x magnified view and peaking display
384-zone evaluative metering
Shutter speeds 30-1/4000sec + bulb (electronic first curtain)
2 fps continuous shooting (for 1000 JPEG or 5 raw images)
Exposure compensation +/-3 EV in 1/3 stop increments
3″ 1.04M dot touchscreen, tilts 45° down and 180° up
Built-in flash, GN 5m (ISO100), 18mm coverage
Hotshoe with additional contacts for EVF
Full HD movie recording (30, 25, 24 fps)
5mm stereo microphone socket
Infra-red remote control receiver
Dual axis electronic levels display
Built-in Wi-Fi + NFC
9 x 68.0 x 44.4 mm, 366g with battery and memory card
£599 with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom
EOS M3 specs
Price | |
---|---|
MSRP | £599/€769 (with 18-55mm STM lens) |
Body type | |
Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Body material | Magnesium alloy |
Sensor | |
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 |
Colour space | sRGB |
Colour filter array | Primary colour filter |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 100-12800 (expandable to 25600) |
White balance presets | 6 |
Custom white balance | Yes |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3, DPOF v2.0) Raw (Canon CR2, 14-bit) |
Optics & Focus | |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View |
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
Manual focus | Yes |
Number of focus points | 49 |
Lens mount | Canon EF-M |
Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
Screen / viewfinder | |
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) |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Exposure modes | Scene Intelligent Auto Creative Assist Hybrid Auto SCN Creative Filters Program AE Shutter priority Aperture priority Manual Custom |
Scene modes | Portrait Landscape Close-up Sports Handheld Night Scene Food |
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 |
Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
Drive modes | Program Continuous Self-timer |
Continuous drive | 4.2 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Metering modes | Multi Center-weighted Spot Partial |
Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | No |
Video features | |
Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) |
Format | H.264 |
Microphone | None |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Connectivity | |
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) |
Physical | |
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″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
GPS | None |
Press Information
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 6 February 2015 – Canon today reveals the EOS M3 – a powerful Compact System Camera created for enthusiast photographers who demand premium performance. Fusing Canon’s unrivaled image quality and DSLR-levels of control in a compact body, the EOS M3 offers the ability to capture the world around you in exceptional detail. At the heart of the EOS M3 is Canon’s first 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and its most advanced image processor, DIGIC 6, delivering premium quality stills and Full HD Movies. Combined with super-fast AF performance, thanks to a new Hybrid CMOS AF III and 49-point AF System, this camera gives you the freedom to capture the beauty of movement. As an advanced photographer you’ll find everything you need at your fingertips, with intuitive DSLR-like dials and control, as well as the flexibility to change your lens, all shrunk down into a compact, ergonomic body to take with you wherever you go.
Beauty and power in the palm of your hand
From city skylines and enchanting landscapes, to urban art and eye-catching portraits, the EOS M3 delivers clarity, rich colour and distinctive detail, with every image, using the 24.2 MP sensor. As light starts to fade and dusk descends, the EOS M3 excels, with the sensor’s vast 100-12,800 ISO range providing vivid, realistic and low-noise shots in even the most challenging of light situations.
Constructed for speed, whether you’re shooting an elusive animal on safari, or street performers on a city break, the subject of your shot will be in focus, with the EOS M3’s 49-point AF system and innovative new Hybrid CMOS AF III technology delivering lightning fast performance; focusing up to 6.1x faster than the original EOS M.
Putting you in control – iconic EOS design and controls
The EOS M3 incorporates the quintessential EOS design DNA and is instantly comfortable in the palm of your hand thanks to the fluid design grip. Direct access to a range of controls, including an exposure compensation dial, main control dial and customisable buttons, let you adjust the camera’s settings to suit your shooting style.
For complete framing versatility, the large 7.5cm (3.0”) LCD touchscreen tilts up 180 degrees and down 45 degrees, to help you shoot from all angles, while also making multi-touch gestures a finger tap away. The screen also gives you access to Canon’s intuitive touch menu system found on EOS DSLRs.
The EOS M3 is a camera to make your own, with customisable controls, a hot shoe for Canon’s Speedlite flashes and optional tilt-type electronic viewfinder. Compatibility with EF-M lenses, including a choice of pancake and zoom lenses, means you can shoot any situation. Plus, with Creative Assist, the EOS M3 can be controlled from the touch screen interface, and the effects previewed in real time as you shoot. Settings such as brightness, background blur, vividness of colour, contrast, warmth and filter effects can be altered, and combinations can be saved to be called upon again when you need them, helping you shoot like a pro every time.
Movies worth remembering
Budding movie makers can shoot precious moments in Full HD quality, with a choice of 24p, 25p and 30p frame rates, and MP4, for easy sharing. You can be sure that your favourite people and places will always be in focus, with advanced Hybrid CMOS AF III providing continuous AF. For more experienced shooters, Touch AF gives you the flexibility to select AF points on the LCD even with moving subjects, and create professional-looking pull focus effects. For full control, Manual Movie puts you in the director’s seat, with complete aperture, shutter and ISO control, for stunningly creative results.
Power to control and share
With the power to capture beautiful stills, comes the flexibility to remotely control the camera and transfer images, using integrated Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Ideal for shooting in unusual situations and positions for unique perspectives, remote shooting via the new Camera Connect app lets you control the camera’s key functions. Dynamic NFC enables single touch image transfers to smart devices while the auto-sync functionality means you can upload all your images to Canon’s cloud storage service, irista, for instant back-up and peace of mind.
EOS M3 key benefits:
Performance and creativity, in an EOS you can take everywhere
Be spontaneous. Enjoy fast, responsive focusing
Take control of your photography and watch your creativity grow
Be as imaginative with movies as you are with photos
Remote camera control and image sharing via Wi-Fi
Pricing and availability
The EOS M3 will be available from April 2015 with a RSP of £599.99 / €769.99.
US Press Info
There isn’t any – Canon doesn’t think the US wants such a camera?