Canon's EOS M was a good first-try mirrorless, compact APS-C camera that fell a bit short. After withholding the EOS M2 for other markets, the M3 comes to the United States after two generations of much-needed improvements. Those features, however, just might launch the platform into best-in-class territory -- at least on paper.
The EOS M3 is well situated with a large, APS-C sensor, this time with six million additional pixels for a total of 24 megapixels. The new sensor, combined with the Digic 6 processor, provides an ISO range of 100-12,800 (expandable to 25,600). Naturally, the EOS M3 handles 1080p@24/30 video beautifully, thanks mostly to that large sensor and processor combination. A moderate frame-rate of 4.2fps won't suit you for a series of shots of the same speeding bullet, but it's more than fast enough to feel "not slow."
Additionally, the M3 improves on the focusing speed of the original EOS M by a factor of six (not a typo) with a 49-point phase- and contrast-detection autofocus system -- finally, there's hope (especially considering the original's focus could be improved, but was far from completely atrocious).
The EOS M3 also features ergonomic improvements, including a tilting touch screen, an improved grip that extends out from the body slightly, and dual rear and front adjustment dials for faster manual or semi-manual operation (which DSLR shooters should love).
These, alongside built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, may all seem like standard additions included in any decent APS-C point-and-shoot; but combine them with the build quality I experienced in the EOS M and an appropriate-if-substantial price of $679.99 for the body, and we just might have a serious contender for best overall point-and-shoot.
The EOS M3 is available for pre-order from B&H today for $679.99 body-only or in any of the following configurations:
EOS M3 w/ 18-55mm Kit (Black) -- $799.99
EOS M3 w/ 18-55mm Kit (White) -- $799.99
EOS M3 w/ 18-55mm and 55-200mm Kit (Black) -- $1,049.00
Today's EOS M3 announcement brings with it the announcement of three new EF-M-mount lenses. The EF-M 22mm f/2 STM ($249.99), EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM ($399.99), and EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM ($349.99) are all newly available for pre-order as well. The last two in the list include image stabilization while all lenses feature Canon's more silent stepping focus motor for quiet AF operation during video recording.
"the EOS M3 handles 1080p@24/30 video beautifully, thanks mostly to that large sensor and processor combination."
Uhm, ok? I love that it's formulated as an achievement. ^^
Canon didn't get the memo? All the competition is 4k now.
I'm not too sure about the best in class comment. Both sony and fuji offer much more for the same price with the a6000 and the xt-10, xe-2.
Canon seems to have released the camera the m1 should have been. Just years later... The companies that have made their name in the mirorless market have shown they're ready to innovate. Canon is still in the "just enough new stuff to keep the company afloat" mode.
The only reason this is interesting is because the 22mm for EOS-M is the best APS-C lens out there, if you ask me. 35mm equiv, fast, sharp, fairly cheap, and remarkably compact. It really is a shame the rest of the system is so underwhelming.
Have you played with the 24mm 1.8 Zeiss for Sony E-Mount? It's absolutely bananas.
I've heard great things, but when I say 'best' I don't simply mean optically, I mean well rounded also. The Zeiss you mention is large and expensive. The Canon 22 is very, very near as good and significantly smaller, lighter, and cheaper.
I sold all my canon stuff 2 months ago (including a M1 used for travel) and switched to Fuji X-T1. I found I could buy the M3 for $550 on ebay for the body & EVF strait from Japan. The X-T1 had awful video rendering so I figured I would keep my 18-55 IS EF-M lens and use the M3 to shoot decent hand held video.
Wow did they improve the M3 over the M1. It is basically a T6i in a compact body with a decent grip. The EVF is ok but pales in comparison to Fuji. It takes great photos as you would expect and the AF really is much better. For the price I paid it was a decent choice for shooting 1080p video. Yes, everyone is moving on to 4k but canon is a very slow moving beast and hence why I ditched their gear and moved to Fuji.
Compare this with my a6000 and you have the beginnings of a great blonde joke... 1080p30fps... 24.2mp 4.2fps... 49 AF points and no EVF? Compare this with a Fuji or Panasonic and you have a classic tragedy... Someone at canon will hang for this.
Maybe something for my wife.
Canon lays an egg...