Canon is finally bringing its third entry in the mirrorless EOS M series to the United States. The Japan-based imaging specialist has launched the Canon EOS M3 in Asia and Europe back in February. On Thursday, the company has announced that its "compact and stylish" digital camera will be heading stateside.
The EOS M3 possesses almost all of the features one can expect from a higher-end camera nowadays. It packs a 24.2-megapixel APS-C-sized image sensor, 49-point Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system, and Canon's innovative DIGIC 6 Image Processor technology.
With those specs, the model can easily replace most entry-level DLSR cameras out there. In fact, all of the above-mentioned features can also be found on the Canon Rebel T6s DSLR. However, the EOS M3 only comes with 12.91-ounce weight as opposed to the Rebel TGs' nearly 20 ounces.
On the other hand, Canon's new mirrorless camera does not offer 4K video recording which is supported by some of its competitors, like the Samsung NX500. It records Full HD (1080p) videos instead and its burst mode can shoot 4.2fps (frames per second).
The Canon EOS M3 lacks a viewfinder so users will have to concurrently check images through the touchscreen display at the back, which is apparently one of its key selling points. The 3.3-inch LCD display can angle outward and can be flipped up to 180 degrees, a practical feature for video bloggers and selfie-takers. The screen can also angle down 45 degrees to allow taking images above the user's head.
The device has a pop up flash which provides additional illumination in dark environments. There are two dials on its upper portion which provide options for adjusting exposure and shooting modes. A hot-shoe slot can be used to attach an optional viewfinder.
In today's fast-paced digital world, users will certainly appreciate the EOS M3's NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity features. Those allow them to connect the camera to their smartphones or tablets and upload the photos immediately to their social media accounts.
Beginners in the world of photography may not have to scramble with the camera's myriad of buttons and settings. Canon's third generation EOS M boasts Creative Assist, a special mode that provides a user-friendly interface where novice photographers can adjust some basic elements of an image. Those familiar with Instagram can easily identify with the mode as they can use the camera's touchscreen to control a photo's brightness, color tone, saturation, background blur, and filters.
The new Canon EOS M3 is scheduled to go on sale in early October. The camera itself, which is available in black or white, will retail for $680. Buyers who will avail of the EON M3 plus the EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens kit will have to shell out $800. There are various lens options, ranging from the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM compact prime lens ($250) to the EF-M 11-22mm wide-angle zoom lens ($400).
