Canon M3
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Bump to 25600)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Canon EF-M Mount
- 366g - 111 x 68 x 44mm
- Announced February 2015
- Renewed by Canon M6
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
85 Imaging
65 Features
76 Overall
69
Canon M3 summary
Canon M3 is Canon's Entry-Level Mirrorless digital camera first introduced on February of 2015. The camera includes a 24MP, CMOS APS-C sized sensor and has a max resolution of 6000 x 4000.
Canon brought out the updated Canon M6 (Read Full Comparison) as a way to update this model.
The M3 is ranked #27 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and overall #175 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. You should use our Advanced camera filter to find camera results based on your customized factors.
Below is a diagram of multiple factors used in the rating system.
Canon M3 history
The Canon M3 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the detailed range underneath.
Canon M3 Gallery
You can check the M3 from several angles in the gallery underneath.
Canon M3 Pros and Cons
Below is a list of good and bad points of the Canon M3 based on features which are oftentimes considered important in a digital camera.
Canon M3 Sensor info
The Canon M3 features the DIGIC 6 processor chip. The measurement of the sensor on the Canon M3 is 22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C). The 332 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 6000 x 4000 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.
Photography GlossaryThe CMOS sensor boasts 24MP and features a standard ISO range of 100 to 12800. This ISO can also be expanded electronically to a high of 25600. RAW photos are saved which means that the user has wider margin for error.
The picture underneath illustrates the M3's sensor dimensions when compared to other popular sizes. The M3 sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.6 and is shown in green.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthTo get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Canon M3 dimensions
Canon M3 has a weight of 0.81 pounds (366 gr or 12.91 ounces) and the volume of the camera is 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7"). The weight of typical Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 gr and the Canon M3 is more heavy in comparison with its competitors.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsUnderneath is a shot of the Canon M3 next to a soft drink so you're able to have a sense of its scale.
The top view under will provide the button arrangement on the M3.
Canon M3 Lens info
The M3 works with the Canon EF-M mount and has 26 lenses on sale. Below is some of the lenses we have in our collection which will fit the M3.
Canon M3 Connectivity
The M3 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- NFC Yes
- HDMI Yes
Digital cameras that incorporate NFC and Bluetooth connectivity are able to be controlled wirelessly via smartphones. You can easily transfer images and at times change settings with no need to connect physically to the camera.
Many applications even allow a Liveview and hit the shutter when you are not near the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI out, it can easily be connected to an external monitor. Most cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack with the USB port.
Canon M3 Video info
The max video quality on the Canon M3 is 1920 x 1080 and it can shoot in H.264 file format. 1080p quality gives you an excellent balance between video quality versus file sizes but 1080p isn't going to leave you with much room to crop. Although the camera features a mic port, it is missing a headphone port which means that you won't be able to keep an eye on your audio levels.
Canon M3 Weather Sealing
There is no environment sealing for the Canon M3 so you need to be careful in wet and dusty conditions.
Canon M3 Screen and Viewfinder
The Canon M3 includes a 3" tilting screen supporting a resolution of 1,040k dots.
The screen is selfie friendly to shoot self portraits and even group shots if required. Additionally the screen is touch friendly which means that you can easily set focus points as well as change settings with your fingers.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe ViewFinder details regarding Canon M3 are the following:
- ViewFinder Electronic (optional)
In those sunny outdoor conditions which make the camera displays washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders will be very useful.
Canon M3 Shutter info
Canon M3 continuous shooting rate is 4.2 frames/s. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000s.
Canon M3 Flash and Hot shoe info
Canon M3 boasts both in-built flash plus external flash support.
Canon M3 Autofocus info
Canon M3 boasts both Phase Detect Auto Focus along with Contrast Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot faster and accurate in comparison with Contrast Detect focusing. The camera includes Face detection which is helpful for people photography.
It includes 49 focus points to pick from. Canon M3 has touch to focus. You are able to use your fingers to change where you focus. It also includes Tracking Auto Focus for moving things. Canon M3 has manual focus when needed during low light conditions or you need to have more exact control on focus.
Canon M3 Battery life
The battery pack (LP-E17) for the Canon M3 is made to last for 250 pictures with respect to the CIPA benchmarks which is lower compared with its competition. The usual Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 features the maximum (750) battery life within this range of cameras.
Underneath is a listing of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras having the strongest battery life:
Canon M3 for specific kinds of photography
The following diagram gives a rundown of the Canon M3 for specific kinds of photography. To look at more, browse to the specific section underneath.
Portrait photography with Canon M3
The Canon M3 gets a rating of 79 which is very high, and means the camera is a outstanding pick for portraits. Shooting portraits favors greatly towards sensor specs, support for RAW files together with the capability to work with external lighting.
Canon M3 Street photography highlights
Having a terrific points total of 79, the Canon M3 is a awesome option to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of image quality and portability.
Canon M3 as a Sports photography camera
A above average sports photography points total of 61 indicates the Canon M3 is a very decent choice for taking pictures of sports. A camera really should have good tracking and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Canon M3 as a Travel photography camera
Portability is very important in choosing a travel camera. In general, the Canon M3 gets a nice 73 for a travelling camera which makes it a fine choice to take on your travels.
Canon M3 Landscape photography details
When you're planning to buy a camera for landscape pictures, the most vital aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Canon M3 at it's above average score of 67 as a landscape camera is a good option amongst its competition.
Vlogging with Canon M3
A vlogging camera should really have a moving display screen, mic port and ideally image stabilization. Taking all things into account, the Canon M3 is a excellent pick as a vlog camera as it receives a outstanding rating of 80.
Canon M3 Alternatives
If you are in the market for replacements to the M3, here is a range of the highest ranked cameras that fall into the class of Entry-Level Mirrorless.
The diagram here will give you an overview of the M3 vs it's highest rated competitors mentioned above.
There are more cameras you may see as alternate options. To go through a detailed comparison, just click on the "compare" link.