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Canon M3

 
Canon EOS M3 front
 
  • 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
Portability
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.

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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.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Canon-EOS-M50-Mark-II front thumbnailCanon M50 II
M3 vs M50 II
24MPAPS-C10.0 fps2020
Canon-EOS-M200 front thumbnailCanon M200
M3 vs M200
24MPAPS-C6.1 fps2019
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Canon-EOS-M6-Mark-II front thumbnailCanon M6 MII
M3 vs M6 MII
33MPAPS-C14.0 fps2019
Canon-EOS-M50 front thumbnailCanon M50
M3 vs M50
24MPAPS-C10.0 fps2018
Canon-EOS-M100 front thumbnailCanon M100
M3 vs M100
24MPAPS-C6.1 fps2017
Canon-EOS-M6 front thumbnailCanon M6
M3 vs M6
24MPAPS-C9.0 fps2017
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
Canon-EOS-M10 front thumbnailCanon M10
M3 vs M10
18MPAPS-C4.6 fps2015
Canon-EOS-M3 front thumbnailCanon M324MPAPS-C4.2 fps2015
Canon-EOS-M front thumbnailCanon M
M3 vs M
18MPAPS-C4.0 fps2012

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.

above average minimum ISO (100)
built-in touchscreen
change lenses (Canon EF-M mount)
comes with HDMI socket
comes with mic socket
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
decent sized screen (3")
display is selfie friendly
has a tilting screen
has built in flash
manual focus
NFC connectivity
nice clear screen (1,040 k dots)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports face detect focus
supports phase detect auto focus
supports RAW files
supports touch focus
supports tracking focus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
does not have image stabilization
lack of headphone socket
lack of Time Lapse recording
low frames per second (4.2 frames/s)
not so great battery pack (250 CIPA)
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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 Glossary

The 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.

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To get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Underneath is a shot of the Canon M3 next to a soft drink so you're able to have a sense of its scale.

Canon EOS M3 dimensions scale

The top view under will provide the button arrangement on the M3.

Canon EOS M3 topview buttons dials

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.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Canon-EF-M-18-55mm-f3.5-5.6-IS-STM lensCanon EF-M 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM18-55mmf/3.5-5.6 210g
Canon-EF-M-18-150mm-F3.5-6.3-IS-STM lensCanon EF-M 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM18-150mmf/3.5-6.3 300g
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Kamlan-50mm-F1.1-II lensKamlan 50mm F1.1 II50mmf/1.1600g
Samyang-135mm-F2.0-ED-UMC-Canon-EF-M lensSamyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC135mmf/2830g
Samyang-MF-85mm-F1.4-Mk2-EF-M lensSamyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk285mmf/1.4548g
Canon-EF-M-55-200mm-f4.5-6.3-IS-STM lensCanon EF-M 55-200mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM55-200mmf/4.5-6.3 260g
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7artisans-35mm-F1.2-Canon-EF-M lens7artisans 35mm F1.235mmf/1.2150g
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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.

Photography Glossary

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.

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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.

Canon EOS M3 screen and viewfinder Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The 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.

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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.

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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.

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has manual focus
megapixel count decent (24MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
provides face detect focus
delivers RAW formats

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.

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has a tilting screen
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
features touch focus
lack of image stabilization

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.

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MP count decent (24 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
features tracking autofocus
sensor has phase detect auto focus
slow frames per second (4.2 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
not so great battery life (250 shots)

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.

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has focus by touch
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
flash built-in
selfie friendly display
no Timelapse function
bad battery pack (250 CIPA)

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.

Photography Glossary
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Canon EF-M mount)
screen is a good size (3")
megapixel count good (24 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
saves RAW files
does not have image stabilization
terrible battery (250 shots)
doesn't have Timelapse function

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.

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selfie friendly display
touchscreen
offers face detect focusing
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
comes with microphone port
does not have image stabilization

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Canon
Model
Canon EOS M3
Category
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Announced
2015-02-06
Physical type
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor Chip
DIGIC 6
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
22.3 x 14.9mm
Sensor surface area
332.3mm²
Sensor resolution
24MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution
6000 x 4000
RAW pictures
Highest native ISO
12800
Highest enhanced ISO
25600
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points
49
Lens
Lens mounting type
Canon EF-M
Total lenses
23
Focal length multiplier
1.6
Screen
Type of screen
Tilting
Screen diagonal
3"
Screen resolution
1,040k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic (optional)
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
72
DXO Color Depth score
22.8
DXO Dynamic range score
11.8
DXO Low light score
1169
Features
Min shutter speed
30s
Max shutter speed
1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate
4.2 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
5.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options
Auto, on, off, slow synchro
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
366 grams (0.81 pounds)
Dimensions
111 x 68 x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7")
Other
Battery life
250 images
Battery type
Battery Pack
Battery model
LP-E17
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots
1
Pricing at release
$481