Is the M3 the hard-hitting CSC we’ve all been waiting for, or just another also-ran in the fast-paced mirror less race? Matthew Higgs find out...
While canon has long been at the forefront of the DSLR market, it’s been much more cautious when it comes to CSCs. In fact, up until now, the two-year-old EOS M was Canon’s only UK CSC model, although a Japanese-only EOS M2 was produced in 2013.Meanwhile, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and the other big manufacturers have been marching forward with ever more sophisticated mirror less models.
The original EOS M was capable of decent image quality, but many other aspects of its performance were critically slated. So when the enthusiast M3 was announced recently, claiming a complete redesigned from the inside out, Canon fans were hoping for a hardhitting model that would address all of its predecessor ’s shortcomings. The question is, has Canon done enough to make the M3 a serious contender, and what statement will the camera make about the company’s commitment to the mirror less system?
Main features
At 24.2MP, the M3’s new APS-C CMOS sensor boasts an impressive image resolution, and at the time of print it has the joint highest pixel count of any mainstream Canon camera ever built. That said, it won’t hold this accolade for long – the eagerly-anticipated 5DS R will have a staggering 50.6MP.
While the M3 has an anti-aliasing filter, which eliminates the moiré effect but softens the image slightly, the camera captures an excellent level of detail, suitable for high quality prints up to 20x13in in size. The M3’s image processor has also been updated, now featuring a DIGIC 6 chip.
The native ISO range of 100-12,800 is identical to its predecessor, but an expanded ISO setting of 25,600 is now possible. Strangely, the camera’s burst mode has been reduced from 4.3fps to 4.2fps. While this is undoubtedly due to the larger file sizes produced by the sensor, it is disappointing considering the original Canon M’s burst speed was already behind the curve. Slowing after five RAW files, its capacity for consecutive shots is also frustratingly limited, so this isn’t the best camera for capturing fast action subjects such as pets, children and sports.
Perhaps the biggest criticism levelled at the EOS M was its sluggish autofocus, an issue that must have been right at the front of the minds of Canon’s R&D team as they developed the M3. They responded with the new Hybrid CMOS AF III system that claims a 6x speed improvement. Now with 49 points, it’s noticeably faster, however it still seems slower than most competing CSCs. Plus, as it’s only rated to 2EV, it occasionally struggles to find focus in low light, although the camera’s AF assist lamp does help in these situations. One plus is that its focus points cover a pleasingly large section of the frame and they can be selected via the camera’s touchscreen. Face detection and subject tracking are also present, as is a continuous focusing mode.
The M3 offers four metering options, all of which we found to be highly accurate. These are 384-zone evaluative, centre, spot and centre-weighted average.
Other features & video
For the first time on a Canon CSC the M3’s 3in screen is tiltable upwards by 180° and downwards by 45°, making it easier than ever to capture shots at testing angles or take that all-important selfie. With a 1040k-dot resolution, 30fps refresh rate and 100% frame coverage, composing shots feels naturalon this responsive display. The screen is also touch-sensitive, enabling fingertip focusing and shooting, as well as image playback control. The menu can be navigated via touch too, something that many similar displays often don’t off er.
While the M3 doesn’t have an in-built viewfinder, an external EVF is available to purchase for an additional £249. This is an expensive option for photographers that would have preferred an EVF, but it may be of less concern to others.
Like most newer CSCs, Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) are present on the M3. Via the free EOS remote app available for Android and Apple smart devices, users can remotely control their camera and all essential settings. Speedy image transfer from the camera to these devices is also possible, for fast sharing to social networking sites on the fly.
When it comes to video the M3 is a bit of a mixed bag. Touch focus works well for cinematic pull focus effects, while focus peaking and manual sound control are possible. The kit lens’ image stabilisation is also well suited to video, owing to Canon’s Dynamic IS stabilisation system. However, the camera lacks a headphone input for audio monitoring, and while capable of 1080p recording, its maximum frame rate is only 30fps, limiting the ability to create smooth slow motion footage. While an appealing additional function for photographers, the M3’s movie features aren’t really adequate for serious videographers.
The M3 has ditched the external flashgun that was bundled with its predecessor in favour of a pop-up fl ash on the top-plate. This offers coverage up to 18mm, which is the shortest focal length of the bundled kit lens. An integrated infrared receiver (for which a remote can be purchased separately) enables remote control with the camera from a distance. Battery life is a very disappointing 250 shots from a single charge.
Handling
Slightly larger and nearly 100g heavier than the slimline M2, the M3 is a much more substantial camera. Though more compact than an entry-level DSLR, it still couldn’t really be described as pocketable. A deeper grip and raised thumb rest enable a firm purchase on this ergonomic device, avoiding the unbalanced feel of its predecessor. And the magnesium-alloy chassis and aluminium body help the M3 feel well manufactured and reassuringly robust.
Though officially branded as an enthusiast-level camera, the original Canon M’s controls were more akin to that of an entry-level CSC. All has changed on the M3. A mode dial featuring manual, aperture- and shutter-priority options, as well as the usual range of automatic modes, is now found on the top-plate. An exposure compensation dial and index wheel are also present, allowing quicker adjustments to exposure and settings. Further dedicated buttons that sit alongside the D-pad and thumb dial mean enthusiasts have the kind of access to controls they have come to expect. By pressing the camera’s Quick menu button all other key settings are available for adjustment with a simple touch of the screen. Its options include AF operation, aspect ratio, image quality, self-timer and white balance. The camera also has a custom shooting mode and multiple controls, which allow customised operation or selection of function to suit a personal shooting style.
Logical, intuitive and touch-sensitive, the camera’s menu system is one of its biggest successes. This system, coupled with the camera’s easy-to-use Creative Assist mode, means that professional-looking shots should be easier than ever to achieve.
The verdict
Canon has tried to address the main issues of its original CSC, most notably bringing the AF up to a more usable speed and adding a mode dial and grip. But unfortunately, it has failed to really build upon the area that the EOS M was applauded for – its image quality. While the M3’s handling is better than a lot of competing CSCs, a still sluggish burst shooting mode limits its suitability to those who only shoot static subjects and landscapes. A solid touchscreen system and intuitive semi-auto shooting mode are also welcome features, but are ultimately unlikely to have the competition looking over its shoulder.
With only four EF-M lenses available, it’s hard to see who this camera will win over. Yes, an EF mount adapter is available for £100, but then third-party adapters in a variety of fits are available for most CSCs. If the aim is to entice those with Canon glass, why not supply the mount adapter with the camera for instant access to the biggest range of lenses found on any mirrorless camera?
It’s not that the M3 is bad – it can still hold its own against CSCs fitted with APS-C or smaller sensors – but Canon is still undoubtedly behind the curve. While I’m sure there are Canon users who will enjoy the M3 as a second camera, the brand’s DSLRs are a better choice for most enthusiast users.
There are plenty of excellent CSCs to choose from, many of which offer better value for money. The M3 is a small step in the right direction, but Canon isn’t there yet.
Specs
Camera: Canon EOS M3
Lens: EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Price: £599
Effective resolution: 24.2MP
Sensor: 22.3x14.9mm APS-C CMOS with low-pass filter
Processor: DIGIC 6
LCD: 3in 1040k-dot touch & tilt screen
Viewfinder: None. External EVF available to buy separately
Autofocus: 49-point hybrid
ISO: 100-12,800 (expands to 25,600)
Shooting speed: 4.2fps for 5 RAWs
Video: Full HD (1080p) at 30fps
Pop-up fl ash: Yes
Other features: Wi-Fi, NFC, microphone input, HDMI output
Battery life: 250 shots
Card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Size (WxHxD): 111x68x44mm
Weight: 366g