Unveiled: Canon Finally Brings the EOS M3 to the USA

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In 2012, Canon made its first and lone mark on the mirrorless camera market with the EOS M. Succeeding the M was the M2, and eventually the M3. However these new models were available only in select countries outside the United States. Three years later—now—the EOS M3 is being announced officially in the US as the formal successor to the EOS M, bringing with it essentially two generations of improvements, along with new lenses and accessories.

Among the most significant upgrades to the M3 is the new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which brings both an update to the sensor itself, as well as a noticeable 6.2MP bump in resolution. Complementing the sensor is the also new DIGIC 6 image processor, which pairs with the sensor to avail a native sensitivity range to ISO 12800, which can be expanded to ISO 25600; cleaner image quality with reduced noise; a top shooting rate of 4.2 fps for up to 1,000 JPEGs or six raw files; and the ability to record full HD 1080p/30 video in the MP4 format.

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Up to 6.1x faster AF is also possible, compared to the original M, thanks to the new Hybrid CMOS AF III system. This autofocus system features on-chip phase-detection focusing along with a 49-point array that covers roughly 75% of the image frame for fast, accurate focusing performance, and a tracking setting that helps to ensure sharp focus on moving subjects. Manual-focus users are also benefited by the inclusion of MF peaking, along with 5x and 10x magnifications for easier fine-tuning when focusing critically.

From its exterior, the M3 takes on a new appearance that is characterized by a more ergonomic grip, mode and exposure compensation dials, a pop-up flash, and a 3.0" 1.04m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD that can tilt 45° downward or 180° upward for selfies. The optional EVF-DC1 electronic viewfinder can also be added to this model via the hot shoe, as well as optional Speedlites with E-TTL II support. The M3 also features built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for easy connecting of a smartphone or tablet for wireless image sharing or remote camera control.

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A variety of creative shooting modes are featured with this new model, including a Creative Assist mode that, using the touchscreen interface, gives you control over producing creative effects and helps you to learn the settings used to achieve the shot. Full manual shooting is also possible, which can also be used when recording movies. Additionally, a 3.5mm mic jack is incorporated into the body's design for enhanced audio quality when working with an optional external mic.

The EOS M3 Mirrorless Digital Camera is available as a body only in black; in a kit with the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens with black or white body; or in a kit with a black body, the 18-55mm lens, and the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens. Accessories being announced for the M3 include the ACK-E17 AC Adapter Kit, which lets you power the camera from an AC outlet and the EM-200DB Neck Strap, which is a replacement strap for the one included with the body.

Rounding out Canon's US release of the EOS M3, the company is also bringing the complete EF-M lens lineup to the US. Adding to the existing lenses announced in the US with the original M, the wide-angle zoom EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the telephoto zoom EF-55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM add versatility to the system for working from near to far. The 11-22mm offers a 17.6-35.2mm equivalent focal-length range, while the 55-200m provides an 88-320mm equivalent range. Both lenses feature STM stepping AF motors for smooth, near-silent performance that is especially beneficial to video recording. Optical Image Stabilizer systems are also featured in both, which help to compensate for three stops of camera shake with the 11-22mm and 3.5 stops of camera shake with the 55-200mm. In addition to these two new lenses, a silver-finished version of the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM lens will also be available. Dedicated lens hoods for both the 11-22mm and 55-200mm lenses have also been announced, as well as a new 55mm lens cap and 55mm clear protection filter. 

Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.	Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.	Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.