Following a decidedly ho-hum reception to its EOS M mirrorless interchangeable lens camera in 2012, Canon decided not to even release its follow-up, the M2, in the US. And when its successor, the M3, rolled out across Asia and Europe earlier this year, it looked like Canon was ready to give up on the US mirrorless market for now. However, the firm has announced the 24-megapixel shooter will finally get a US release later this year.
Arriving several years late to the mirrorless party, Canon's EOS M cameras, have struggled to gain traction against established mirrorless players like Sony, Fujifilm and Olympus. This situation has not been helped by devices which have arguably been designed and specified not to cannibalize Canon's DSLR sales. But the firm appears to think the EOS M3 could turn around its mirrorless fortunes, and after receiving a better reception than previous models in Europe and Asia, the camera will land in the US in October.
For those who've not paid too much attention to the EOS M3, it's a compact-styled mirrorless camera which uses tech from Canon's entry-level DSLRs, including a 24.2-megapixel APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) CMOS sensor and a 49-point Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system, which is much improved on than in previous generations. The camera also rocks a DIGIC 6 image processor, and while it's designed for Canon's EF-M interchangeable lenses, it can also use EF and EF-S glass with an optional adapter.
Other key specs include front and rear control dials to allow users full manual control, and a 3-inch tilting touchscreen which boasts 1,040k dots and can be flipped 180-degrees for selfie-shooting. There's also Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 30 fps and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for sharing images or wireless remote control options. While there's no viewfinder, an optional EVF can be added via the hot-shoe.
The Canon EOS M3 will arrive in the US from October in black and white options. It will cost US$680 body-only, or $800 with a 18-55-mm lens. A two-lens bundle including a 18-55-mm and 55-200-mm will set you back $1,050.
Product page: Canon EOS M3
