Canon has announced it will be updating its entry-level interchangeable lens offerings with a pair of new DSLRs and (in some territories) a new mirrorless camera. The EOS 750D and 760D (or Rebel T6i and T6s if you're in the US) are a pair of Wi-Fi enabled 24-megapixel DSLRs, while the EOS M3, with its hybrid autofocus system, looks to be Canon's best attempt yet at getting into the mirrorless market.
Canon 750D and 760D (Rebel T6i and T6s)
The new EOS 750D and 760D, or Rebel T6i and T6s depending on where in the world you live, are a pair of new entry-level DSLRs from Canon. They share enough specifications to be looked at together, but there are also some important differences worth highlighting, which will no doubt make the slightly higher-end 760D (T6s) stand out from the 750D (T6i) for some users.
Both of the cameras feature a 24.2-megapixel APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) CMOS sensor along with Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor. This means they have a maximum shooting speed of 5 frames per second (fps) which can be maintained for 940 JPEG images, or 8 RAW shots. The cameras also share an ISO range of 100 to 12,800, expandable to 25,600.
The Canon 750D and 760D can both use a 19 cross-type point autofocus system when shooting stills to ensure fast and accurate focusing. They also feature Canon's Hybrid CMOS AF III which can offer smooth focusing and subject tracking, which is handy if using Live View or shooting video, which these cameras can do at Full HD 1080p 30/25/24 fps or HD 720p at 60/50 fps. The 760D has the edge by featuring Servo AF in Live View, which allows continuous tracking of subjects during burst mode shooting sequences.
Moving onto the look of the cameras, and how they are operated, we again see some more differences creeping in. Unlike the 750D, the 760D features a top LCD panel which can be used to display camera settings, this addition has also seen its mode dial moved to the other side of the camera. On the back of the cameras there's also a slightly different button layout, with the 760D boasting a rear Quick Control Dial like those on Canon's more enthusiast EOS models.
Back to the similarities, and both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD touchscreen monitor on the rear with 1,040k dots. These vari-angle screens can be flipped out sideways and twisted around for easy selfie shooting. The cameras also feature built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for sharing images easily and using a compatible smartphone or tablet for remote shooting.
The Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i) is due to go on sale in April for US$750 body-only, or $900 with a EF-S 18-55-mm STM lens, and $1,100 with the EF-S 18-1350-mm STM lens. The 760D (Rebel T6s) will be released at the same time for $850 body-only, or $1,200 with the more versatile EF-S 18-135-mm STM lens.
Canon EOS M3
Along with its new DSLR offerings, Canon has revealed its latest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the Canon EOS M3. Following on from the ill-received EOS M and the EOS M2 which only saw a limited release, it looks like Canon might finally have a device which can compete with the best mid-range mirrorless cameras out there.
The Canon EOS M3 uses a 24.2-megapixel APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) CMOS sensor along with the DIGIC 6 image processor, just like the aforementioned DSLRs. In this case it allows the M3 to shoot at a burst speed of 4.2 fps (for 1000 JPEG or 5 RAW images) and have an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600) making shooting possible in most lighting conditions.
Thanks to using the 49-point Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system which has phase detection pixels built onto the imaging sensor, the M3 should be fast and accurate when focusing. That's not anything you could ever accuse the original Canon EOS M of. In fact, Canon says the M3 is more than six times faster at focusing than the original EOS M.
Full HD 1080p video recording is possible at 30/25/24 fps, while HD 720p video can be shot at 60/50 fps. A Manual Movie option allows control over things like aperture, shutter and ISO control, while Touch AF means focusing can be done via the rear touchscreen. A 3.5-mm stereo mini jack also allows for the connection of an external microphone, which videographers will be pleased about. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are again on hand for transferring content and remote shooting.
The rear 3-inch touchscreen monitor of the EOS M3 has 1,040k dots and can be angled for awkward or selfie shooting. However, if traditional image composition is more your thing, the camera is also compatible with the optional EVF-DC1 electronic viewfinder which has 2,360k dots. The M3 measures 110.9 x 68.0 x 44.4 mm (4.3 x 2.7 x 1.7 in) and weighs 366 g (13 oz.). Using the Canon EF-M mount, there are a limited number of native lenses available for the M3. However, EF and EF-S lenses are also compatible via the optional mount adapter.
The Canon EOS M3 is currently scheduled for release during April in Asia and Europe. It's due to sell for £600, (that's around $915) bundled with a 18-55-mm lens. It's unclear if this one will make it to the US.
Product pages: Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i), 760D (T6s), EOS M3
