Canon EOS M3 / SHOOTING REPORT

We now have the third generation of the EOS M mirrorless camera, the EOS M3. The series has been popular as a camera with a DSRL image quality and the easy handling like a compact camera. This upgrade includes the improved grip, the dials with better operability, the tilting monitor, the new 24-megapixel sensor, and the DIGIC 6 processor. In other words, the operability and image quality have become more DSLR-conscious with this EOS M3, and I feel that Canon wants us to use it as a main camera. Now, let's check the image quality and performance.

( Photography & Text : T.Nakanishi )

Testing how it draws precise high-contrast subjects in the garish summer light. And, I'm happy with the detailed and sharp rendition.

I stopped down a little to shoot the water lilies shining with the backlight. I am not only surprised by the shining leaves without clipping, but also impressed by the rendition of the flower popping with the transmitted light. The dynamic range is impressively wide, while it realizes good contrast.

With the high potential of the camera, it's easy to shoot sharp subject like this one. It's sharp from highlight to shadow. I want to control exposure in a situation like this, and I truly appreciated the new exposure compensation dial that allows more intuitive operation. It was just fun to explore the coolest exposure with the dial. Another feature I appreciated in this kind of situation was the tilting monitor because it is hard to look up without it and I could choose the best angle freely.

The compact body is convenient to handle while eating as well. You can shoot food easily without carrying a big SLR camera.

---

I underexposed the wet leaves to capture the subject more realistically. I shot this image tilting the monitor and stretching my arms. This is the special feature of the EOS M3 and it brings a new perspective to find subjects.

I cropped the misty hill in the early morning with a telephoto zoom lens just like I do with a DSLR camera. And, the rendition of the gradation and the detail are of DSLR quality, too.

---

The mirrorless "EOS" for serious shooting

The mirrorless EOS M3 doesn't even "approach" DSLR cameras. It "ties" for them. This is a mirrorless camera for serious shooting. The predecessors were great cameras, but because of the concept, they appeared to be entry models. The EOS M3, on the other hand, can be used together with a DSLR camera without problem and this means you can use it as a main camera as well. I strongly recommend this camera to someone who is looking for a small camera that takes excellent images and those who want to start serious photography.

( 22.07.2015 )