Canon's January camera announcements may be dominated by the jaw-dropping 50.6-megapixel 5DS, but the other big news is the company's return to compact system cameras. The EOS M3 upgrades to a new 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and Hybrid CMOS III autofocus system, more enthusiast-friendly control system and touch-sensitive articulated screen, which should give it a welcome edge over the original EOS M.
Canon has opted for a more traditional camera shape for the M3, adding a chunky grip on one side, a command dial on the top and a small pop-up flash that can be tilted to bounce light when shooting indoors. The 3in screen flips up 180 degrees for an obligatory selfie shooting mode. There's no electronic viewfinder, although you can add an external one (or a more powerful flash) using the standard hotshoe mount.
Inside, that 24-megapixel sensor is capable of ISO 100-12,800 shooting, exandable to ISO 25,600, while the AF system has a 384-zone metering system and 49 AF points. According to Canon, it should be six times faster than the EOS M1 at locking onto subjects - a much needed improvement, as the orignal was painfully slow.
Video support is reasonable, with Full HD recording at a choice of 24p, 25p or 30p, along with touch AF support using the touchscreen for quiet refocusing. THe EOS M3 also includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick smartphone pairing. Canon's app lets you control the shutter remotely, transfer images from SD card to smartphone, or upload directly to social networks.
The EOS M3 might be the third Canon CSC, but it will only be the second to make it to the UK - the EOS M2 was limited to Japan only. As with the original EOS M, the M3 is compatible with Canon's EF-M mount lenses. That currently means a choice of four; an 11-22mm f/4-5.6, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, 55-200mm f.4.5-6.3 and 22mm f/2 prime. That's not a huge amount of choice, particularly compared to Micro Four Thirds systems from Panasonic and Olympus, or even newcomer Samsung's NX-mount lens system. Of course, an EF adapter will let you use any standard Canon EF lens.
Even ignoring lens choice, we aren't totally convinced the EOS M3 has what it takes to compete with compact system cameras from the likes of Sony, Fuji and Samsung just yet; despite the improved sensor and (hopefully) faster shot-to-shot times, the massive lens means it's barely any smaller than Canon's entry-level dSLR.
This is purely based on a spec sheet, however; as soon as we get hold of the EOS M3 in person we'll be sure to bring you some first impressions to see how it stacks up against the competition, and whether it can shake off the stigma that the EOS M1 threw on Canon's CSC range.
The Canon EOS M3 will be going on sale in the UK from April onwards, with prices starting from £599 for a kit including the 18-55mm zoom lens.