Canon EOS M3 to be released March 26 in Japan

The Canon EOS M3 will go on sale on March 26 in Japan, according to Akihabara News. Four kits will be available (Amazon JP):

• EOS M3 body only – around ¥56,800
• EF-M18-55IS STM Lens Kit – around ¥71,800
• Double Lens Kit (with EF-M18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM / EF-M22mm F2 STM lenses) – around ¥85,800
• Double Zoom Kit (EF-M18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM / EF-M55-200mm F4.5-6.5 IS STM lenses) – around ¥96,800

Unfortunately it appears to be true that the EOS M3 will be available in Europe only as kit with the EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens (Amazon Italy, Amazon Germany, Amazon UK). You can pre-order the M3 also at DigitalRev (ships internationally). DigitalRev’s price at checkout is inclusive of all taxes and customs for customers from Asia and the EU (and possibly a better price than Amazon), for customers from the US taxes depend by the state. Detailed M3 specification can be read here. A round-up of hands-on and previews:

• Size comparison with the EOS M at Camera Size
• Canon Japan page about the Creative Assist feature
• Sample pictures at Canon UK
• EOS M3 page at Canon Europe
• EOS M3 page at CPN
• Lots of product pics here (Japanese)
• Hands-on at Trusted Reviews
• Preview at C|Net
• Preview at Pocket-lint
• Hands-on at Quesabesde (Spanish)
• Hands-on at What Digital Camera
• Hands-on at Photography Blog
• Product pictures and size comparison with M2 at Kakaku (Japanese)
• First independent sample pics.
• Hands-on in Italian