Our Canon EOS M3 review: a powerhouse with shortcomings

EOS M3
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The Canon EOS M3 is the company’s third mirrorless camera. And it is Canon’s first serious mirrorless camera, with many features and functions that will appeal to the enthusiasts. So, how does the EOS M3 perform and is it right for you?

It seems Canon listened to their customers while developing the EOS M3. Unlike the original EOS M, the M3 gained additional controls, a large grip, and has a 3-inch touchscreen that tilts up (180 degrees) and down (45 degrees). The EOS M3 features a new 24MP APS-C sensor, 49-points Hybrid CMOS III AF system, DIGIC 6 processor, Full 1080p HD video at 24/25/30 fps, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600), a two-level axis, WiFi and NFC connectivity, 4.2 fps, a built-in flash, 14 bit RAW, and a flash hot-shoe that can be used to mount an EVF. The EOS M3 is a powerhouse with shortcomings. Bear with me for the review after the break. I also start We Shoot EOS M, a forum dedicated to all EOS M shooters, and available to other Canon shooters too.

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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM DxOMarked (very good optical performance)

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DxOMark published their lab results for the new Canon [shoplink 29241]EF 50mm f/1.8 STM[/shoplink] lens:

After revamping the original Mark I version with a noticeably lower build, including a plastic mount and no AF distance scale, the [shoplink 173]EF 50mm f/1.8 II[/shoplink] model really didn’t add Canon anything to its reputation as a premium lens maker. It had one redeeming quality, though: its image quality was really very good. The new STM version doesn’t quite match the recently-updated Nikon AFS Nikkor 50mm f1/.8G in its aspirations or price (the Nikkor is available now for around $220); however, Canon has enhanced the look and feel and replaced the old micro-motor with a stepper type. Best of all, the image quality is practically identical and at [shoplink 29241]$129[/shoplink], it remains a steal. Read the review.

 50mm_stm
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM price check: [shopcountry 29241]

Canon Powershot G3 X field test by Imaging Resource

powershot g3 x
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  • 20.2 MP 1 inch CMOS sensor
  • 25x, f/2.8-5.6 optical zoom lens, 24-600mm equivalent
  • ISO 125-12800
  • DIGIC 6 Image Processor
  • 1080p Full HD and Expanded Movie Options
  • Built in Wi-Fi and NFC for instant sharing

Imaging Resource posted a very exhaustive review of the [shoplink 30519]PowerShot G3 X[/shoplink].

From the conclusion:

The Canon PowerShot G3 X delivers high quality images across an impressive range of ISO speeds. With an excellent 24-600mm lens, the G3X offers a focal length range that its direct competitors can’t match at this time. The large touchscreen display is sharp and is an acceptable alternative to a viewfinder in many, but not all, situations. The G3X does many things well and has a lot to offer, but it is not without its drawbacks. The G3X’s autofocus performance excels in good conditions but disappoints in lower light. Despite having an excellent focal length for wildlife images, the slow continuous RAW shooting and less than impressive continuous autofocus hampers the G3X’s ability to capture action, particularly at longer focal lengths.

The review comes with sample pics, high ISO tests, and more. The G3 X is a solid performer, and this review confirms it. It’s just a bit expensive in my opinion, selling at $999.

Canon PowerShot G3 X price check: [shopcountry 30519]

A few Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II sample pictures

EF 35mm f/1.4L II
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Thanks Niklas. Canon China posted a batch of sample pics shot using the new Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens, announced last week. The EF 35mm f/1.4L II is an innovative lens, featuring Blue Spectrum Refractive optics, a technology developed by Canon.

The new Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II will be available in October at $1,799. You can pre-order the new EF 35mm f/1.4L II: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo.

[via Canon China]

Canon EOS M3 sample video and making-of published (and all US pre-order links)

Today Canon announced they will introduce the Canon EOS M3 to the US market. To accompany the event, Canon released a sample video shot using the [shoplink 29518]EOS M3[/shoplink] and a score of lenses (EF-M and EF/EF-S). The video above is the sample movie itself, below (after the break) you can watch the making-of of the video, and find all the pre-order links.

[shoplink 29518]eos m3[/shoplink]
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Canon EOS 5Ds R thoughts by Ming Thein

eos 5ds r
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Ming Thein posted the last part of his Canon EOS 5Ds R long-term review. He compared the [shoplink 27766]EOS 5Ds R[/shoplink] to the [shoplink 29228]Nikon D810[/shoplink] (and other cameras).

Ming Thein is a Nikon shooter. He tested the EOS 5Ds R, and says:

It is clear to me that neither Nikon nor Canon can claim to be decidedly superior at the moment, each with their own strengths and weaknesses – much like their equivalent lens lineups. Canon lacks Nikon’s new f1.8G primes, but Nikon lacks all of the special purpose stuff and some of the zooms – there is no 17 TSE, for starters. There’s no question that if I were a Canon shooter, I’d be very happy at the moment: you have a tool that’s miles ahead of anything else in the system, can hold its own against the competition most of the time, and can pull ahead if the conditions are right. If I shot only subjects under which I could satisfy those conditions – in a studio, or perhaps landscape or architecture – it would be very easy to justify a complete switch.

And: “Since my glass investment is already F mount, it is with great sadness, I have to bid the 5DSR goodbye. I’m missing it already“. There is more. Considerations, comparisons, beautiful sample pictures. Read the review.

Canon EOS 5DS: [shopcountry 27765] | Canon EOS 5DS R: [shopcountry 27766]