Canon EOS M3 mirrorless compact coming to the US in October

Canon unveiled the third generation EOS M digital camera back in February and, for a time, it seemed that the camera maker was content not to bring it to the US. Half a year later, it has changed course. The new, or not so new, EOS M3 is ready to go stateside, though it won't be until another two months before advanced amateurs will be able to get their hands on one. Along with the EOS M3, three new EF-M interchangeable lenses will also be available to extend the camera's range.

Its latest stab at the mirrorless camera market, Canon's EOS M3 is designed to combine two things that every digital photographer wants to hear in a single camera: DSLR level performance and a compact, mirrorless body. The first part is delivered by a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the latest DIGIC 6 image processor. A 49-point Hybrid AF system promises autofocus speeds 6 times faster than the very first EOS M launched two years ago. Control dials front and back also give that expert feel to the camera, giving photographers full manual control as well as customizable functions.

Of course, as a digital camera, the EOS M3 affords all the convenience of modern technology, like a 3.0-inch 1.04M-dot tiltable LCD screen, built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote control. Plus, compatibility with Canon's EF, EF-S, and EF-M interchangeable lenses extend the camera's reach and features, from wide-angle to telephoto zoom.

Starting early October, the Canon EOS M3, as well as three new EF-M lenses, will sell with the following retail prices.

• EOS M3 only – $679.99

• EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM wide-angle zoom lens – $399.99

• EF-M 22mm f/2 STM compact prime lens in silver – $249.99

• EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM telephoto zoom lens – $349.99

• EOS M3 + EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens kit – $799.99

• EOS M3 + EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens + EF-M 55-200mm IS STM lens kit – $1,049.00

SOURCE: Canon