Canon EOS M vs Nikon V3

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Canon EOS M vs Nikon V3

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APS-C 332.3mm²
18.0 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Canon EOS M Review.
How does it shoot? Canon EOS M in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the EOS M.
Compare Canon EOS M image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon EOS M conclusion.

1 inch 116.2mm²
18.4 megapixels
ISO 160 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Nikon V3 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon V3 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the V3.
Compare Nikon V3 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon V3 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Canon EOS M3
Compare EOS M vs EOS M3
Compare Canon EOS M3 vs Nikon V3

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Differences

Canon EOS M advantages over Nikon V3

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 1 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.30 vs 2.52 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
EOS M test data on DxO Mark V3 test data on DxO Mark

827 vs 384 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Higher extended ISO
25600 vs 12800 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon V3 advantages over Canon EOS M

Eye-level viewfinder
Eye-level vs Rear display only
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Fast startup
~2.00 vs 2.7 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

310 vs 230 shots
Capture more photos
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Less shutter lag
0.07 vs 0.74 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Faster JPEG shooting
60.0 fps vs 4.2 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
40 vs 13 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
60.0 fps vs 4.4 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
40 vs 6 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
On-sensor phase detect
Both provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read EOS M User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read V3 User Reviews

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Nikon V3

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Review Excerpt

Excellent image quality similar to Rebel T4i, T5i and SL1 DSLRs, with 18-megapixel APS-C-type sensor delivering considerable resolution for a mirrorless camera; Solid build and sleek design; Bright, high-resolution 3-inch LCD touchscreen monitor; Full 1080p HD video recording that's virtually silent with an STM lens.
Barely acceptable autofocus speed still lags far behind most mirrorless cameras despite firmware update fix; Limited physical controls and buttons, including no Program, Priority, or Manual on Mode dial; Lacks built-in flash or electronic viewfinder option; Only two compact EF-M mount lenses currently available.
Read our Canon EOS M Review

Very compact for an interchangeable-lens camera; Generous kit includes lens, high-res electronic viewfinder and accessory grip; Good image quality for the sensor size; Amazing burst performance; Lightning-fast autofocus; Intuitive touch-screen makes focusing a snap
Smaller sensor than most rivals limits possibilities for available-light shooting; Program mode opts for wide-open aperture most of the time; Limited dynamic range; Noisy shadows; Below-average battery life; Pricey when considering its image quality
Read our Nikon V3 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-C3

$600
APS-C

Touchscreen
On-sensor phase detect

$559
APS-C

Lens selection
In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon EOS M vs Sony NEX-C3

Nikon V3

Sony NEX-C3

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Touchscreen

$559
APS-C

Lens selection
Larger sensor

Compare Nikon V3 vs Sony NEX-C3

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-5N

$600
APS-C

Less expensive
Touchscreen

$700
APS-C

Lens selection
Larger sensor

Compare Canon EOS M vs Sony NEX-5N

Nikon V3

Sony NEX-5N

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Touchscreen

$700
APS-C

Lens selection
Larger sensor

Compare Nikon V3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-5R

$600
APS-C

Less expensive
External Mic Jack

$499
APS-C

Lens selection
Focus peaking

Compare Canon EOS M vs Sony NEX-5R

Nikon V3

Sony NEX-5R

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Internal flash

$499
APS-C

Lens selection
Focus peaking

Compare Nikon V3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Nikon J3

Canon EOS M

Nikon J3

$600
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$617
1 inch

Internal flash
Lighter weight

Compare Canon EOS M vs Nikon J3

Nikon V3

Nikon J3

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Touchscreen

$617
1 inch

Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon V3 vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon AW1

Canon EOS M

Nikon AW1

$600
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$797
1 inch

Waterproof
In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon EOS M vs Nikon AW1

Nikon V3

Nikon AW1

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Touchscreen

$797
1 inch

Less expensive
Waterproof

Compare Nikon V3 vs Nikon AW1

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