• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon EOS M3 advantages over Nikon A900

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.72 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon A900 advantages over Canon EOS M3

  • Less expensive
    $397* vs $1049
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 4.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon EOS M3

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon A900

Review Excerpt

  • DSLR image quality & resolution in a mirrorless body; Higher-res 24MP APS-C sensor; Much improved AF performance; Better ergonomics with full PASM dial; Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC; Tilting LCD.

  • No built-in EVF; Limited native lens selection; Slow burst mode; Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; No 60p video frame rate or 4K video option.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A6000

Canon EOS M3
Sony A6000
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon A900
Sony A6000
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $648
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Canon EOS M3
Samsung NX3000
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon A900
Samsung NX3000
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Canon EOS M3
Panasonic ZS60
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon A900
Panasonic ZS60
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Canon EOS M3
Canon SX730 HS
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon A900
Canon SX730 HS
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher-res screen

Compared to Fujifilm X-E3

Canon EOS M3
Fujifilm X-E3
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon A900
Fujifilm X-E3
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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