• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Canon EOS M3 advantages over Panasonic S5 IIX

  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    44 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    366g vs 714g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic S5 IIX advantages over Canon EOS M3

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    5.9K vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    18 months vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon EOS M3

Your purchases support this site

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
  • $548
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Panasonic S5 IIX
Sony A6000
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $548
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Canon EOS M3
Samsung NX3000
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 IIX
Samsung NX3000
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Fujifilm X-E3

Canon EOS M3
Fujifilm X-E3
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Panasonic S5 IIX
Fujifilm X-E3
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Canon EOS M3
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $2430
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $2430
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Canon EOS M3
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • $2000
  • 35mm
Compare Other Cameras?