Shoot Like a Pro: Canon EOS 700D vs Canon EOS M3 with EF-M 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM – Which Camera is Right for You?

Choosing the perfect camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the realm of beginner-friendly DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are the Canon EOS 700D and the Canon EOS M3 paired with the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. Both offer compelling features and cater to different shooting styles, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two cameras, examining their key specifications, performance, and overall value, to help you make an informed decision.

A Look at the Contenders: Canon EOS 700D vs Canon EOS M3

The Canon EOS 700D, released in 2013, is a well-established DSLR known for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance. Its successor, the Canon EOS M3, launched in 2015, represents a significant leap forward in the mirrorless camera market, boasting advanced features and a compact form factor. Let’s break down their key features:
Canon EOS 700D:

• Sensor: 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Autofocus: 9-point cross-type AF system
• Shooting Speed: Up to 4 frames per second
• Video: 1080p at 30fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and NFC
• Viewfinder: Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage
• LCD: 3-inch swiveling touchscreen with 1.04 million dots

Canon EOS M3:

• Sensor: 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Autofocus: Hybrid CMOS AF system with 49 points
• Shooting Speed: Up to 4 frames per second
• Video: 1080p at 60fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and NFC
• Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1.04 million dots
• LCD: 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1.04 million dots

Image Quality: A Detailed Comparison

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Canon EOS 700D excels in low-light performance thanks to its larger sensor size, resulting in cleaner images with less noise. However, the Canon EOS M3 boasts a higher resolution of 24.2 megapixels, delivering sharper images with more detail, particularly when printing or cropping.
Dynamic Range: The Canon EOS M3 has a slightly wider dynamic range compared to the EOS 700D, meaning it can capture more detail in both highlights and shadows. This advantage is particularly noticeable in high-contrast scenes.
Color Reproduction: Both cameras produce accurate and vibrant colors, but the Canon EOS M3’s color rendition is slightly more natural and pleasing, especially in skin tones.

Performance: Speed and Responsiveness

In terms of performance, the Canon EOS M3 takes the lead. Its Hybrid CMOS AF system provides faster and more accurate autofocus, particularly when shooting moving subjects. The EOS 700D’s autofocus system, while reliable, is noticeably slower and struggles with tracking fast-moving objects.
Continuous Shooting: Both cameras offer a continuous shooting speed of up to 4 frames per second, which is sufficient for capturing most everyday moments. However, the EOS M3’s faster autofocus system makes it more effective for capturing action shots.
Buffer Depth: The Canon EOS M3 boasts a larger buffer depth, allowing it to capture more images in continuous shooting mode before slowing down. This is beneficial for photographers who need to capture a burst of images.

Video Capabilities: A Comparison of Features

Both cameras offer Full HD video recording, but the Canon EOS M3’s video capabilities are superior. It supports 1080p recording at 60fps, providing smoother footage and more creative options for slow-motion effects. The EOS 700D is limited to 30fps, which can be a drawback for filmmakers.
Audio: The Canon EOS M3 features a built-in stereo microphone, which captures clearer and more balanced sound compared to the EOS 700D’s mono microphone. This is a significant advantage for videographers who want to capture high-quality audio.
Manual Controls: The Canon EOS M3 offers more manual control over video settings, including aperture and shutter speed, allowing for greater creative flexibility.

Design and Ergonomics: A Matter of Preference

The Canon EOS 700D boasts a traditional DSLR design, with a comfortable grip and well-placed controls. Its optical viewfinder provides a more natural viewing experience compared to the Canon EOS M3’s electronic viewfinder. However, the EOS M3’s compact and lightweight design makes it more portable and easier to carry around.
LCD Screen: Both cameras feature a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, but the EOS M3’s tilting screen offers greater flexibility for shooting from different angles. The EOS 700D’s swiveling screen is also useful, but it doesn’t allow for as much versatility as the EOS M3’s tilting screen.
Connectivity: Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy image transfer to smartphones and tablets.

Lens Options: A Wider World for the EOS 700D

The Canon EOS 700D has access to a vast range of Canon EF lenses, offering unparalleled versatility and creative possibilities. The Canon EOS M3, on the other hand, relies on the EF-M lens system, which is still growing but offers a limited selection of lenses compared to the EF system.
Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This lens is a good all-around choice for everyday photography, offering a versatile zoom range and good image quality. However, it lacks the sharpness and low-light performance of some of the higher-end EF lenses available for the EOS 700D.

The Verdict: Which Camera Wins?

Choosing between the Canon EOS 700D and the Canon EOS M3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Best for: Beginners who want a traditional DSLR experience, photographers who prioritize low-light performance and access to a wide range of lenses.
• Strengths: Excellent low-light performance, wide lens selection, comfortable grip, optical viewfinder.
• Weaknesses: Slower autofocus, limited video capabilities, older technology.

Canon EOS M3:

• Best for: Beginners who prefer a compact and portable camera, photographers who prioritize image quality, speed, and video capabilities.
• Strengths: Faster autofocus, higher resolution, better video capabilities, compact design, tilting LCD screen.
• Weaknesses: Limited lens selection, electronic viewfinder can be distracting in bright light.

Beyond the Comparison: Finding the Right Fit

While the Canon EOS 700D and Canon EOS M3 offer distinct advantages, there are other factors to consider when making your final decision.

• Budget: The Canon EOS 700D is typically more affordable than the Canon EOS M3, especially when considering the cost of lenses.
• Shooting Style: If you prioritize low-light photography and access to a vast lens selection, the Canon EOS 700D is a good choice. If you value portability, speed, and video capabilities, the Canon EOS M3 is a better option.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that you enjoy using the most. Consider trying out both cameras before making a decision.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are excellent choices for beginners. The Canon EOS 700D is more user-friendly and has a traditional DSLR interface, while the Canon EOS M3 is more compact and offers a more modern shooting experience.
Q: Is the Canon EOS M3’s electronic viewfinder a drawback?
A: The Canon EOS M3’s electronic viewfinder can be distracting in bright light, but it offers a number of advantages, including real-time exposure and focus information.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS M3 offers superior video capabilities, including 1080p recording at 60fps, a built-in stereo microphone, and more manual control over video settings.
Q: Is the Canon EOS 700D still a good camera in 2023?
A: While the Canon EOS 700D is an older camera, it is still a capable device that can produce excellent images. However, it lacks some of the features and performance of newer cameras.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Canon EOS M3’s compact and lightweight design makes it a better choice for travel photography. However, the Canon EOS 700D’s wider lens selection and better low-light performance can also be advantageous for travel photography.
Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that fits your needs and budget. By considering the factors discussed in this blog post, you can make an informed decision and choose the camera that will help you capture stunning images and memories for years to come.