When Canon first introduced the EOS M3 back in 2015, I was intrigued by their attempt to create a compact mirrorless camera that could compete with the growing market. Fast forward to 2020, and Canon released the EOS M50 Mark II, an improved version of their already popular M50. Having spent considerable time with both cameras, I’m here to break down everything you need to know about the Canon M3 vs M50 Mark II debate.
Quick Comparison: Canon M3 vs M50 Mark II at a Glance
| Feature | Canon EOS M3 | Canon EOS M50 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 6 | DIGIC 8 |
| Autofocus | 49-point AF | 143-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 25600) | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Burst Shooting | 4.2 fps | 10 fps (7.4 fps with AF tracking) |
| Video | 1080p at 30fps | 4K at 24fps, 1080p at 60fps |
| Viewfinder | None (optional accessory) | Electronic viewfinder (2.36M dots) |
| Screen | 3.0″ tilting touchscreen (1.04M dots) | 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen (1.04M dots) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
| Battery Life | 250 shots | 305 shots |
| Weight | 366g | 388g |
| Launch Price | $649 (body only) | $599 (body only) |
Design and Build Quality: Evolution in Design
The first thing you’ll notice when comparing these cameras is the difference in their design philosophy. The Canon M3 features a more traditional compact camera design with a prominent grip but no built-in viewfinder. I remember when I first picked up the M3, I was impressed by how solid it felt despite its compact size.
The M50 Mark II, on the other hand, has a more DSLR-like appearance with a built-in electronic viewfinder and a slightly bulkier body. During my time with both cameras, I found the M50 Mark II’s ergonomics to be superior, especially for extended shooting sessions. The grip is deeper and more comfortable, and the overall balance feels better when mounted with larger lenses.
Both cameras feature plastic bodies with metal mounts, but the M50 Mark II feels more refined and better put together. I’ve taken both cameras on numerous trips, and while the M3 held up well, the M50 Mark II inspires more confidence with its slightly more robust construction.
One design aspect where the M50 Mark II clearly wins is the inclusion of a built-in electronic viewfinder. With the M3, you need to purchase an optional external viewfinder (EVF-DC1) if you want one, which adds to the cost and bulk. I discovered that having a built-in viewfinder makes a huge difference in bright sunlight when the screen can be difficult to see.
Sensor and Image Quality: Subtle Differences
At first glance, both cameras seem to have similar sensors – the M3 has a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the M50 Mark II has a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor. However, the real difference lies in the image processors: the M3 uses the older DIGIC 6 processor, while the M50 Mark II uses the more advanced DIGIC 8.
In my experience, this processor difference translates to several noticeable improvements in the M50 Mark II:
- Better High ISO Performance: The M50 Mark II produces cleaner images at higher ISO settings. I found that images shot at ISO 3200 on the M50 Mark II were comparable to those shot at ISO 1600 on the M3 in terms of noise.
- Improved Dynamic Range: The M50 Mark II captures slightly more detail in both highlights and shadows, giving you more flexibility in post-processing.
- Better Color Science: Colors straight out of the camera look more natural and pleasing on the M50 Mark II, especially skin tones.
I took both cameras out for a portrait session on a bright sunny day, and while both delivered excellent results, the M50 Mark II’s images required less post-processing to achieve the look I wanted. The colors were more accurate, and there was more detail in the shadow areas of backlit shots.
Autofocus Performance: Night and Day Difference
This is where the two cameras differ most significantly. The Canon M3 uses a 49-point contrast-detect autofocus system, which was decent for its time but feels dated now. The M50 Mark II, on the other hand, features Canon’s excellent 143-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.
In real-world use, this difference is enormous. I found the M3’s autofocus to be serviceable in good light but frustrating in challenging conditions. It would often hunt for focus in low light and struggled with moving subjects.
The M50 Mark II’s autofocus is in a completely different league. It’s faster, more accurate, and performs much better in low light. I was particularly impressed with its eye detection autofocus when shooting portraits – it consistently locked onto my subject’s eye, even when they were moving.
During a recent sports photography session, the difference became even more apparent. With the M3, I ended up with a lot of slightly soft images as the camera struggled to keep up with the action. The M50 Mark II, however, captured sharp shot after shot, even with athletes moving quickly toward or away from the camera.
Video Capabilities: A Generation Apart
The video capabilities of these two cameras highlight the technological gap between them. The Canon M3 can record 1080p video at up to 30fps, which was acceptable in 2015 but feels limiting today.
The M50 Mark II, on the other hand, offers 4K video recording at 24fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. This opens up a lot more creative possibilities, especially for content creators and vloggers.
I tested both cameras for video work, and the difference is striking. The M50 Mark II’s 4K footage is noticeably sharper and more detailed than the M3’s 1080p. Additionally, the M50 Mark II offers improved autofocus during video recording, with smooth subject tracking that the M3 simply can’t match.
One limitation to note with the M50 Mark II’s 4K video is the 1.6x crop factor, which means you’ll need wider lenses to achieve the same field of view as you would in 1080p mode. I discovered this when trying to use my favorite EF-M 22mm f/2 lens for vlogging – in 4K mode, it became equivalent to a 56mm lens, which was too tight for most situations.
User Interface and Controls: More Intuitive Operation
Both cameras feature touchscreens, but there are significant differences in their implementation and overall user interfaces.
The Canon M3 has a 3.0″ tilting touchscreen with 1.04 million dots. It’s reasonably responsive but lacks the flexibility of the M50 Mark II’s fully articulating screen. I found myself wishing for a vari-angle screen on numerous occasions when shooting from awkward angles with the M3.
The M50 Mark II features a 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen with the same resolution. The ability to flip the screen out and rotate it in multiple directions makes it much more versatile for vlogging, self-portraits, and creative compositions.
In terms of controls, the M50 Mark II has a more traditional DSLR-like layout with a dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and more customizable buttons. I found this layout more intuitive and faster to operate, especially when making quick adjustments in the field.
The M3’s interface feels more simplified, which might be beneficial for beginners but becomes limiting as you grow more experienced with photography. I remember feeling frustrated by the lack of direct access to key settings on the M3, something that’s much improved on the M50 Mark II.
Battery Life: Modest Improvement
Battery life is never a strong suit for compact mirrorless cameras, but the M50 Mark II does offer a modest improvement over the M3. The M3 is rated for approximately 250 shots per charge, while the M50 Mark II can manage around 305 shots.
In real-world use, I found that both cameras would typically require a battery change during a full day of shooting, especially if I was using the LCD screen extensively or shooting video. The M50 Mark II does have a slight advantage here, but it’s not dramatic.
My recommendation for either camera is to invest in at least one spare battery. Both use the same LP-E12 battery, which is relatively small and affordable, making it easy to carry spares.
Connectivity Options: Keeping Up with the Times
The Canon M3 offers Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, which was standard for its time. These features allow you to transfer images to your smartphone and control the camera remotely.
The M50 Mark II builds on this with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity. The addition of Bluetooth is particularly useful as it allows for a constant low-power connection between the camera and your smartphone, making it quicker to transfer images when needed.
I found the M50 Mark II’s connectivity to be more reliable and faster than the M3’s. The Bluetooth connectivity means you don’t have to reconnect to Wi-Fi every time you want to transfer images, which saves time and frustration.
Both cameras work with Canon’s Camera Connect app, but the experience is smoother on the M50 Mark II. I’ve used both cameras to share images on social media while traveling, and the M50 Mark II’s improved connectivity made the process much more seamless.
Also Read: Lumix GX1 vs GM1
Price and Value: Considering the Landscape
When it was released, the Canon M3 had a launch price of $649 for the body only. The M50 Mark II, released five years later, had a launch price of $599 for the body only, making it technically cheaper at launch despite offering significantly more features.
Today, both cameras can be found on the used market at much lower prices. The M3 typically sells for around $200-300 used, while the M50 Mark II usually commands $400-500.
The question becomes: which camera offers better value? In my opinion, the M50 Mark II is worth the additional cost for most users. The improvements in autofocus, video capabilities, and overall user experience are substantial and make it a much more capable camera.
However, if you’re on a very tight budget or primarily shoot stills in good lighting conditions, the M3 still offers solid performance and image quality at a lower price point.
Who Should Buy Which Camera?
The Canon M3 is Perfect For:
- Beginners on a tight budget
- Photographers who primarily shoot stills in good lighting
- Those who don’t need advanced video features
- Users who prefer a more compact camera body
- Photographers coming from compact cameras looking to step up
The Canon M50 Mark II is Ideal For:
- Vloggers and content creators
- Photographers who need reliable autofocus
- Those who shoot in challenging lighting conditions
- Users who want 4K video capability
- Photographers who value a built-in viewfinder
- Anyone looking for a more versatile all-around camera
My Personal Experience with Both Cameras
I’ve had the pleasure of using both the Canon M3 and M50 Mark II extensively over the years, and each has earned a special place in my camera collection.
When I first got the M3, I was impressed by its image quality and compact size. It was my go-to travel camera for several years, and I captured some beautiful memories with it. I remember a trip to Italy where the M3’s compact form factor allowed me to capture candid street scenes without drawing attention to myself.
However, as my photography evolved, I started to feel the limitations of the M3. The autofocus system became frustrating when trying to capture my kids playing sports, and the lack of a viewfinder was challenging in bright sunlight.
When the M50 Mark II was released, I was initially hesitant to upgrade, but I’m glad I did. The improved autofocus system alone transformed my photography. I could finally capture sharp action shots of my kids, and the eye detection made portrait sessions so much easier.
I also discovered a new passion for vlogging with the M50 Mark II. The vari-angle screen and improved video capabilities made it easy to create content for my YouTube channel, something that was much more challenging with the M3.
That said, I still find myself reaching for the M3 on occasion, especially when I want to travel extremely light. Its smaller size and weight make it perfect for those situations when every ounce counts.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After countless hours with both cameras, I can confidently say that both the Canon M3 and M50 Mark II are capable cameras that can produce beautiful images. However, they serve different needs and budgets.
For most photographers, especially those who value autofocus performance, video capabilities, and a more versatile shooting experience, the Canon M50 Mark II is the clear winner. It represents a significant technological leap forward and offers features that make it relevant in today’s photography landscape.
However, if you’re on a very tight budget or have very basic photography needs, the Canon M3 still offers solid performance and excellent image quality for its price. It’s a capable camera that can serve as a great entry point into the world of interchangeable lens cameras.
It’s also worth noting that Canon has officially discontinued the EF-M mount system, which both cameras use. This means that while you can still find EF-M lenses on the market, there won’t be any new lenses released for this system. If you’re planning to invest heavily in lenses, you might want to consider Canon’s newer RF mount cameras instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon M50 Mark II worth the extra money over the M3?
In my opinion, absolutely. The improvements in autofocus, video capabilities, and overall user experience make the M50 Mark II a significantly more capable camera that will serve you better as your photography skills grow.
Can the M3 shoot 4K video like the M50 Mark II?
No, the Canon M3 is limited to 1080p video at up to 30fps, while the M50 Mark II can shoot 4K video at 24fps and 1080p at up to 60fps.
Do both cameras use the same lenses?
Yes, both cameras use Canon’s EF-M mount lenses, so they’re fully compatible with the same lens ecosystem.
How does the low-light performance compare between the two cameras?
The M50 Mark II performs significantly better in low light thanks to its newer DIGIC 8 processor, which produces cleaner images at higher ISO settings.
Is the autofocus system the same on both cameras?
No, the M3 uses a 49-point contrast-detect autofocus system, while the M50 Mark II features a much more advanced 143-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.
Which camera is better for vlogging?
The M50 Mark II is much better for vlogging due to its vari-angle screen, improved autofocus during video recording, and 4K video capability.
Can I use the same batteries and accessories for both cameras?
Yes, both cameras use the same LP-E12 batteries and are compatible with many of the same accessories, though the M50 Mark II has a slightly different body design that may affect some accessories.
Which camera is better for beginners?
While both cameras are suitable for beginners, the M50 Mark II offers more room to grow as your skills develop. Its more intuitive controls and better autofocus make it easier to get good results as you learn.
Also Read: Sony A6700 vs Fujifilm X-T4
Pro Tips for Canon M3/M50 Mark II Users
- Customize Your Buttons: Both cameras offer customizable buttons. Take the time to set them up according to your shooting style for quicker access to frequently used settings.
- Invest in Prime Lenses: The EF-M 22mm f/2 and EF-M 32mm f/1.4 are excellent prime lenses that can significantly improve your image quality, especially in low light.
- Use the Electronic First Curtain: Enable this feature in the menu to reduce shutter shock and get sharper images at slower shutter speeds.
- Update Your Firmware: Canon periodically releases firmware updates that can improve performance and add new features. Make sure your camera is running the latest firmware.
- Consider the Adapter: If you already own Canon DSLR lenses, the EF-EOS M adapter allows you to use them on these cameras, though autofocus performance may be slower.