Canon M3 vs M6
The Canon EOS M3 and the Canon EOS M6 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2015 and February 2017. Both the M3 and the M6 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their sensors, their features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
![]() |
![]() |
|
Canon M3 | Canon M6 | |
Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera | |
Canon EF-M mount lenses | Canon EF-M mount lenses | |
24 MP, APS-C Sensor | 24 MP, APS-C Sensor | |
1080/30p Video | 1080/60p Video | |
ISO 100-12800 (100-25600) | ISO 100-25600 | |
Viewfinder optional | Viewfinder optional | |
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots | 3.0" LCD, 1040k dots | |
Tilting touchscreen | Tilting touchscreen | |
4.2 shutter flaps per second | 9 shutter flaps per second | |
250 shots per battery charge | 295 shots per battery charge | |
111 x 68 x 44 mm, 366 g | 112 x 68 x 45 mm, 390 g |
Body comparison: Canon M3 vs M6
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon M3 and the Canon M6 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.



If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon M3 and the Canon M6 are of equal size. However, the M6 is markedly heavier (7 percent) than the M3. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M3 nor the M6 are weather-sealed.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life (CIPA) |
Weather Sealing (yes/no) |
Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon M3» | 4.4 in | 2.7 in | 1.7 in | 12.9 oz | 250 | n | Feb 2015 | 679 | - | Canon M3 | ||
Canon M6« | 4.4 in | 2.7 in | 1.8 in | 13.8 oz | 295 | n | Feb 2017 | 779 | Canon M6 | |||
Canon M50« » | 4.6 in | 3.5 in | 2.3 in | 13.8 oz | 235 | n | Feb 2018 | 779 | Canon M50 | |||
Canon T7« » | 5.1 in | 4.0 in | 3.1 in | 16.8 oz | 500 | n | Feb 2018 | 449 | Canon T7 | |||
Canon 77D« » | 5.2 in | 3.9 in | 3.0 in | 19.0 oz | 600 | n | Feb 2017 | 899 | Canon 77D | |||
Canon M100« » | 4.3 in | 2.6 in | 1.4 in | 10.7 oz | 295 | n | Aug 2017 | 499 | Canon M100 | |||
Canon G7 X Mark II« » | 4.2 in | 2.4 in | 1.7 in | 11.3 oz | 265 | n | Feb 2016 | 699 | Canon G7 X Mark II | |||
Canon M5« » | 4.6 in | 3.5 in | 2.4 in | 15.1 oz | 295 | n | Sep 2016 | 979 | Canon M5 | |||
Canon G5 X« » | 4.4 in | 3.0 in | 1.7 in | 12.5 oz | 210 | n | Oct 2015 | 799 | Canon G5 X | |||
Canon M10« » | 4.3 in | 2.6 in | 1.4 in | 10.6 oz | 255 | n | Oct 2015 | 499 | - | Canon M10 | ||
Canon T6i« » | 5.2 in | 4.0 in | 3.1 in | 19.6 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2015 | 749 | - | Canon T6i | ||
Canon G7 X« » | 4.1 in | 2.4 in | 1.6 in | 10.7 oz | 210 | n | Sep 2014 | 699 | - | Canon G7 X | ||
Canon M« » | 4.3 in | 2.6 in | 1.3 in | 10.5 oz | 230 | n | Jul 2012 | 599 | - | Canon M | ||
Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The M3 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the M6, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison: Canon M3 vs M6
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
Technology-wise, the M6 uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 7) than the M3 (DIGIC 6), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the M3 and the M6 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the M6 is much more recent (by 2 years) than the M3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time.
The Canon EOS M3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS M6 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon M3» | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 11.8 | 1169 | 72 | Canon M3 | |
Canon M6« | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | - | - | - | - | Canon M6 | |
Canon M50« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/24p | - | - | - | - | Canon M50 | |
Canon T7« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/30p | - | - | - | - | Canon T7 | |
Canon 77D« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.6 | 13.3 | 971 | 78 | Canon 77D | |
Canon M100« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.5 | 12.9 | 1272 | 78 | Canon M100 | |
Canon G7 X Mark II« » | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | - | - | - | - | Canon G7 X Mark II | |
Canon M5« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.4 | 12.4 | 1262 | 77 | Canon M5 | |
Canon G5 X« » | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | - | - | - | - | Canon G5 X | |
Canon M10« » | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.2 | 11.4 | 753 | 65 | Canon M10 | |
Canon T6i« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 22.7 | 12.0 | 919 | 71 | Canon T6i | |
Canon G7 X« » | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 556 | 71 | Canon G7 X | |
Canon M« » | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.1 | 11.2 | 827 | 65 | Canon M |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the M6 provides a faster frame rate than the M3. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the M3 is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison: Canon M3 vs M6
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The M3 and the M6 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the EVF-DC1 for the M3 and the EVF-DC2 for the M6 – are available as accessories. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon M3, the Canon M6, and comparable cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution ('000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Shutter speed (1/sec) |
Shutter flaps (1/sec) |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon M3» | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 4000 | 4.2 | Y | n | Canon M3 | |
Canon M6« | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 4000 | 9.0 | Y | n | Canon M6 | |
Canon M50« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 4000 | 10.0 | Y | n | Canon M50 | |
Canon T7« » | optical | n | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 4000 | 3.0 | Y | n | Canon T7 | |
Canon 77D« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 4000 | 6.0 | Y | n | Canon 77D | |
Canon M100« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 4000 | 6.1 | Y | n | Canon M100 | |
Canon G7 X Mark II« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 2000 | 8.0 | Y | Y | Canon G7 X Mark II | |
Canon M5« » | 2360 | n | 3.2 | 1620 | tilting | Y | 4000 | 9.0 | Y | n | Canon M5 | |
Canon G5 X« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 2000 | 5.9 | Y | Y | Canon G5 X | |
Canon M10« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 4000 | 4.6 | Y | n | Canon M10 | |
Canon T6i« » | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 4000 | 5.0 | Y | n | Canon T6i | |
Canon G7 X« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 2000 | 6.5 | Y | Y | Canon G7 X | |
Canon M« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1040 | fixed | Y | 4000 | 4.3 | n | n | Canon M |
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M3 and the M6 write their files to SDXC cards.
Connectivity comparison: Canon M3 vs M6
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS M3 and Canon EOS M6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Type |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon M3» | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon M3 | |
Canon M6« | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | Canon M6 | |
Canon M50« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | Canon M50 | |
Canon T7« » | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon T7 | |
Canon 77D« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | Canon 77D | |
Canon M100« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | Canon M100 | |
Canon G7 X Mark II« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon G7 X Mark II | |
Canon M5« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | Canon M5 | |
Canon G5 X« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon G5 X | |
Canon M10« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon M10 | |
Canon T6i« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon T6i | |
Canon G7 X« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon G7 X | |
Canon M« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon M |
The M6 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the M3 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the M3 was succeeded by the Canon M6.
Review summary: Canon M3 vs M6
So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon M3 or the Canon M6 – has the upper hand? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS M3:
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2015).
Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS M6:
- Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 7 vs DIGIC 6).
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 4.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (295 versus 250) out of a single battery charge.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the M3 launch.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the M6 is the clear winner of the contest (6 : 2 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the M3 and the M6 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews: Canon M3 vs M6
This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The detailed reviews can be accessed by clicking on the site logo in the table header.
Camera Model |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon M3» | rev | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2015 | 679 | - | Canon M3 | ||
Canon M6« | - | 80/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2017 | 779 | Canon M6 | |||
Canon M50« » | Rec | 79/100 | - | - | 3.5/5 | Feb 2018 | 779 | Canon M50 | |||
Canon T7« » | rev | - | 3.5/5 | - | 3.5/5 | Feb 2018 | 449 | Canon T7 | |||
Canon 77D« » | - | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2017 | 899 | Canon 77D | |||
Canon M100« » | Rec | - | 4/5 | - | 3.5/5 | Aug 2017 | 499 | Canon M100 | |||
Canon G7 X Mark II« » | HiRec | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | 699 | Canon G7 X Mark II | |||
Canon M5« » | Rec | 82/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2016 | 979 | Canon M5 | |||
Canon G5 X« » | HiRec | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2015 | 799 | Canon G5 X | |||
Canon M10« » | - | - | - | rev | 4/5 | Oct 2015 | 499 | - | Canon M10 | ||
Canon T6i« » | - | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 749 | - | Canon T6i | ||
Canon G7 X« » | HiRec | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 699 | - | Canon G7 X | ||
Canon M« » | Rec | - | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2012 | 599 | - | Canon M |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Check Ebay offers Canon M6:
Check Amazon price
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 1D Mark IV vs Sony A7R III
- Canon D30 vs Canon 5D Mark IV
- Canon G1 X Mark II vs Canon SL1
- Canon G7 X vs Sony A5000
- Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Panasonic GH2
- Kodak S-1 vs YI M1
- Leica D-LUX Typ 109 vs Leica Digilux 3
- Leica Q Typ 116 vs Leica TL2
- Panasonic GF6 vs Sony RX100 II
- Sony A7 III vs Panasonic GX80
- Sony RX100 VI vs Leica TL2
- Sony WX800 vs Panasonic LX15
Specifications: Canon M3 vs Canon M6
Camera Model | Canon M3 | Canon M6 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Canon EF-M mount lenses | Canon EF-M mount lenses |
Launch Date | February 2015 | February 2017 |
Launch Price | USD 679 | USD 779 |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 22.3 x 14.9 mm | 22.3 x 14.9 mm |
Sensor Area | 332.27 mm2 | 332.27 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 26.8 mm | 26.8 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.6x | 1.6x |
Sensor Resolution | 24 Megapixels | 24 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 pixels | 6000 x 4000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 3.72 μm | 3.72 μm |
Pixel Density | 7.22 MP/cm2 | 7.22 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 1080/60p Video |
ISO Setting | 100-12800 ISO | 100-25600 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100-25600 ISO | no Enhancement |
Image Processor | DIGIC 6 | DIGIC 7 |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 72 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.8 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.8 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1169 | .. |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Viewfinder optional | Viewfinder optional |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0 inch | 3.0 inch |
LCD Resolution | 1040k dots | 1040k dots |
LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | ||
Autofocus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | On-Sensor Phase-detect |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous Shooting | 4.2 shutter flaps/s | 9 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | Build-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Second Storage Option | Single card slot | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | Wifi built-in |
Near-Field Communication | NFC built-in | NFC built-in |
Bluetooth Support | no Bluetooth | Bluetooth built-in |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | LP-E17 power pack | LP-E17 power pack |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 250 shots per charge | 295 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
111 x 68 x 44 mm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.7 in) |
112 x 68 x 45 mm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8 in) |
Camera Weight | 366 g (12.9 oz) | 390 g (13.8 oz) |
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.