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Nikon D5600 vs Canon M3

The Nikon D5600 and the Canon EOS M3 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2016 and February 2015. The D5600 is a DSLR, while the M3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5600
versus
Canon M3
Nikon D5600   Canon M3
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Canon EF-M mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Swivel touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 4.2 shutter flaps per second
970 shots per battery charge250 shots per battery charge
124 x 97 x 70 mm, 465 g 111 x 68 x 44 mm, 366 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5600 and the Canon EOS M3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D5600 and the Canon M3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D5600 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the M3 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, white).

Size Nikon D5600 vs Canon M3
Compare D5600 versus M3 top
Comparison D5600 or M3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon M3 is considerably smaller (37 percent) than the Nikon D5600. Moreover, the M3 is markedly lighter (21 percent) than the D5600. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D5600 nor the M3 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.

Concerning battery life, the D5600 gets 970 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14a battery, while the M3 can take 250 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E17 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 679ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M6 112 mm 68 mm 45 mm 390 g 295 n Feb 2017 779ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 979ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The M3 was somewhat cheaper (by 3 percent) than the D5600 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the M3 is 10 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.5 (D5600) and 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D5600 and Canon M3 sensor measures

Even though the D5600 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the D5600 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 3.72μm for the M3), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the D5600 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 9 months) than the M3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D5600 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The M3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D5600 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS M3 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D5600 versus M3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the D5600 provides substantially higher image quality than the M3, with an overall score that is 12 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 2.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
2.
 
Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.8116972
3.
 
Canon M6 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.6131778
4.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
5.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
6.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
7.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
8.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
9.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
10.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
11.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
12.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
13.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
14.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
15.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D5600 provides a higher frame rate than the M3. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D5600 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the M3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the M3 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D5600 and Canon M3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
3.
 
Canon M6optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
5.
 
Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon T6ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The Nikon D5600 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D5600 and the M3 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

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 Nikon D5600 and Canon EOS M3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
2.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon M6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon T6iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
9.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
10.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
13.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
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Both the D5600 and the M3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The M3 was replaced by the Canon M6, while the D5600 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D5600 and M3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5600 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon M3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D5600 and the Canon M3? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Nikon D5600:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 4.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (970 versus 250) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 9 months after the M3).

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS M3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More compact: Is smaller (111x68mm vs 124x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 99g or 21 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2015).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5600 is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 6 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. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5600 13:06 M3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5600 and the Canon M3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D5600 or the M3. 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

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon M34/5o..75/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2015 679ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M6......80/1004/54/5 Feb 2017 779ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 979ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon D5600 vs Canon M3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D5600 Canon M3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Canon EF-M mount lenses
    Launch Date November 2016 February 2015
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 679
    Sensor Specs Nikon D5600 Canon M3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 332.27 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 26.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 3.72 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 7.22 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 DIGIC 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 84 72
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.1 22.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.0 11.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1306 1169
    Screen Specs Nikon D5600 Canon M3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D5600 Canon M3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 4.2 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D5600 Canon M3
    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 Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon D5600 Canon M3
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Canon LP-E17
    Battery Life (CIPA)970 shots per charge250 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    111 x 68 x 44 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 465 g (16.4 oz) 366 g (12.9 oz)
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