Canon EOS M3 Mirrorless Camera Kit with EF-M 18-55mm Image Stabilization (is) STM Lens – Wi-Fi Enabled (Black)

My primary camera is a Canon 6D, backed up by a 7D Mark II. I’ve been an amateur photographer since the mid 1960’s and shot with Leica, Minolta and Contax film cameras before moving to my first Canon digital point and shoot in 2000. I switched to a Canon 10D in 2004 and thought that I’d never use anything other than a DSLR since then. Even so, from time to time I would look at different point and shoot cameras and think about having a smaller, lighter alternative that I was more likely to carry with me. Like most photographers, there have been times when an opportunity presented itself and I wished I’d had a camera with me. Even with the vast improvement in cell phone cameras I wished for more control over exposure, depth of field, etc.My first experience with mirrorless cameras was with the Olympus OM-D E-M10. That is a great little camera, but I found the IQ – while very good – to not measure up to the Canon M3 and the Fujifilm line of mirrorless cameras and I decided not to try the higher end 4/3 cameras. I’ve been very impressed by the IQ of the Canon M3, including at high ISO values. I’ve tried several of the EF-M lenses and have been impressed with their quality as well (including the 18-55mm kit lens). I’ve also tried the adapter with some of the smaller Canon lenses and have been impressed with the quick focus and image quality.This camera won’t replace my DSLR (and maybe I’ll have enough money someday to move up to one of the 5D’s), but the size and weight are fantastic for the images I’ve seen so far. I’ve also bought the Fuji X-Pro2 and am very impressed, but I see it as more of an alternative to DSLRs given its size and the size and weight of some of its lenses. Don’t get me wrong, I love the X-Pro2 and already have some great images from it, but it can’t beat the M3 for size.I’ve included a shot of Johnson grass to show how well the camera focused on the grass that the wind was blowing all over the place against a busy background; a shot of some horses that I took from my truck and that I took quickly as I pulled to the side of the road because I wasn’t sure when another vehicle might come along; and a shot of a sunset sky to show how well the camera performed at higher ISOs (in this case 2500). I’ve also included two photos showing the size comparison between the M3 with the adapter and an EF 40mm pancake lens compared to the Canon 6D with the 24-70mm f/2.8 II and to the Fuji X-Pro2 with the 16mm f/1.4 WR.The M3 isn’t a “pocket camera”, but it’s about as small as you’re going to get and still be able to change lenses and control aperture, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, etc. I carry this camera or the Fuji (or sometimes both) with me just about all the time. It fits nicely in the center console of my truck when I have to leave it behind. I’ve found the best bag for this camera and two or three lenses and accessories to be Think Tank’s Urban Approach 5. I initially thought I’d miss the view-finder, but it really hasn’t been a big problem so far. I might still buy one, but it’ll sort of defeat my purpose for this system – which is small and light and great IQ. A definite five stars for a very compact mirrorless camera.