CANON EOS R10 OVERVIEW
Canon likes designing broad-purpose cameras, and the new EOS R10 got our attention right after being announced. This friendly camera can be easily defined as a compact and affordable piece of equipment with a precise intention in mind, delivering outstanding levels of (a) shooting speed, (b) autofocus capabilities, and (c) video performance under the $1,000 price range ($979 to be precise).
Despite its affordable price tag, the Canon EOS R10 shouldn't be considered a basic or entry-level camera. It aims to be a powerful step-up for content creators currently using entry-level cameras. And in particular, a very intuitive step into the interchangeable-lens camera systems for those currently shooting mainly with smartphones.
Quick Overview
Canon's EOS R10 comes with a pretty novel smaller APS-C size image sensor, with 24.2 megapixels. In short, we consider this as an affordable camera setup with a more compact and lighter form factor which enables Canon to enlarge their current full-frame RF lens line-up. Along with the EOS R10, two new RF-S lenses have also been announced, the RF-S18-45mm and RF-S18-150mm lenses; both will be discussed further in this overview.
Quality-wise, Canon promises a stunning still-image performance with up to 15 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and faster ratios when the electronic shutter is selected. This camera comes with some pretty interesting autofocus abilities which include subject detection for people, animals and vehicles. Along with that, the autofocus tracking mode allows the camera to follow a subject around the picture area in a precise and fluid way.
With the new smaller APS-C size sensor, any attached lens acts more potent than the marked focal length would indicate by effectively turning a lens like the RF100~400mm ƒ/5.6~8.0 into a super-telephoto lens. And as you might have already guessed by now, the video performance in this camera is exquisite. This includes uncropped 4K at up to 30 frames per second, oversampled from 6K, along with 10-bit, 4:2:2 HDR-PQ recording for greater tonal range without extensive color grading. In case that wasn't enough, the same autofocus with the subject and eye detection is also available when shooting film. Assuring that all of our footage keeps quality as expected.
Said that let us dig deeper into all this camera has to offer to us!
Imaging Power
After revisiting various of their latest releases, we can conclude that Canon has finally embraced portability when it comes to designing its cameras. The EOS R10 is a sleek mirrorless camera which emphasizes mobility without sacrificing capability.
The hybrid concept behind this camera's development enables both photo and video worlds to coexist at our fingertips. It brings a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and DIGIC X Processing to the well-consolidated R system, along with high-speed shooting, intelligent autofocus, and superb 4K video recording for a complete multimedia workflow.
With extremely balanced resolution, the APS-C CMOS sensor delivers a fine blend of file size, speed, low-light performance and resolution. As file sizes are friendly enough to allow for quick continuous burst shooting and extended video recording, this sensor is perfect for general visual tasks from stills to UHD 4K recording. And borrowed from the EOS R3 system, Canon's EOS R10 features a DIGIC X image processor to calculate a florid array of high-speed tasks ranging from continuous shooting to high-res footage recording.
As mentioned above, the EOS R10 is capable of shooting a continuous burst of 23 frames per second (with electronic shutter) and 15 frames per second (with mechanical shutter). These both with outstanding autofocus and auto-exposure readings before each recorded frame. Last but not least, the imaging processor helps the camera to reach a broad ISO range from 100 to 32,000. And for difficult lighting conditions, it can be expanded up to ISO 51,200. Maybe this could be interpreted as a standard, but we need to remember that this is a camera below the $1,000 mark.
How Does Shooting It Feels?
Intuitive could be the best way to describe how using this camera feels. It has a familiar construction almost like one of those Rebel cameras from Canon which made us all fall in love with photography. It features a nicely built and brightly clear 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder for high-resolution eye-level viewing with a 0.95x-magnification factor which delivers fast processing for virtually no lag and a quick 120-fps refresh rate for realistic and vivid motion portrayal.
It also comes with a generous 3.0" vari-angle LCD for working with any angle you could think of, high, low, front, you name it. Complemented by a touchscreen interface and a clear 1.04m-dot resolution, the LCD vari-angle screen is perfect for vivid playback and live view monitoring. And the single SD memory card slot is rated for UHS-II card speeds to support fluent 4K video recording and high-speed continuous shooting.
This takes us to the next point, Video!
UHD 4K Video Recording
Beyond still images, the sensor built-in Canon's EOS R10 also delivers high-resolution UHD 4K 8-bit recording. Also allows us to record at up to 60p while using a still-generous cropped portion of the sensor or at 30p when using an oversampled 6K recording area for improved sharpness, reduced moiré, and lower noise. And, for slow-motion playback, 120p recording is supported at up to Full HD resolution.
HDR-PQ recording is possible as well for in-camera HDR production in 10-bit and external recording, via the micro-HDMI port This supports a clean 4K output and unlimited recording times as well. And the R10 features an external microphone port and a multi-function shoe for a wide variety of accessories for coping the camera. Interestingly enough, the Dual Pixel AF II's low-luminance limit focuses down to an impressive -4 EV for accurate focusing even in nighttime conditions.
Following the popular EOS R3, the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system features 651 automatic focusing points covering the entire (100%) sensor area, for faster, more responsive, and more precise focusing performance. Such a phase-detection focusing system is also enhanced for subject detection and tracking, with the ability to intelligently recognize not only people but animals and vehicles while automatically locking and tracking them on the scene. All this while remaining sharp focus throughout burst captures.
Flexible Connectivity
Both wired and wireless connectivity options are available within the EOS R10 camera system, allowing for multiple methods of file transferring. Not only videos and photos but remote controlling the camera as well for several creative purposes. Physically, the camera comes with a USB-C port along with a micro-HDMI bay and a 3.5mm microphone jack to benefit video recording.
Regarding wireless connectivity, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available for both transferring and remote control of the camera. A next-generation Multi-Function Shoe adds a row of pins to the frontal design to allow for a more significant accessory functionality and to provide power for those accessories which traditionally relied on separate batteries, really nice!
Also, the updated shoe is compatible with select accessories, including the ST-E10 Speedlite Transmitter, DM-E1D Stereo Microphone, and AD-P1 Smartphone Link Adapter, as well as the AD-E1 Multi-Function Shoe Adapter to provide compatibility with legacy shoe-mounted accessories.
What About Lenses?
First, the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens was announced at $299.99. Over the years, the urge for getting out hands around multiple optics to get creative has negatively impacted the perception of kit lenses for sure. These gentle pieces of gear are fantastic for those still exploring the world with their camera and looking for a personal voice amidst the enormous amount of photographic possibilities.
Whether you like photo or video, or both, the 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 focal length happens to be just perfect for the general shooting needs. Embrace every single moment around your life with a lens that happens to be great for a wide and tight framing. With a handy zoom range and close focusing capabilities, this APS-C lens for the EOS R-series is useful for everyday lifestyle situations. Its 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer adds needed versatility to help overcome camera shake, even in dimly lit situations.
Worry no more about having to use flash when you have 4-stops of image stabilization to hand. For sure and steady shots this lens has you covered, with even more compensation on offer when used with compatible cameras. A powerful STM motor allows smooth, quiet and accurate focusing for creative control. Get the bokeh of your dreams with the seven-blade, circular f/4.5-6.3 aperture, perfect for artistic highlights.
Ideal for travel, family and even vlogging. Compact, lightweight and best of all, quiet; that's how we would describe this little friend. This is a perfect starter lens for contemporary exploration, capturing life in all its glory with a precise APS-C zoom which packs in a 29-72mm (35mm equiv.).
And don't forget getting a good-looking camera bag to stow it away.
Expand your photographic skills by experimenting with manual focusing and by getting closer with a higher magnification in manual focus mode. A perfect solution for capturing subjects in detail and closeness; up to 15cm with a 0.25x magnification to be precise. And in case you wonder about it, the combined weight of the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM and an EOS R10 APS-C mirrorless camera offers significant weight savings compared to a DSLR equivalent. Less weight means less tiresome, leading us to never missing a moment!
And if you are craving something a bit longer, then the RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM could be a perfect companion for your shooting needs. At $499.99, this optic will allow us to reach further with no more lenses to swap, or at least not that many. It is a light and compact EOS R-series APS-C zoom offering a 4.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer plus a powerful 18-150mm (29-240mm 35mm equivalent.) range for stunning images both near and far.
We can think of this piece of equipment as the next-step kit-lens for your brand-new EOS R10 camera. To introduce us to the RF-S lens line, Canon has designed the RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM as an ideal all-around lens for creative stills and movies. It combines legendary Canon Optics with a versatile zoom range and quiet operation for flexibility on the go and has been designed with smaller APS-C sensors in mind, and when attached to a full-frame EOS R camera, automatically enables the 1.6x crop mode.
In crop mode, it offers 100% Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus coverage for APS-C sensors and 80% Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus coverage for Full Frame sensors. Delivering remarkable performance for everyday use, the lead screw-type stepping motor (better known as STM) helps to ensure smooth autofocus and quiet operation, enabling us shooters to capture videos with crisp audio and minimal background noise.
Oh, and the Optical Image Stabilization provides up to 4.5 stops of shake correction, and up to 6.5 stops with Coordinated IS! This advanced image stabilization can result in sharper photos with minimal blur, even in low-light situations. For landscapes, portraits, sports, videos and everything in between, this intuitive lens provides great versatility with its magnificent optics, comprehensive zoom range and flexible design.
Who is this Camera For?
This could be a nice gift (or self-gift) for those in need of a camera for travelling or for exploring the wonders of visual content creation. Also, this camera is a perfect imaging solution for those currently making content with their smartphones and looking to take their craft more seriously. Shooting with smartphones could impose some limitations regarding focal lengths and audio quality, and having a dedicated device like a mirrorless camera could significantly improve the content to come.
Of course, there are even more powerful alternatives, but unless one is 100% sure that one wants to be a professional content creator, the healthier roadmap is to improve in a step-by-step fashion or way. Talent aside, accessories are highly responsible for creating content that matters. And this is the main reason why investments are more secure when aimed at them rather than camera bodies. So if you find this relatable, think of this camera as the gateway opportunity for a more solid repertoire of visual tools.
