Canon EOS R10: an attractive APS-C hybrid that looks like a small SLR

To celebrate the arrival of the smallest APS-C sensors (1.6x conversion ratio vs. full frame) in its RF mount for mirrorless cameras, Canon is launching two boxes. The first, the EOS R7, is aimed at an audience of enlightened amateurs looking for a fast camera for wildlife or sports photos. The second, aka the EOS R10, is more modest and accessible. In addition, while hybrids typically differ more radically from their SLR counterparts, which are typically lighter and smaller, this one retains many of the aesthetics of the Tokyo firm’s entry/mid-range SLRs.

A mini reflex?

Thus, the EOS R10 is very similar to the EOS 250D from the front, where it is the same weight (approximately 430-450 g) and the same size. The EOS R10 is rather shallower and means its large RF mount which, like the Z mount on the Nikon Z50 or Z fc, impresses with such small devices. Under the frame, in the handle gap, a switch for focus is also included. It is powered by a button that allows you to switch between the functions of the configurable RF lens ring.

The EOS R10 also benefits from a joystick and a touch screen in a ball joint, which is always practical. The connection is fairly standard with a micro-HDMI socket, a jack port for the microphone (but no headphone output) or even a USB-C port for charging. The viewfinder definition is a little behind 2.36 Mpts, which is a fair bit of 2022. The photographer can also count on an SD card slot on the UHS-II. The device finally has a small retractable flash.

Almost a new sensor

Under the hood there’s a 24.2MP sensor that, though not new, is already in place “new” naugmad. In all likelihood, it could be close to the EOS 850D reflex. Its sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32,000 ISO and it is possible to extend it up to 51,200 ISO. However, it lacks mechanical stabilization, unlike the EOS R7. So you have to rely on a large aperture with fixed focal lengths or stabilized zooms to limit camera shake.

Sacred display of explosions

The EOS R10 stays fast, more so than most of its peers, with bursts of up to 15 fps on the mechanical shutter and 23 fps on the electronic shutter (buffers to almost 120 shots), all with human tracking, animals (body, face and eyes) and vehicles. It doesn’t look very good, but can be interesting for anyone who wants to try their hand at sports or wildlife photography. Like the EOS R7, it can even exceed this limit at 23 fps with a “raw burst” mode that allows image capture (with tracking) within half a second before the trigger. We can go up to 30 fps, in raw only and with 25% planing in the image.

4K 60p with CUT OFF

For video, this Canon can capture footage up to 4K UHD and 30 fps (oversample from 6K) and no cropping. You can also get 4K at 60 fps, but with 1.56x image yield. For slow motion at 120 fps, you need to switch to 1080p. The 30 min recording time limit is no longer valid, the R10 can hold up to 2 consecutive hours.

The Canon EOS R10 also offers a panorama mode that includes continuous recording at 5 fps with editing done directly on the body, as offered by smartphones.

Price and availability

The little Canon EOS R10 will go on sale from the end of July 2022. Naked, it will cost you 979 €. It will also be available in two kits: the first with RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM zoom for € 1099; the second with RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM for € 1379. In any case, for a limited time and stocks, and like the EOS R7, all R10s come with an adapter ring for the EF SLR lens.

At € 1,000 bare, the EOS R10 comes in direct confrontation with sometimes less ambitious products, such as the Nikon Z50 and Z fc, or the Sony Alpha 6400 (A6400), or even offering the same features as of the Fujifilm X-S10,-which is however distinguished by its stabilized sensor.