Canon EOS M10 Review

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Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Canon EOS M10
Resolution:	18.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	APS-C (22.3mm x 14.9mm)
Kit Lens:	3.00x zoom 15-45mm (24-72mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	No / LCD
Native ISO:	100 - 12,800
Extended ISO:	100 - 25,600
Shutter:	1/4000 - 30 sec
Max Aperture:	3.5 (kit lens)
Dimensions:	4.3 x 2.6 x 1.4 in. (108 x 67 x 35 mm)
Weight:	10.6 oz (301 g) includes batteries
Availability:	11/2015
Manufacturer:	Canon
Full specs:	Canon EOS M10 specifications

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Kit with 15-45mm lens (White)

Kit with 15-45mm lens (White)
Kit with 15-45mm lens (Black)
Kit with EF-M 15-45mm and 55-200mm lenses (Black)

EOS M10 Deals

18.00 Megapixels	Canon EF-M	APS-C size sensor

EOS M10 Summary

Canon's first true entry-level mirrorless camera, the EOS M10, combines good image quality with a user-friendly design and great touchscreen interface. With that said, its affordable price point does lead to some compromises in terms of both design and performance. There's no viewfinder, limited physical controls and continuous autofocus and shooting performance are limited. It is nonetheless a compelling option for beginner photographers.

Pros

User-friendly design; great touchscreen interface; good image quality

Cons

No viewfinder; limited physical controls; sub-par continuous shooting; lacking video features

Price and availability

Available since November 2015, the Canon EOS M10 with a 15-45mm kit lens costs just under $450.

Imaging Resource rating

3.5 out of 5.0

Canon M10 Review

by William Brawley and Jeremy Gray
Preview posted: 10/13/2015

Updates:
03/14/2016: Performance test results posted
07/13/2016: Field Test posted
10/11/2016: Image Quality Comparison and Print Quality Analysis posted
10/19/2016: Conclusion posted

For the first time, Canon has expanded its EOS mirrorless camera line with a second, concurrent model. With past models, each new successor replaced the one before it, but with the Canon EOS M10, the Japanese camera maker is offering an additional, more entry-level model to sit beneath the beefier, more complex EOS M3.

The goal of the EOS M10 is to provide step-up users -- be it from just a smartphone or from a compact camera -- with interchangeable-lens camera image quality and features in a compact and easy to use package.

Borrowing many of the features and design from the earlier Canon EOS M2, which never officially made it to US shores, the EOS M10 takes a step beyond the M2 with a newer image processor and improved image quality, as well as some cosmetic and operability enhancements.

Let's dive into the details!

Starting with the heart of the camera, the image sensor, the Canon EOS M10 takes a small step down from its bigger sibling in terms of sheer megapixel count. The Canon M10 utilizes an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is the same resolution as the original EOS M and M2. (The EOS M3, on the other hand, offers a bump up to a 24.2-megapixel chip.)

However, while the EOS M10 shares the same sensor resolution as the original Canon EOS M, the chip has been updated with improved on-sensor autofocus. Unlike the original EOS M camera, which used Canon's first-generation Hybrid CMOS AF system with combined on-sensor phase-detect and contrast-detect autofocus, the Canon EOS M10 uses the company's faster, more advanced Hybrid CMOS AF II system -- similar to the EOS M2 and Canon SL1.

The Hybrid CMOS AF II system in the EOS M10 provides 49 total AF points, a bump up from 31 AF points in the M2. Autofocus coverage spans about 70% by 80% of the total image frame area, which makes it easier to compose shots and get the focus point right where you want it.

As for image quality improvements, one of the major upgrades to the EOS M10 is the inclusion of Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor. According to Canon, the newer processor greatly improves the noise performance of the M10 compared to the M2. For example, Canon claims ISO 1600 images should have similar noise performance as ISO 400 shots on the EOS M2 -- a two-stop improvement for JPEGs as well as videos. RAW image quality, however, is said to be relatively unchanged.

Since the EOS M2 never came to the US and hence we've not reviewed it, we can't judge these claims. We can say, though, that while we saw minimal improvements in noise levels and overall image quality versus the original EOS M, the EOS M10 still turns in a fairly respectable performance by entry-level standards.

Like the previous EOS M models, the ISO sensitivity range begins at 100 and tops-out at 12,800, though you can expand the maximum ISO a step higher to 25,600.

Also like the earlier EOS M2, the continuous burst shooting rate is still pegged at 4.6 frames per second with autofocus, and maximum video resolutions and frame rates are also unchanged -- up to 1080/30p and 720/60p, as well as PAL-specific frame rates (24fps is also available).

The EOS M10 gains the M3's Creative Assist mode, which provides users the ability to tweak image parameters like sharpening and contrast, but in an easy to use, real-time, on-screen preview with touch-based sliders. The camera also gains the Hybrid Auto mode, which captures a few moments of video simultaneously along with a still image.

As with most of Canon's more recent camera offerings, the M10 also has Wi-Fi and NFC wireless connectivity that is compatible with the Canon Camera Connect app (iOS and Android) for both file transfer and remote control operation. The camera is also compatible with the Canon Connect Station CS100 home media device.

Blended: The Canon EOS M10 shares a similar 180-degree tilting touchscreen LCD like the G7X.

On the physical side of things, the Canon EOS M10 looks like a sleek blend of the original EOS M and the PowerShot G7X. The camera itself is very compact and lightweight, with its physical properties nearly identical to those of the original M.

The controls on the Canon EOS M10 are very minimal -- even more so than on the original EOS M. Like the original, there is no standard Mode Dial, but rather a simpler three-way switch on the top deck which powers-on the camera and places it in one of three shooting modes: full auto (Scene Intelligent Auto), stills mode and video mode. To select other available shooting modes, such as Aperture- or Shutter-Priority, you'll need to use the touchscreen interface. Around the shutter release button is the camera's single control dial, which is used to adjust shooting settings like aperture or shutter speed, depending on the mode. Lastly, there is a small movie record button to the right of the shutter release.

Original M/M2 owners will notice the lack of a hot shoe -- therefore making the M10 incompatible with Canon's Speedlite flash system. However, unlike these earlier models, the M10 gains a pop-up flash.

Like the Canon G7X, the M10 has a full 180-degree tilting rear touchscreen panel. The 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD monitor features a 1.04-million dot resolution just as in the G7X and features the traditional array of Canon touch panel amenities like tap-to-focus and touch-shutter.

And speaking of the touch-screen, it's a great feature to have on this camera, given the scarcity of physical control dials and buttons. Apart from the screen, the rear of the camera is quite sparse in terms of controls. Gone, even, is the secondary control wheel that surrounded the 4-way control button of the original M and M2 cameras -- it's now just a 4-way button. Apart from this control cluster button, only two other buttons sit on the rear of the camera: the menu and playback buttons.

Other physical controls consist of a small flash release on the left side of the camera and a Mobile Device Connect button on the right side.

Bottom: The rear controls of the Canon EOS M10 (left) compared to the original EOS M (right).

A High-Speed USB 2.0 port is provided for connecting to a computer or printer, as well as a Mini HDMI (Type-C) port for playback on an HDTV. Unlike the M and M2 cameras, the M10 does not have an external microphone input jack (which isn't all that surprising given the lack of a hot shoe to mount an external mic).

The Canon EOS M10 derives its power from a proprietary LP-E12 lithiium-ion battery pack, which is CIPA-rated for only 255 shots per charge. In-camera charging is not supported, so a dedicated LC-E12 battery charger is included in the bundle.

Images and videos are stored on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card, and the Canon M10 includes support for UHS-I types.

Canon EOS M10 Field Test

An easy to use, affordable mirrorless camera

by Jeremy Gray | 07/13/2016

The Canon EOS M10 marks the first time that Canon expanded their mirrorless camera lineup to include more than one current camera. Joining the higher-resolution and more sophisticated EOS M3, the M10 is best described as the entry-level model in Canon's mirrorless lineup. The M10 provides a simple, user-friendly experience while still offering more advanced photographers a number of creative opportunities, although limited in some respects.

The first thing you'll notice when you pick up the M10 is that there are not very many controls. There's a control dial around the shutter release on the top of the camera, a movie record button next to that, a switch to toggle between video, stills and full auto, and a couple of buttons and a directional pad on the rear of the M10. Without many buttons, there are times when controlling the camera can be a little deliberate and slow. You'll come to rely on the touchscreen-friendly Quick Menu a lot for changing numerous camera settings.

Read our Canon EOS M10 Field Test

Canon EOS M10 Image Quality Comparison

See how the M10's IQ compares to other entry-level mirrorless cameras

by Zig Weidelich | 10/11/2016

Here we present crops from our laboratory Still Life target comparing Canon EOS M10 image quality to the original EOS M (sorry, the M2 was not released in the US and thus didn't make it into our lab), its more expensive sibling the EOS M3, as well as against several other entry-level mirrorless cameras: the Olympus E-PL7, Panasonic GF7 and Sony A5100.

NOTE: These images are from best quality JPEGs straight out of the camera, at default settings including noise reduction and using the camera's actual base ISO (not extended ISO settings). All cameras in this comparison were shot with our very sharp reference lenses. Clicking any crop will take you to a carrier page where you can click once again to access the full resolution image as delivered straight from the camera. For those interested in working with the RAW files involved, click these links to visit each camera's respective sample image thumbnail page...

See our Image Quality Comparison!

Canon EOS M10 Print Quality Analysis

But how does it look on paper?

by William Brawley | 10/11/2016

Print quality and image quality are similar but not identical, because what you see on a print isn't always the same as what you see on the screen. Our print quality analysis answers the important question: "Just how big can I print my photos at higher ISOs?"

The diminutive EOS M10, Canon's entry-level mirrorless model, has a strong showing in the print department, despite its humble size and price point. Sporting a familiar 18-megapixel APS-C sensor but a relatively new, faster DIGIC 6 image processor, the camera is capable of sharp, detailed images that can make for some very large prints, especially at lower ISOs. From base ISO to ISO 400, images look by and large nearly identical and make the cut at up to 24 x 36 inches. Noise is very gradual to make an appearance up until about ISO 1600, at which point we observe stronger shadow noise, which limits prints to a still-respectable 11 x 14 inches. Print sizes steadily decrease as ISO rises, where we call the finale at a 4 x 6 print at ISO 12,800. The maximum ISO of 25,600 is best avoided if you're looking to make prints.

Read our Canon EOS M10 Print Quality Analysis

Canon EOS M10 Conclusion

Closing thoughts on Canon's entry-level mirrorless camera

by Jeremy Gray | 10/19/2016

The Canon EOS M10 is the Japanese company's first entirely new model in its mirrorless camera lineup. Rather than replace a predecessor, the M10 expands the line in a new direction. Specifically, the Canon M10 is designed as an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

With a more stripped-down body, the M10 is user-friendly. Is its image quality and performance a big step down from its higher-end EOS M3 sibling? Read on to find out!

The Canon M10's body is simple and intuitive
Weighing in at 10.6 ounces (301 grams) for the body only, the M10 is a lightweight interchangeable lens camera. It's slightly lighter and smaller than the simultaneously-launched Canon M3, but the biggest difference between the two bodies is the amount of controls. The M10 has no mode dial on the top of the camera and a lot fewer buttons on the camera, particularly on the rear.

Read our Canon EOS M10 Conclusion

In the Box

The Canon EOS M10 retail kit contains the following items:

Canon EOS M10 camera body
EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
LC-E12 Battery Charger
LP-E12 Lithium-ion Battery Pack
Front and Rear Lens Caps
RF-4 Body Cap
Battery Cover
Hot Shoe Cover
USB Cable
EM-200DB Strap

Recommended Accessories

Large capacity SDHC/SDXC memory card. 16GB Class 10 should be a minimum, UHS-I type recommended.
Extra battery pack LP-E12 (~US$60)
EF-EOS M mount adapter if you have any EF or EF-S lenses (~US100)
Small to medium camera bag