Canon EOS 10D

EOS 10D with Canon portrait lens image by maoby (Image rights)

The EOS 10D is a digital SLR, released in 2003 by Canon as successor of the Canon EOS D60 which was Canon's first 6 megapixel DSLR based on a CMOS sensor. The EOS 10D got a 6 megapixel CMOS sensor, too. But a few improvements were delivered with the new model EOS 10D, especially the improved autofocus with 7 instead of just 3 phase-detection AF-areas. Specialists might have enjoyed the new white balance bracketing mode. The customers got more for less money, but not yet more pixels.

The EOS 10D is the first of Canon's premium quality DSLR series for which its predecessors EOS D30 and EOS D60 already set the quality standard: splash proof sturdy body, with semi-pro user interface including glass pentaprism in viewfinder. The camera got a consumer-oriented sister, the EOS 300D (not splash proof, user interface in consumer standard). The two cameras share many of the same features, including the sensor.

The EOS 10D uses a 6 megapixel CMOS based sensor which produces images with a maximum resolution of 3072 x 2048 pixels. The autofocus is a 7 point TTL system with a range of 0.5 to 18 EV (ISO 100). Focus modes include one shot AF, AI servo AF, AI Focus AF and manual focus. The AF point selection can be automatic or manually set. An AF assist lamp is provided that can help focusing in darker environments.

The metering system is based on a 35 zone TTL SPC with a metering range of 1 to 20 EV (ISO 100, 50mm f/1.4). Metering modes include evaluative, partial (9% center), and center-weighted. Exposure compensation can be adjusted up to 2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps. The 118,000 pixels colour LCD display is sized at 1.8". CompactFlash (both type I and II) is used for removable storage. It takes the BP-511 battery pack and the BG-E2 battery grip.

The camera model was succeeded by the 8 MP DSLR Canon EOS 20D.

the camera body mounted on vertical grip image by Juho Vuotila (Image rights)

camera back image by Uwe Kulick (Image rights)

camera top image by Uwe Kulick (Image rights)

Articles & Reviews

• Canon EOS 10D review by Phil Askey at Digital Photography Review March, 2003
• Norman Koren's personal impressions
• Ken Rockwell's review

Other Links

• Canon EOS 10D user manual at Manualslib
• Canon EOS 10D page at the Canon Camera Museum
• CMOS sensor cleaning on the 10 (and other DSLRs) (archived)

Canon Cameras