How the Influential Canon EOS 10D DSLR Holds Up 21 Years Later
Gordon Laing of CameraLabs is back with another installment of his Retro Review series, rewinding the clock a couple of decades with a look at the Canon EOS 10D.
Launched in 2003 at a price of $1,500, this DSLR was Canon’s first entry in the “X0D” double-digit series, which reset the line’s model number following the D30 and D60. The 10D adopted the same six-megapixel sensor from the $3,000 D60, and improved the ergonomics while cutting the price.
As Laing explains, the 10D “set the standard” for Canon’s semi-pro and enthusiast model cameras, but it also implemented design elements that photographers would still see in future models over two decades later.
Viewing the 10D and D30 side by side, it’s clear that the 10D took inspiration from its older brother. Once in the hand though, Laing notes, “You will immediately feel a difference in construction, with the newer 10D adopting magnesium alloy for its shell — making it feel more confident, almost like a mini EOS 1D.”
The body itself has all the buttons and switches that users of modern Canon DSLRs would expect, along with the large information screen on top. The latter of course being one of the few elements that hasn’t survived Canon’s transition into comparable mirrorless R system cameras. The company’s pro cameras still have a top display, fortunately.
Overall though, with the way that imaging technology has evolved over the years, it’s pretty impressive how one of the few things to remain the same throughout Canon’s entire DSLR era was its body design. “Maximum respect,” Laing states, “to the Canon designer responsible for the rear thumb wheel.”
This consistent design language also speaks to the legacy of the EF lens mount, which the 10D utilizes. However, this was a model released before Canon introduced the EF-S lenses for crop-sensor cameras alongside the EOS Digital Rebel. The 10D can only accept the full frame EF lenses, and doesn’t have the additional space in the mirror box for EF-S lenses’ protruding bayonet design at the rear of the lens that future camera designs would implement.
Despite the lens mount limitations, the CMOS sensor (new technology at the time) alongside Canon’s DIGIC processor still hold up nicely. In his review, Laing attaches a “Nifty Fifty” 50mm f/1.8 STM, and is able to get some impressive results that would hold up today.
As the standard-bearer for future Canon semi-pro APS-C cameras, the 10D line would continue on with the 20D, 30D, 40D, and 50D. Afterward, Canon would split the line further, pushing pros towards the original 7D in 2009, and downgrading the 60D to more of an enthusiast-level entry.
Vintage camera enthusiasts can check out some Laing’s other Retro Reviews, like his look at the Canon Digital Rebel (300D); and more of his video reviews are available on his YouTube channel, Dino Bytes by Gordon Laing.
Image credits: Gordon Laing / CameraLabs
