Canon EOS 10D

Not since the launch of the EOS D30 digital SLR three years ago has any Canon camera caused so many waves among photography enthusiasts and hobbyists. The EOS D30 was a camera that changed the face (and price) of digital SLRs for good, but the EOS10D looks set to rock the digital world again. The new kid on the EOS block boasts new features such as an orientation sensor, vastly improved auto focus, a new and improved LCD monitor, Kelvin selectable white balance, an extended ISO range, more flexible image parameters, and outstanding image quality and output.

Packing A Punch With Price
At first glance, the EOS 10D looks similar to the D60. However, the changes are fairly significant. Immediately noticeable, especially when you first pick up the EOS 10D, are the new magnesium alloy case and restyled softer shape. The body is now made from the same material as the EOS 1D/1Ds and shares several parallels which the professional-grade cameras. In this respect many people will see the EOS 10D as the baby brother to the high-priced EOS 1D and 1Ds. Without a doubt, the most significant thing about the EOS 10D is the price.

With a suggested list price of just $3,099 (US$1,803), the EOS 10D is Canon’s most affordable digital SLR yet. Coupled with the company’s wide range of EF (Electro Focus) lenses and accessories, this camera is sure to draw more than a few diehard film-based SLR users to the digital camp. This aggressive pricing is surely Canon’s tactics to carve more share out of the D-SLR market, and is currently the lowest-priced D-SLR on the retail market. Already, Nikon and Fuji have lowered prices of their entry-level models (Nikon D100 and Fuji S2 Pro), presumably to remain competitively priced against the Canon EOS 10D.

However, the price of the 10D doesn’t mean a stripped-down model with reduced features. The 10D follows Canon’s principle of designing its D-SLR bodies entirely designed for digital usage, instead of being adapted from an existing film body (e.g. the Nikon D100, Fuji S2 Pro and the new Kodak DCS 14-n are all based on the Nikon F80 film body). Unlike the D60 which is based on the D30, the EOS 10D is designed from the ground up, and with a more streamlined form factor and reinforced casing. The camera's body is constructed with rigid magnesium alloy covers, a feature previously available on only the higher-end EOS 1D and 1Ds.

New Features And Functions
The EOS 10D is the first manufacturer’s D-SLR to incorporate the DIGIC (short for Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) image processor for enhanced digital performance. Canon's proprietary DIGIC technology was developed specifically for use with its line of digital cameras and combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. DIGIC is much faster at image processing than a general purpose CPU. This extra speed makes it possible to incorporate higher-quality signal processing algorithms than conventional digital cameras and improve the buffer performance. Plus less battery power is consumed (almost 30 percent longer compared to the D60).

The EOS 10D uses a 6.3-megapixel CMOS sensor which has the same picture area and aspect ratio (3:2) as the EOS D60, but offers improved image quality. A new amplifier circuit boosts the S/N (signal to-noise) ratio to provide an extended sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 3,200 and noise reduction at all ISO speed settings. The low noise performance of the 10D is impressive, with hardly any noise artifacts visible even at traditionally high ISO settings. This is a big advantage for low-light and indoor photographers.

The Attraction Of Faster AF
The biggest gripe of most D60 users has always been the slow autofocus speed but Canon has evidently been paying attention to market feedback. The EOS 10D's advanced 7-point AF system is a major upgrade from the D60's 3-point system, using the same excellent process deployed in the EOS 30. This provides a wider AF coverage, much faster and more accurate autofocus which works well at lower-light levels, and is probably the most significant and noticeable improvement. The seven focusing points are superimposed on the viewfinder and manually selectable for a high degree of control.

While the EOS 10D’s 7-point AF system is not equal to the world's fastest focusing EOS 1D, the former is noticeably more robust than the D60. The placement of the AF points also lends itself to easy focusing in either vertical or horizontal orientation and with moving or off-center subjects. The AF-assist lamp found on the D60 has also been done away with, and the 10D uses micro flashes from its built-in speedlight to help illuminate the subject for more accurate AF operation.

Autofocus and exposure metering accuracy are also enhanced by an Intelligent Orientation Sensor which detects whether the camera is positioned horizontally or vertically. The sensor also enables the unit to automatically rotate vertical format images during playback, and this additional data is incorporated into the image file header. This means a faster workflow process as Canon-compatible image software can access this rotation data and automatically rotate thumbnail images during downloads.

Commendable Price-Killer And Market
It’s quite obvious the EOS 10D will continue to dominate the entry-level D-SLR arena for some time to come, until the next Canon model or the announcement of a rival from Nikon and its affiliates. At the time of this review, Pentax had announced the development of its "*ist D” digital SLR, touted to be the smallest and lightest on the market when it ships, but no further information was available at press time. With no other new D-SLR news on the horizon, the EOS 10D will retain its position on the pedestal for quite a while more. Its improved features provide excellent value for money, giving outstanding performance that is close to the professional standards of the EOS 1D/1Ds, at a fraction of the price.

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