Canon EOS 10D Digital SLR Camera [6MP] – Body Only has a 6.3 megapixel Canon CMOS sensor delivers superbly detailed images, and 7-point high-speed AF allows precise focusing over a wide area.A powerful DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor optimizes color rendition. High speed processing means a continuous burst of 9 shots at 3 frames per second is possible. It also extends the camera’s battery life.The EOS 10D can write RAW and JPEG files simultaneously, while there’s a choice of 6 JPEG resolution settings.For enhanced exposure stability, the EOS 10D has a new evaluative metering system for both daylight and flash. As well as sRGB, the EOS 10D features Adobe RGB. This improves color rendition by capturing colors across an extremely wide spectrum.An ISO speed range from 100 – 1600 (3200 Extended HI accessible via the ISO expansion menu) offers extensive shooting flexibility whatever the lighting conditions.9 white balance modes are available Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom and Color Temperature. In Color Temperature mode, users manually select the warmth they require from the Kelvin scale (2800K to 10000K in 100K increments). With White Balance Bracketing, the EOS 10D automatically captures three bracketed shots (normal, reddish and bluish) with one release of the shutter.An Intelligent Orientation Sensor detects whether the camera is being held horizontally or vertically when shooting. This gives more accurate exposures. It also means easy viewing and editing, since shots appear the right way up on the LCD, in ZoomBrowser on the computer screen or on TV.The EOS 10D’s LCD offers 5 levels of brightness. It can be brightened so it’s easier to see or dimmed so it’s less intrusive and saves power. The menu display offers the choice of 12 different languages.With a robust magnesium alloy body, the EOS 10D has outstanding durability and a distinctive presence. It features an ergonomic hand-grip which makes extended shooting very comfortable.The EOS 10D is the first digital EOS camera to feature Direct Print. High-resolution prints can be obtained by connecting straight to a Canon Bubble Jet or Card Photo Printer.The EOS 10D has FAT 16/32 data storage, allowing compatibility with high capacity CF cards over 2GB. The EOS 10D is compatible with the extensive EOS range of accessories.
Helpful consumer’s review
Canon where the first to bring out a digital camera under £2200 with the D30 2 years ago. Although the D30 was not a professional camera it still attracted a lot of professional photographers (myself included) who owned Canon lenses but could not afford the £10,000 for a Kodak DCS based on the Caon Eos1.
A lot has changed in 2 years, Canon brought out the D60 as the D30 replacement and around a year later we have the 10D.
Picking up the Eos 10D you can’t help but notice the extra weight compared to the D30/60. This is due to the magnesium body. The next thing you notice is the buttons have been rearranged, the body has rounded edges and the new larger LCD panel on the top of the camera which is backlit for use at night.
In use the Autofocus is a huge improvement over the D30/60. There are 7 Autofocus points which can be selected individually or left on auto. The viewfinder lights up showing which AF points are in use. Although not quiet as fast as the Eos1D the focus is fast enough for most applications including sports photography. The next improvement you notice is the shutter lag (the amount of time from when you press the shutter button to the shutter actually opening). The camera feels more like a film camera in operation and there is little shutter lag to worry about.
Images can be reviewed on the back screen which is bright and has good contrast. A useful Zoom allows you to check that the image is sharp, pressing one button zooms in and you can then scroll around the image. This is a feature missing on the more expensive Eos1D.
You will need compact flash cards with a large capacity, a 256mb card will hold around 80 images on fine jpeg and just 37 in Raw.
The E-TTL flash has been improved. This is one area that has caused a lot of problems for photographer before. Using a 550EX flash with previous Canon DSLR’s required using the FEL (flash expousure lock) button to preflash on a midtone, locking in the flash expousure before taking the photograph. The Eos 10D works fine with flash without having to use FEL which will be a huge advantage to photographers trying to take candid photographs. The flash expousure is well balanced as gives natural looking photographs.
The white balance is now selectable in Kelvins as well as the preset options including automatic. If a picture taken under tungsten lighting looks a little too orange it’s simple to turn the Kelvin setting down slightly for a cooler look. For those who don’t want to worry about colour temperatures the Auto white balance mode works well.
The camera can be used in fully automatic modes or with AV, TV, or fully manual modes. ISO speeds range from 100 to 1600 and 3200 can be selected via the menu. Images taken between 100 and 800 show little noise. 1600 looks like film grain, and 3200 is very useable and is better than 3200ISO film.
The image quality is first class providing you invest in good Canon L series lenses. You should be able to print at least A3+ sized prints that compare to 35mm film based images.
At this price there is little competition, the 10D is likely to be a huge sucess for Canon. I am already considering buying a second 10D body as I am that impressed with the camera.
