Canon EOS M10 Review – Real-World Video & Impressions

by Johnnie BehiriJanuary 13^th, 2016

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It has been a while since we last saw Canon bring new stills cameras, that also shoot video, to the market. But with the Canon M10, here is a new candidate for a first look review by cinema5D.

Admittedly, Canon has been rather slow when it comes to innovation on the video side. In fact, the last Canon EOS DSLR camera that made any impact on the market for clean image quality was the Canon 5D mark III, introduced in 2012. It seems like Canon chose to abandon the community which supported and built their reputation when it comes to stills cameras that shoot video.

I guess Canon’s priority to protect their higher professional market is the reason we are not seeing much improvement in video quality from their DSLRs and their mirrorless line. Only time will tell if I am right but for now, I have two of their new entry-level models to check: The Canon EOS M10 (APS-C sensor size, interchangeable lens camera) and the  Canon PowerShot G5 X (1” sensor size, fixed lens).

This review will focus on the  Canon EOS M10. Our  Canon PowerShot G5 X review will be available shortly. 

Introducing the Canon EOS M10

The EOS M10 is the fourth in Canon’s mirrorless family line and is positioned even below the Canon EOS M3. Unlike other manufacturers who are dominating the mirrorless market, it seems like Canon is “taking it slowly and very cautiously”, by releasing only entry level models within the sector. A reliable source has told me that the “EOS M” family was moved from being a part of the DSLR department to the consumer department.

The EOS M10 is being sold together with a kit lens, for almost $500. An additional EF-M 55-200mm lens can be purchased separately to complete your mini-filming set. Needless to say that most, if not all, Canon EF lenses – including 3rd party models – can be used with the EOS M family cameras when combined with a proper lens adapter.

I don’t expect Canon to include all the “bells and whistles” or the latest technology in an entry-level camera. I do, however, wish they would have been more daring in implementing higher resolution / frame rates in all their EOS M line – allowing them to better compete with other manufacturers in this segment and not only “straighten the line” when it comes to those specifications. After all, this camera is directly competing with the Sony A5100 which was introduced in August 2014 (Check out the review here).

I don’t want to bore you with details related to this very ordinary camera, so I’ll fast forward to its strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths: (in no particular order)

• Manual movie control
• Good LCD screen
• Mini HDMI output (as opposed to micro HDMI many mirrorless cameras are using)
• Canon EF lenses can be used (with the optional EF-EOS M mount adapter)
• Touch screen focus is working well with the supplied kit lens
• World camera (PAL/NTSC)

Weaknesses: (in no particular order)

• 1080/25p, 720/50 only…
• No headphone jack
• No external microphone input
• No EVF
• Short battery life
• The bundled Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 lens is slow and limited in range
• If you are using a tripod, the tripod plate has to be removed every time you need to change the battery
• For some reason, AWB gave me more accurate WB results than outdoor/indoor settings
• Strong aliasing in fine details like hair
• 2012 video quality

Not tested: Shooting above ISO 1000. HDMI clean output.

Conclusion: 

The Canon EOS M10 is an entry-level large sensor camera. If you are willing to compromise functionality and video quality, this is the camera for you. Personally, I find it hard to work in bright daylight without an EVF. Also, no audio input is an obstacle for me when it comes to documentary style shooting.

On the other hand, if you like that “Canon look”, this camera certainly has it. Furthermore, if you are a Canon user who is looking for a B camera to have in your bag, this might be a perfect option if you’re on a budget.

About this video: 

Shot on 1080p 25fps, Neutral picture profile (all setting set to “0”). Edited with Adobe Premiere CC 2015.
Colour correction: FilmConvert.
For the full equipment list, please see below.

Music: musicbed, Title: Winter Solstice by Andrew Judah

Many thanks to Sarah Ware. Discover more about her jewellery world.