Almost four years after the introduction of the EOS R system, which marked Canon’s entry into the professional full-frame mirrorless market, the Japanese company is expanding the family with two new cameras, this time Aps-C.
They are called Eos R10 e R7: the first is an entry level dedicated to those approaching semi-professional photography for the first time; the second is positioned instead in the high prosumer range, between the medium format Eos R / RP and the R6.
R10 and R7 both arise from the need to provide valid alternatives to mid-range Canon Aps-C reflex cameras in the mirrorless range.
The fundamental difference lies precisely in the size of the sensor, which is not the full-frame of all the Eos Rs seen so far. If on the one hand it is true that full format is the obligatory choice for the professional high-end, on the other it is true that the Aps-C brings with it a series of non-negligible advantages. In the first place, it allows cameras to be made even more compact and lighter, because a smaller sensor requires a smaller “outline” of components. The R10, for example, weighs only 400g.
The Aps-C, especially when coupled with the latest generation photographic processors, allows shutter speeds, autofocus and processing precluded for example to the lower-end full-frame. Finally, there is the issue of price, which can be more contained: the R10 starts at around 1029 euros for the body alone, while the R7 will arrive on the market with prices starting from 1569.
Eos R7 and R10, the common features
The two new cameras are built on a common foundation that combines the best of the old EF system’s mid-range SLRs and some key features developed by Canon on its new Eos R mirrorless cameras.
In practice, the shutter speed made possible by the sensor coupled to the Digic X processor allows bursts of 15 shots per second with mechanical shutter. With the R10 and R7 electronic shutter they reach 23 and 30 frames per second respectively: these are numbers higher than all the full-frame Eos R series, lower only than the 1DX Mark III reflex flagship.
The other common feature is the subject tracking always active, and the extreme focusing speed (which we were able to verify with hand at the launch event: truly remarkable for models of this range). The video is also very good, which also consecrates these two models as hybrid photo-cameras suitable for creators: you get to 4k 60p on the R7 (with crop on the R10) or on both 4k 30p with no limits to the recording time if not the capacity of the memory card. There is also the multifunctional shoe for flash or other accessories and the ability to launch live streaming on YouTube directly from the cameras. Finally, on both there is a USB port that works both for direct data transfer and as an input for charging the battery.
Eos R7 and R10, for whom they are designed
Starting from a very valid common basis, Canon then distinguished the two cameras to best position them in its “product pyramid” of the mirrorless range, which is now only missing a pinnacle (the super flagship R1, which in all likelihood will arrive there ‘next year).
The characteristics of the Eos R7 consecrate it as “the flagship of the Aps-Cs” and make it a perfect camera for two categories of photographers: on the one hand, advanced amateurs who would have to close an entry-level such as the R10; on the other hand, professionals, in particular nature and sports photographers and even wedding photographers who want to add a second camera body capable but light to their own, compatible with the lenses of the RF series and above all less expensive than the R6 or R5 they already own and they use. To confirm this vocation there are above all two features: the double SD slot and above all the LP-E6NH battery, that is the same as the Canon Eos R5 and R6.
Eos R7 is also, of the two, the model with the more resolute 32.5MP sensor (against the 24MP of the EOS R10): despite this, the shutter speeds remain excellent and are paired with lightness. The Aps-C flagship is also the most equipped for video of the two: you can shoot movies in 4K at 60p without crop on the sensor in oversampling from 7K and the C-Log mode is available for grading the image in post. production.
The Eos R10 is instead designed for photography and multimedia creation enthusiasts who are now close to smartphones. It is a camera optimized for ease of use that nevertheless packs advanced photo-videographic features. Compared to the R7 it has a less resolute sensor and lacks the stabilization system in the camera body. However, it has an excellent autofocus sensitivity down to -4EV and reaches the shutter speeds we were talking about above: 15fps with mechanical shutter and 23fps with electronic shutter.
To the (re) conquest of the entry level
With the R10, Canon tries to regain a segment of the market that in recent years, while the company focused on its heavyweights of the series, has been mainly the preserve of Fuji products (such as the XS-10) and Sony (alpha 6400 or ZV- E10, especially for videos). Compared to Canon’s previous Aps-C mirrorless cameras in the M family, finally, these R10 and R7 offer another important advantage: they belong in all respects to the Eos RF system, and are therefore compatible with the entire series of professional lenses in the series, including even the most extreme zooms that are recognized (and cropped) automatically. Both come with two new optics designed specifically for the sensor: one is the RF 18-45 f / 4.5 – 6.3, small and compact, especially designed for the R10; the other is the 18-150mm f / 3.5 – 6.3 sold in the R7 kit, more versatile and performing and especially suitable for sports and nature photographers.
Eos R7 with 1200mm zoom, a combination that you won’t see very often
First impressions
We were able to briefly test the Eos R10 and R7 during the launch event organized by Canon in Milan and both exceeded the expectations we had made on the eve, especially by reading rumors and “leaks”. First of all, they are very compact and easy to handle. R10 is really very light, while R7, while maintaining compactness and very low weight, returns a more solid and, one might say, professional presence. The layout of the buttons and dials, while not exactly reproducing that of other professional models, is immediately familiar to those who have the muscle memory for Canon machines. The menus and interface are also easy to navigate and intuitive. The shooting experience is flawless: first of all it affects the speed of focus and the quality of the tracking of the subject (whether you choose the face or the eyes).
The new Canon mirrorless APS-C EOS R10 and EOS R7 in action
We tried them both with their respective kit lenses in different shooting situations, including a fashion photography session with a model from Iulia Barton, a sustainable and inclusive fashion brand that Canon partnered with at this event. Very good shots in motion and bursts, excellent color rendering, a bit tired instead the dynamic range of R10 in variable light conditions (but nothing that cannot be recovered in post production from the excellent Raw file).
We will have the opportunity to try them more calmly later to understand them and study them better, but the first impression was more than positive. The Eos R7 and R10 are not a revolution, but they represent the right execution of Canon’s long-term mirrorless strategy. They are also two very important models, because although it is true that the attention of the photographic market has shifted mainly towards the professional groups, it is also true that a new group of creative enthusiasts, young and digital, is waiting to do the first. I step beyond the smartphone. This is precisely the very important target to which the Eos R7 and R10 will try to address.
Availability and prices
Eos R10 starts at 1029.99 euros for the camera body only. It goes up to 1149.99 in kit with the RF 18-45 mm lens or 1439.99 euros for the kit with the RF 18-150mm lens.
The body of the Eos R7 instead costs 1569.99 euros. The only kit option is with the 18-150 mm lens: in that case the price is 1979.99 euros. Canon Eos R7 and R10 will arrive in Italy between late June and early July.