- Tamron 28-75mm 1:2.8
- Canon EF 50mm 1:2.5 Compact-Macro
- Canon EF 28mm 1:2.8
- Tamron 17-50mm 1:2.8
- Canon EF 24mm 1:2.8
- Konica Hexar AF
- Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
- Minolta MC W.Rokkor - NL 21mm 1:2.8
- Canon BG-ED3 Battery Grip
- Canon 10D
- Sigma EF-500 DG Super EO ETTL
- Minolta Dimage Scan Elite II
- Sears 55mm 1:1.4
- Minolta X-370
- Canon EF 28-90mm 1:4-5.6 III
- Canon 400D (Rebel XTi)
Canon 10D
Date:
1/12/2010 This review is being written in the new decade, January 2010. Canon's EOS 10D, released March 2003, has been out for almost 7 years at the time of this writing. Many improvements have been introduced to the Canon x0D line of cameras since the 10D was the latest DSLR. Despite the onslaught of new features and improvements that the new cameras are full of Canon's 10D is still capable of producing respectable images. Probably every decent camera review site that existed in 2003 has a full length review of this camera written when it was still new. I'm not going to reveal anything that hasn't already been in digital print for over 6 years. Instead of a re-review this short article will read more like a 'Modern DSLR' user's impression.
Most of my EOS line shooting experience is with the Canon 400D (Rebel XTi) and 40D. In the hand the 10D grip feels similar, but not identical, to the 40D. The grip of the 40D is superior as it doesn't crowd the fingertips of my right hand. The controls are similarly placed and many of the buttons and functions are conveniently similar. The old school uncluttered viewfinder (only 7 focus points) is appreciated.
The 10D is slow to power up. About two and a half seconds from 'off' to 'capture'. This isn't a factor when shooting product shots. But it is quite annoying when shooting in the field. 10D users quickly learn to tap the shutter before they need the camera ready. Chimping the tiny LCD screen can be troublesome as well. Changing the angle of view changes the brightness of the display. Accurate exposure can be tricky to evaluate. After shooting the image comes up on the LCD for immediate review. The LCD replay turns itself off after a configurable number of seconds. Pressing the 'play' button is used to put the camera into 'playback' mode but this playback mode is also slow to start and slow to move from image to image. Fortunately the 10D is quick to transition back into capture mode when necessary.
RAW or JPEG capture is available. The latest version of Canon's EOS Utility, installed to support my 40D, works with the 10D. The RAW capture gives full control when editing images after download. But missing, compared to newer EOS cameras, is in-camera Picture Styles. RAW supports postprocessing into monochrome (black and white). But I cannot preview in monochrome while in the field. I miss this feature. The canon 10D predates the EF-s lens mount precludes the mounting of EF-s lenses. Most aftermarket 'digital lens' reduced image circle lenses fit, however.
After almost seven years the 10D still looks pretty good. It is well built. Compared to my first DSLR, a Canon 400D (Rebel XTi) , it is built like a tank. Over time, after years of depreciation, and many updated x0D models, the 10D is available for a song. As is the Canon BG-ED3 Battery Grip that fits this body. In my opinion, it is a lot of camera for the money. I still own mine and use it regularly for product shots and lens reviews for this website. I hope to age this gracefully.
Image Gallery
Steilacoom Shrouded in Smoke
ISO 200, f:8, 1/250th. Post process: exposure -.5, convert to greyscale.
The aftermath of a local marina fire shrouds Steilcoom Washington in a ghostly cloud of smoke.
Triple Window
ISO 400, f:5.6, 1/180th. Post process: Convert to greyscale.
Outside was rainy, cold, and grey. The photographer stayed inside.
