Mirrorless minimalism: Canon expands mirrorless lineup, intros entry-level, simplified EOS M10

posted Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 12:00 AM EDT

For those photographers looking to step up and dip their toes into the world of interchangeable lens cameras, perhaps after using only a smartphone or a basic point-and-shoot camera, Canon's latest offering -- the Canon EOS M10 -- aims to fill that gap by providing tried-and-true Canon image quality in an easy-to-use, undaunting and compact mirrorless camera.

Sitting below the higher-end and more advanced EOS M3 mirrorless camera, the new EOS M10 combines a number of features and design aspects from both the earlier EOS M and M2 cameras as well as the PowerShot G7X. Like Canon's earlier M2 mirrorless camera, the M10 features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor combined with the faster Hybrid CMOS AF II autofocus system, which combines contrast-detect AF with on-chip phase-detect sensors. Compared to the M3, the M10 shares a much slimmer, more compact shape, which is more akin to the original EOS M and M2 cameras.

Canon EOS M10 with new silver-colored 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

Like the PowerShot G7X, the M10 makes use of Canon's latest DIGIC 6 image processor, which is said to significantly improve high ISO performance and noise characteristics over the M2. It also shares some design aspects of the G7X, namely the full, 180-degree flip-up LCD screen for easy selfies and video blogging.

On other aspects, Canon has really stripped the EOS M10 down to the bare essentials in terms of ease of operation and minimal external controls, dials and switches. For those looking to upgrade to an interchangeable lens camera but want tried-and-true Canon image quality, the EOS M10 might just fit the bill. For all the details on Canon's brand new mirrorless offering, head over to our Canon EOS M10 First Impressions Preview.

Alongside the EOS M10, Canon also unveiled a new kit lens for this camera, though it will be offered as a standalone lens for their other mirrorless cameras. The new EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is Canon's first retractable kit lens for their mirrorless system (the EF-M 11-22mm being the first retractable Canon mirrorless lens). The EOS M10 Kit with the new 15-45mm lens will be available in November in both black and white body colors, or as an exclusive gray color sold only direct from Canon's Online Store, for around US$600. The EF-M 15-45mm lens will also be sold separately for around US$300, as will a new silver-colored version of the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM for around US$350.