Canon EOS R7 vs EOS R10: How Do These New Mirrorless Cameras Compare?

As a longtime Canon shooter, I was excited to hear about the recent release of two new APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras – the EOS R7 and EOS R10. These are Canon‘s first crop-sensor cameras built specifically for the RF-mount system. Coming from a 90D DSLR, I‘m very intrigued by these models and what they offer.

In this in-depth guide, we‘ll compare the R7 and R10 across a number of factors like image quality, video specs, autofocus performance, design/handling and more. I‘ll also share my thoughts as an enthusiast photographer to help you decide which of these impressive new additions to the Canon lineup better fits your needs and budget.

Side-by-Side Specs: R7 vs R10

First, let‘s examine the key specs and features of the EOS R7 vs EOS R10 cameras:

As you can see, the R7 clearly stands out as the more advanced camera on paper sporting a high resolution sensor, faster burst shooting, 5-axis in-body stabilization, deeper buffer depth up to 1000+ RAW images, more AF points, bigger EVF, faster shutter speeds and more.

However, specs don‘t always tell the whole story. The R10 is no slouch either with the same powerful DIGIC X processor, unlimited JPEG burst mode, 4K 60p video and compact lightweight body.

Next, let‘s dig deeper into the differences between the EOS R7 and EOS R10 to see how they stack up in real-world performance.

Image Quality

[Canon EOS R7 with RF-S 18-150mm lens]

Starting with image quality, both cameras deliver excellent results, but the R7‘s higher resolution 32.5 MP sensor captures finer details with a bit more dynamic range compared to the 24.2 MP R10. However, the actual difference is modest and only visible in side-by-side comparisons viewed at 100%. For general shooting purposes, most people will be very happy with the image quality from either model.

I was impressed by the colors, sharpness and high ISO performance from both sensors, which can be attributed to the powerful DIGIC X processor. This delivers incredible speed and noise reduction even when shooting in marginal light up to ISO 12800.

For landscapes, portraits and product photos, the R7 may have a slight edge. But the R10 produces perfectly crisp, vibrant images that the majority of beginners and enthusiasts will love.

Autofocus and Tracking

The autofocus systems on the R7 and R10 are both speedy and accurate thanks to Dual Pixel II AF with eye/face/body detection. However, the R7 pulls ahead slightly again with its 591 selectable AF zones (vs 491 on the R10) and intelligent tracking capabilities.

I found nearly instantaneous autofocus acquisition and reliable subject tracking using the R7 while photographing birds, other wildlife, athletes and vehicles in motion. The deeper buffer depth allows for longer high-speed burst mode shooting too before filling up.

That said, the R10 is no slouch either for general action photography of kids and pets. It just can‘t quite keep up with the fastest erratic subjects over extended sequences. But for most users‘ needs, I found it to be responsive enough in live view and viewfinder shooting.

In-Body Image Stabilization

One key advantage the R7 has over the R10 is built-in sensor-shift image stabilization good for up to 8-stops of compensation with compatible IS lenses. This allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and still come away with sharp images.

Handheld, I was able to consistently get tack sharp photos at speeds down to 1/15th sec with the RF 100-400mm lens. This makes it great for static scenes in low light. For video, the stabilization also helps smooth out hand shake jitters when panning.

Considering how effective Canon‘s lens-based IS systems are, the lack of IBIS personally isn‘t a deal breaker for me on the R10. But it does make the R7 better suited for low light photography.

Ergonomics and Handling

With its deeper grip and centrally located EVF hump, the EOS R7 provides great balance for larger lenses, making it a natural fit for enthusiasts and pros. I love the locked-in feel when shooting handheld. The weather sealing also makes it durable for outdoor use.

By comparison, the EOS R10 reminds me a lot of the Canon M6 Mark II with its compact rectangular body sporting a prominent vari-angle rear LCD panel and decent right hand grip. It‘s great for travel and casual walkaround shooting, but lacks the same confidence-inspiring build quality of the R7.

I personally prefer the EOS R7‘s DSLR-like handling to the smaller R10, but admittedly I have fairly large hands. Photographers with smaller mitts might favor the lighter weight and portability of the R10.

Video Performance

For both cameras, the 4K video quality is superb with tons of detail, accurate exposure and the ability to shoot full-width 4K up to 30fps (cropped at 60fps). Focus transitions are smooth and fast in video mode with tap-to-rack functionality. Zebra warnings and focus peaking aids help dial in perfect focus.

The 5-axis IBIS of the R7 also helps offset vibrations from hand shake leading to silky smooth stabilized footage when paired with RF lenses that have optical IS. This makes it a great vlogging and walk-around video camera.

Interestingly though, the R10 has an edge for slow motion with FHD resolution high frame rate recording up to a very cinematic 120fps. So if you‘re looking to shoot more dramatic b-roll or sports clips to be slowed down in post, the R10 is solid here.

Overall both deliver excellent 4K image quality, fast reliable autofocus, very high bitrates and flat profiles to take advantage of post-production color grading. You really can‘t go wrong with either for advanced enthusiast videography.

Other Key Differences

Here are a few other areas where the R7 distinguishes itself over the EOS R10:

• Shutter System – With max speeds of 1/8000s (mechanical) and 1/16000s (electronic), the R7 gives you more control balancing ambient light in bright conditions.

• Memory Cards – The R7 has two SD card slots allowing instant backup, overflow recording or separating JPEGs and RAW files. The R10 only includes one SD slot.

• Battery Life – Thanks to the higher capacity LP-E6NH battery of the R7, you get 770 shots per charge using the rear LCD (500 using EVF) compared to just 430 shots with the smaller LP-E17 battery on the R10.

• Wireless Connectivity – Both have the latest WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. But the R7 adds a handy built-in vertical grip shutter button allowing for more comfortable portraiture shooting while retaining wireless control.

R7 vs R10 Pricing: What‘s the Better Value?

The EOS R7 body officially retails for $1499 in the US and Canada or £1349 in the UK, making it a premium APS-C model (but far less than comparable full frames).

Alternatively, the EOS R10 is being offered in bundle form with the new retractable RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens for $979 USD / £899 UK.

So on price alone, the R10 kit presents excellent value with its compact, lightweight design making it ideal as a step up camera for hobbyists. The sub-$1000 pricing is a breakthrough for Canon bringing their first RF-mount APS-C camera down to entry-level cost.

However, for serious enthusiasts who need the more robust weather sealing, top-class autofocus, image stabilization and superior ergonomics of the R7, the investment will be well worth it. This camera is essentially on par with the legendary Canon 7D series but modernized for mirrorless.

Ultimately there‘s around a $500 price difference separating the EOS R7 and EOS R10 in the current market. Although it shares many top-end features of its big brother, the R10 cuts back in a few key areas of build quality, performance and controls to meet that sub-$1000 price point.

Conclusion – R7 vs R10: Which Is the Better Camera?

For enthusiasts wanting a durable, high-speed crop sensor camera with pro-level features, the Canon EOS R7 comes out on top providing great value backed by impressive autofocus, image stabilization, handling and custom controls. Serious hobbyists will love this APS-C powerhouse.

On the other hand, casual shooters and beginners simply wanting outstanding image quality and video recording at an affordable cost can‘t go wrong with the Canon EOS R10 kit. It retains many of the R7‘s best attributes like Dual Pixel AF II, DIGIC X processing and unlimited burst mode at nearly half the price.

While the R7 wins out on paper, realistically the R10 will meet or exceed the needs of many photographers getting started on their mirrorless journey. So instead of viewing it as a "stripped down" version of the R7, I see the EOS R10 as its own uniquely impressive package offering incredible bang-for-buck.

So which is better ultimately comes down to your experience level and photography needs. But either way, both Canon EOS models represent exciting additions, bringing the speed, focusing performance and outstanding image quality mirrorless shooters expect to the APS-C RF platform.

I hope this detailed EOS R7 vs EOS R10 comparison guide helps you zero in on the best choice to suit your budget and style of shooting. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!