Canon EOS R7 & Canon EOS R10: Initial Thoughts & Review

Last week, Canon announced their first two RF lens mount APS-C sensored mirrorless cameras - the Canon EOS R7 & the Canon EOS R10. They represent cropped sensor versions of Canon's famous EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras. The Canon R7 is the mirrorless equivalent of Canon's popular 7D series and the R10 is reminiscent of Canon's Rebel line of cameras. Both cameras represent high quality options for photo and video shooters looking for professional performance at a consumer price point.

We think that the R10 in particular will be an extremely popular APS-C camera as it is one of the best value-for-money cameras on the market. The R7 presents a high quality video option for underwater video shooters, promising better video picture quality than the more expensive Panasonic GH6, but without as many of the features. There's no doubt that we will be diving with both the R7 and R10 as soon as some underwater housings hit the market....so stay tuned for the full review.

Canon EOS R7 US MSRP: $1,499

Canon EOS R10 US MSRP: $980

Feel free to email the friendly Bluewater Photo staff at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com to keep up to date on new housing releases for this camera!

Canon R7 Key Features

The Canon R7 is the higher end of the two cameras. It is equipped with a 32.5 megapixel APS-C sensor capable of shooting up to 15 frames per second bursts. When it comes to video, the R7 can capture 4K/60p video oversampled from 7K. It is equipped with a C-Log3 profile and 10-bit 4:2:2 chroma subsampling for video and color editing. In plain-speak....it's a very good camera. 

When we get a chance to dive with camera, we are particularly curious how such a high resolution APS-C camera will perform in low light, dark waters. With so many pixels packed on to a small sensor, it should theoretically not be a great low light performer, but Canon has worked wonders with other RF cameras in the past like the R5. In particular, we can't wait to try out the 4K/60p video in low light to see if the 7K oversampled picture will be more detailed or more noisy in low light. 

Canon R10 Key Features

The Canon R10 is the more entry level of the two cameras. It is designed to be a high quality image maker priced very well in this market. The camera is equipped with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor. Although it is a little more bare bones and does not have built-in in-body image-stabilization, the R10 can also shoot 15 fps in burst mode. When it comes to video on the R10, it is slightly less impressive. It is capable of recording 4K video up to 30 fps.

Overall, we actually think the R10 is the more exciting of the two cameras because it is a true workhorse camera. It's rare that you have such a high performing camera for such a low price point. The R10 is equipped with Canon's highest-end dual pixel autofocus, so it's going to be great option for new underwater photographers who might struggle with focusing on quick subjects underwater.

A Shared Autofocus System

Perhaps the most exciting feature of both cameras is the autofocus system. Canon claims to be using the same AF system found on the Canon EOS R3 for the R7 & R10. This means users will get one of the world's fastest and most intelligent autofocus systems in these consumer level cameras. That is a huge benefit to anyone trying to take photos of quick subjects like dolphins, sharks, and turtles. We think the addition of this AF system will really give Sony a run for their money. 

Underwater Housings for the Canon R7 & R10

Because the Canon EOS R7 and EOS R10 are APS-C cameras, it's possible that less housing manufacturers will produce a housing. However, we are confident that Ikelite, a leader in polycarbonate housing manufacturing, and Nauticam, a leader in aluminum housing manufacturing, are both likely to make housings for both cameras. We will also likely see housings produced by Isotta and Marelux. 

Best Underwater Lenses

Currently the majority of lenses that are compatible with the R7 and R10 are full-frame EF and RF lenses. We do expect APS-C EF lenses to be compatible with the R7 and R10 via an EF-EOS R mount adapter - but we do not yet have confirmation on performance. 

Wide Angle

For wide angle photography, we do not know if the popular Tokina 10-17mm fisheye will work with this system and the EF-EOS R adapter. If it does not work, the Canon 8-15mm fisheye will be a good lens for wide angle underwater photography. The Canon RF 14-35mm lens will be another very good rectilinear option. 

Macro

The Canon EF 60mm macro lens is a great option for macro photography with th R7 & R10 and a EF-EOS R mount adapter. However, his lens has been discontinued and likely will not be supported in future firmware updates to the mount adapter. We also recommend the Canon RF 100mm macro, but you are looking at a very telephoto lens with the additional 1.6X crop factor of an APS-C sensor. 

New APS-C RF Lenses from Canon

The announcement of the Canon EOS R7 & R10 was followed by an announcement of some exciting new APS-C RF lenses. Most of these lenses like the CAnon RF-S 18-150mm are not great options for underwater photography. However, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm kit lens could prove to be an interesting if it is compatible with the Nauticam WWL-1 and other wet lenses. 

Conclusions

All the staff at Bluewater Photo and the Underwater Photography Guide are very excited for the release of two new capable APS-C cameras. With many Sony APS-C cameras being difficult to acquire due to supply chain issues, it's a breath of fresh air to see the mid range camera market diversify. Yes, fancy full frame cameras are cool. But all most people need is a nice camera with good image quality for a good price. That's the niche the R7 & R10 fill.