The smartphone camera may cover a multitude when it comes to capturing memories, but even the best of them can’t do everything.
Sometimes you need a proper camera, although they have fallen out of fashion in recent years as convenience trumps image quality. Low light, distant subjects and fast-moving objects can present a challenge to your average cameraphone.
But what’s the alternative? Digital SLRs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea – they’re bulky and tough on the pocket. However, the new mirrorless camera systems that manufacturers are bringing out offer a compromise. Not only are they small, light and easy to transport, the image quality is also generally quite good. Removing the mirror makes them fast too.
If you are the type of photographer who knows their f-stops from their exposures and ISO, the mirrorless cameras can offer manual controls in a compact package; if your photography experience is limited to point and shoot, the cameras will do that too.
The Canon EOS M10 is the camera company's entry-level mirrorless system. It's simpler than the M3, and is far less intimidating to beginners, but it will still deliver on the image front.
Instead of the manual controls on the top of the camera, the M3 keeps it simple: video, still images and intelligent auto, which will recognise your shooting conditions and change settings accordingly.
There is still the option to choose your settings manually, messing about with shutter speed and ISO to get what you need, but it’s just not as front and centre as the M3.
There’s no electronic viewfinder, with photos framed on the three-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera. That screen flips out 180 degrees so you can get a different view of your subject.
On the resolution front, the M10 has an 18-megapixel sensor, which takes us back to the EOS M released a few years ago. It’s not just a renamed mash-up though; the M10 has an improved autofocus system, with 49 points.
It has a pop-up flash for darker moments, although like many compact camera flashes, it’s not quite the illuminating force a separate flash gun will bring – not that you’d expect it to.
The camera can also be paired with a smartphone to transfer images, or hooked into a wifi network to send them to social media accounts. The process is made even easier if your device supports NFC; the M10 has built-in NFC to set everything up for you.
The good
The size of M10 means that it can go most places without causing too many difficulties with transport. You don’t need a huge camera bag and heaps of lenses. One lens, and the entire thing fits in your pocket. However, if you need a different perspective, you can easily swap out the lens.
You might want to, considering the kit lens won’t exactly set the world on fire. But, for the odd family shot, it will certainly fit the bill.
The intelligent auto mode means knowledge is not required to get to grips with this camera: just point, shoot and enjoy the fruits of your work.
The not so good
Despite the improvements, the M10 still suffers from some autofocus lag when lighting conditions are tough. It only happened occasionally though, with the camera generally performing as you’d expect.
The price tag may be a bit steep for some, especially if it’s an infrequently used purchase.
The rest
The addition of the mobile app opens up the possibility of editing and sharing on the go. Your smartphone has the option of accessing numerous apps, so why not take advantage of it?
The verdict
HHHH Easy to set up, simpler to use, the EOS M10 is a great entry-level introduction to the mirrorless camera world.
