Canon 100D vs 10D

The Canon EOS 100D (called Canon SL1 in some regions) and the Canon EOS 10D are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in March 2013 and February 2003. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The 100D has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the 10D provides 6.3 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 100D		Canon 10D
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses		Canon EF mount lenses
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		6.3 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-12800 (100-25600)		ISO 100-3200
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		1.8" LCD, 118k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4.9 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge		500 shots per battery charge
117 x 91 x 69 mm, 407 g		150 x 107 x 75 mm, 850 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 100D and the Canon EOS 10D? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 100D and the Canon 10D are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The 100D can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the 10D is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 10D is considerably larger (51 percent) than the Canon 100D. Moreover, the 10D is substantially heavier (109 percent) than the 100D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 100D nor the 10D are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 100D gets 380 shots out of its LP-E12 battery, while the 10D can take 500 images on a single charge of its BP-511 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 100D»	4.6 in	3.6 in	2.7 in	14.4 oz	380	n	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon 100D
	Canon 10D«	5.9 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	30.0 oz	500	n	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Canon 4000D« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	15.4 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 200D« »	4.8 in	3.7 in	2.8 in	16.0 oz	650	n	Jun 2017	549	-		Canon 200D
	Canon 7D II« »	5.9 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	32.1 oz	670	Y	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 1200D« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	16.9 oz	500	n	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon 1200D
	Canon 700D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.5 oz	440	n	Mar 2013	649	-		Canon 700D
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon SL1« »	4.6 in	3.6 in	2.7 in	14.4 oz	380	n	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon SL1
	Canon 650D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon 650D
	Canon M« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	10.5 oz	230	n	Jul 2012	599	-		Canon M
	Canon 600D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.1 oz	440	n	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon 600D
	Canon 7D« »	5.8 in	4.4 in	2.9 in	30.3 oz	800	Y	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 20D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon Rebel« »	5.6 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	22.9 oz	400	n	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Canon D60« »	5.9 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	30.2 oz	620	n	Feb 2002	2,999	-		Canon D60
	Panasonic G6« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	13.8 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The 100D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 73 percent) than the 10D, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the 10D is 3 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of chip-set technology, the 100D uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 5) than the 10D (DIGIC), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Canon 100D offers a higher resolution of 17.9 megapixels, compared with 6.3 MP of the Canon 10D. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.31μm versus 7.38μm for the 10D). However, it should be noted that the 100D is much more recent (by 10 years) than the 10D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 100D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 100D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inch or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inch or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inch or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 10D are 15.4 x 10.2 inch or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inch or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inch or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The 100D has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 100D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 10D are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the 100D has a notably higher overall DXO score than the 10D (overall score 6 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 0.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The 100D indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the 10D does not. The highest resolution format that the 100D can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The 100D and the 10D are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (95%), but the viewfinder of the 10D has a higher magnification than the one of the 100D (0.55x vs 0.54x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 100D, the Canon 10D, and comparable cameras.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The 100D has a touchscreen, while the 10D has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The 100D writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the 10D uses Compact Flash cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 100D and Canon EOS 10D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 10D (unlike the 100D) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 100D and the 10D have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 10D was replaced by the Canon 20D, while the 100D was followed by the Canon 200D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon website.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 100D and the Canon 10D? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 100D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (17.9 vs 6.3MP) with a 69% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (6 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 5 vs DIGIC).
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 118k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4.9 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (117x91mm vs 150x107mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 443g or 52 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (73 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 10 years of technical progress since the 10D launch.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 10D:

• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.55x vs 0.54x).
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (500 versus 380) out of a single battery charge.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2003).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 100D is the clear winner of the match-up (15 : 5 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 100D and the Canon 10D place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 100D and the 10D in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 100D»	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon 100D
	Canon 10D«	-	+ +	-	o	-	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Canon 4000D« »	o	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 200D« »	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549	-		Canon 200D
	Canon 7D II« »	+	84/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 1200D« »	+	-	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon 1200D
	Canon 700D« »	-	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649	-		Canon 700D
	Canon G16« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon SL1« »	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon SL1
	Canon 650D« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon 650D
	Canon M« »	+	-	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jul 2012	599	-		Canon M
	Canon 600D« »	o	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon 600D
	Canon 7D« »	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 20D« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon Rebel« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Canon D60« »	-	+ +	o	-	-	Feb 2002	2,999	-		Canon D60
	Panasonic G6« »	+ +	-	5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon 100D vs Canon 10D

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.