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Canon 10D vs T6

The Canon EOS 10D and the Canon EOS Rebel T6 (labelled Canon 1300D in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2003 and March 2016. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The 10D has a resolution of 6.3 megapixels, whereas the T6 provides 17.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon 10D
versus
Canon T6
Canon 10D   Canon T6
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
6.3 MP – APS-C sensor 17.9 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
1.8" LCD – 118k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge500 shots per battery charge
150 x 107 x 75 mm, 850 g 129 x 101 x 78 mm, 485 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 10D and the Canon EOS Rebel T6? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 10D and the Canon T6. 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.

Size Canon 10D vs Canon T6
Compare 10D versus T6 top
Comparison 10D or T6 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon T6 is notably smaller (19 percent) than the Canon 10D. Moreover, the T6 is substantially lighter (43 percent) than the 10D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 10D nor the T6 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.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 n Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T6 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T5 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 Y Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 n Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 30D 144 mm 106 mm 74 mm 785 g 750 n Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 n Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
14.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
15.
 
Canon D60 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 855 g 620 n Feb 2002 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D100 144 mm 116 mm 81 mm 780 g 370 n Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The T6 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 78 percent) than the 10D, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the T6 is 3 percent smaller. 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.

Technology-wise, the T6 uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 4+) than the 10D (DIGIC), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Canon 10D and Canon T6 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the T6 offers a higher resolution of 17.9 megapixels, compared with 6.3 MP of the 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 T6 is much more recent (by 13 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 T6 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the T6 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 10D are 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inches or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 10D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS Rebel T6 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-12800.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

10D versus T6 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the T6 has a markedly higher DXO score than the 10D (overall score 9 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.9 bits higher color depth, 0.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.110.957157
2.
 
Canon T6 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
3.
 
Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.397178
4.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
5.
 
Canon M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.475365
6.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
7.
 
Canon T5 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
8.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
9.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
10.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
11.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.370364
12.
 
Canon 30D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.510.873659
13.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.911.072162
14.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
15.
 
Canon D60 APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none20.39.830147
16.
 
Nikon D100 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.49.939448
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The T6 indeed provides for movie recording, while the 10D does not. The highest resolution format that the T6 can use is 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The 10D and the T6 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 T6 (0.55x vs 0.50x), 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 10D, the Canon T6, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 10Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon T6optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n
6.
 
Canon T6ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon T5optical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
9.
 
Canon T4ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 7Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
11.
 
Canon 40Doptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 6.5/s Y n
12.
 
Canon 30Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Canon 20Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
15.
 
Canon D60optical Y1.8 / 114 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
16.
 
Nikon D100optical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the 10D, but is missing on the T6 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The 10D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the T6 uses SDXC cards.

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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 10D and Canon EOS Rebel T6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 10DY- / ----1.1---
2.
 
Canon T6Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon T6iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon T5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon T4iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon 7DYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon 40DY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Canon 30DY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Canon 20DY- / ----1.1---
14.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
15.
 
Canon D60Y- / ----1.1---
16.
 
Nikon D100Y- / ----1.1---
padding

It is notable that the T6 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 10D does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 10D (unlike the T6) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 10D and the T6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 10D was replaced by the Canon 20D, while the T6 was followed by the Canon T7. Further information on the features and operation of the 10D and T6 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 10D Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon T6 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon 10D better than the Canon T6 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 10D:

  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.55x vs 0.50x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2003).


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel T6:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (17.9 vs 6.3MP), which boosts linear resolution by 69%.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (9 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 4+ vs DIGIC).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/30p video.
  • 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 (920k vs 118k dots).
  • More compact: Is smaller (129x101mm vs 150x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 365g or 43 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (78 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 13 years of technical progress since the 10D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the T6 is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

10D 04:15 T6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 10D and the Canon T6 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 10D or the T6 perform in practice. 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 why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T64/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 77D4.5/5..4/582/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon M10..........4/5 Oct 2015 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T53/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 30D..+ +..+ +o.. Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
14.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
15.
 
Canon D60......+ +o.. Feb 2002 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D100......+ +o.. Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon 10D vs Canon T6

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 10D Canon T6
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2003 March 2016
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 449
    Sensor Specs Canon 10D Canon T6
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.7 x 15.1 mm 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 342.77 mm2 332.27 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 27.3 mm 26.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 6.3 Megapixels 17.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3072 x 2048 pixels 5184 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.38 μm 4.31 μm
    Pixel Density 1.84 MP/cm2 5.39 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC DIGIC 4+
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 57 66
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.1 22
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.9 11.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 571 781
    Screen Specs Canon 10D Canon T6
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.55x 0.50x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 1.8inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 118k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 10D Canon T6
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon 10D Canon T6
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 1.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Canon 10D Canon T6
    Battery Type BP-511 LP-E10
    Battery Life (CIPA)500 shots per charge500 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 150 x 107 x 75 mm
    (5.9 x 4.2 x 3.0 in)
    129 x 101 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 4.0 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 850 g (30.0 oz) 485 g (17.1 oz)
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