Canon M10 vs Nikon D7500

The Canon EOS M10 and the Nikon D7500 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2015 and April 2017. The M10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D7500 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 20.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon M10		Nikon D7500
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF-M mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		20.7 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 1,640,000)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.2 LCD, 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
4.6 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
255 shots per battery charge		950 shots per battery charge
108 x 67 x 35 mm, 301 g		136 x 104 x 73 mm, 720 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS M10 and the Nikon D7500? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon M10 and the Nikon D7500. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M10 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the D7500 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 Nikon D7500 is considerably larger (95 percent) than the Canon M10. Moreover, the D7500 is substantially heavier (139 percent) than the M10. It is noteworthy in this context that the D7500 is splash and dust-proof, while the M10 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the M10 gets 255 shots out of its LP-E12 battery, while the D7500 can take 950 images on a single charge of its EN-EL15a power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon M10	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	301 g	255	n	Oct 2015	499
2.		Nikon D7500	136 mm	104 mm	73 mm	720 g	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299
3.		Canon M100	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	302 g	295	n	Aug 2017	499
4.		Canon 80D	139 mm	105 mm	79 mm	730 g	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699
6.		Canon M5	116 mm	89 mm	61 mm	427 g	295	n	Sep 2016	979
7.		Canon G5 X	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799
8.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
9.		Canon M3	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679
10.		Canon 1200D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
11.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
12.		Canon M	109 mm	66 mm	32 mm	298 g	230	n	Jul 2012	599
13.		Nikon D500	147 mm	115 mm	81 mm	860 g	1240	Y	Jan 2016	1,999
14.		Nikon D7200	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	1110	Y	Mar 2015	1,199
15.		Nikon D7100	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	950	Y	Feb 2013	1,199
16.		Nikon D7000	132 mm	105 mm	77 mm	780 g	1050	Y	Sep 2010	1,499
17.		Sony A5000	110 mm	63 mm	36 mm	269 g	420	n	Jan 2014	449
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

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 M10 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 62 percent) than the D7500, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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 D7500 is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (M10) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 20.7MP, the D7500 offers a higher resolution than the M10 (17.9MP), but the D7500 has marginally smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.22μm versus 4.31μm for the M10). Yet, the D7500 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the M10, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D7500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D7500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D7500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon M10 are 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The M10 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS M10 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 Nikon D7500 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-1640000.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 D7500 offers substantially better image quality than the M10 (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.1 bits higher color depth, 2.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon M10	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.2	11.4	753	65
2.		Nikon D7500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.3	14.0	1483	86
3.		Canon M100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.5	12.9	1272	78
4.		Canon 80D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.2	1135	79
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Canon M5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.4	12.4	1262	77
7.		Canon G5 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
8.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
9.		Canon M3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.8	11.8	1169	72
10.		Canon 1200D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
11.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
12.		Canon M	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.2	827	65
13.		Nikon D500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.0	14.0	1324	83
14.		Nikon D7200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.5	14.6	1333	87
15.		Nikon D7100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.2	13.7	1256	83
16.		Nikon D7000	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	10800/24p	23.5	13.9	1167	80
17.		Sony A5000	APS-C	19.8	5456	3632	1080/60i	23.8	13.0	1089	79

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D7500 provides a better video resolution than the M10. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D7500 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the M10 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon M10, the Nikon D7500, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon M10	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.6	Y	n
2.		Nikon D7500	optical	Y	3.2	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	8.0	Y	n
3.		Canon M100	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.1	Y	n
4.		Canon 80D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0	Y	Y
6.		Canon M5	2360	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0	Y	n
7.		Canon G5 X	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
8.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
9.		Canon M3	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.2	Y	n
10.		Canon 1200D	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
11.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
12.		Canon M	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.3	n	n
13.		Nikon D500	optical	Y	3.2	2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	n
14.		Nikon D7200	optical	Y	3.2	1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
15.		Nikon D7100	optical	Y	3.2	1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
16.		Nikon D7000	optical	Y	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
17.		Sony A5000	none	n	3.0	461	tilting	n	1/4000s	3.5	Y	n

One feature that is present on the D7500, but is missing on the M10 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 Nikon D7500 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M10 and the D7500 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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 M10 and Nikon D7500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon M10	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Nikon D7500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon M100	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
4.		Canon 80D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon M5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Canon G5 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon M3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon 1200D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon M	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	Y	Y
14.		Nikon D7200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Nikon D7100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Nikon D7000	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony A5000	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the D7500 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The M10 lacks such a headphone port.

The D7500 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the M10 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the M10 was succeeded by the Canon M100. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Nikon websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon M10 and the Nikon D7500? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS M10:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (108x67mm vs 136x104mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 419g or 58 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (62 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2015).

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D7500:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20.7 vs 17.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 7%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.1 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.6 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 4.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (950 versus 255) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 5 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D7500 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 10 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 M10 and the Nikon D7500 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings 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 M10 and the D7500 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon M10	..	..	..	..	4/5	Oct 2015	499
2.		Nikon D7500	4.5/5	+ +	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299
3.		Canon M100	3/5	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499
4.		Canon 80D	4/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699
6.		Canon M5	4/5	+	82/100	4/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979
7.		Canon G5 X	5/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799
8.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
9.		Canon M3	4/5	o	75/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679
10.		Canon 1200D	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
11.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
12.		Canon M	3/5	+	..	4/5	4/5	Jul 2012	599
13.		Nikon D500	5/5	+ +	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	1,999
14.		Nikon D7200	4/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2015	1,199
15.		Nikon D7100	5/5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	1,199
16.		Nikon D7000	4/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	1,499
17.		Sony A5000	3/5	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2014	449
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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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. 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 M10 vs Nikon D7500

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.

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