NCH Software provides a lot of video editing tools for both Mac and Windows users. Debut is one of them - one of the best free screen recorders for capturing your screen, webcam, and audio all at once, for a very reasonable price if you upgrade from the free version.
We decided to re-review this essential bit of software to see how the latest version compares to the best screen recorders we've tested.
NCH Software Debut Video Capture: Pricing
Free for personal use, subscription or lifetime license for commercial use
Any good software needs to be paid for, right? Well… not necessarily. You might be surprised to learn that if your needs are solely for personal use, Debut Video Capture is actually free.
Download the software from the Debut Video Capture homepage by clicking here and you’ll see this quote: “Get it Free. A free version of Debut video capture software is available for non-commercial use only. If you will be using Debut at home you can download the free version here. No signup required.”
Be warned: you will get constant reminders to confirm your non-commercial status every time you launch the software.
There are multiple different editions of the software, mostly depending on whether your needs are commercial or not. Personal use is free, as we’ve mentioned earlier. Should you wish to, or need to purchase a licence, you’ll be pleased to learn you have the option to get yourself a perpetual licence.
The Pro Edition (which covers you for business use) usually costs $70, although you can currently grab a copy for $50.
The Home Edition (licensed for non-business use) is usually $60, but available for $40 as of this writing.
If you’re a fan of subscriptions, you can rent the Pro version for around $4 a month (billed quarterly), the advantage being that you get all future upgrades for free as part of your plan.
Pricing: 4/5
NCH Software Debut Video Capture: Interface
Debut is very versatile, allowing you to record the whole screen or just a portion of it (Image credit: NCH Software)
So many options can be a little overwhelming for newcomers
At first glance, Debut’s interface isn’t especially stylish. It feels pretty dated, as if it came straight out of the 90s, with big square buttons at the top, although we do note that these icons have been redesigned since we last looked at the software. New menus have also made an appearance, most notably the Effects and Recordings tabs. Select any tab and the big icons on display are replaced with contextually different ones.
The redesign is most welcome and makes it much easier to find the tools you’re looking for. You’ll find tools to capture the whole screen, narrow that down to a cropped section of said screen, or just select one open window. You can control your webcam, choose its resolution, decide to make it full screen, or as an overlay. You have the ability to connect other devices and record from there, even through a network, and if you have more than one screen connected to your computer, you get to choose which one to focus on.
This is all very impressive, especially for software that’s free (or, if you need it for commercial purposes, is relatively inexpensive compared to competitors like Camtasia, EaseUS RecExperts, and FlashBack Express).
You’ll also find a handful of visual effects (although if you want the full-fat content, check out the best VFX software). These include adding text captions and watermarking footage. There’s also a green screen tool, and a handful of color filters (black and white, negative, and sepia), very basic colour correction, the ability to record keystrokes (a handy feature when making tutorial videos), and setting up a camera overlay.
Be aware that these effects are applied during the recording process: you cannot alter them in post, limiting their usefulness and versatility. Still, having tools is better than not having them, as long as you’re aware of their limitations.
Take a trip to the Settings tab, to see all the ways you can customize the software.
These are conveniently divided into categories, such as video, audio, hot-keys, mouse, and so on. There’s even an option to schedule your screen captures, and even make that a regular occurrence.
There are a lot of options here, which could easily intimidate newcomers to this software. The good news is, you only need to hit the big red Record button to start a new video (by default this captures your entire screen). You can worry about the fine-tuning as you get more comfortable with the software.
Interface: 4/5
NCH Software Debut Video Capture: Recording
All the effects are conveniently located in one place (Image credit: NCH Software)
Great on a PC, audio issues on a Mac
When it works, Debut Video Capture works great. We were able to capture video, record the computer’s audio, have our webcam as an overlay - everything worked as expected.
The video streams are recorded separately, and it’s advised you wear headphones, so the audio from the computer doesn’t bleed into the audio from your microphone. But this is standard fare for screen recording programs.
You’ll be offered an option to do ‘fast-selection’. It’s recommended when capturing gameplay for instance, to make sure you get the highest frame rate while recording. We found that this setting gave better results all round, so we kept it as the default for all future recordings.
Sadly, Debut’s Mac version still suffers from audio issues (Image credit: NCH Software)
There is, however, a huge caveat: all this is fine on the PC, but we encountered a pretty big problem when trying to do the same on the Mac. It wasn’t the visuals - those were fine, as was the webcam. The problem we had was with the audio. Try as we might, we couldn’t get the software to record any audio coming from the Mac itself. The software kept trying to install a special audio driver, but it kept failing - we tried this with multiple Macs and got the same results. Put it this way: we know the system audio can be recorded separately as it works with other screen recording software on the same machines, just not with Debut.
Your mileage may vary, of course. Perhaps there’s this magic button, tick box, or menu hidden from view which would fix this problem, and make that driver magically work. Unfortunately, our experience during the course of the review was marred by this.
Recording: 3/5
NCH Software Debut Video Capture: Editing
The free version of Debut had anaemic editing tools before, and now… they’re all gone (Image credit: NCH Software)
Top and tail your video and not much more
With previous versions, your editing capabilities were limited to trimming the start and end of a recording. Now, even that is a paid-for feature. This means you cannot do any editing whatsoever with Debut Video Capture. Full stop. This is a disappointing miss in software with so many hits.
Thankfully, since your recordings are saved separately, your clips are primed to be edited elsewhere. You even have numerous format options when it comes to exporting both the audio and video files. “But what about that big ‘Edit’ icon in the Recordings section?”, we hear you ask. That’s NCH Software not being shy about promoting its VideoPad video editing software package. Click on it and it’ll open the software should it already be installed on your computer. If it’s not there, clicking on that button will immediately start the downloading and installation process.
Want to record at the same time on a regular schedule? Debut can do that for you automatically (Image credit: NCH Software)
Buy it if...
You want an excellent, affordable screen recorder for PC Debut Video Capture is ideal if you’re in the market for a very affordable and excellent screen capture tool - as long as you’re on a PC. It’s still worth considering if you’re on a Mac and don’t mind not recording the computer’s audio (unless there’s an easy solution we missed of course).
Don't buy it if...
You prize simplicity over all If you feel intimidated by so many customization options, or you’re on a Mac and audio recording is important to you, Debut Video Capture might not strike all the right chords.
• Original review date: September 2022
• Still the only 'stacked' APS-C sensor
• Launch price: $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,449 (body only)
• Official price now: $2,499 / £1,999 / AU$3,999 (body only)
Update: February 2024. The X-H2S remains the quickest camera around with APS-C sensor. It's the only camera in this format to feature a stacked sensor that offers unparalled speed for action photography and video, with 40fps burst shooting and 6.2K 10-bit internal video, plus in-body stabilization. It's still the most expensive APS-C mirrorless camera, but price reductions particularly in the UK make the X-H2S one of the most compelling video cameras and stills camera especially for sports and wildlife. The rest of this review remains as previously published.
Fujifilm X-H2S: Two-minute review
The Fujifilm X-H2S is an incredibly powerful mirrorless camera for sports and action photographers who also want to shoot pro-quality video. It’s expensive for an APS-C camera and features like 40fps burst shooting will be overkill for many. But the X-H2S is also a hybrid camera with few peers, and its all-round performance also justifies that price tag.
The key to its power is a new, stacked 26MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HS APS-C sensor. So-called ‘stacked’ sensors, which have a design that delivers incredibly fast read-out speeds, have so far only appeared in flagship full-frame cameras like the Nikon Z9, Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3. But the X-H2S brings some of that performance to a camera with the comparatively ‘low’ price of $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,449 (body only).
The X-H2S may have a smaller sensor than those full-frame cameras, but it’s definitely capable of pro-quality results. Thanks to the combination of that new sensor and an X-Processor 5, it offers blackout-free continuous shooting at 40fps (with the electronic shutter), plus some impressive subject-tracking skills, and the option of shooting 6.2K/30p or 4K/120p video with 4:2:2 10-bit color depth.
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Fans of Fujifilm’s signature retro look, which usually includes the tactile dials seen on old film cameras, might be disappointed by the design of the X-H2S. It’s very much a modern brute of a camera, with a more clinical focus on performance. But while it lacks the charms of the X-T series, the X-H2S is an incredibly fun camera to use.
It has one of the best electronic viewfinders we’ve used, while the subject-tracking autofocus (which now recognizes animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains) makes it by far the best Fujifilm X-series camera for shooting moving subjects. Video shooters are also incredibly well-served by a sparkling spec sheet that includes internal ProRes recording.
There’s no denying that the X-H2S is expensive, and many photographers will probably be better off buying an X-T4 plus a lens or two with the considerable spare change. After all, 40fps burst shooting isn’t ideal for your editing workflow and Fujifilm’s autofocus, which is still a little short of the flagship performance offered by its rivals, is more hit-and-miss in this top mode.
But if you do regularly shoot speeding subjects and also need a pro-quality video camera that’s more travel-friendly than many of its full-frame rivals, the X-H2S makes a very compelling argument for being top of your shortlist.
Fujifilm X-H2S: Release date and price
Available to buy now for $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,449 (body-only)
Similar price to some full-frame cameras like the Sony A7 IV
X-H2S has a smaller sensor but superior performance to its full-frame rivals
The Fujifilm X-H2S is available to buy now for $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,449 (body-only). Some new X-H2S accessories are also now available, including the VG-XH vertical battery grip ($399 / £399 / AU$749) and, for video shooters, a FAN-001 Cooling Fan ($199 / AU$369).
This price makes the X-H2S one of the most expensive APS-C cameras around and it’s a pretty big step up from the Fujifilm X-H1, which arrived in 2018 for £1,699 / $1,899 / AU$3,399. But the X-H2S does combine a new 26.1MP stacked sensor with the X-Processor 5, which allows it to make improvements across the board to autofocus, video, burst shooting and more.
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The X-H2S faces stiff opposition in its price bracket, including the Canon EOS R6 ($2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,499), Sony A7 IV ($2,499 / £2,400 / AU$$4,299) and Panasonic Lumix S5 ($1,999 / £1,799 / AU$3,199).
All of those cameras have larger full-frame sensors, but none offer the speedy all-rounded performance of a stacked APS-C sensor, which is the USP of Fujifilm's new flagship.
Price: 4.5/5
Fujifilm X-H2S: design
Has ‘PASM’ control setup rather than Fujifilm’s traditional dials
Excellent 5.76-million dot viewfinder and articulating screen
Tough, weather-sealed body with useful top-plate LCD
The Fujfilm X-H2S looks and feels like a professional camera. This may disappoint fans of Fujifilm’s retro dials, but its pronounced grip, top-plate LCD screen and overall heft helps to balance out the longer lenses you'll likely want to pair it with. The X-H2S also has one of the best electronic viewfinders (EVF) we’ve used on any camera.
Weighing in at 660g, the X-H2S is slightly smaller and lighter than the X-H1. But it also borrows many of its design cues from Fujifilm’s medium format GFX series. Its top plate, for example, is pretty similar to the one on the Fujifilm GFX50S II.
This all means that the X-H2S does away with Fujifilm's signature array of manual dials, instead adopting the PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Manual) approach favored by its rivals. You’ll largely be changing shutter speed or ISO using the front and rear dials, which will be a comfortably familiar experience for most non-Fuji fans.
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While some may miss the dedicated dials of the X-T series, this approach makes sense on a camera like the X-H2S, where settings like shutter speed will be largely tweaked while looking through the viewfinder at speeding subjects. Fuji has also previously stated that many photographers have been put off from switching to the X-series because they find its dials too confusing.
This PASM dial, with its seven custom modes, sits to the left of the viewfinder, though it’s a shame there’s no handy ‘drive mode’ switch underneath for quickly switching between. Still, on the right-hand side of the top plate you'll find that useful LCD screen (for quickly checking settings like shutter speed, aperture and ISO) on the right next to buttons for ISO, white balance and video recording.
Unlike cameras like the Canon EOS R7 and Sony A7 IV, the X-H2S only has a standard hot-shoe rather than a 'multi-function' one that can power or transfer data to external accessories. If you regularly use flashes or external microphones, you might find the setup of those rival cameras to be a bit simpler and cleaner due to the lack of cables.
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Around the back, the Fujifilm X-H2S is pretty similar to the X-H1. There's a fully articulating touchscreen, which flips around the front for video shooters. One of the main changes is a new AF joystick, which is larger than before and has moved up next to the viewfinder. While we initially found this AF stick to be a bit of a stretch for our thumb, we soon got used to it and found the X-H2S to be very comfortable to shoot with.
One significant upgrade that the X-H2S has over the rest of the X-series is that impressive 5.76-million dot OLED viewfinder. Thanks to its size (it has an equivalent 0.8x magnification), resolution and 120fps refresh rate, we found it to be one of the best viewfinders we’ve used. The resolution remains high whatever focusing method you’re using and it makes the EVFs on the rest of the X-series, and even rivals like the Sony A7 IV, look dated.
Overall, the X-H2S has great handling and is a lot of fun to use. The lack of a drive mode switch beneath the main dial is a bit annoying, as is the absence of a focus mode switch on the front. We also wish the front and rear dials were still clickable like on other Fuji cameras. But the X-H2S otherwise offers a very polished, and customizable, shooting experience for both stills and video shooters.
Design and handling: 4.5/5
Fujifilm X-H2S: features and performance
Maintains 40fps speeds for over three seconds with CFexpress card
Impressive subject-tracking autofocus, if not quite class-leading
Useful in-body image stabilization and no overheating issues
The X-H2S is by far the most powerful Fujifilm camera to date and one of the best hybrid cameras for stills and video that you can buy. It may not offer the dynamic range or low-light performance of full-frame rivals like the Sony A7 IV, but it more than compensates with the burst shooting, autofocus and video skills that are unlocked by its stacked sensor.
Like the OM System OM-1, the X-H2S focuses mainly on speed for wildlife and sports shooters (hence the ‘S’ in its name). It can blast through stills at 40fps (raw or JPEG) when using the electronic shutter, all with full AF / AE tracking and with no blackout in the viewfinder. But how usable is this burst shooting in practice?
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We did some burst-shooting tests using both a CFexpress card and SD card to find out. You can see our results below. The conclusion is that you’ll definitely want to use a CFexpress card to unlock the true potential of the X-H2S.
This will let you hit the top 40fps speed for just over three seconds until the buffer slows things down, or over five seconds when shooting at 30fps. While the 20fps mode isn’t quite unlimited, we found you can keep going for at least 15 seconds at these speeds, which is more than enough for most situations.
There are a few caveats to add to this, though. Firstly, we found the autofocus performance to be a little more hit-and-miss when shooting fast-moving subjects like motocross riders at 40fps.
This means that you’re better off switching to ‘only’ 20fps or 30fps during particularly challenging scenes. Also, while the rolling shutter is minimal when using the electronic shutter, it hasn’t been completely eliminated for fast panning shots. This means you’ll still want to use this camera’s 15fps mechanical shutter mode on some occasions.
Lastly, the final thing to bear in mind when shooting at 40fps is that it’ll leave you with some considerable photo-culling to do before editing. So while it’s definitely a useful more to have for extreme situations, you may not ultimately use it that often for those reasons.
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How does the X-H2S’ autofocus perform overall? In our tests, very well. It isn’t a huge leap up from the Fujifilm X-T4, and its tracking isn’t quite as unerringly confident as the systems on flagship rivals like the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A7 IV.
But it’s still certainly good enough for high-end sports and wildlife shooting, once you’ve tailored it to your needs.
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Alongside the usual ability to track human faces and eyes, the X-H2S can track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains, as long as you’ve selected the right one in the menu.
One day, cameras will be able to automatically apply the right AF mode to whatever you’re looking at, but for now you still need to manually pick your subject in the menus.
We found the eye detection worked well for portrait shots or soccer matches, proving pretty sticky whether our subject was moving or not. Animal detection, meanwhile, was versatile enough to recognize subjects like foxes and lock onto their eyes.
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Switching to car and bike autofocus mode at the Goodwood Festival of Speed produced similarly impressive results, with the X-H2S quickly drawing a tracking box around our speedily-moving subject before locking onto a face or head.
For cars, it’d often default to the front of the car if it couldn’t find a helmet through the windshield. Our autofocus hit-rate was again best when using either the 15fps or 20fps burst modes, so we generally stuck to these for the best results.
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When it comes to stabilization, the X-H2S is pretty similar to the Fujifilm X-T4. On paper, these cameras offer six-to-seven stops of compensation when shooting handheld, although in our experience that’s closer to four-to-five stops with most lenses and does vary depending on which lens you’re using.
Still, you certainly get a useful helping hand when using longer lenses and the combination of in-body stabilization with Fujifilm’s digital image stabilization (DIS) can produce tripod-style results when handholding. It’s less useful for moving shots, though, so you’ll definitely still need a gimbal when doing walk-and-talk style vlogging.
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Lastly, battery life and overheating. The X-H2S offers a fairly standard battery performance for a high-end mirrorless cameras, lasting for 390 shots per charge when using the EVF or 580 when shooting with the LCD. That might sound a bit limiting, but you’ll get a lot more shots than that in reality when using burst mode – we took over 1,000 photos before needing to change batteries. You can also add an optional VG-XH grip ($399 / £399 / AU$749) to triple the camera’s endurance.
Video shooters will be pleased to hear that the X-H2S doesn’t have any overheating limitations either. Without any of the old recording limits that we’ve seen on previous Fujifilm cameras, we were able to shoot in 4K for over two hours before the battery gave out. This makes it a good choice for those looking to shoot longform interviews, particularly as the eye-tracking works best in fairly static scenes.
Features and performance: 5/5
Fujifilm X-H2S: image and video quality
For photos, the Fujifilm X-H2S offers no major image quality upgrades over its cheaper siblings like the X-T4. That might sound a bit disappointing considering the camera’s price, but the benefits of its new 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HS sensor are its fast readout speeds, which mainly affect autofocus and burst shooting (alongside video).
Those features can definitely help you get shots that aren’t possible on cameras like the X-T4, particularly when it comes to moving subjects. But because the X-H2S has the same 26.1MP resolution as previous X-Trans IV cameras, you won’t see any major quality improvements in the shots themselves.
This is no bad thing. We’ve long been impressed with the results produced by X-series cameras, including the ‘color science’ behind that unique X-Trans design. And it’s no different on the X-H2S, which produces some lovely JPEGs and raw files with a good few stops of editing leeway.
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Our ISO tests produced very similar results to our X-T3, with results very acceptable up to ISO 6400 before smoothing becomes visible due to some increased luminance noise. This is where full-frame cameras still have the slight edge, but the X-H2S’ results from ISO 12800 or above are still certainly usable in emergencies.
Fans of Fujifilm’s Film Simulations – which are based on its classic film stock – will also be pleased to see that all 19 options, from Classic Chroma to Eterna, are available to add a quick bit of personality to JPEGs.
But it’s video where the X-H2S really does feel like a step up from previous X-series cameras, particularly when it comes to the resolutions, frame-rates and bit-depths that are available.
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You can shoot 6.2K/30p video internally with 4:2:2 10-bit color depth, or 4K/120p slo-mo video if you're prepared to accept a 1.29x crop. Unfortunately, there is also a slight crop when shooting Full HD/240p video and that mode is pretty soft, but the sensor's speedy read-out speeds largely control any rolling shutter issues.
Pro videographers will also be pleased to see support for the flat F-Log2 profile, which offers 14 stops of dynamic range for color-grading in post. If you bring a CFexpress card to the party, there's also support for three Apple ProRes codecs: ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and particularly useful ProRes 422 LT. Perhaps our only complaint here is how labyrinthine all the menus are.
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Whatever settings you choose, the X-H2S’ video quality is generally clean and crisp, even if its slo-mo modes are slightly disappointing – the 4K/120p mode incurs a 1.29x crop, while the 240p mode is best avoided. But overall the X-H2S is a powerful, pro-quality video camera, which is pretty impressive when you consider how capable it is for stills, too.
Finding software that allows you to record your screen while on a budget isn’t always easy. If you’ve got a Mac, you could use the Screen Recording feature of QuickTime Player, but that doesn’t include any system sounds, nor can you record from your Webcam or a microphone, and this advice is useless for those working on a Windows machine.
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder - a name that literally does what it says on the tin - offers everyone, everywhere, the ability to capture their screens right from their browser. Well… that’s the claim at least.
Compared to many of the best free screen recorders, we weren’t impressed last time we reviewed this app, but has anything changed in this latest version? We put the tool to the test.
You web browser offers you a choice of preferences to activate or not, with simple and straightforward icons and menus (Image credit: Apowersoft)
Looks simple and promising, and works as expected - on a PC… on a Mac, it’s a different matter
You can access Apowersoft’s screen recording facilities in two ways. The most appealing is directly through your browser, by clicking here. There’s also an optional software download, should you have problems getting it to work, which we explore later in this review.
There’s not really any interface to speak of. Just a large ‘Start Recording’ button, to the left of a large ‘Download App’ button. Click on the former to be offered various options. It’s through this that you can choose to record your screen, connect to your webcam, record your system sound, and external microphone. In today’s security conscious world, you’ll need to approve each of these the first time you wish to make use of them. This is all standard fare for Macs and PCs.
On the PC side of things, everything works as expected: once you hit that window’s ‘Start Recording’ button, and agree not to exceed one hour of recording time due to browser memory limitations, it’s smooth sailing all the way. Speaking of limitations, if you’ve elected to record your webcam, you’ll get a little popup window with you in it as expected, but it’s tethered to the webpage. Switch to another app, or do something else that obscures that page, and it’ll also obscure your webcam footage. Far from ideal.
With your recording done, you’re then offered a series of editing options, each of which take you to various other sites. The AI captioning works well but appears to be limited to 30 seconds, another website takes care of trimming your footage, and so on.
But on the Mac side of things, it’s not as rosy. Apowersoft can’t record your system audio in Safari, but at least everything else works as expected. However, once your recording is done, you have no editing options. Those little popup icons you get on the right of the recording when using a PC just don’t appear. Using Firefox all the options appear to work, even the computer audio, but every time we tried to record something, we were advised to download the app instead. We couldn’t get around that.
From this we conclude that recording from a browser is a nice novelty which works well on the PC, but isn’t that seamless on the Mac, and if you need to perform even basic editing, Mac users appear to have been left out of the loop.
Set-up & interface: 3/5
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder: Recording
Once your recording is done in the browser, you’re offered a series of editing options on a PC (Image credit: Apowersoft)
When it works, it records well, but the file format causes headaches
Once we managed to get part of the options up and running, everything worked fine.
You get to decide whether you want to record the entire screen, or just focus on one of your currently open windows. This is great. You’re given a 3-second timer, and the page starts recording your chosen part of your interface.
When you’ve finished screen-capturing, stop the recording and it’ll appear on the page, ready for you to play it back.
There's none of the best video editing software available to you. Saving the file downloads it to your computer. You also have the option of uploading it to your Apowersoft account, although you’d need to login for that.
The resulting file caused us some concern though. Most computer users rely on their operating system to be able to read the files they’re sent. Very few would go out of their way to add additional functionality to their device, and perhaps more so for Mac users.
Except here, they’d have to: Free Online Screen Recorder saves your clip as a .webm file which Macs cannot read natively.
Yes, you can download the free VLC reader, and play it back from there. And yes, you could also use the excellent free Handbrake, one of the best free video converter tools we've tried, which lets you change the format to something more ubiquitous - .mp4.
But the question remains: why can’t Apowersoft save your video as the universally recognised .mp4 by default?
Recording: 2.5/5
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder: App
While recording your video using Apowersoft’s app, you can apply callouts live, such as adding a spotlight, or even drawing on the screen (Image credit: Apowersoft)
Records well, but it records well, but little to no editing options on Mac
So using the app might be a better option than the browser version (they kept pushing us to download it anyway, on either platform!).
Having struggled so much on the Mac, we thought we’d try it first, and we came away very pleased with our recording. Everything worked, including the system audio, and you have the option of recording the entire screen, or limit the area Apowersoft will record. Whatever you do during the recording is saved permanently to your video, and that includes the various callouts you can use during your session, such as a spotlight view (dimming everything except a large circle around your cursor), and an annotation tool which lets you draw on the screen. There’s also a button to take screenshots of your recording. All this is good.
You have a few interesting options when it comes to your webcam, which offers you the ability to blur your background or replace it with a choice of other locations. Unfortunately, the video capture from the webcam slowed to an absolute crawl when we tried it, like, less than one frame every second, so we thought it best to stick to a default normal background. One other option which must’ve been included just for fun, is the ability to alter your look: you can smooth out your wrinkles, increase the size of your eyes, add lipstick and blush… none of this seemed to affect the frame rate, and if you fancy putting on some virtual makeup, who are we to stop you?
When it comes to editing… we appear to have next to nothing. We couldn’t find a way to trim our footage for instance, which should be the most basic aspect of any video editor (heck, it’s available on Apowersoft’s PC’s browser version after all!). Instead, we could extract the audio, speed up or slow down the footage, change the volume… and that’s pretty much it.
On the PC side of things, just like with the browser version, the app offers a range of editing tools. You can add AI subtitles, AI translations, you can split videos, merge them, crop and rotate clips, among others. The point being, the PC’s implementation is miles better than what Apowersoft offers for the Mac.
So it’s not very good news for Mac users, but PC users can have fun with Apowersoft’s software… for about a minute. That’s right: although you have a one-hour limit on your recordings with the browser version, the app limits any recording to a single minute. If you record for longer, it’ll keep that first one minute and discard the rest. You can’t even choose which part to save.
You can remove this utterly crippling limitation by opting for a ‘VIP Upgrade’. This can be done through a yearly subscription (around $40 as of this writing) or a lifetime purchase (around $80).
Now last time we checked Apowersoft, we were far from satisfied. We struggled getting it to work - on any machine - and the file format they’d elected to use was one Macs couldn’t read natively: .webm (they do appear to have a thing against Macs even though they claim their software works on these machines).
Thankfully all of this has been resolved. The file format is now the standard .mp4, and most of the headaches to get the system to work have been ironed out… on the PC. The browser and app versions on the PC side worked great, even despite some of their limitations, and we can happily recommend either to anyone looking for a free screen capture tool. Not so for the Mac. Yes, the flaws to get it to work have been resolved, but where are the editing tools that come as standard on the PC, either in the browser or the dedicated app? They pop up effortlessly on the PC; we just couldn’t find them on the Mac. And let’s not forget that one-minute recording limitation for the app for both platforms. You might actually be better off taking a look at our ScreenPal review for a free alternative instead.
Screen recorder app: 3/5
Should I try?
While setting up your webcam preferences, how about applying some virtual makeup? (Image credit: Apowersoft)
Try it if...
You want to use a browser-based screen recording app If you're using a machine without software installed, Apowersoft's tool makes it easy to still capture your screen.
Don't try it if...
You use a Mac If you’re working on a Mac and need some editing features which PCs have by default but are suspiciously absent on the Mac version, be it the browser service or the dedicated app.
• Original review date: September 2022
• Mid-level mirrorless camera with Canon's RF mount
• Launch price: $979 / £899 / AU$1,499 (body only)
• Official price now: $879 / £999 / AU$1,729 (body only)
Update: May 2024. Nearly two years after its launch, Canon’s mid-tier mirrorless camera remains our top pick among the best beginner cameras you can buy. We continue to rate its handling, autofocus performance and rapid bursts speeds. In terms of overall value, it’s a camera that offers a huge amount of potential for novices, as well as versatility for hobbyists. In certain regions, including the UK and Australia, it actually costs more from Canon now than it did at launch. However, many online retailers offer it for less than the official price, so it’s worth shopping around, especially if you’re looking for a lens bundle. We’ve also seen its price reduced during seasonal sales events, including a £326 saving versus the RRP in January of this year. In the US, the EOS R10 costs $100 less in 2024 than it did in 2022, making it even better value. The rest of this review remains as previously published.
Two-minute review
There's been a hole in the middle of Canon's mirrorless camera lineup for a few years now, but the Canon EOS R10 finally fills it. If you're a beginner looking to expand your photographic horizons, or an existing Canon fan who wants a fun second camera for everyday shooting, it's now one of the best cameras around, and thanks to its small size and weight, it's also one of the best travel cameras.
While it's a little more advanced and expensive than traditional entry-level cameras, like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D DSLR, the EOS R10 is a considerable upgrade on those models and well worth its price tag. It's really an evolution of the double-digit DSLRs like the Canon EOS 90D, cameras that became firm favorites with those who wanted to snap their family, vacations and day-to-day lives with smartphone-beating quality.
The key to the Canon EOS R10's charm is its Digic X processor, which helps unlock the latest autofocus tech and some impressive burst-shooting speeds for its price. You get Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and 15fps continuous shooting (albeit with a firm brake applied by the EOS R10's buffer), which make this camera more than capable of snagging a shot of the family dog's winning goal in the garden water polo.
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
The EOS R10 can track a wide range of subjects, including people, animals (dogs, cats, birds) and vehicles, and follows them around pretty tenaciously. This is a really useful tool that lifts this camera above rivals like the Fujifilm X-S10, although that camera does fight back with in-body image stabilization and (right now) a bigger selection of lenses.
Ah yes, lenses. Along with a slightly small viewfinder (with 0.59x magnification), these are the EOS R10's main weakness. At the time of writing, Canon has only made two native lenses for the EOS R10 and its EOS R7 sibling: the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom. This is pretty paltry compared to Sony and Fujifilm, although you can use both Canon's full-frame RF lenses and older EF ones on this camera with an optional adaptor.
How important this is very much depends on your photographic preferences and experience. There are some affordable RF lenses that will work nicely with the EOS R10, including the RF 50mm f/1.8 ($180 / £220 / AU$340), RF 16mm f/2.8 ($299 / £320 / AU$479) and, for wildlife snappers, the RF 600mm f/11 ($699 / £860 / AU$1,399). We also tested it with the RF 85mm f/2 Macro ($550 / £670 / AU$1,049), which is a versatile prime lens.
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(Image credit: Future)
There's a good chance that these options will tide you over until Canon gets around to launching some new APS-C lenses. But if you want more options out of the gate, or don't like the uncertainty, then a camera like the Fujifilm X-S10 or Fujifilm X-T30 II could be more suitable.
If you're just starting out and want a lightweight camera that'll grow with you, though, then the Canon EOS R10 is one of the best beginner cameras around. Its new 24MP CMOS sensor produces some lovely images with enough leeway for you to claw back some details from shadows, even if you won't want to regularly push it beyond ISO 6400. You can also shoot some impressive video, even if the 4K/60p mode does come with a 1.56x crop.
Despite its relatively old-fashioned sensor, which isn't backside-illuminated, the EOS R10's powerful processor, autofocus experience and versatile controls give beginners a great camera to start with and a powerful one to grow into. That means you can have plenty of fun with it while you wait for Canon to make some more native lenses.
Canon EOS R10 price and release date
Available to buy now for $979 / £899 / AU$1,499 (body only)
Also available in two different kit lens bundles
Slightly cheaper than the Fujifilm X-S10
The Canon EOS R10 is available to buy now in a few different bundles, with the cheapest one being its body-only price of $979 / £899 / AU$1,499.
If you'd rather buy it with one of Canon's new RF-S kit lenses, you can pick it up for $1,349 / £1,249 / AU$2,049 with the RF-S 18-150mm kit lens, or $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,649 with the RF-S 18-45mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens.
The Canon EOS R10 lacks native lenses, but some affordable full-frame options like the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM (above) are available. (Image credit: Future)
This is pretty reasonable pricing that has echoes of the Canon EOS RP, a full-frame camera that landed for $1,299 / £1,399 (body-only) back in 2019.
The EOS R10 slightly undercuts the Fujifilm X-S10 ($999 / £949 / AU$1,699), although that camera does offer in-body image stabilization, which is useful for preserving image quality and shooting video. And it's priced similarly to the Nikon Z50, another relatively compact APS-C camera that's now a little behind the EOS R10.
Price score: 4/5
Canon EOS R10: design
Small and lightweight, weighing only 429g
Deep grip makes it comfortable to hold with most lenses
Small viewfinder magnification (0.59x) and no weather-proofing
The Canon EOS R10 probably isn't going to win any Red Dot Design awards, but it does fulfill its brief of being both impressively small and comfortably familiar to anyone who's used a Canon DSLR.
In your hand, the little thing is quite reminiscent of a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (otherwise known as the Canon EOS 250D, outside the US), which actually weighs 20g more than the 429g EOS R10.
Realistically, this is about as small as RF-mount cameras are likely to get – which is to say, not quite as diddy as EOS-M series like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II. Those cameras will live on, albeit looking wistfully through the garden fence as photographers play fetch with Canon's new APS-C darlings, the R7 and R10.
(Image credit: Future)
On top, the Canon EOS R10 again looks like a Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D, with a mode dial joined by front and rear command dials, a multi-function button and a video record button. One useful addition, though, is the inclusion of Canon's multi-function accessory shoe, which can both power and send data to accessories like shotgun mics. Considering this is a feature you don't even get on the full-frame cameras like the EOS R6, it's another reason to feel smug about owning an R10.
Around the back, it's a similar setup to the pricier Canon EOS R7. There's a fully articulating touchscreen that can flip forwards for video shooters and, helpfully, an AF joystick. This is a feature that affordable cameras often jettison in the name of simplicity, but it's a real boon for photographers who are looking to quickly move AF points. And that's likely to be the case when you have a powerful autofocus system with 651 AF points, like on the R10.
One slight disappointment with the EOS R10 is its small viewfinder. While this EVF has a similar 2.36-million dot resolution to the one on the EOS R7, its limited 0.59x magnification does feel a bit stingy. It works well enough in practice and can be customized with handy tools like live histograms and gridlines, but other cameras at this price point do offer better views of your scenes.
(Image credit: Future)
There are a couple of other design downers on the EOS R10 that are a little more understandable for the price. The EOS R10 lacks the weather-proofing you get on the EOS R7, which means you'll need to look after it that little bit more. There's also only one UHS-II card slot, rather than two. And while the EOS R10 does have a microphone input, you also lose the headphone jack for monitoring your audio when shooting videos.
All in all, though, we really enjoyed shooting with the Canon EOS R10 during our time with the camera. Like the Nikon Z50, it has a pretty deep grip for such a small camera, which means you can pair it with relatively long lenses if needed. But it's also a neat, lightweight little bundle when combined with primes like the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens and is a camera you'll look forward to taking out.
Design score: 4/5
Canon EOS R10: features and performance
Can briefly hit 15fps speeds with the mechanical shutter
Electronic shutter brings a higher top speed but also rolling shutter limitations
Impressive autofocus tracking for a mid-range camera
Like the Canon EOS R7, one of the most appealing things about the EOS R10 is its combination of modern autofocus smarts and pretty rapid burst-shooting speeds. The R10 isn't quite in the same category as the R7 for the latter, but it's still an improvement on mid-range DSLRs like the Canon EOS 80D and even the EOS 90D.
Canon's specs sheet says that the EOS R10 can shoot at an impressive 15fps with its mechanical shutter or at 23fps with its electronic shutter. And out tests backed up these claims, even if the camera's buffer couldn't maintain those speeds for as long as the official specs claim.
We were able to shoot uncompressed raw files for 15fps for one second using the mechanical shutter, before the buffer slowed things down to around 7fps. When shooting JPEGs, we were able to keep going at 15fps for a more useful six seconds, before it dropped to around 12fps.
(Image credit: Future)
Switch to the electronic shutter and you're able to briefly hit 23fps speeds. There are a couple of reasons why this is best avoided in most situations, though. Firstly, the electronic shutter is much slower than the mechanical one over extended bursts in this mode. Also, shooting moving subjects with the electronic shutter can produce warping issues (otherwise known as rolling shutter), which means you're best off sticking to the mechanical one most of the time.
Fortunately, the EOS R10's autofocus is able to keep up with these decent burst-shootings skills. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II setup, seen in more advanced forms on cameras like the professional Canon EOS R3, is both impressive and intuitive, too. You get a total of 4,053 AF points, which is impressive for an entry-level camera, and moving around them is easy thanks to the inclusion AF joystick (another feature that's often jettisoned on beginner cameras).
We tested this AF system on a wide range of animals, including cats, deer and a very speedy cockapoodle. And while the hit-rate certainly wasn't 100%, the EOS R10 did a good job of finding eyes and locking onto them, even from distances of 5-10 meters away.
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/1000 sec at f/4, ISO 320 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/1000 sec at f/4, ISO 250 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/500 sec at f/4.5, ISO 160 (Image credit: Future)
Unlike previous autofocus systems, this tracking is available across most of the EOS R10's AF modes, and it'll automatically switch to a face or body if it can't find any eyes. Switch to continuous AF (or 'Servo', as Canon calls it) and the EOS R10 will also track any subject you choose to lock onto around the frame, which puts it ahead of rivals like Fujifilm.
Where the Canon EOS R10 is slightly weaker than some rivals is battery life and the lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Fujifilm X-S10, for example, offers IBIS for a similar price to the R10, and this can be a useful way to preserve image quality when shooting handheld in lower light (thanks to longer shutter speeds).
The EOS R10's battery life isn't terrible in comparison to other mirrorless cameras. Its CIPA rating (which is a standardized metric for camera battery life) is 340 shots per charge, or 210 if you're solely using the EVF. While Sony cameras tend to fare a little better, that's only just below par for mirrorless cameras.
DSLRs like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i / EOS 850D (which uses the same LP-E17 battery as the EOS R10) can keep going for 800 shots, though, because they use optical viewfinders rather than electronic ones. We still think the EOS R10's overall advantages make it the better buy, but it's something to bear in mind if you're planning to take it on long days out. Getting a spare battery is likely a wise idea.
Features and performance score: 4.5/5
Canon EOS R10: image and video quality
Image quality impresses despite sensor's lack of backside-illumination
Shoots uncropped 4K/30p video that's oversampled from 6K capture
No headphone jack or 'flat' log video profile for color graders
The EOS R10 has a new 24.2MP sensor, but this chip isn't backside-illuminated (BSI). As the name suggests, BSI sensors have their circuitry on the back of the sensor rather than in front of the light-sensitive photosites, which traditionally means they have less noise and better all-round image quality.
This could have been a black mark against the EOS R10, but overall we've been impressed with its image quality. Photos look very clean and detailed up to ISO 1600, with pleasing colors and skin tones.
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/800 sec at f/5.6, ISO 500 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/100 sec at f/4.5, ISO 125 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/1000 sec at f/4, ISO 250 (Image credit: Future)
Noise starts to become slightly noticeable from ISO 3200, but results are certainly still usable here and at ISO 6400. It's really only ISO 12800 and above that should be considered emergency options for particularly gloomy situations.
In short, the image quality is very similar to APS-C rivals like the Sony A6400 and Nikon Z50. Only the Fujifilm X-S10 and X-T30 II hold any advantage at this price point, because they use BSI CMOS sensors that should (in theory) give them a slight advantage at higher ISO sensitivities. But we haven't been able to do a side-by-side comparison between the EOS R10 and those cameras yet.
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Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, 1/800 at f/7.1, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, 1/320 at f/7.1, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, 1/800 at f/7.1, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, 1/800 at f/7.1, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, 1/800 at f/7.1, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
Slightly more impressive, compared to the competition, are the EOS R10's video skills. Some occasionally temperamental autofocus aside, it impresses with the ability to shoot uncropped 4K/30p that's oversampled from the sensor's 6K resolution.
While this isn't the case for the camera's 4K/60p mode (which as you can see below, incurs a 1.56x crop), this is still a useful tool for vloggers and YouTubers. The benefit of 60p mode is that you can slow it down to half-speed to create some nice cut-scenes.
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/125 at f/6.3, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/250 at f/6.3, ISO 160 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/1250 at f/4.5, ISO 160 (Image credit: Future)
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Canon EOS R10 with RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, 1/40 at f/7.1, ISO 100 (Image credit: Future)
Other video bonuses include the ability to shoot 1080/120p slo-mo and an 'HDR PQ' mode that delivers 4:2:2 10-bit quality. Unfortunately, there's no 'flat' log option on the EOS R10, though, which means keen color graders will need to consider the EOS R7 or rivals like the Fujifilm X-T30 II. And the lack of a headphone jack means there's no way to monitor audio when you're out in the field.
Still, there's no 30-minute video recording limit on the EOS R10, which means you can shoot clips for up to two hours (depending on battery life and card capacity). And pair the camera with a slightly better lens than Canon's two RF-S kit zooms, and you have a very capable video tool for shooting clips alongside your snaps.
Image and video quality score: 4/5/5
Should I buy the Canon EOS R10?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider...
If our Canon EOS R10 review has you considering other options, here are three more cameras to consider...
Lively is a company that provides cell phones, medical alert devices, and other services for seniors. It offers a variety of cell phones, including the Jitterbug Smart4, Jitterbug Smart3, and Jitterbug Flip2. They also offer medical alert devices, such as Lively Mobile Plus and Lively on Apple Watch.
LifeStation and Best Buy Health joined forces to enrich lives through technology and meaningful connections. Since 2005, when Lively, formerly known as GreatCall, introduced the Jitterbug, the world’s first easy-to-use cell phone for older adults, they have been committed to helping seniors live more independently. In 2018, Lively joined forces with Best Buy Health, Inc., a company dedicated to enriching and saving lives through technology and meaningful connections. Together, they focus on enabling care at home.
Our comprehensive review centers around the Lively Mobile Plus, Lively's top-tier medical alert system. Compared to other mobile medical alert devices, the Lively Mobile Plus stands out for its rugged construction and exceptional audio quality. Unlike many companies that lease their equipment, Lively lets you own the Mobile Plus outright, and you won't need to return it when discontinuing your service. We evaluated the Lively Mobile Plus based on factors such as audio quality, emergency response time, call quality, and pricing, comparing it to other medical alert systems. While Lively offers medical alert services through their Jitterbug phones and Apple Watches, the Mobile Plus is the best option for a straightforward comparison.
Lively offers a diverse range of four products, including two specialized phones designed for seniors.
The Jitterbug Smart 3 is a smartphone tailored to meet the needs of older adults. It features large text, a simplified interface, and a conveniently accessible help button located on the home screen, providing a user-friendly experience.
The Jitterbug Flip, another offering from Lively, is a traditional flip phone. It allows seniors to conveniently contact their desired recipients while also incorporating a dedicated button for reaching an emergency response center, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Of all the fall detection sensors we’ve detected on mobile medical alert systems, the Lively Mobile Plus had the most accuracy. It’s not too sensitive and not too dull. It’s not perfect either, but it gives you the best shot of getting help if you fall and can’t press the help button.
Lively medical alert systems: Emergency response center
In every test we conducted, Lively Mobile Plus demonstrated the swiftest response time to calls. The average call response time of Lively Mobile Plus was remarkably twice as fast as the second-fastest medical alert service. The majority of calls were answered in less than 15 seconds, ensuring a prompt response. Additionally, the integration of GPS and WiFi tracking technology enables emergency responders to locate individuals more rapidly, facilitating a quicker response. A swift response plays a pivotal role in fostering physical and mental recovery.
The quick response times are attributed to Lively’s Urgent Response Center, which is owned and operated by Lively. This center handles calls from various sources, including home security systems and other services, simultaneously with customer calls for assistance. Operating 24/7 throughout the year, the center employs highly trained IAED-certified operators who remain on the line until help arrives.
Each test we conducted demonstrated the high level of training received by the operators. They consistently displayed concern for our well-being by repeatedly inquiring about our condition, maintained a calm demeanor throughout the calls, and verified our identity and location – all crucial elements in an emergency situation. Furthermore, this service recognizes that not all emergencies necessitate an ambulance response. They are prepared to contact a family member or neighbor for assistance, acknowledging that some situations can be managed without the need for an ambulance.
(Image credit: Lively)
One unique feature of Lively's Urgent Response Center is that it provides medical advice to seniors through its call center. This service goes beyond basic medical alerts; it enables individuals to receive expert guidance and recommendations regarding their health concerns.
Whether it's managing prescriptions and refills or seeking advice on important matters such as Covid-19 testing, Lively's Urgent Response Center is there to assist and support seniors in making informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Lively stands apart in an industry characterized by homogeneity and imitation. The company differentiates itself by frequently offering discounts and promotions, particularly to AARP members. Moreover, Lively operates without contracts, allowing customers to cancel at any time without incurring fees or having to return equipment. Additionally, the absence of aggressive marketing tactics and add-on services ensures a customer-centric approach, free from any pressure to make purchases.
With every product, they provide the Lively Link, a user-friendly smartphone app designed for your loved ones. This app ensures that your family and friends are always informed by sending them alerts when you press the help button. Additionally, they can access your appointments, assess your activity levels, and even retrieve your location in case of emergencies, providing you with an extra layer of security and support.
Lively medical alert systems: Pricing
The basic package for this mobile medical alert system costs $24.99 per month, making it more affordable than the average in-home landline system, which typically costs around $30 per month. While some landline systems may be available for around $20 to $25 per month, they are inferior to mobile medical alert systems. However unlike with Lively, the mobile system is often the most expensive package offered by most services, starting around $45 per month, and typically does not include fall detection.
For an additional $9.99 per month, Lively offers a fall detection feature as a separate add-on keeping it quite cost competitive.
Additionally, there is a Premium Plan option available for $34.99 per month. With this higher-cost plan, you will be assigned a Care Advocate who will collaborate with experts to develop a customized plan to meet your health and wellness objectives. You will also have access to a Nurse On-Call 24/7, including nights and weekends, for medical advice from nurses and doctors.
Lively medical alert systems: Support
Lively offers a number of ways for their customers to get support. The direct options include a direct customer support number, 1-800-733-6632, which is available at any time, and it goes to a 100% US based customer service. The other option is a support portal to get some help. Technically, there is also a direct mail address listed, but I doubt many folks would use that option in this day and age. We would have liked to see a chat option, and also a direct email address, but we did not find these options available.
Lively Mobile Plus is one of the best values, starting at just $24.99 per month. (Image credit: GreatCall)
There are also some self service options. These include a FAQ, to find answers to common questions about services, plans, and devices. There are also a limited number of “Quick Links and Resources,” to cover some common scenarios such as how to keep an existing phone number.
Lively medical alert systems: Final verdict
Our comprehensive tests revealed that the Lively Mobile Plus excelled in almost every category. Its superior audio quality sets it apart from old and used devices, while its lightning-fast call response times are attributed to the call center exclusively serving Lively customers. Moreover, the fall detection sensor outperforms all others we've tested within the medical alert system category. When you factor in the affordable pricing, along with the added benefits of the Lively Link and the Urgent Response Center, it becomes evident why Lively stands as the top choice for seniors seeking a medical alert system.
Why settle for an inferior in-home landline system with outdated communication technology when you can opt for a mobile medical alert system equipped with GPS location tracking at a lower cost? It's this combination of factors that solidifies Lively's position as the best overall choice among medical alert systems. The decision really is that straightforward.
