Canon V-10

The Canon V-10 was a compact Japanese MSX1 home computer with 16KB of RAM and a white case. It provided the standard MSX graphics, sound, cartridge and cassette interfaces in a full keyboard computer intended for programming, games and education.

Its close relative, the black V-20, expanded main memory to 64KB. Software written for the common MSX standard could run across Canon and competing manufacturers’ machines.

Notable Features

• Conformed to the MSX1 hardware and software standard.
• Two cartridge slots supported games, applications and hardware interfaces.
• White case and 16KB RAM distinguish it from the otherwise similar V-20.

Historical Significance

• Part of Canon’s participation in Japan’s multi-manufacturer MSX ecosystem.
• Offered a lower-cost entry point beneath the better-equipped V-20.

Collector’s Notes

• Japanese machines use a JIS keyboard layout and NTSC video standard.
• Power-supply voltage and regional video compatibility should be checked before use.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Canon V-10
Manufacturer	Canon
Launched	Sunday, January 1, 1984
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog Z80A-compatible processor at 3.58 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MSX BASIC 1.0
I/O	RF/composite video, cassette, printer, two joystick ports and two cartridge slots
Keyboard	73-key JIS keyboard
Storage	Cassette and two MSX cartridge slots
Sound	AY-3-8910/YM2149-compatible three-channel PSG plus noise
Graphics	256 x 192 pixels in 16 colours
Display	32 x 24 text via television or monitor
ROM	32KB MSX BASIC and BIOS
RAM	16KB main RAM and 16KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz