Canon EOS R100 Review: An Affordable Mirrorless Camera for Beginners » Felix' Review

Canon EOS R100 Review: An Affordable Mirrorless Camera for Beginners


5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, is a compact and lightweight camera that offers an affordable option for beginners. With its 24.1 MP sensor, continuous shooting capability, and various advanced features, it promises to deliver high-quality images and videos. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of the RF lens mount and the potential trade-offs that come with it.

As someone who started their photography journey with a Canon Rebel T5, I was excited to explore the improvements in beginner cameras with the Canon EOS R100. The novice-friendly menu and customizable settings made it easy to navigate and understand the different features. However, I did encounter some drawbacks, such as intense rolling shutter when recording fast movement and the inconvenience of finding the 4K settings in video mode.

In terms of picture quality, I found the images to be great for the price. However, the limitations of the RF lens mount became apparent when I wanted to upgrade my lenses. Canon’s focus on full-frame lenses meant that I had to invest in more expensive options, limiting the flexibility and affordability that I enjoyed with the APS-C platform.

Canon EOS R100: Affordable and Lightweight Option

Canon EOS R100

 

Offering excellent mobility, the Canon EOS R100 is a compact and lightweight camera. It is the smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series, making it a great option for those who prioritize portability. Despite its small size, this camera doesn’t compromise on image quality. It features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor, which deliver high-resolution photos with impressive detail and clarity. Whether you’re capturing landscapes or portraits, the R100 will produce stunning images that exceed your expectations.

Canon EOS R100: Fast and Accurate Autofocus

Canon EOS R100

 

Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is one of the standout features of the Canon EOS R100. With up to 143 autofocus zones and auto subject detection, this camera ensures that your subjects are always in sharp focus. The Eye Detection AF function is particularly useful for portraits, as it can track and focus on your subject’s eyes, resulting in captivating and professional-looking images. Additionally, the R100 boasts a continuous shooting speed of up to 6.5 shots per second in One-Shot AF mode, allowing you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.

Versatility of the Kit Lens

Canon EOS R100

 

Equipped with an RF-S18-45mm F4, the Canon EOS R100 comes with this lens.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens, which offers a versatile focal range. With an effective focal range of approximately 30-70mm, this lens is suitable for various photography genres, from street photography to portraits. While it may not be the widest or longest lens available, it provides enough versatility for beginners to explore different styles of photography without the need to invest in additional lenses. The kit lens delivers sharp and detailed images, allowing you to capture every moment with clarity.

Canon EOS R100: Ideal for Beginners

Canon EOS R100

 

For beginner photographers looking to step up from smartphone photography, the Canon EOS R100 is an excellent choice. Its user-friendly menu system provides clear explanations of settings, making it easy for newcomers to understand and navigate the camera’s features. While it may lack some advanced options, such as a touch screen, the R100 offers a solid foundation for learning the basics of photography. It allows you to experiment with different settings and techniques, helping you develop your skills and creativity.

Limitations of the RF Mount

Canon EOS R100

 

Considering its RF lens mount is one aspect to take into account when purchasing the Canon EOS R100. While it allows you to use full-frame lenses on the camera, there are limitations to the RF platform. Third-party lens support for this camera is virtually non-existent, and Canon’s own APS-C RF lens selection is limited. If you plan on upgrading your camera body or investing in higher-quality lenses in the future, you may find yourself restricted by the RF mount. However, with the use of adapters, you can still access a wider range of lenses, including crop sensor EF lenses.

A Solid Choice with Some Trade-Offs

Providing great image quality and autofocus capabilities, the Canon EOS R100 is a solid beginner camera overall. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a convenient companion for everyday photography. However, it does come with some trade-offs, such as the limitations of the RF mount and the absence of certain features like a touch screen. Despite these drawbacks, the R100 provides an affordable entry point into the world of mirrorless photography, allowing beginners to capture stunning images and grow their skills.

Pros:

  • The Canon EOS R100 is a compact and lightweight camera, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time.
  • The camera features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor, delivering high-quality images with excellent detail and color reproduction.
  • The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with up to 143 zones and Eye Detection AF makes it easy to achieve accurate and fast autofocus, ensuring sharp focus on your subjects.

Cons:

  • The camera has intense rolling shutter, so it’s recommended to avoid fast movement while recording videos.
  • It can be tricky to find the 4K recording option, as it is only accessible when the camera is in video mode.
  • The RF lens mount has limited third-party lens support and Canon’s own lens selection for APS-C RF cameras is limited compared to their full-frame offerings.

Conclusion

Overall, the Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit is a solid beginner camera with impressive features at an affordable price. It offers excellent image quality and a versatile focal range with the included kit lens. However, the limitations of the RF lens mount and the lack of third-party lens support may pose challenges for those looking to upgrade their equipment in the future. If you are content with the camera and lenses offered in the kit, or are willing to invest in full-frame lenses, then this camera is a great option for beginners. But if you anticipate wanting to expand your lens collection or upgrade your camera body in the future, it may be worth considering other options within the Canon lineup.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Is the Canon EOS R100 suitable for beginners?

Answer: Yes, the Canon EOS R100 is a great camera for beginners. It has a novice-friendly menu, offers explanations of settings, and provides a custom menu page for easy navigation.

Question: Can I use full-frame lenses on the Canon EOS R100?

Answer: Yes, you can use full-frame lenses on the Canon EOS R100. However, there is no support for using APS-C lenses on the camera.

Question: Does the Canon EOS R100 have a touch screen?

Answer: No, the Canon EOS R100 does not have a touch screen, which may be a drawback for users accustomed to touch screen functionality.