Canon EOS R100 review: the beginner camera to beat all others

The Canon EOS R100 is the best place to start for those who want better quality shots than a smartphone

Canon EOS R100 sample image
(Image: © James Artaius)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Canon EOS R100 is effectively the mirrorless replacement for the entry-level Rebel SL2 and T7 (250D and 2000D) DSLRs. However, while it's a streamlined camera aimed at first-timers, it packs enough punch for seasoned users to squeeze impressive performance out of it. The lack of touchscreen may put off smartphone shooters at whom the camera is aimed. But the capabilities of the 24.1MP sensor, robust autofocus and great lens lineup make this ideal for anyone stepping up from phone photography. Not to mention photography students and enthusiasts looking for a great first camera that won't break the bank. I recommend this to anyone starting their photography journey.

Pros

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    Affordable yet capable

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    Great image quality

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    Easy to learn and use

Cons

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    No touchscreen

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    Crop + no Dual Pixel in 4K

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    Limited ISO sensitivity

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The Canon EOS R100 is a camera I've been waiting for since the R system first launched. Canon has released professional cameras, 8K cameras and cinema, but what I've been tapping my fingers over is an affordable, entry-level camera. Something simple enough for families to capture their treasured shots, as easily as they would on a smartphone, yet advanced enough to grow with a photography student as their skills develop. 

And that's exactly what the Canon EOS R100 is. A camera simple enough for a first-timer to shoot great images in auto, but that reveals its real strengths when you take it into semiautomatic and manual mode to start getting creative in ways that just aren't possible on a phone. I really wish a camera like this was available when I was just starting out.

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Lens mountCanon RF-S
Sensor24.1MP APS-C CMOS
Image ProcessorDigic 8
AF PointsDual Pixel CMOS AF (88% coverage)
ISO range100 to 12,800 (exp to 25,600)
StabilizationElectronic (Movie Digital IS)
Video4K up to 25p (1.55x crop), 1080p up to 60p (uncropped), 720p up to 120p, Vertical video
Viewfinder2.36m dots, up to 60fps refresh rate, 0.95x magnification
Memory card1x SD card
ScreenFixed 3-inch (non-touch)screen, 1.04m dots
Max burst6.5fps (3.5fps with AF)
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro HDMI, microphone jack
Dimensions116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm
Weight356g with battery and memory card
Nikon Z30

The closest competitor from Canon's biggest longtime rival is the Nikon Z30. Closely matched for photography, you might prefer the Canon's more traditional rangefinder shape – however, the Nikon Z30 is a better proposition for anyone taking their video more seriously.

Canon EOS R50

The Canon EOS R100 might be the cheapest Canon in its lineup, but if you want a little more under the hood – then the Canon EOS R50 offers a welcome bump in nearly all aspects. Although this comes at a cost, so ask yourself how much on your camera you will actually use.

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.