Canon EOS R100 Review
The R100 is Canon's most affordable mirrorless camera. It strips away extras to deliver Canon's legendary color science at an entry-level price. Perfect for first-time camera buyers on a budget.
The Verdict
The Canon EOS R100 is everything you need to start photography and nothing you don't. It uses Canon's proven 24.1MP sensor and delivers those beautiful Canon colors in every shot. No frills, no complexity - just solid fundamentals at the lowest price.
It makes sacrifices to hit this price point: no viewfinder, limited video specs, and no touchscreen. But if you're upgrading from a phone and want a real camera without breaking the bank, the R100 delivers.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 8 |
| Stabilization | Electronic (Movie Digital IS) |
| ISO Range | 100-12,800 (expandable to 25,600) |
| Autofocus | |
| AF Points | Dual Pixel CMOS AF (143 zones) |
| AF System | Face/Eye Detection |
| Burst Speed | 6.5 fps (mechanical) / 3.5 fps (with AF) |
| Video | |
| Max Resolution | 4K24 (1.6x crop) / 1080p60 |
| Internal Rec | 4:2:0 8-bit MP4 |
| Profiles | Standard Picture Styles only |
| Video Features | Movie Digital IS, Auto Mode |
| Build & Connectivity | |
| Viewfinder | None |
| Screen | 3" fixed (non-touch, 1.04M dots) |
| Card Slots | 1x SD (UHS-I) |
| Ports | USB-C (charging), Micro HDMI |
| Weather Sealing | No |
| Weight | 356g (body only) |
What We Like
- Lowest price for a Canon mirrorless camera
- Canon's beautiful JPEG colors
- Ultra-lightweight (356g body)
- Simple, straightforward operation
Trade-offs
- No electronic viewfinder (EVF)
- Fixed screen (doesn't flip or tilt)
- No touchscreen functionality
- 4K video crops heavily (1.6x)
In-Depth Performance
Image Quality & Sensor Performance
The 24.1MP sensor delivers solid image quality with Canon's excellent color science. JPEGs look pleasing with accurate skin tones and well-saturated colors. 12 stops of dynamic range means you can recover shadows and highlights when needed.
ISO performance is usable up to ISO 3200 for clean images, with 6400 acceptable for web use. Beyond that, noise increases noticeably. For daytime and well-lit scenes, the R100 produces images that rival more expensive cameras.
Autofocus System
Dual Pixel CMOS AF provides reliable focusing with 143 zones covering most of the frame. Face and Eye detection work well in good light, making portrait photography straightforward. The system is generation behind newer Canon cameras but capable for beginners.
Tracking moving subjects is where limitations show. Continuous AF at 3.5 fps is slow compared to the R50's 15 fps. For static subjects and casual shooting, it's perfectly adequate.
Video Capabilities
Video is the R100's weakest area. 4K is limited to 24fps with a 1.6x crop, making wide-angle shots difficult. 1080p60 is available for smoother motion. There's no log profile or advanced video features - what you see on screen is what you get.
For casual video clips and social media, it's acceptable. For serious video work or vlogging, spend more on the R50 or look at Sony's ZV-E10, which excels at video.
Ergonomics & Build
The R100 is extremely light at 356g. It feels almost too light - like a toy camera - but build quality is adequate for careful use. The grip is minimal, so larger hands may find it cramped.
The fixed, non-touch screen is the most noticeable cost-cutting measure. You can't flip it for selfies or tilt it for low angles. Menu navigation is button-only. If these limitations matter to you, step up to the R50.
Ideal Lenses for the Canon EOS R100
Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM (Kit Lens)
Buy the kit version. The lens is compact, stabilized, and covers useful focal lengths. Perfect match for the R100's portability focus.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM + Adapter
The classic "nifty fifty" with EF-RF adapter gives you f/1.8 for beautiful portraits. Cheap and cheerful, it transforms your photography for under $150 total.
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
Affordable telephoto for wildlife and sports basics. Stabilization helps compensate for the slower aperture. Good value for the reach.
How It Compares
| Spec | Canon R100 ★ | Canon R50 | Nikon Z30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $479 | $679 | $599 |
| Sensor | 24MP APS-C | 24MP APS-C | 20.9MP APS-C |
| Video | 4K24 | 4K30 | 4K30 |
| AF Points | Dual Pixel | Dual Pixel II | 209 points |
| Burst | 6.5 fps | 15 fps | 11 fps |
Recommended Accessories
Essential gear to maximize your Canon EOS R100 experience:
SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SD
Fast UHS-I speeds for 4K recording and burst shooting.
Canon LP-E17 Battery Pack
Essential spare for extended shooting sessions.
Joby GorillaPod 1K
Flexible mini tripod perfect for vlogging and travel.
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1
Affordable telephoto reach for wildlife and sports.
Canon EOS R100 FAQ
For controlled, daytime photography - yes. The larger sensor captures more light and detail. You get real optical blur and interchangeable lenses. But smartphones excel at computational photography, low-light, and convenience.
R50 if you can afford it. The viewfinder, touchscreen, and better video specs make it significantly more versatile. The R100 only makes sense if budget is the primary constraint.
Yes! With Canon's EF-RF adapter, you can use all EF and EF-S lenses. This gives you access to decades of Canon glass, including many excellent budget options on the used market.
Budget-conscious beginners who prioritize photo over video. Parents who want better family photos than a phone provides. Anyone who wants Canon quality at the absolute lowest price.
Final Recommendation
The Canon EOS R100 is honest about what it is: an affordable entry point to mirrorless photography. It won't wow you with features, but it delivers Canon's legendary image quality at an accessible price.
Buy it if: Budget is your primary concern, you prioritize stills over video, and you want Canon colors without Canon flagship prices.
Skip it if: You need video capability, want a viewfinder, or can stretch to the R50 for a much better overall experience.
