The Canon EOS R100 is Canon's most affordable entry into its mirrorless lineup, designed to cater to beginners and those transitioning from smartphone photography. It features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor paired with the Digic 8 processor, delivering commendable image quality suitable for everyday photography. The camera's compact and lightweight design, weighing approximately 356 grams, makes it convenient for travel and casual use.
In terms of autofocus, the R100 employs Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, offering face and eye detection for human subjects. However, it lacks advanced subject recognition capabilities found in higher-end models, such as animal or bird eye detection. The continuous shooting speed is modest, with 3.5 frames per second (fps) with autofocus tracking and up to 6.5 fps with focus and exposure locked, which may not suffice for fast-paced action photography.
The camera's 3-inch LCD screen is fixed and lacks touch functionality, which might be a drawback for users accustomed to touchscreen interfaces. Additionally, the R100 does not feature in-body image stabilization; instead, it relies on lens-based stabilization and digital IS for video recording. Video capabilities include 4K recording at 25 frames per second, but with a significant 1.55x crop and reliance on contrast-detect autofocus, which can be slower and less accurate. Full HD recording is available without cropping and utilizes the more reliable Dual Pixel AF system.
Connectivity options include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, facilitating easy sharing and remote control via Canon's Camera Connect app. The camera also offers a microphone input for improved audio recording, catering to budding content creators. However, the absence of a headphone jack and the limited 30-minute recording time may restrict its appeal for serious videographers.
In summary, the Canon EOS R100 serves as a capable and budget-friendly option for newcomers to photography, offering solid image quality and essential features in a compact package. While it lacks some advanced functionalities and has limitations in video performance, it provides a straightforward and accessible entry point into Canon's mirrorless ecosystem.
Sample photo shot with Canon RF100 and EFS 10-18mm lens with adapter