Entry-level camera enthusiasts take note! A new kid is about to hit the block and it’s quite exciting for new photographers or anybody on a tight budget.
For years, Rebel cameras have provided an excellent budget option for entry-level photographers. Then users can seamlessly transition into Canon’s other more sophisticated EF mount cameras.
But more and more, the photography world is moving toward mirrorless cameras. And Canon is phasing out its M line in favor of its sparkly new R line of mirrorless cameras.
However, there hasn’t been a good budget option for enthusiasts to dip their toes into the R cameras — until now.
Coming in July 2023, Canon’s EOS R100 will be released at only $480 for the body only. Let’s take a look at what this solid entry-level camera can do!
Who It’s For
Before we dive into the specs of the EOS R100, it’s important to note who this camera is for. It is designed for beginning photographers and others who have enjoyed Canon’s Rebel cameras.
Rebel cameras are a great budget option from which users can move seamlessly into Canon’s more advanced DSLRs. Few new photographers really want to go out and drop a few thousand dollars on a full-frame camera and top-of-the-line L lens. So Rebels are a great starting point.
The R100 fills this current void for the R series. Photography students and beginners can use the R100 to get their feet wet.
Many features are omitted to cut down on the price. So once the camera starts to feel limiting, users can smoothly move up to the R50 without having to buy new lenses.
Thus, if you have already delved deep into the world of photography, the R100 might not seem too exciting to you. However, for entry-level users, a budget option of the R series is pretty darn exciting!
Sensor
In an effort to bring the cost down, Canon decided not to spend a lot of time and money on reinventing the wheel. The R100 reuses technology from various other Canon Cameras.
For example, the 24.2-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor and Digic 8 processor were borrowed from Canon’s EOS M50 Mark II.
Autofocus
The camera’s autofocus offers basic features such as eye-detection autofocus plus face and body tracking. However, advanced features like animal and subject tracking are not included.
Video
The camera is able to record video in 4K, but the older sensor and processor mean it will be cropped. However, 1080p Full HD video can be recorded in full-width. The camera records up to 24 and 60 frames per second, respectively.
There is an option to capture vertical video, which is nice for capturing Instagram reels etc. Plus, there’s a cool “hybrid auto mode” you can play around with. This mode will take 2-4 seconds of video before capturing a still shot and then automatically creates a time-lapse video.
Viewfinder
Users will enjoy an electronic viewfinder, though the OLED design comes with a relatively modest 2.36 million dots.
Shutter
The shutter is fairly unimpressive — another cost-saving measure, no doubt. The camera features a single rear-curtain mechanical shutter. This means the camera doesn’t open a mechanical shutter at the start of an exposure, but it does close the shutter at the end.
This makes the shutter assembly lighter and less expensive — two nice pluses. However, as you can imagine, this design decision also has its downsides. This shutter construction limits the camera’s burst rate to only 3.5 fps for Servo and 6.5 fps for One-Shot.
Screen
The R100 does come with a 3-inch, 1.04 million dot rear LCD screen, but it does not articulate, nor is it a touch screen. Some users may find this frustrating, but remember, the R100 is designed as a solid entry-level camera for those on a budget.
Articulation and touch screens would drive the cost of the camera up. If this is a dealbreaker for you, Canon’s R50, the next model up, might be more interesting to you.
Lenses and Mount
The R100 comes with an R mount and is compatible with all RF and RF-S lenses.
This is a nice advantage for users who may be interested in moving onto more sophisticated R cameras later on. You won’t have to reinvest in new lenses!
As with other R Cameras, EF and EF-S lenses can also be used with one of Canon’s EF-EOS R mount adapters. Keep in mind that this camera isn’t compatible with the control ring on Canon’s Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. The adapter will still work to fit the lens to the camera, but you cannot use the control ring.
Size and Body Design
The R100 is a pretty compact little camera at only 4.5 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches. This makes it the same size as the R50, but it is lighter — the lightest of all R Cameras at only 12.5 ounces.
You can’t fit much on such a small body, but Canon makes good use of the space. The simplified top plate has a single dial, along with the on-off switch, command dial and shutter release button, and a small video record button.
The back has the four-way D-pad that users will use to navigate through the menu options (remember no touch screen). There are also 6 buttons in total.
All of these 6 buttons are handily placed to access the menu, toggle between live view and your photos, etc. Some of these can also be custom-programmed if you desire.
Connectivity
The R100 enjoys both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. These features allow you to transfer images to your phone or other devices on the fly or even control the camera from your smartphone.
Plus the camera sports a USB terminal and a micro HDMI port. It also has a microphone jack and a port for an intervalometer (a special type of timer trigger useful for long exposure and time-lapse photography.
Note that there is no headphone jack.
Battery
Here’s another area where Canon reused technology. The R100 uses the LP-E17 battery, which can be found in the more advanced R50 and even the entry-level full-frame RP.
However, this is pretty handy. You can buy extra batteries for your entry-level camera and still be able to use them when you upgrade.
Note: the R100 is not compatible with any of the battery grips.
Memory Card
The R100 takes only one UHS-I memory card. The slot can be found on the bottom of the camera nestled in with the battery.
The R100, a Solid Little Budget Camera
Photography enthusiasts who have already moved beyond the capabilities of an entry-level camera may scoff at Canon’s R100. However, for those just getting into photography or who currently enjoy the Rebel camera, the R100 is a wonderful option to slide over into mirrorless.
Canon also included a few features with which it seeks to entice smartphone users into making the switch to an interchangeable lens camera. These include creative filter modes, the Intelligent Auto mode, and creative effects such as black+white and tilt-shift.
Of course, to reach the low price point, sacrifices have to be made. They can’t put the same capabilities they put on a $3,000 camera and sell it for $480! However, for the beginning user looking for a budget option, the R100 is a solid entry-level camera.
If you’re just getting into photography and don’t want to spend your life savings on a nice camera — yet — check out the R100.
The Canon EOS R100 will be released in July 2023 in three packages. The first is the body only at $480. Or you can purchase it with an RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens for $600. The final option is a pretty comprehensive kit for $830 consisting of the camera body plus the lens we just mentioned plus the RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM.
This basic photography kit will give you a great starting point for learning photography — without breaking the bank!
Let us know in the comments below if you’re considering buying a Canon EOS R100 when it is released. Then be sure to come back and let us know how you like it!
