Canon EOS R100 Review: Your First Real Camera, Explained

Last updated on November 18th, 2025 at 11:13 am

I know, I’ve got you you’re tired of phone photos. You want something that feels like a camera, but you don’t want to spend a thousand dollars on gear you won’t fully know how to use. Precisely the kind of camera that the Canon EOS R100 is there for. It’s the camera I’d recommend if someone asked me, “What’s a truly affordable mirrorless camera that doesn’t feel like training wheels?”

I wanted to like it, but here’s what I really think after spending some time digging in and figuring out just what this thing can, and can’t, do.

What You’re Actually Getting

And now there’s the Canon EOS R100, which represents a possible price of entry to mirrorless for Canon. It has a 24 MP sensor (which is more than enough for beginners), weighs next to nothing, and won’t have you hocking your furniture. I bought it for the size alone and I stand by that purchase, because the pocket-dimension design means you will actually take this thing with you everywhere, unlike your uncle’s chunky old DSLR he still shoots with.

The tech at which this thing is the core solid, for what you pay. You receive 3,975 autofocus points with face and eye detection, which in essence lets the camera hunt down your subject streams’ locks onto it. I mean, one of the best things about this camera. Whether it’s portraits or chasing down candid moments, the autofocus nearly doesn’t miss.

Battery life real estate is around 340 frames per charge (or 430 if you’re using the LCD instead of the viewfinder). Which is real-world usable for a full day of casual shooting not great, but not terrible either.

The Strengths: What This Camera Does Well

It’s Genuinely Beginner-Friendly

It’s not overwhelming with options, and the Canon EOS R100 is no different in that regard. There’s one control dial, a fixed 3-inch LCD and an OLED viewfinder. And no confusing touchscreen menus (which is honestly a good thing less distraction). Everything feels intentional and accessible. I like that.

Autofocus is Legit

And this is where the R100 punches well above its weight. The Dual Pixel AF system is responsive and dependable. You’re not off focus hunting in full lighting. Portraits? Nailed. Street photography? No problem. Kids running around? Still captures them sharp. This alone will make the jump from your phone feel enormous.

The Lens Ecosystem Is Expanding

Here’s something that does matter in the long term: Canon opened up the RF mount to third-party manufacturers. Translation? Here are some budget options outside the kit lens. When it comes to portraits, and low-light work this thing is a game-changer. Tamron and Viltrox are also introducing less expensive zooms. You aren’t locked into paying premium rates later.

Compact and Lightweight

Seriously, this camera is small. It’s a far cry from that intimidating DSLR vibe. You can slide it into a backpack and forget you’re even carrying it. That’s more important than specs will ever be a camera that you actually have with you is better than a “better” camera sitting at home.

The Limitations: The Real Talk

4K Video Has a Catch

R100 does 4K, but here’s the kicker, it’s a massive crop of 1.6x which really kills your field of view. And, of course, 4K mode lacks autofocus you instead have to use slower contrast-detect AF that can hunt. If 4K is what you care about most, this is not your camera. It’s a pity because full HD at 60fps is really all you need, especially as a novice.

Continuous Shooting Is Modest

The burst rate tops out at 6.5 shots per second (JPEG) or 3.5 with continuous autofocus on. If you want action shots or sports, look elsewhere. The buffer empties out quickly as well about 6 RAW frames before it writes to disk. For everyday photography? Fine. For anything fast-moving? You’ll feel the limitation.

No In-Camera Stabilization

The R100 does not offer any form of image stabilization. You’re sticking to lens-stabilization or a tripod for low-light handheld shots. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I thought you should know. Grab a stabilized lens or tripod, and you’re set.

Ergonomics Feel Bare-Bones

No touchscreen. No joystick for autofocus selection. No USB-C charging (you get a proprietary charger). These aren’t deal-breakers, but they serve to remind you that you’re working with a budget camera. It’s functional, not fancy.

Who Should Buy This

You’re Upgrading from Your Phone

This is the R100’s natural habitat, in fact. The leap in image quality, manual control and changable lenses is huge. You will actually feel it right away.

You’re Getting Into Vlogging

Twin it with an external mic, record in Full HD and you have a great vlogging package for much less than the competition. And, being quite compact, you can easily rig it onto a gimbal or tripod.

Want to Learn Photography Seriously

The R100 has just enough manual controls to show you aperture, shutter speed, and ISO without overwhelming you. You won’t grow out of it in three months, you’ll really learn on this.

Travel and Family Moments

Lightweight, dependable autofocus and beautiful background blur with fast primes? Ideal for capturing memories without the hassle of hauling gear.

The Ecosystem That Matters

Canon is actually trying with this camera. Firmware updates have brought improved autofocus performance under challenging lighting. With the Canon Camera Connect app, you can even do remote shooting and live-view focusing from your phone. YouTube is full of streamlining tutorials channels like Camera Academy cover every menu setting.

Plus, there’s a real community. Real talks on Reddit’s r/Canon, DPReview forums and of course the YouTube creators all discussing the R100. You won’t lose your way when you hit roadblocks.

Should You Actually Buy It?

In short: What do I really think? The Canon EOS R100 is the camera that I would tell a buddy he should buy if he’s serious about no longer taking phone photos when he says that. It’s not the fanciest. It’s not the fastest. But it is reliable and affordable, and does not feel like training wheels.

If you are a beginner, this is actually an intelligent decision. You can buy a real camera with real capabilities, a growing lens ecosystem and the breathing room to actually learn photography. By the time you’re too old for it and that day will come, though not as soon as you think. you’ll know precisely what you want next.

Is it perfect? No. But for your first mirrorless? At this price, it really doesn’t get much better.

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