The camera I recommend to most new photographers is neither Nikon nor Panasonic

Key points of ZDNET

• the Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless cameras are a great first step for aspiring photographers.
• It has a 24-megapixel sensor for great image and color quality, and can record 4K (UHD) video at 24 frames per second.
• Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a flip-out preview screen.

Today, it’s a great time to be a photographer because access to great cameras is easier than ever. Specifically, mirrorless cameras like Canon’s EOS R100. Sure, our smartphones are capable of taking pretty decent photos, but if you’re truly a serious photographer, you’ll eventually want more from your camera.

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You’ll want more flexibility in post-processing and, frankly, better image quality. Luckily, Canon has a number of camera bodies in its mirrorless lineup, including the R100: a compact mirrorless camera aimed at photographers just starting out with smartphones.

The Canon R100 is one of the lightest camera bodies on the market, but don’t let its weight fool you into thinking it can’t produce quality images or video. It has an APS-C sensor that can record 24-megapixel and 1080p videos at 60 frames per second. It is also capable of recording 4K (UHD) video at 24 frames per second.

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When you’re first starting out with photography, the last thing you want to do is struggle with flipping through menus, buttons, and dials. You want to start shooting as soon as possible to get used to the feel of using the camera and its capabilities. Canon’s intuitive menu design and dial and button layout make the R100 an easy sell for new photographers.

Yes, it’s compact, but the shutter and rear buttons are in exactly the right places for your index finger and thumb, respectively. I have very large hands so I have difficulty holding smaller cameras. However, with the R100, it only took me a few minutes to get used to its feel.

I strongly believe that a camera should feel good in your hand; I don’t care for its complicated list of bells and whistles, it just “feels right” if you plan to use it often. Canon does this very well.

Image quality

Image quality is on par with what I’d expect from a budget-friendly camera with a cropped sensor (APS-C). You’ll hear smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung boast of having more than 40 megapixels in their smartphone cameras, so if you’re not sure whether a camera with half that Equal to them in quality or not, the answer is yes. Here’s why.

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The image sensor on this camera is much larger than any smartphone, so image quality will almost always be better. Below are two sample images taken with the R100 in two slightly different situations. The first image uses the kit lens (18mm-45mm) that comes with the R100.

In this first image, you’ll notice that the image quality is quite solid. I didn’t do any post-processing other than adjusting the white balance. My dog ​​Kylo looks pretty good here. Even when I zoomed in on the image, I noticed the noise wasn’t bad, because I took this photo in a shaded area on a smaller sensor than the one I usually use (full frame).

ISO is increased to 3,200 so the image is almost noisy. Look at the first image and compare it with the enlarged version of the image below. Noise is not a big problem.

I took one more photo, but I have to admit I only cheated a bit. In the second photo, I attached an 85mm prime lens, which has a wider aperture to let in more light. Other than that, it’s just a better lens thanks to the quality of the glass.

I should also note that I attached this lens to the R100 via an RF to EF lens adapter. Most of my Canon lenses are EF mount, which is not compatible with mirrorless bodies unless you use an adapter. With that said, the R100 did very well.

This 24-megapixel APS-C sensor did a great job of capturing fine details. Yes, I got a better lens on the camera body, but this also proves that a photographer can start with this camera and upgrade to better lenses over the years until they are ready. Ready to switch to Canon’s upgraded mirrorless body. Like the first photo, I only adjusted the white balance. No other post-processing was performed.

How Canon processes video

Recording video on the R100 is very simple, with Full HD resolution at 60 frames per second. This is great for live action, but if you’re trying to shoot something in a “cinematic flare” style, reduce the frame rate to at least 30 frames per second, preferably 24 frames every second.

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If you want to shoot in 4K (UHD), note that your image will be rendered at a tighter focus because the video mode uses the center of the APS-C sensor and not the entire working area . This may be an inconvenience, but is not a deciding factor for a camera at this price point.

If you’re wondering whether the R100 can be used for vlogging and live streaming, the answer is yes and no. If you want to vlog, you can, but you won’t be able to see yourself because most vlogging cameras don’t have flip screens. In terms of live streaming, you can use micro HDMI to connect the R100 to your computer via a capture card or an HDMI switch like the ATEM Mini.

My concern with R100

I don’t have many concerns. First, the lack of a flip-out screen is quite inconvenient. The flip-out screen is useful beyond vlogging purposes. For example, if you’re taking a photo of something from a high or low angle, having the option to rotate the screen will be extremely helpful in composing and framing your shot.

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Second, the APS-C sensor is not the deciding factor but the video recording must be done at the highest resolution available. Shooting in 4K (UHD) is an option, but cropping on the sensor doesn’t give your 4K footage the look of a clean 4K video, just the 4K file size. On a positive note, the APS-C sensor is great for moon photography, and it comes with a full-frame telephoto lens. You will achieve a slightly longer focal range of about 1.4 times.

ZDNET Buying Tips

If you’re an aspiring photographer looking to solve a problem your smartphone camera can’t seem to satisfy, then Canon EOS R100 is a solid camera at a budget-friendly price of $459 (18-45mm kit lens included). The starting lens isn’t the best, but you’ll definitely see an improvement over your trusty smartphone.

Another great thing about the R100 is that it has the potential to grow with you as you buy slightly better lenses, e.g. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. This one offers a wider aperture, better glass, and instantly great portraits. So even with the addition of a 50mm lens, you’re still spending under $1,000 for a great option to get started with photography.