The camera I recommend to most new photographers is not a Sony or Panasonic (and it's $180 off)

It’s a great time to be a photographer these days, as it’s easier than ever to access great cameras. Specifically, mirrorless cameras like Canon’s EOS R100. Sure, our smartphones are capable of capturing pretty good photos, but if you’re a true photographer at heart, you’re eventually going to want more from your camera. 

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You’re going to want more flexibility in post-processing and, quite frankly, better image quality. Luckily, Canon has several camera bodies in its mirrorless product line, including the R100: a compact mirrorless camera aimed at the beginner photographer who’s fresh off their smartphone.

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

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When you’re just starting out in 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 the camera and its capabilities. Canon’s intuitive menu design along with its dial-and-button layout makes the R100 an easy sale for new photographers.   

Yes, it’s compact, but the shutter button and rear buttons are right where they need to be for your index finger and thumb, respectively. I have really large hands, so I battle with holding smaller cameras. With the R100, however, it only took a few minutes for me to get used to how it feels.

I’m a firm believer that a camera has to feel good in your hands; I don’t care about its elaborate list of bells and whistles, it should just “feel right” if you’re going to shoot with it regularly. Canon does a good job with this.

Image quality

The image quality is on par with what I expected from a budget-friendly camera with a cropped sensor (APS-C). You’ll hear smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung boast having over 40 megapixels in their smartphone cameras, so if you’re unsure if a camera with only half that can stand up to them in quality, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why. 

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The image sensor on this camera is much larger than those in any smartphone, so the image quality will almost always be better. Here are two sample images captured with the R100 in two slightly different scenarios. Image one utilized the kit lens (18mm-45mm) that came with the R100. 

In this first image, you’ll notice the image quality is pretty 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 into the image, I noticed the noise wasn’t bad, considering I shot this in a shaded area on a sensor smaller than what I usually use (full frame).

The ISO was cranked up to 3,200, so getting image noise is almost guaranteed. Look at the first image and compare it to the zoomed-in version of the image below. The noise isn’t much of an issue. 

I captured one more image, but I’ll admit, I cheated just a little. In the second image, I attached an 85mm prime lens, which has a wider aperture for more light. Also, it’s just a better lens thanks to the quality of the glass. 

I should also note that I attached this lens onto the R100 via an RF to EF lens adapter. Most of my Canon lenses are EF mount, which isn’t compatible with the mirrorless bodies unless you use an adapter. With that said, the R100 did a stellar job.

This 24 megapixel APS-C sensor did a great job in capturing fine details. Yes, I have a better lens on the body, but this also proves that a photographer can start with this camera and upgrade to better lenses over the years until they’re ready to move onto an upgraded mirrorless body from Canon. As in the first image, I only corrected the white balance. No other post-processing was done. 

How the Canon handles video

Shooting video on the R100 is straightforward, with full HD at 60 frames per second. This is great for live action, but if you’re attempting to shoot something in a “cinematic flare,” back the frame rate down to at least 30 frames per second, preferably 24 frames per second. 

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If you’re curious to shoot in 4K (UHD), note that your image will be presented at a tighter focal length because the video mode utilizes the center of the APS-C sensor and not the full working area. This could be an inconvenience, but not a dealbreaker for a camera in this price range. 

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 as there’s no flip-out screen found on most vlogging cameras. Regarding live streaming, you can use the micro HDMI to connect the R100 to your computer via a capture card or an HDMI switcher such as an ATEM Mini. 

My concerns with the R100

I don’t have many concerns. First, the lack of a flip-out screen is rather inconvenient. Flip-out screens are useful beyond just vlogging purposes. For example, if you’re photographing something from a high or low angle, having the option to rotate the screen is super helpful in composing and framing your shot. 

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Secondly, the APS-C sensor is not a dealbreaker, but shooting video should be done in the highest resolution available. Shooting in 4K (UHD) is an option, but cropping in on the sensor doesn’t give your 4K footage the look of a clean 4K video, just a 4K file size. On a positive note, the APS-C sensor is great for shooting moon photography, and it has a full-frame telephoto lens attached. You’ll gain a little more reach in focal length by roughly 1.4x. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re an aspiring photographer looking to scratch the itch that your smartphone camera can’t seem to satisfy, the Canon EOS R100 is a solid camera at a budget-friendly $449 (with the 18-45mm kit lens). The starter 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, such as the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. This one offers a wider aperture, better glass, and great portraits right out of the box. So, even with the addition of the 50mm lens, you’re still under $1,000 spent for a great option to get started with photography.