Is The Canon R100 Worth Buying? | 7 Important Things to Know...

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The Canon R100 is a budget-friendly entry point into the world of interchangeable lens cameras. However, before you click that "buy" button, there are a few things you should know about this camera’s features, limitations, and quirks. Let’s dive in!

1. Fixed Screen with No Touch Functionality

• Unlike most modern Canon cameras, the R100 features a fixed screen:

  • No articulating, tilting, or swiveling.

  • Completely stationary on the back of the camera.

• No touchscreen capabilities:

  • Navigating settings and menus requires using physical buttons and dials.

  • Adjusting ISO, aperture, or shutter speed takes longer compared to touchscreen models.

• Why? This cost-saving measure keeps the R100 affordable but limits its functionality, especially for vlogging or quick adjustments.

2. Limited 4K Video Recording

• 4K Constraints:

  • Records only at 24fps.

  • Includes an additional crop on top of the APS-C sensor’s 1.6x crop.

  • Makes wide-angle shots more difficult.

• 1080p Video:

  • Supports up to 60fps without extra cropping.

  • While decent, 1080p is not nearly as sharp or future-proof as 4K.

• Best Use: For basic 1080p video projects, this camera performs well, but 4K enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere.

3. 30-Minute Recording Limit

• The R100 stops recording after 30 minutes.

• Impact: If you’re recording long events or interviews, you’ll need to restart the recording, leaving a small gap in footage.

• While older cameras had this limitation, most newer mirrorless models have removed it, making this a notable drawback.

4. Expensive RF Mount Lenses

• Lens Costs:

  • RF lenses can be pricey, often exceeding $1,000.

  • Budget RF lenses are emerging but remain limited.

• Alternatives:

  • Consider third-party lenses or adapters to use EF/EF-S lenses.

  • Be prepared to invest in quality optics over time.

5. The Cheapest Interchangeable Lens Camera

• As of early 2025, the Canon R100 is the most affordable mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses:

  • Ideal for beginners learning photography.

  • Costs significantly less than competitors like Sony’s entry-level models (~$700).

• Perfect For: Budget-conscious beginners exploring manual settings and lens options.

6. Consider the R50 for $200 More

• Canon R50 Advantages:

  • Fully articulating touchscreen.

  • More advanced features and better usability.

  • Slightly higher price (~$200 more).

• If your budget allows, the R50 offers a more versatile and user-friendly experience.

7. USB-C Port with No Charging Capability

• While the R100 has a USB-C port, it cannot charge the battery through it.

• External Charger Required:

  • Carry the charger with you to keep shooting.

• File Transfers Only:

  • USB-C is limited to transferring images and videos.

Final Thoughts

The Canon R100 is an excellent entry-level camera for those new to photography or on a tight budget. Its limitations, such as the fixed screen, 4K cropping, and lack of USB-C charging, are trade-offs for its affordability. For just $200 more, the Canon R50 offers significant upgrades, but if budget is the priority, the R100 provides a solid starting point.