Canon has announced its newest entry-level EOS R mirrorless hybrid, the EOS R100. Along with the EOS R100, Canon has also launched the RF 28mm f/2.8 STM, which is the smallest and lightest RF lens to date.
The EOS R100 is essentially an EOS M200 replacement.
EOS R100 Key features
- 24.1 MP APS-C sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with subject detection
- UHD video up to 23.98p (crop)
- Full HD 60 fps and HD 120 fps
- Electronic viewfinder
- Built-in Flash
- Compact and lightweight body
The EOS R100 features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, although the processor is an older DIGIC 8.
It features a very compact and lightweight body and it is being targeted at people who are looking to buy their first interchangeable lens camera to capture family moments, etc. While this camera could certainly be used by professionals, that really isn’t the target audience. Canon is specifically targeting those users who want to step up (although this is subjective) from a smartphone. The point-and-shoot market has all but disappeared as smartphones have continued to close the gap when it comes to capturing movements that are more than likely just going to go straight up on social media platforms. The benefit of a smartphone is that you always have one with you, while a camera is something you need to remember to take.
The EOS R100’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF is claimed to provide fast and accurate subject detection, tracking people’s eyes when using the viewfinder or the LCD. What you need to be aware of is that the AF zones are limited to just 143 zones. For reference, the EOS R50 has 651 zones. The EOS R100 also has the ability to capture up to 6.5 fps continuous shooting with One Shot AF and 3.5 fps with Continuous AF.
The EOS R100 is capable of capturing up to UHD 23.98p video with a crop and Full HD up to 120 fps. Now, you need to be aware that the Dual Pixel CMOS AF also enables face detection and eye tracking when recording in Full HD, but not in UHD. There is a recording time limit of 29min and 59 seconds.
The camera records to a single SD card slot and it utilizes Canon LP-E17 batteries. There is a USB-C port and an HDMI out, as well as a 3.5mm microphone input. There is no physical headphone jack.
The EOS R100 weighs in at 356g / 12.87 oz, which makes it 19g lighter than the EOS R50 and 73g lighter than the EOS R10.
It was designed to be simple to use for beginners and it has a 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder, 3″ fixed screen, intuitive controls, and a guided user interface. This is complemented by Creative Assist, which is a mode that makes it easy to adjust background blur, brightness, contrast, and color balance.
Wi-Fi and always-on Bluetooth connectivity enable users to transfer images and videos to their smartphones using the Canon Camera Connect app for instant sharing to social media platforms The app also enables users to operate the EOS R100 remotely, while Bluetooth connection allows simple control with the BR-E1 remote control or a smartphone.
Full Specifications
RF 28mm f/2.8 STM
The RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is a very compact and lightweight full-frame RF prime pancake lens. It was designed to be a good complement for cameras such as the recently launched EOS R8. It can easily fit into many kit bags or be used instead of a body cap, ideal for travel and street photographers.
The 28mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture make it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. The aperture enables low light shooting and achieves a shallow depth of field for blurred backgrounds. The RF 28mm f/2.8 STM includes a combined control and focus ring, enabling users to adjust settings and quickly switch to manual focus if required. The STM motor is also claimed to provide quiet autofocus and smooth transitions between subjects.
The RF 28mm f/2.8 STM joins quite a few RF STM lenses:
- RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
- RF 24mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM
- RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM
- RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM
OC-E4A
The OC-E4A is Canon’s new cable for the multi-function shoe, featured on several EOS R System cameras, which allows the new advanced range of accessories to be placed away from the hotshoe. It allows multi-function accessories such as Speedlites to be used off-camera for correct lighting when shooting vertically to prevent shadows and reduce red eye. The OC-E4A can also provide power to devices such as microphones, and it has been designed to enable use with the RF 5.2mm f/2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens.
Pricing & availability
The EOS R100 will be shipping in June/July for $479 USD.
The EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm and 55-210mm Lenses Kit will be $829 USD.
The EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens will be $599 USD.
The RF 28mm f/2.8 STM will be available in July for $299 USD.
The OC-E4A won’t be available till August.
