Canon bolsters EOS R system with EOS R100

Budget addition targets novice photographers looking for a high-quality and easy-to-use camera, the EOS R100

Canon has been throwing resources into growing its EOS R mirrorless line-up, which now comprises 13 bodies and 34 lenses. That number is further swelled with the addition of the EOS R100, which sits just below the recently issued R50 and is described by its manufacturer as ‘family friendly’.

This is justified not only by being a small, lightweight and compact new entry-level option, but also Canon’s most affordable R camera so far. Novice photographers are the intended audience for this ‘photo first’ camera – as well as smartphone users seeking higher quality than their handsets could deliver, but who at the same time don’t demand hundreds of features. Ease of use is key here, and that includes the provision of a GUI (guided user interface).

Headline features include a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Digic 8 processor, a native light sensitivity range that tops out at ISO 12,800 but is further expandable, and 3.5fps capture speed with face and AF tracking or 6fps with one-shot AF. On top of this, we’re offered a silent mode, 4K/25p video capture, Full HD up to 60p and HD up to 120p.

For budding videographers, the camera also provides built-in Movie Digital IS, Vertical Movies and a Movie Digest function. In the latter, the R100 creates two- to four-second video clips every time a shot is taken and compiles these into a motion sequence. Compatibility is offered with the Camera Connect app to allow remote shooting, plus there’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Also of importance, the EOS R100 weighs 356g, features a 5-pin hotshoe, a 2.36m-dot EVF with 60fps refresh rate and a three-inch fixed LCD with 1.04m dots. While its maker sees the R10 as being aimed at photo/video enthusiasts and the R50 suitable for the content creator market, the R100 has very much been pitched at the family user.

In terms of price, the main option twins the EOS R100 body with an RF-S 18-45mm lens for £669.99, with availability the middle to end of June.

Alongside the latest camera, Canon has announced an RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens for EOS R users. Described as ‘a small lens for a wide world of creativity’, the optic weighs a mere 120g and measures a compact 24.7mm in length, making it Canon’s smallest and lightest RF lens yet. It features a combined focus and control ring, a focus/control switch and 5mm filter thread. Its suggested retail price is £344.99 and it’s also available this month.

Finally, Canon is offering up the OC-E4A off-camera shoe cable, a successor to the OC-E3. Slightly longer than its predecessor, this 80cm cord supports flash and audio. It can also power Canon’s DM-E1D microphone and ST-E10 accessory when attached. Compatible models include the R3, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10 and R50. Pricing for the OC-E4A is £229.99.

canon.co.uk

Originally published in Issue 108 of Photography News.