The camera I recommend to most new photographers is not a Nikon or Panasonic.

Key findings from ZDNET

• Canon EOS R100 A mirrorless camera is a great start for beginner photographers.
• It features a 24-megapixel sensor for excellent image quality and color reproduction, and can shoot 4K (UHD) video at 24 frames per second.
• Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a flip-out preview screen.

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Today is a great time to be a photographer as access to great cameras is easier than ever. In particular, mirrorless cameras such as Canon EOS R100. Sure, our smartphones can take pretty good photos, but if you’re a true photographer at heart, over time you’ll want more from your camera.

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You’ll need more flexibility in post-processing and, frankly, better image quality. Luckily, Canon’s mirrorless lineup includes several bodies, including the R100: a compact mirrorless camera aimed at beginner photographers just getting to grips with their smartphone.

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

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When you’re just getting started in photography, the last thing you want to do is struggle with navigating 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 and dial and button layout make the R100 an easy sell for new photographers.

Yes, it’s compact, but the shutter release and rear buttons are exactly where they should be for your index finger and thumb, respectively. I have very large hands, so I find it difficult to hold smaller cameras. However, with the R100 it only took me a few minutes to get used to its feel.

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

Image quality

Image quality is on par with what I would expect from a budget crop sensor (APS-C) camera. You’ll hear smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung boasting that their smartphone cameras have over 40 megapixels, so if you’re not convinced that a camera that only has half can match their quality, the answer is – definitely yes. Here’s why.

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The image sensor in this camera many more than any smartphone, so the image quality will almost always be better. Here are two example images taken with the R100 in two slightly different scenarios. The first image used the kit lens (18-45mm) that came with the R100.

In this first image you will notice that the image quality is quite good. I didn’t do any post-processing other than adjusting the white balance. My dog ​​Kylo looks really good here. Even when I zoomed in, I noticed that the noise wasn’t bad considering I was shooting this in a shadowed area on a smaller sensor than what I usually use (full frame).

ISO has been raised to 3200, so noise is almost guaranteed to appear in the image. Look at the first image and compare it to the larger version of the image below. Noise is not a big problem.

I took another photo, but I admit I cheated a little. In the second image, I attached an 85mm prime lens, which has a wider aperture to let in more light. Plus, it’s simply a better lens due to the quality of the glass.

It should also be noted that I attached this lens to the R100 via an RF-EF adapter. Most of my Canon lenses have an EF mount, which is not compatible with mirrorless cameras unless you use an adapter. With that said, the R100 did a brilliant job.

This 24-megapixel APS-C sensor does a great job capturing fine details. Yes, I have a better lens, but it also goes to show that a photographer can start with this camera and move up to better lenses over the years until they are ready to upgrade to an upgraded mirrorless body from Canon. Just like in the first image, I just adjusted the white balance. No other post-processing was performed.

How Canon processes video

Shooting video on the R100 is easy, in Full HD at 60 frames per second. This is great for live action, but if you’re trying to shoot something in “cinematic flash” mode, reduce the frame rate to at least 30fps, and preferably 24fps.

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If you’re interested in shooting in 4K (UHD), note that your image will be presented at a shorter focal length because video mode uses the center of the APS-C sensor rather than the entire working area. This may be an inconvenience, but it’s not a deal breaker for a camera in this price range.

If you’re wondering if 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 a flip-up screen. As for live streaming, you can use micro HDMI to connect the R100 to your computer via a capture card or an HDMI switch such as the ATEM Mini.

My concerns about the R100

I don’t have any particular concerns. Firstly, the lack of a retractable screen is quite inconvenient. Flip screens are useful for more than just vlogging. For example, if you’re photographing something from a high or low angle, the ability to rotate the screen is very useful when composing and framing your photo.

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Secondly, the APS-C sensor is not a hindrance, but you should shoot video at the highest possible resolution. Shooting in 4K (UHD) is possible, but on-sensor cropping does not give the 4K footage the appearance of pure 4K video, only the 4K file size. On the plus side, the APS-C sensor is great for moon shots, and it has a full-frame telephoto lens attached to it. You’ll get a slightly longer focal length of about 1.4x.

ZDNET Buying Tips

If you’re an aspiring photographer and want to scratch that itch that your smartphone camera can’t scratch, Canon EOS R100 is a solid camera at an affordable $459 (including included 18-45mm lens). The starting lens isn’t the best, but you’ll definitely notice an improvement over your trusty smartphone.

Another great feature of the R100 is that it can grow with you as you buy slightly better lenses such as Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It offers a wider aperture, better glass, and great portraits right out of the box. So even with the addition of a 50mm lens, you’ll still be spending less than $1,000 for a great option for getting started in photography.