In-Depth Assessment of Canon R100 Camera Performance and Features
The Canon EOS R100 is a remarkable camera shaking up the underwater photography scene, offering a budget-friendly solution in an era where compact cameras, like the OM System TG-7, see rising prices due to smartphone popularity. In this evolving market, mirrorless cameras, especially those with APS-C sensors, are taking center stage.
Entering at a wallet-friendly price of $479 for the body alone, the Canon R100 is the most affordable APS-C mirrorless camera on the market. With a larger sensor, it provides superior dynamic range, low-light performance, and detail, setting it apart from lighter competition.
Bluewater offers an impressive starter package for the R100, combining everything needed for underwater photography and videography for just under $2900. This package caters to enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet high-quality underwater solution without breaking the bank.
Initially met with skepticism, given the positive reputation of the Canon R10, the R100 proved to be a pleasant surprise after extended use in the Sea of Cortez and Southern California. Far from compromising on image quality, the R100 even surpassed its predecessor, the R10, by delivering unparalleled image quality at an unbeatable price point.
For those prioritizing cost-effectiveness without sacrificing visual excellence, the Canon R100 is a compelling choice. This revised piece highlights its power and potential, making it an attractive option for those diving deep into the underwater photography landscape.
Canon R100 Specs
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
- DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF (lower-end AF system than R10 and R7)
- -4 EV lowlight AF acquisition
- 6.5 fps burst shooting
- 4K/24p and HD/60p video recording
- RF lens mount - compatible with EF-EOS R adapter for EF lenses
- No in-body image stabilization
- The smallest and lightest EOS R camera
- Dimensions: 4.58 x 3.37 x 2.71 in
- Weight: 356 g
Canon R100 vs R50 vs R10 vs R7
The R100 stands out as a valuable option among Canon's APS-C RF mount mirrorless cameras: the R7, R10, R50, and R100. While they share similarities, unique features set each model apart.
The Canon EOS R7
Priced at $1499, the R7 is Canon's premium APS-C model, packing a 32.5-megapixel sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 4k/60p video recording with Log profiles, and a cutting-edge autofocus system. It is an excellent choice for macro photographers and professional shooters looking to benefit from the crop factor offered by APS-C sensors.
The Canon EOS R10
The Canon R10 sports a 24.2-megapixel sensor, making it the R7's less-resolutioned brother. With the same autofocus mechanism as the R7, it can still record in 4K/60p, but the footage is cropped, and C-Log3 recording is not an option. Priced at $980, it offers an affordable entry point for APS-C sensors.
The Canon EOS R50
At $680, the Canon R50 boasts a 24.2-megapixel sensor like the R10 but with reduced video features and no motorized front curtain. Nauticam has created a lightweight anodized aluminum housing with a fixed port, making it ideal for users who prefer this housing design.
The Canon EOS R100
Priced at an astonishingly low $479, the 24.2-megapixel sensor found in the R10 and R50 makes its way into the R100. With less sophisticated autofocus systems than the R10 and R7, the image quality remains comparable. Despite reduced video features, the R100 excels in providing the best image quality for the lowest price point.
Key Features of the Canon R100
While the Canon R100 may not boast a long list of features compared to earlier APS-C cameras, it still offers impressive underwater capabilities.
Compact and Portable
Weighing just 356 grams, the R100 is the smallest and lightest EOS R camera, making it an ideal choice for travel photographers seeking a compact solution without compromising on image quality.
Impressive Pro-Level Image Quality
The R100's 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers better dynamic range and details compared to Olympus and Panasonic micro four thirds cameras, as well as significantly better image quality than compact underwater cameras. This advantage translates to easier editing and better results in challenging lighting conditions.
Fast and Accurate Autofocus
The R100's autofocus system may be less sophisticated than the R10 and R7, but it still performs well underwater, locking onto subjects quickly and maintaining focus, even in low light conditions.
4K Underwater Video
The Canon R100 can capture 4K video at a maximum frame rate of 24 and HD video at a maximum frame rate of 60. While video enthusiasts might prefer the R50 or R7 for more advanced features, the R100 provides a solid option for 4K capture underwater.
Recommended Underwater Lenses for the Canon R100
For the best underwater results with the Canon R100, consider using the following lenses:
Canon RF 18-45mm f/4.5-f/6.3 Kit Lens
While not a specialist underwater lens, the RF 18-45mm f/4.5-f/6.3 kit lens included with the R100 provides excellent results for wide-angle photography and fish portraits.
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Ideal for macro photography, the RF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens offers quick focusing and superior close-up capabilities, delivering 1.4:1 supermacro images.
Tokina EF 10-17mm fisheye lens with the Canon EF-EOS R Adapter
A top choice for wide-angle photography, the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens, combined with the EF-EOS R adapter, provides excellent autofocus and a versatile field of view. Its shallow depth of field and increased details make it a great addition to the R100's underwater capabilities.
Conclusions
The Canon R100 offers a remarkable underwater photography solution for budget-conscious photographers, providing top-quality results without breaking the bank. Travel photographers, keen on capturing stunning underwater photos and videos, will appreciate the compact and portable design, impressive image quality, fast autofocus, and 4K video capabilities.
Jump to a section
- Canon R100 specs
- Canon R100 vs R50 vs R10 vs R7
- Canon R100 Key Features
- Canon R100 Recommended Underwater Lenses
- Canon R100 Housings and Packages
- Conclusions
- The Canon EOS R100's ability to deliver exceptional underwater photography, despite its budget-friendly price, is reshaping the market in a domain where compact cameras like the OM System TG-7 are seeing increased prices due to smartphone popularity.
- In the Sea of Cortez and Southern California, the Canon R100 surpassed expectations, proving to be more than just a budget alternative to its reputable predecessor, the R10.
- The Canon R100 offers an impressive diopter performance with its 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, making it a suitable choice for nudibranch and macro photography.
- For underwater photography and videography enthusiasts seeking a high-quality yet affordable solution, Bluewater's starter package for the Canon R100 is worth considering, priced at just under $2900.
- The Canon R100's fast and accurate focus system, coupled with its impressive color rendering and lighting capabilities, makes it a desirable option for travel photographers aiming to capture stunning underwater images.
- The Canon R100, when paired with the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, offers superb close-up capabilities and delivers 1.4:1 supermacro images, perfect for capturing the intricate details of small creatures like nudibranchs.
- When looking for a wide-angle photography lens for the Canon R100, the Tokina EF 10-17mm fisheye lens, when adapted using the Canon EF-EOS R Adapter, offers excellent autofocus and a versatile field of view, enhanced by its shallow depth of field and increased details.
- With the Canon R100's smaller size, compared to its APS-C counterparts like the R7 and R10, it is an ideal choice for compact underwater photography gear, making it simpler to navigate through kelp forests and avoid encounters with large marine life.
- Equipped with a strobe, the Canon R100 is capable of blackwater photography, a challenging yet rewarding technique that can reveal the beauty of deep-sea creatures.
- As technology continues to evolve, the Canon R100 serves as a revolutionary gadget for underwater photography, bridging the gap between price and performance, and providing a travel-friendly solution for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
