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Canon EOS R100: two-minute review

The Canon EOS R100 looks like a pretty dated camera in every sense, and it'll feel alien if you've only used a smartphone camera before. However, don't judge a book by its cover – it actually makes perfect sense for people looking for a cheap camera, especially for the family, and in particular for any budding photographers in the family.

This is the cheapest mirrorless camera that you can buy new, and it's one that utilizes the same 24MP APS-C sensor and reliable dual-pixel autofocus as Canon's pricier models, the EOS R50 and EOS R10.

Naturally there are compromises. The build quality is basic, especially the fixed rear screen, which isn't even touch sensitive, and the video specs are dated too.

However, after using the EOS R100 for many months my family has found it to be an excellent little snapper, and a perfect fit for small hands. Furthermore, I actually think the EOS R100's limitations are its strength, especially for first-time photographers.

With its old-school DSLR-style design, a viewfinder, and a rear screen lacking touch functionality the EOS R100 isn't trying to compete with a smartphone, and this has led my kids to explore what each external control does, and consequently pick up some photography basics.

The Nikon Z5 II with the Nikkor 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens (Image credit: Future)

There's been further good news since the EOS R100 launched, too. Canon opened its RF-mount to third parties for manufacturing APS-C lenses, and Sigma has already seized this opportunity, launching RF versions of many of its excellent DC DN Contemporary lenses that enhance the EOS R100's photography chops, where previously lens choice for Canon's mirrorless cameras was severely limited.

I've particularly enjoyed using a quartet of Sigma f/1.4 prime lenses, which are all compact, lightweight, high quality, and an excellent physical match with the EOS R100 – I'd highly recommend the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary as a second lens after Canon's 18-45mm kit lens, which is pretty basic.

There's a part of me that still can't warm to the EOS R100; but I'm an experienced photographer, and it's not designed for me. It's my family that have really taken to it and actually used it – which is more than I can say for some of the dedicated cheap kids camera we've tested, and pricier alternatives that are complicated to use.

I felt like I can trust my kids with the EOS R100, and they've taken some excellent photos with it, taking the experience to another level by (easily) printing some of their favorite shots using a low-cost Canon Selphy printer. It's this sort of positive engagement with creative tech that I've always hoped my kids would have.

Canon EOS R100: price and release date

• The Canon EOS R100 and 18-45mm kit lens launched for $599 / £669 / AU$1,099
• That bundle now sells for as little as $350 / £410 / AU$800
• It's available body-only too, and in a twin lens kit with the 18-45mm and 55-210mm lenses

I often have friends asking me to recommend a first camera for their young kids / tweens, with a budget around $500 / £500, and naturally they'd rather buy new. That leaves few other options besides the EOS R100.

And that's exactly the point of this beginner mirrorless camera. The design is stripped back, it has basic build quality and some of Canon's earliest mirrorless tech, and it's mass produced, readily available, and sold on the cheap. If general photography is your intended use and you don't need flagship power, the EOS R100 still holds up well today.

The camera was launched in May 2023, and with the 18-45mm kit lens it cost $599 / £669 / AU$1,099. However, since then I've seen some incredibly good deals, especially in the US during Black Friday 2024 and other seasonal sales, during which time the camera and lens price fell to as low as $350 / £410 / AU$800. It costs even less body-only – it's quite simply the cheapest mirrorless camera you can buy new.

• Price score: 5/5

Canon EOS R100: specs Canon EOS R100: design and handling

• Canon's smallest mirrorless camera, and an ideal fit for smaller hands
• It features a viewfinder and a fixed rear screen that's not touch sensitive
• Images are recorded onto a single SD card

The EOS R100 feels like a shrunken-down version of Canon's DSLRs of old, only with mirrorless tech under the hood.

It's comfortable to hold thanks to a pronounced grip, and its diminutive proportions are a perfect fit for little hands – my kids, aged between five and 12, could all hold the camera comfortably and easily take photos with it.

A dinky viewfinder provides a clear view of your scene for when it's otherwise tricky using the rear screen, such as in bright daylight.

Personally, I'd rather the rear screen at least tilted for easy viewing from awkward angles – the slightly pricier EOS R50 features a vari-angle touchscreen – although the fixed screen was less of a limitation for my kids, whose knees are rather less creaky than mine.

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At first my kids were thrown that the rear screen didn't respond to touch – they've grown up with tech and are familiar with smartphones, and the camera's screen felt alien to them.

Eventually, however, the lack of touch functionality caused them to turn their attention to the EOS R100's physical controls, and I felt like this encouraged them to they explore the camera more, figuring out what each control and button did.

I initially called the camera 'out of touch' with beginners, precisely because of its old-school design and non-touch screen, but after extended use I've changed my mind – this is in fact an ideal camera with which to learn photography basics.

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The body is built from a sturdy plastic. It's not weather-sealed, but as it's cheap and feels solid I felt comfortable letting my kids get on with using it without intervening too much, although I was also conscious of its potential vulnerability in inclement weather and dusty outdoor areas.

As I'm an experienced photographer, the EOS R100 isn't enough for me – there would be far too many occasions when I'd miss having a certain control or a feature at my fingertips. However, for beginners the EOS R100 makes a lot sense.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Canon EOS R100: features and performance

• Canon's original dual-pixel autofocus is snappy for general photography
• Burst speeds are a fairly average 6.5fps for continuous shooting
• Video specs are basic – this is primarily a camera for stills

As you can imagine, Canon's cheapest mirrorless camera is fairly stripped back when it comes to features, and limited when it comes to outright speed.

It does, though, feature Canon's dual-pixel CMOS autofocus with face detection and human subject-tracking autofocus, which I found to be really sticky and reliable for portraiture.

Should you wish to employ a different autofocus mode, such as spot AF, the convoluted process involves diving into a menu, while there's no joystick for speedily selecting focus points manually.

Canon's latest autofocus system in the pro EOS R5 Mark II is another level, with a range of subject-detection modes for animals and vehicles, sports priority, the option to store specific people to prioritize, plus Eye Control AF – the two cameras are worlds apart. However, for general photography, the EOS R100's autofocus is very good.

The EOS R100 has rudimentary burst shooting speeds of up to 6.5fps, with sequence lengths up to 97 JPEGs or just six raws – an action photography camera this is not.

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Video recording options include 4K up to 30fps, plus Full HD up to 60fps; that's the minimum I'd expect for a video-capable camera launched in 2023. Dig deeper into the specs and you'll find that video recording is in 8-bit color, which is much less color-rich than 10-bit.

The camera has a hotshoe for attaching accessories such as a flash gun. It's the more basic 5-pin type, meaning not all of Canon's flash guns are supported by the EOS R100, so if you're looking to purchase such an accessory check that it's compatible with the camera first.

• Features and performance score: 3.5/5

Canon EOS R100: image and video quality

• Same trusted 24MP APS-C sensor as pricier Canon cameras
• 4K video recording up to 30fps, 8-bit color
• No C-Log color profile or 'recipes'

There's not too much more to say about the EOS R100's image and video quality that hasn't already been covered in our EOS R10 review – it has the same potential for natural-looking photos with Canon's lovely color profiles.

This also means the EOS R100 can grab detail-rich photos of similar quality to the likes of the Sony A6100, Nikon Z50 II and Fujifilm X-T30 II, all of which utilize a sensor with a resolution around the 24MP mark, which is impressive considering that the EOS R100 is a much cheaper camera.

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All of the photos above were taken with either Canon's RF-S 18-45mm or RF-S 55-210mm.

Canon's RF-S 18-45mm kit lens doesn't quite match the quality of Nikon's 16-50mm kit lens, while the RF-S 55-210mm lens, which is available in a twin-lens kit with the EOS R100, is decent without overly impressing; detail is a little soft in the images of ducks, above, while bokeh in the cat portrait has an onion-ring effect.

To truly elevate image quality, I would recommend buying another lens. The photos included in the first gallery directly below are made with some of Sigma's DC DN Contemporary f/1.4 primes – the 16mm , 23mm and 30mm. In the second gallery below, all the photos are made with Sigma's 56mm lens, which is ideal for portraits.

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Video quality is rudimentary. Yes, the EOS R100 can shoot 4K, but only up to 30fps and with 8-bit color depth, which isn't as rich as 10-bit, which cameras like Fujifilm's X-M5 offer.

Flat color profiles for video, which would give color graders more to work with when editing, are missing too, as are custom profiles that can be uploaded to the camera, something that's available with the Nikon Z50 II via Nikon's Imaging Cloud

None of this is surprising given the EOS R100's price point and target user, though, and we're left with Canon's familiar range of color profiles which, thankfully, are better than most.

• Image and video quality score: 3.5/5

Canon EOS R100: testing scorecard Should I buy the Canon EOS R100? Buy it if...

You're looking for a first 'proper' camera
With its small form factor, comfy grip, decent photo quality and changeable lenses, the EOS R100 is an excellent camera for budding photographers.

You want a cheap camera
The EOS R100 is not only Canon's cheapest mirrorless camera, it's the cheapest mirrorless camera from any brand – and there are usually superb deals during seasonal sales that further lower the price.

Don't buy it if...

You want versatile handling
The EOS R100's basic build quality and fixed rear screen with no touch functionality do limit where and how you can shoot.

You shoot photo and video
The EOS R100 has decent photography credentials, but its video specs are limited by today's standards.

Canon EOS R100: also consider Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is arguably the best-value beginner mirrorless camera available, with its retro-styling, a capable 20MP sensor and superb image stabilization. As it's a Micro Four Thirds camera an enviable selection of lenses are available, and despite being launched in 2020 its tech is of a similar era to the EOS R100's.

Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

Fujifilm X-M5

For an additional outlay, the Fujifilm X-M5 is a superb alternative for beginners who want to shoot video and much as photos. The X-M5 is tiny, is supported by a superb selection of lenses, and comes with a 26MP sensor that delivers 6K video. However, like most other beginner mirrorless cameras, it's about twice the price of the EOS R100.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-M5 review

How I tested the Canon EOS R100

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• I picked up the EOS R100 more than six months before writing this review
• During that time both I and my children have used it regularly
• I've paired the camera with many lenses, primarily the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens, but also third-party ones

This review is a reflection of long-term testing over many months. And it's not just my thoughts and testing of the camera that have informed my thoughts, as my kids have taken a keen interest in the camera too.

Initially, I used the camera with just the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens, but we've also tried out Canon's RF-S 55-210mm telephoto zoom, plus four Sigma Contemporary lenses – 16mm, 23mm, 30mm and 56mm f/1.4 primes.

We've primarily used the camera for taking photos rather than video, shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, pets, closeups and more.

First reviewed April 2025

Latinos, many from outside the U.S. mainland, have risen in prominence in horseracing, from the grooms to some of the winningest jockeys.

(Image credit: Lydia Schweickart for NPR)

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has opened up 73 jobs to internal candidates. They include roles just vacated by people who are receiving full pay and benefits through September.

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Every week is a busy week in technology, and the past seven days have been no exception. Just in case you haven't had chance to visit TechRadar every day this week (we'll forgive you), these are the most important stories you need to know about.

There's a lot to get through here: more advances in AI, a new number one Bluetooth speaker, and promises of futuristic devices on the way. From phones to satellites, there's a varied selection of stories below.

Once you've made it all the way through, you'll be back up to date with all the comings and goings in tech since last weekend – and if the next few days are looking busy too, don't worry, because we'll have another ICYMI for you this time next week.

8. Netflix revealed the date for its Tudum showcase

Netflix Tudum 2025 is less than a month away (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix has a big content showcase every year called Tudum (the sound the Netflix app makes when it launches) and we now know that the 2025 extravaganza is going to be taking place late on May 31 in the US, and early on June 1 in the UK and Australia.

There are plenty of reasons to tune in, based on the Tudum 2025 trailer. We should be getting updates on some of the biggest properties Netflix has, including Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Wednesday, as well as the third movie in the Knives Out franchise.

• Read more: Netflix announces May air date for Tudum 2025 – and it'll include news on Stranger Things season 5, Wednesday season 2, Squid Game season 3, and more

7. We reviewed the world’s best Bluetooth speaker

The JBL Flip 7 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

JBL has a very strong reputation when it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, and the brand new Flip 7 only enhances that reputation further: it's just earned itself five stars out of five in our in-depth JBL Flip 7 review, and our writers really don't give out that score easily.

The speaker has hugely impressed us in terms of its design, build quality, and battery life, and then of course there's the beautifully punchy and detailed sound too. It offers a much bigger and much better soundscape than you'd expect, given its compact dimensions.

• Read more: I reviewed the new JBL Flip 7, and the new Bluetooth speaker boss is better than the old boss

6. Nothing launched another impressive budget phone

We have new CMF products from Nothing (Image credit: Nothing)

Nothing continues to release devices that perfectly balance performance and price, with the latest gadget to catch our eye being the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Yours for just $279 / £219 (around AU$460) from next week, it looks like being one of the best cheap phones of 2025.

That's not all, because Nothing also unveiled the CMF Buds 2, Buds 2 Plus, and Buds 2a, which again put more expensive devices to shame in terms of value for money. Not only are these new gadgets attractively priced, they also offer stylish, eye-catching designs.

• Read more: Nothing reveals tempting CMF Phone 2 Pro pricing and specs alongside bargain wireless earbuds

5. OpenAI fixed ChatGPT’s ‘annoying’ personality

ChatGPT models are changing again (Image credit: Shutterstock/EI Editorial)

It's always refreshing to see a tech company admit that it's made a mistake, and having noticed that GPT-4o's personality had become "too sycophant-y and annoying", OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promised that fixes were rolling out to correct the issues this week.

The core of the problem has been that ChatGPT has been trying too hard to be human, with too many flattering remarks and too many fake-sounding expressions of excitement. It turns out that most of us like our AI companions to admit to their artificiality.

• Read more: Sam Altman says OpenAI will fix ChatGPT's 'annoying' new personality – but this viral prompt is a good workaround for now

4. Starlink’s satellite internet got a tempting 'free' offer

Now is a great time to get started with Starlink (Image credit: Starlink)

Starlink's efforts to try and connect the most cut-off and remote parts of the world to the internet continue, and the latest offer from the company waives the hardware setup fee for new subscribers, as long as they commit for at least 12 months to the satellite service.

That's a hefty saving of $349 in the US, for example, but not everyone is eligible to get the money off. To begin with, it's only available in "select markets" (check the Starlink website to see if you qualify), and there are some additional terms and conditions attached too.

• Read more: Starlink is now offering its satellite internet kit for free on a new plan – but not everyone can get it

3. GTA 6 got delayed until 2026

GTA 6 is no longer coming in 2025 (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Say it ain't so: the most anticipated video game of recent years will no longer be launching this year. Rockstar Games had promised we'd see Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025, but has now announced the title is getting pushed back, and will be unveiled on May 26, 2026.

The reasons are the usual ones for this kind of delay, that the fans "expect and deserve" the best possible experience, and so on. Next year we might well find that GTA 6 fans actually deserve to wait a little longer than May – but that remains to be seen.

• Read more: Grand Theft Auto 6 release date confirmed, but it's been delayed – here's why

2. New Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were teased

The current Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (Image credit: Future)

The smart glasses made by Meta and Ray-Ban have helped push this gadget form factor further towards the mainstream, so we're excited to see what comes next: and what comes next will apparently be multiple new versions of the specs, arriving later this year.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg went on the record in an earnings report to say that the range would "expand" in 2025, and offer some "new technological capabilities". We've also got some ideas about what Zuckerberg could mean, and what improvements we might see.

• Read more: Mark Zuckerberg confirms new Ray-Ban smart glasses are coming 'later this year' – here are the 3 pairs I think we’ll see

1. ChatGPT got a dangerously useful shopping upgrade

Going shopping with ChatGPT (Image credit: OpenAI)

ChatGPT announced a big upgrade to its online shopping skills this week, with the idea being that you can have a natural, interactive conversation with the AI about the products you want and the budget you've got, and get some suitable buying options in return.

We've already tested out the new features, and they have the potential to completely transform the way we shop online – assuming you trust AI to pick out the right items for you. If you'd rather do more of the research yourself, you might still prefer the old ways.

• Read more: I've seen ChatGPT's new shopping features in action, and this could be the game changer we've been waiting for

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A lot happened this week, and NPR has you covered. Catch up on the big news and culture moments you might have missed.

I've tested quite a few office chairs in the Sihoo Doro range, including the S300, S100, and the C300, and now, the C300 Pro - an upgrade on the former. So, opening up the Sihoo Doro C300 Pro, I had a good idea what I was in for.

By now, all the box openings feel the same, and the lumbar support in the C-lineup and the mesh across the Doro line-up feel the same. It's all great. The one thing I keep getting hung up on for the otherwise fantastic chair is the flagship 6D armrests. Perhaps I lean more on my armrests than most; possibly, I am too particular, or maybe I am just the vast minority. Regardless, my team and I have found these armrests too mobile, making them challenging or frustrating to use rather than a benefit we desire.

What makes that sad to type is that the rest of the chair is excellent outside the armrests. It feels like a more budget-friendly version of one of my all-time favorite chairs, the OdinLake Ergo Plus 743. And that's no small statement.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: Unboxing & first impressions

Like the other Sihoo chairs I tested, the Doro C300 Pro was no different. It came well packaged, with the necessary tools and that pair of white gloves I should wear but never do. Of course, there are instructions and packing material to help ensure that the parts don't rub against each other, causing damage.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The materials are excellent, the mesh is comfortable, the frame is solid, and the ergonomics help and work well rather than feeling gimmicky or over/underdone. Right away, I got working on adjusting my settings to make this chair perfect. Then my arms pushed on the armrests, and I realized they were the same style as the armrests that have driven me nuts for a while now, but it does feel a bit better. Sihoo listened and tightened up the armrests to avoid unwanted tumbles.

Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: Design & build quality Specs

Seat Depth: 16.81–17.76 inches
Seat Width: 20.28 inches
Seat Height Range: 18.11–22.32 inches
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Materials: Mesh back and seat with PU-coated armrests
Adjustability: 6D armrests, dynamic lumbar support, adjustable headrest and seat depth
Recline Angles: 105°, 120°, and 135°

The Sihoo lineup of chairs is always built well. The base is sturdy, and the mesh is durable and comfortable. Even after having a few Sihoo Doros in rotation with my team for years now, they are holding up quite nicely and are still loved.

The mesh material that most of the chairs are made from promotes easy airflow, allowing warmer individuals like myself to stay cool throughout the day (I used to get so warm sitting in those classic leather office chairs).

This chair's design is also sleek, and it looks good in a home office setup, a co-working setup, an executive suite, or anything in between.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: In use

My team and I have had this chair in our rotation for 160 days at the time of writing this. It's crossed between a couple of members and has landed with one individual who is 6'4", about 250lbs and fairly muscular. He absolutely loves this chair and how comfortable it is for him. Normally, chairs that fit his height and weight are not meant for his build type, so he loves being able to fit in it comfortably and pull the desk chair arms in and not have them too wide. So far, he has not had any tumbles, which is a big win.

During my time using the chair, I noticed that these armrests seem to be a bit tighter, though I prefer less movement all around, maybe I'm a purist. I've worked entire days sitting in this chair for hours on end without needing to adjust, move around, or wish for another chair. Which, is saying quite a bit since I have some pretty remarkable chairs I get to use.

I feel like this chair can adjust for pretty much any body type due to all the adjustments available. I have actually been able to put this to the test with my team, ranging in weight and size pretty dramatically. It might take some time to adjust and fine-tune the chair to individual preferences. However, for someone using this chair in their personal workspace, or for those who aren't concerned about having it perfectly customized in a co-working environment, this is not a significant issue at all.

Set up as a true work from home desk (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: Final verdict

The Sihoo Doro C300 Pro combines ergonomic features with a luxurious feel while remaining affordable. It has dynamic lumbar support, great adjustability and high weight capacity, making it great for nearly any body type. While I personally don't love the ultra-adjustable armrests, that's a small note on this otherwise solid ergonomic chair.

For more office essentials, we've rounded up the best standing desks for the home and office.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's center-left Labor Party is seeking a second term. His opponent, conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton, wants to become the first political leader to oust a first-term government since 1931.

(Image credit: Mark Baker)

• Google has launched Gemini home screen widgets for Android and iOS devices
• The widgets let users access Gemini AI features with a single tap
• The widgets are customizable and allow users to prioritize their most-used Gemini actions

If you like using Google Gemini on your smartphone but find it tedious to tap multiple times to get to the feature you want, Google has you covered. The tech giant has begun rolling out Gemini home screen widgets for both Android and iOS. That means a single tap can launch right into a conversation with Gemini, open the microphone for a voice conversation, share a file with the AI, or even snap a photo with the camera that will go right to Gemini.

The rollout is happening gradually but widely. If you’re running Android 10 or higher, you can already add the Gemini widget by long-pressing on your home screen, tapping “Widgets,” finding Gemini in the list, and dragging it wherever you want it to live. For iOS 17 and up, it’s a similar story: hold your home screen until the icons jiggle, tap the plus button, search for Gemini, and add your widget of choice. You can also customize it by long-pressing it again and swapping out shortcuts or rearranging which actions appear first, such as the microphone for voice chats or the camera button for visual searches.

This update isn't necessarily groundbreaking, but it speaks to the way a lot of people might use Gemini for short activities or tasks but don't want to immerse themselves in it more than necessary.

If you use Gemini every day to ask questions, create funny images, plan trips, or brainstorm emails, this could make accessing the AI a little more convenient. The fact that it is also closer to how Siri and the rapidly dissolving Google Assistant function is probably not a coincidence.

These aren't Gemini's first mobile widgets either. Google released very similar Gemini widgets a couple of months ago for the iPhone lockscreen. Though functionally very similar, they are technically a different form of widget. Google is gradually rolling out the home screen Gemini widget over the next week, so you may only have the lock screen variant available right now.

Widget Gemini

The widgets also offer a glimpse into Google's strategy for infusing Gemini into our daily lives. They want people to think about AI as not just something you call on occasionally, but as a day-to-day tool that is instantly and easily accessible. Instead of lurking in the background, Gemini becomes a part of the interface.

Starting with mobile devices is a smart move for making Gemini feel more like a core service. A lot of people first try out new tech features and products on mobile devices, not on their laptops or desktop computers. If they like it on a mobile device, maybe that will translate to desktop usage. And if you're going to use AI on your phone, it should be quick and casual, like checking the weather or the time.

Gemini’s widgets are fairly basic at the moment, but they set the foundation for more complex widgets to come. Imagine a future widget that surfaces ongoing conversations so you can finish an interrupted project, or one that shows real-time updates from custom topics you follow, or even offers proactive suggestions based on your habits.

All in all, these new widgets are less about bells and whistles and more about removing friction. They aim to give Gemini a faster, more native-feeling way into your daily habits, whether on Android or iPhone. The widget may be the wedge Gemini needs to fulfill every little request an AI assistant can handle.

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An Illinois landlord who killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy and severely injured the boy's mother in a brutal hate-crime attack days after the war in Gaza began was sentenced to 53 years in prison.

(Image credit: Charles Rex Arbogast)

Radio Free Asia is laying off about 90 percent of its staff. It says it can no longer pay people after its funding was cut off by the Trump administration.

(Image credit: Rod Lamkey/AP)