This is the summary of TechRadar’s review, which provides you with all the important information you want if you are seeking rapid purchase recommendations in less than a minute — our typical comprehensive, in-depth assessment comes after this.
The Canon EOS M100 is the mirrorless camera that serves as the company’s entry-level offering in its EOS M line of products. It has ultra-simple external controls and a smartphone-style touchscreen interface with a 180-degree flip-up selfie pivot, making it ideal for those who want to upgrade their smartphones or who are interested in telling stories.
Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera w/ 15-45mm Lens & 55-200mm Lens -...
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection.
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor.
- Built-in Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Bluetooth***.
- Intuitive Touchscreen, 3.0-inch Tilt-type LCD.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection.
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor.
- Built-in Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Bluetooth***.
- Intuitive Touchscreen, 3.0-inch Tilt-type LCD.
It has a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connection, as well as an always-on Bluetooth LE connection, which enables it to automatically transmit photographs from your camera to your smartphone. This makes it ideal for effortless image sharing on social networks. If you picture Instagram rather than Lightroom, you won’t stray too far from the mark here.
The EOS M100, on the other hand, is equipped with Canon’s most recent APS-C Dual Pixel CMOS sensor, which has 24 megapixels. This is the same technology that can be found in many of Canon’s DSLRs and mirrorless models that are located considerably further up the product line. It has a quick focus and produces pictures of excellent quality.
Canon has placed all of the technical stuff inside the EOS M100, where it can only be accessible by tapping on the interactive touchscreen interface. If there is a fault with the EOS M100, it is that Canon has done this in order to super-simplify the outside of the camera. The application of basic changes like as exposure compensation, white balance, exposure mode, and a whole lot more becomes somewhat more difficult as a result of this.
Another problem is that there is no viewfinder on the camera. Even while it’s not the only affordable mirrorless camera that doesn’t have a viewfinder, you should always try to spend a little more money for a camera that does have one, in our opinion.
Who exactly does it serve, and should I get it?
The Canon EOS M100 is designed specifically for users who have never worked with a “proper” camera – or at least one that has a large sensor and interchangeable lenses – and want the process of taking pictures to be as simple as using a smartphone. The camera features a single 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and a variety of interchangeable lenses.
If, on the other hand, you are seeking a camera that may also assist you in learning some of the more technical parts of photography, this emphasis on simplification may start to wear on you very quickly. But as a learning tool that can grow with you, it’s not so fantastic, and you could soon find yourself shopping around for an upgrade. It’s a terrific camera for beginners who are satisfied with merely developing their ‘eye’ rather than their technical abilities.
Designed for smartphone upgraders
The EOS M100 is not aimed at photography professionals by Canon. The controls have been purposefully kept basic so that photographers whose only previous photography experience has been with their smartphone won’t be too intimidated by the device. At the same time, Canon has integrated its most recent 24MP Dual CMOS AF sensor, which is featured in its best APS-C DSLRs. The only option to acquire a sensor that is superior to this inside the Canon range is to upgrade to a full-frame DSLR.
The Canon features the same phase-detection focusing as DSLR cameras thanks to its sensor’s Dual Pixel technology, which allows it to capture images with a resolution of 24 megapixels, which is about as high as it can go for cameras of this size. When compared to previous, more straightforward mirrorless cameras, the M100 should be able to focus more quickly and with less jerkiness, and this applies to both taking still images and videos.
Canon told us that it wanted to focus on movie quality and overall sharpness, using a combination of the optical image stabilizer in compatible lenses and the 3-axis Digital IS system in the camera. This makes it interesting that the M100 does not shoot 4K video but instead sticks to 1920 x 1080 Full HD.
We put Canon’s EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.5 retracting kit lens through its paces during our testing of the EOS M100. This lens is the one that is most likely to come packaged with the camera. This model is equipped with optical image stabilization as well as Canon’s most recent stepping motor STM autofocus technology, which enables performance that is more swiftly, smoothly, and quietly.
Even though Canon provides an adapter for attaching its DSLR lenses, the selection of lenses for Canon’s EOS M mirrorless devices is not as extensive as it is for the company’s DSLRs. However, other EOS-M lenses are available for purchase.
To expand the lens for photography, you have to press a button and twist it, but when it’s not in use, it can be retracted into a more compact shape than a standard zoom lens, making it easier to transport.
This is Canon’s new entry-level EOS M camera, and while it is more affordable than other models in the line, it also has fewer features than those other models. Because there is no electronic viewfinder, the only way to compose your shots is by using the screen on the back of the camera, which can be tilted.
Solid Autofocus Performance
When compared to a standard mirrorless or DSLR camera, the Canon EOS M100 has a much friendlier appearance, which makes it ideal for beginners. The absence of a large mode dial for PASM modes (Program AE, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual), scene modes, or effects modes is one of the most notable distinctions between the two types of cameras. Instead, there is simply a single lever with three positions that allows you to select between the full-auto mode, the auto/manual mode, and the movie mode. It feels very much like using one of Canon’s more straightforward PowerShot small cameras.
This has positive and negative implications. This indicates that if you’ve never used a camera before, there’s nothing here that should put you off, and you can get right to taking pictures. If, on the other hand, you begin to feel more comfortable with the camera and decide that you want to start making adjustments to the camera’s shutter speed, lens aperture, white balance, ISO, and other controls that are used on a daily basis, you will have to rely solely on the interactive touchscreen display and the camera menus.
The interactive display does function pretty well, and when you tap on a lot of different items, small tooltip windows will show up and explain what they do. There are some easy-to-use semi-automatic modes for common subjects like landscapes and portraits, as well as special effects like the HDR effect or the fisheye effect. These special effects come with fundamental explanations about what you’re doing as you’re doing it, and they offer a simplified, cut-down set of adjustment options.
It will focus in a nanosecond in normal illumination, and you can press anywhere on the touchscreen to select the area of the frame where you want the focus point to be.
However, if you wish to move beyond these and use the full range of functions that the camera has to offer, you will suddenly be thrown into the middle of all of the complex technicalities that are associated with any contemporary camera. The EOS M100 may give the impression of being straightforward, but this is only skin deep.
It’s one of those situations where you can look at it whatever way you want to. The optimistic view is that although being marketed as a camera for novices, it actually possesses a level of performance that is rather impressive. The view that sees the glass as half empty is that reaching its full potential and even making frequent modifications has become more difficult.
However, it is possible to interact with it. You can tap on the touchscreen to choose where you want the focus point to be, choose a single focus point or a larger focus zone, and then press the shutter release button. Alternatively, you can set up the touchscreen for touch shutter operation, so that it takes a picture as soon as you tap on it. This is the case when the lighting is normal.
Dim illumination, such as that seen inside a bar or restaurant at night or outside in places that are poorly lit during the day, is the sole condition in which the autofocus will slow down and begin to ‘search.’ Aside than that, it’s fantastic.
Image Quality
- Amazing amount of closure
- Performance that is average in low light
- Good dynamic range
Images captured by Canon’s 24.2-megapixel sensor are very clear and crisp. Even though our test images were taken using the 15-45mm kit lens, they were crisp and full of detail. The quality of the image will depend on the lens that is currently attached to the camera.
Because the 15-45mm kit lens has a relatively restricted maximum aperture at longer zoom settings, which results in slower shutter speeds and an increased risk of shake, it is a good idea to set the camera to auto ISO or increase the ISO manually in low light to reduce the risk of camera shake. This is because Canon does not use in-body stabilization systems in its cameras.
The sensor does provide decent performance in low light, with noise that is kept under control even when using settings with a higher ISO. However, the degree to which sharpness is achieved can also be affected by other factors, such as camera motion and lens softness.
This challenging picture with backlighting was handled properly by the evaluative metering of the EOS M100, which is just as well because applying exposure adjustment may be a little bit challenging.
The M100 has done a particularly excellent job of capturing the greens, yellows, and reds in this close-up with its vibrant color rendering and natural-looking color reproduction.
The camera’s focus may be easily adjusted by tapping on the screen at the location at which you wish it to focus (the distant pavilion in this shot). It is also really quick.
The swiveling screen is fantastic for taking images at a low angle like this one, but it is a great shame that it does not also swivel in the opposite direction, making it simpler to take the shots.
The compact body of this camera does not provide much room on either side of the lens for your fingers to grip, making it a camera that is not very simple to keep steady. Because of this, it is recommended that you brace yourself against a tabletop or doorway in low-light conditions.
The 15-45mm kit lens is a decent performer in normal daylight, but its sharpness decreases if it is used wide open at longer zoom settings and tight focusing distances. This is because in poor light the lens is likely to be wide open at its maximum aperture.
The increased hunting of the autofocus system in low light is the third issue that might make it difficult to produce excellent results with the EOS M100 and its 15-45mm lens while shooting in low-light conditions.
The dynamic range of the M100, on the other hand, is rather impressive. This capacity of the camera to capture information in both the brightest and darkest regions of the image is referred to as dynamic range, and some earlier Canons have fallen just a touch short in this area in comparison to rivals. The EOS M100, on the other hand, can compete with the very finest.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a camera that can keep up with your growing technical expertise, the EOS M100 may not be the best choice for you. It was created to be user-friendly and unintimidating for smartphone photographers and amateur photographers, and it does a great job of fulfilling those goals. However, if you’re looking for a camera that can grow with your technical skills, you may find that it’s limiting.
Canon EOS M100 Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF-M |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | No |
| Continuous drive | 6.1 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 35 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 60p / 16 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible) |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E12 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 295 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 302 g (0.67 lb / 10.65 oz) |
| Dimensions | 108 x 67 x 35 mm (4.25 x 2.64 x 1.38″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Canon EOS M100 Price
