The smallest and lightest DSLR in its category, the Canon EOS 100D is compact and lightweight yet it packs a punch in a class on its own. It was launched together with the Canon EOS 700D and Canon PowerShot N in Singapore in the earlier part of the year. I had a short hands-on with the Canon EOS 100D during the launch event and was impressed with its size and capabilities.
I recently got the opportunity to review the Canon EOS 100D and it went along with me for a few exciting and fun adventures! The camera accompanied me to Singapore Biennale 2013 during the two weeks review period, along with photography action during the Anime Festival Asia 2013, street photography action during Singapore Heartlands Instawalk in the Clementi heartland, product shoot for the Peak Design Camera Clip version 2 and Otterbox smartphone covers! It is very small, lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and not feeling too tired out carrying it for a whole day. The Canon EOS 100D, packaged with a small lens such as the 35mm f2 or the 40mm f2.8 pancake lens, it makes a pretty good DSLR camera for street photography (small and discreet).
The Canon EOS 100D is not too difficult to use for seasoned photographers, while it may not be packed with the latest features inside it, the technical specifications and Digic 5 sensor makes it a pretty powerful DSLR camera for its size and stature. This is ideal for photographers who appreciate the qualities inside the Canon EOS 100D without the frills and additional features in more advanced DSLR models.
During a recent photography outing, I brought the Canon EOS 100D out and let my fellow photographer friends, Sue, Renhao and DK play with the camera and they were impressed with the small and compact DSLR. I was amazed by how they managed to use the Canon EOS 100D to take self-portrait shots!
Here are some quick and useful technical specifications for the Canon EOS 100D
EOS 100D specifications summary:
Dimensions: 116.8 (w) x 90.7 (h) x 69.4 (d) mm
Weight: 370g (body only)
Image sensor: 18.0-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
Image processor: DIGIC 5
ISO speeds 100-12,800 (expandable to 25,600)
AF system: 9-point, 1 centre cross-type AF point (viewfinder), Hybrid CMOS AF II (Live View)
Continuous shooting speed: 4 fps
During my time with the Canon EOS 100D, what are my thoughts on the pros and cons of this DSLR camera? Here are my thoughts and views of the Canon EOS 100D
Pros
– Lightweight and compact
– Small body yet it is sturdy because of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate fibers
– Ideal for street photography with a small lens e.g. 35mm f2, 40mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8
– Ideal for travel photography
– Hybrid CMOS AF II – pretty fast AF
– Value for money
– Great beginner DSLR camera for those who wish to have it hands on and learn photography “On the job” style
– For semi-professional and professional photographers that appreciate a small and compact DSLR for a daily leisure use
– Touchscreen
– High ISO performance at 12,800
– Digic 5 sensor
– ISO button located near the shutter button allows for easy change
Cons
– Small for people with big hands
– No AF point display when viewing photo
– May not be ideal with the big lenses, the balance and leverage is not there
– Aperture button a bit small and it’s hard to feel and change the aperture while using the camera
– Battery life is not as lasting
– X-Sync 1/200
– Fastest shutter speed 1/4000
Which target market segments is the Canon EOS 100D suitable for?
Beginner / Entry Level
If a beginner / entry level person decides to enter DSLR photography and willing to learn from scratch and go full hands on just like “OJT- On The Job”, the Canon EOS 100D is ideal without having the additional features and guides packed inside the DSLR like the Canon 700D.
The Canon EOS 700D has more advanced features and guides inside the DSLR that a beginner photographer can learn along with it. If the beginner photographer would like to have more features and guides available inside the DSLR, I would recommend the Canon EOS 700D.
Semi-Professional / Professional
In the context of a semi-professional or a professional photographer, they are the ones they would most likely able to appreciate the small, lightweight, powerful and compact DSLR that gives them the leisure and fun without having to use/need the additional or professional features in their single digit (1DX, 5D Mark III, 6D, 7D) or double-digit series DSLRs (70D).
Canon EOS 700D vs Canon EOS 100D vs Canon EOS M
This is an interesting topic for debate and discussion! In my personal humble opinion, all 3 cameras can stand on their own rights and cater to a certain market segment. The Canon EOS 700D and Canon EOS 100D are more closely knitted since they are using SLR system while the Canon EOS M is in the mirror-less category.
If you like the DSLR system and how do you choose between the Canon EOS 700D and 100D? For those who prefer lightweight, compact and lesser frills, I would recommend the Canon EOS 100D.
Pricing
Canon EOS 100D Body only – Retail Recommended Price is $799.
Canon EOS 100D Kit (EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM) – Retail Recommended Price is $999.
By the way, if you are looking to get a semi-professional or professional level DSLR, do check my reviews on the following Canon DSLR models!
The Canon EOS 100D may look small and demure, however, do not be deceived by her looks and size. She packs some pretty good technical specifications and capabilities inside her. The Canon EOS 100D is definitely a worthy consideration if you are looking for a DSLR for leisure and fun usage with a value for money price tag!
* I would like to thank Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS 100D *
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