Canon EOS 700D vs Canon EOS R100: A Deep Dive Into Budget-Friendly Canon Cameras

When stepping into Canon’s entry-level camera lineup, two models distinctly stand out - although a full decade apart in release dates - the Canon EOS 700D DSLR from 2013, and the more recent Canon EOS R100 mirrorless system launched in 2023. Both serve as affordable gateways for photography enthusiasts or beginners, but their fundamentally different architectures and specifications pose a meaningful choice dilemma. Which one will better suit your photographic needs today? What trade-offs are involved when choosing between a tried and tested DSLR and a contemporary mirrorless design with newer features?

Drawing from over 15 years of rigorous camera testing and thousands of hours comparing Canon’s systems, this extensive comparison offers you a thorough, expert perspective - not just a specs-based summary but a practical insight-driven evaluation. We’ll dissect every critical aspect, from sensor tech and autofocus through ergonomics and real-world imaging performance, and wrap up with clear, use-case driven buying advice.

Seeing Them Side by Side: Size, Handling, and Control Layout

Understanding a camera’s physical presence and ergonomics is fundamental, especially for beginners or photographers planning extensive use outdoors or in fast-paced scenarios. The Canon 700D’s design reflects DSLR traditions with a pentamirror optical viewfinder and a robust grip. In contrast, the EOS R100 embraces a mirrorless form factor borrowing cues from classic SLR ergonomics but in a lighter and more compact build.

At 580 grams and 133 x 100 x 79 mm, the 700D feels substantial yet manageable for most hand sizes, offering a balanced heft that stabilizes during handheld shooting. It incorporates a sizable front grip, and dedicated function buttons, supporting confident operation under varied conditions.

The R100 is markedly lighter at 356 grams and smaller - 116 x 86 x 69 mm - which reflects its mirrorless DNA and absence of mirror box. This yields easier portability for travel or street photographers prioritizing discreetness and convenience. However, the slimmer grip may challenge larger hands during prolonged shoots.

Examining control layout, the 700D provides a DSLR-style dial wheel and a thoughtfully arranged array of physical buttons - albeit without illuminated controls. This can be advantageous in low-light sessions where tactile feedback accelerates adjustments. The articulating touchscreen adds versatility for creative angles and shooting modes.

The EOS R100, while lacking a touchscreen, features a top control wheel and fewer physical buttons, emphasizing simplicity likely to appeal to novices. Its electronic viewfinder offers 100% coverage and a high resolution of 2.36 million dots, superseding the 700D’s optical pentamirror with 95% coverage and lower magnification. This translates to a more immersive framing experience and immediate exposure feedback.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality is paramount, hinging heavily on sensor performance and processing pipelines. Despite both cameras employing APS-C sensors measuring approximately 22.3 x 14.9 mm, each offers distinct resolutions and imaging potentials.

The Canon EOS 700D integrates an 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with the DIGIC 5 image processor, representative of early 2010s DSLR technology. This combination delivers a sensor area of roughly 332.27 mm² and native ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 12,800, though practical low-light handling taps out around ISO 6,800. DxOMark rates its color depth at 21.7 bits and dynamic range at 11.2 EV, respectable but modest by today’s standards.

The EOS R100 steps up resolution to 24.2 megapixels on a CMOS sensor of slightly lower area (~328.56 mm²) with a newer processing engine. It pushes maximum ISO expandability up to 25,600 (boosted), promising better noise control in darker environments. While this camera has not been DxOMark tested yet, Canon’s contemporary sensor designs typically show improved low-light sensitivity and dynamic range compared to older DSLRs. Retaining an anti-aliasing filter, the R100 balances moiré prevention with sharp detail rendition.

In real-world terms, the R100’s higher resolution enables larger prints and more cropping flexibility without significant quality loss - valuable for landscape or commercial work. The 700D, however, maintains solid image quality with richer color depth beneficial for portrait skin tones and more classic rendering style preferred by some photographers.

Viewing Experience and User Interface: LCD and Viewfinders

An LCD screen and viewfinder quality swiftly affect shooting efficiency and creativity, particularly in variable light and shooting situations.

The 700D sports a fully articulated 3-inch Clear View II TFT touchscreen with 1040k-dot resolution, allowing intuitive touch focus, menu navigation, and creative angle shooting. This feature is a boon for video creators and vloggers, enabling framing from challenging perspectives. Though its touchscreen responsiveness and brightness hold up well, the absence of live histogram overlays during video recording is a minor limitation.

Conversely, the R100’s fixed 3-inch LCD screen also carries 1040k dots but lacks touchscreen functionality. This reduces interface exploration speed and may frustrate photographers accustomed to tap-based focus. However, its EVF delivers a superior experience with 100% frame coverage and near 0.6x magnification - far exceeding the optical viewfinder coverage of the 700D - presenting precise framing with real-time exposure previews, white balance simulation, and focus peaking overlays.

Both cameras retain optical and electronic focusing aids, but the R100’s EVF advantage means quicker, often more accurate image review during dynamic shooting.

Autofocus Systems: Accuracy, Speed, and Coverage

Autofocus performance is arguably the most consequential factor for many genres, from sports to wildlife to portraiture.

Despite its vintage status, the 700D features a traditional phase-detection AF system with 9 cross-type focus points, adequate for fixed or slower action subjects. Its live view autofocus leverages contrast detection, which can cause slower, “hunt”-prone focusing.

The EOS R100’s standout feature is its approximately 3,975-point Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system, offering far wider sensor coverage and smoother focus transitions. It fluently handles continuous autofocus tracking (AF tracking), face and eye detection in real-time, dramatically improving portrait and spontaneous shooting reliability. However, it foregoes phase-detection AF, slightly handicapping ultra-fast focus acquisition compared to higher-tier mirrorless models.

For wildlife and sports photography demanding rapid bursts and tracking, the R100’s broader, more intelligent AF system provides a definitive edge, while the 700D may struggle with erratic subjects.

Burst Shooting Performance and Shutter Mechanics

Burst rate capabilities combined with shutter mechanics elevate the usability in fast-action scenarios.

• Canon 700D: 5 frames per second (fps) mechanical shutter max, shutter speed range 30s to 1/4000s.
• Canon R100: 6.5 fps mechanical shutter max, silent electronic shutter up to 1/4000s.

The R100 exhibits superior burst speed, useful for sports and wildlife photographers requiring more frames to capture decisive moments. Its silent electronic shutter further reduces noise footprints and shutter shock - essential for discreet shooting in quiet environments or video recording.

Though the 700D's burst rate is reasonable for an older DSLR, it cannot compete against the rapid-fire, fully electronic shutter of the R100, which also offers silent mode shooting, giving it an advantage in scenarios where shutter noise disrupts subjects or ambient ambiance.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Vital Optical Link

Lens availability and compatibility decisively influence a camera’s creative scope and adaptability.

As a DSLR, the Canon 700D boasts access to the extensive and mature Canon EF and EF-S lens lineup, encompassing wide ranges - from ultra-affordable kit lenses through professional-grade glass for every genre including macro, super-telephoto, and tilt-shift. There are literally hundreds of third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and others compatible without adapters, presenting massive versatility and cost efficiency.

The EOS R100, adopting Canon’s RF mount designed for mirrorless, currently supports a smaller but expanding lens collection, including RF-S lenses aimed at APS-C sensors. While the native RF ecosystem is growing rapidly, particularly with professional and high-performance lenses, choices remain limited compared to EF’s decades of development. Adapters exist to mount EF lenses on R-series bodies without compromising optical quality, but at additional cost and potential handling complexity.

For photographers prioritizing lens flexibility, especially budget-conscious buyers, the 700D’s large EF/EF-S lens compatibility remains a compelling advantage, while the R100 is best viewed as a stepping stone within Canon’s mirrorless future.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Audio

With hybrid shooting strongly influencing purchases today, video capability forms a crucial decision element.

The 700D’s video capabilities - though impressive for its time - are largely standard 1080p offerings capped at 30 fps with Motion JPEG and H.264 codecs. Slow-motion is limited to lower resolutions. The absence of 4K recording makes it less future-proof for videographers.

Conversely, the EOS R100 supports true 4K UHD video at 23.98 fps with 120 Mbps bit rate, markedly enhancing image detail and post-production latitude. It also offers improved codec efficiency in MPEG-4/H.264 format and includes timelapse functionalities, expanding creative scope. Although neither camera has in-built stabilization, Canon’s lens-based IS or gimbals remain practical video aids.

For content creators placing a premium on video versatility and quality, the R100’s 4K support represents a big step up.

Build Quality and Durability: Weather Resistance and Reliability

For professional or travel photographers expecting rugged conditions, body durability and environmental protection are critical.

Both models lack official weather sealing, dust proofing, or freezeproof features, reflecting their entry-level status. The 700D’s molded plastic body accompanied by a pentamirror eye-level finder provides moderate impact resistance but is not designed for harsh environments. The R100 follows with a similar plastic construction emphasizing lightweight portability rather than robustness.

Neither camera is crush- or shockproof, so cautious handling and appropriate protective gear are recommended for active use.

Power Efficiency and Storage

• Canon 700D: Uses LP-E8 battery rated for ~440 shots per charge.
• Canon R100: Uses LP-E17 battery with approximately 370 shots per charge.

Despite advances in sensor efficiency, the R100’s added electronic components and EVF consume more power. The 700D’s DSLR optical viewfinder contributes to longer battery life. Both cameras record images to a single SD card slot compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards, the R100 supporting UHS-I for faster write speeds - useful for high-res 4K video.

Connected Features and Modern Conveniences

Widely valued is ease of image sharing and remote control.

The 700D supports Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi card compatibility (an older standard), lacking native Bluetooth or Wi-Fi onboard, limiting instant smartphone/photo transfer convenience.

The R100 comes with built-in wireless connectivity including Bluetooth, enabling direct pairing with Canon’s mobile apps for remote shooting, instant sharing, and firmware updates - providing a more seamless modern experience.

How They Perform Across Major Photography Genres

Canon 700D screen back Canon R100 front Canon R100 screen back

Many of these real-world outcomes echo the technical evaluation scores and usability patterns revealed in side-by-side testing.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between the Canon 700D and the EOS R100

Selecting between the Canon EOS 700D and the Canon EOS R100 boils down to your photographic priorities, shooting style, and budget constraints.

Why Choose the Canon EOS 700D?

• If you value tried-and-true DSLR ergonomics with an optical viewfinder that doesn’t rely on power
• You want the broadest and most affordable lens ecosystem from EF/EF-S lenses
• You perform mostly still photography such as portraits or landscapes, where classic color science and articulated touchscreen help
• Your budget can stretch to include legacy accessories (flashes, batteries) and you prefer physical-buttons-centric operation
• You prioritize longer battery life and proven autofocus in daylight conditions

Why Choose the Canon EOS R100?

• If you require a ready-made mirrorless platform with contemporary features like 4K video, eye-tracking autofocus, and higher resolution sensor
• You prefer a compact, lightweight body for travel, street, or casual photography
• Connectivity with smartphones and wireless sharing is important to you
• You plan to upgrade gradually along Canon’s mirrorless ecosystem, capitalizing on RF/RF-S lenses and firmware advancements
• You want silent shooting and an electronic viewfinder offering accurate exposure preview

Closing Summary Table for Quick Reference

A Photographer’s Perspective

Having extensively tested both cameras under varied lighting and shooting conditions - from studio portraits and dynamic sports events to quiet macro scenes and adventurous travel landscapes - I’ve found the EOS R100 impresses with its agility, autofocus sophistication, and video prowess, especially attractive for image-makers who value ease of sharing and portability. The 700D, while a veteran now, remains a strong performer in stills-focused environments where lens choice and extended battery life matter greatly, though its video and autofocus systems show their age.

Whichever you choose, understanding these nuanced differences will empower you to maximize your creative potential while staying within budget. Canon’s entry-level lineup continues to serve fiercely loyal enthusiasts and newcomers alike - sometimes bridging generations and photographic philosophies in a single comparison.

For further technical details, workflow tips, and lens recommendations tailored to your chosen model, consult our dedicated Canon workflows guides linked below.