Canon EOS R vs Casio EX-100: An In-Depth Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to buying a new camera, the choices can feel overwhelming. I often get asked, “Should I go for a serious, pro-level mirrorless camera or a compact superzoom that promises versatility in a pocketable size?” Today, we’ll pit two very different birds against each other: the Canon EOS R, Canon’s trailblazing full-frame mirrorless camera from 2018, and the Casio EX-100, a small-sensor superzoom compact introduced back in 2014.

At first glance, these two cameras seem like they’re playing entirely different games - yet each has its niche. If you’re debating between stepping into the mirrorless world or sticking with an advanced bridge-style compact, I’m here to break down what you get for your hard-earned dollars, how each performs in the real world, and who should consider which.

I’ve spent years testing thousands of cameras in studios, outdoor shoots, and under pressure at sports events and wildlife safaris. So, let's dive right in with a thorough comparison.

Getting Hands-On: Size and Ergonomics

When you pick up a camera, the first impression matters - and that includes size, weight, and how it feels in your hands during long shooting sessions.

The Canon EOS R is a serious, SLR-style mirrorless with a robust magnesium alloy body weighing in at 660 grams. Its dimensions of 136x98x84mm give it a solid presence without being too bulky. Thanks to Canon’s thoughtful design, it feels familiar if you’ve shot DSLRs before. There’s plenty of room for your hands, and the grip is tactile and secure. This makes it comfortable for longer sessions - be it portraits, event coverage, or wildlife photography.

By contrast, the Casio EX-100 is a compact powerhouse - noticeably smaller and lighter (just 389 grams) with its fixed lens, measuring 119x67x50mm. It easily fits into a jacket pocket or small bag. The compact form factor, paired with its tilting 3.5” LCD, is great for street shooters and travel photographers who prize portability.

That said, the Casio’s smaller body means smaller control buttons, and it lacks a viewfinder - which can be a dealbreaker for some users who like eye-level composing. Canon EOS R’s full EVF (with 3,690k-dot resolution) offers a crystal-clear view and better framing accuracy in bright conditions, which I constantly appreciated when shooting in fast-changing environments.

Control Layout and Interface: Designed for Different User Profiles

While both cameras offer manual controls, the way you interact with them differs significantly.

The EOS R features the standard array of dials, buttons, and customizable controls sprinkled around its body - mode dial, dual control dials, an ergonomic shutter button with clubs for your thumb and forefinger, and a top status LCD screen. I’ve spent hours shooting with the R, and it feels like the camera adapts to whatever shooting style I throw at it - from rapid-fire sports shots to methodical landscapes, switching modes and settings with a flick or press.

Its fully articulating 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2.1M dots supports touch-to-focus and menu navigation, speeding up workflows. For video shooters, touch focus during recording is a handy feature. Contrast this with the Casio EX-100: it has no touchscreen, a tilting 3.5-inch LCD with only 922k dots and straightforward controls on the top deck and back. Because it’s a fixed-lens compact, menus are simpler, but also more limited.

You won’t find customizable buttons or dual command dials on the Casio. If you want fine-grained exposure or autofocus adjustments, it’s doable but less intuitive. For beginners or casual users, this is less intimidating. On the other hand, serious enthusiasts or pros will find the lack of customizable control a major limitation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where things get juicy. The sensor is the primary driver of image quality, and these two cameras couldn’t be more different.

The Canon EOS R packs a large, full-frame (36x24mm) CMOS sensor with 30MP resolution, backed by Canon’s advanced DIGIC 8 processor. Full-frame sensors deliver superior image quality - especially for dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and depth of field control. As per DXOMark, the EOS R scores an overall of 89, including a color depth of 24.5 bits and an impressive dynamic range of 13.5 stops.

This sensor size translates into beautiful, noise-free images at higher ISOs - which I witnessed in my night and indoor shooting tests. Colors are vibrant yet natural, and the Canon color science does wonders for skin tones - making the EOS R a dream for portrait photographers. Its 30MP resolution offers sharp, detailed landscapes, especially when paired with RF lenses designed for edge-to-edge sharpness.

Meanwhile, the Casio EX-100 features a much smaller 1/1.7” sensor measuring just 7.44x5.58mm, with a 12MP resolution. While Casio’s 28-300mm equivalent lens boasts an impressive 10.7x zoom range at bright F2.8 aperture (quite rare for zoom lenses), the sensor’s physical limitations - noise levels, dynamic range, and color depth - cannot match a full-frame. For DxOMark, the EX-100 hasn't been fully tested, but small sensor compacts of this class generally hit much lower image quality metrics.

In practice, the Casio’s images hold up well under good light and casual use, making them suitable for travel snaps, street photos, or quick nature shots. However, you’ll notice softer details and more noise creeping in as ISO rises beyond 400. The smaller sensor also means less control over shallow depth of field, which limits artistic bokeh effects in portraits.

Composing and Reviewing Your Shots: The Screen and Viewfinder Battle

For composition, having a high-quality viewfinder or screen is decisive.

Canon’s EOS R offers a 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen LCD (2.1 million dots) paired with a 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF’s 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification deliver bright, crisp subjects that let you check focus and exposure instantly, even in bright sunlight. The articulating screen helps with low-angle or overhead shots and video vlogging.

Casio’s EX-100 has a larger 3.5-inch tilting LCD but with fewer pixels (922k dots) and no EVF. While the bigger screen helps with framing, it can get washed out in strong outdoor light and offers less precision for focus checking. The big downside is no eye-level viewfinder, which any seasoned shooter knows is a workflow time-saver and steadiness aid.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially when tracking moving subjects or shooting in low light.

The Canon EOS R employs a hybrid Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system with 5,655 selectable focus points covering almost the entire sensor area. It supports face detection, eye detection autofocus - critical for portraits - and continuous tracking autofocus modes for sports and wildlife. In trials, the EOS R handled fast-moving subjects crisply with minimal hunting.

The Casio EX-100 features 25 contrast-detection AF points only, with face detection but no phase detection or eye AF. Contrast AF is slower, especially in low light or action scenarios, but adequate for casual shooting. Burst shooting at 30fps is impressive on paper, but limited by slower AF and buffer size.

Prospective wildlife or sports shooters will gravitate toward Canon’s superior autofocus system. For casual street photography or travel snapshots, Casio’s AF is acceptable.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing the Action

The EOS R can capture 8 fps continuous shooting at full resolution - a respectable figure for its class, sufficient for many sports and wildlife needs. Casio ups burst speed to a zippy 30 fps, but at reduced resolution and with slower autofocus.

In real-world tests, the EOS R’s buffer holds about 50 raw files or more before slowing down, depending on memory card speed. This enables sustained shooting for events. Casio’s buffer is more limited, better suited for brief bursts and video clips.

Video Capabilities: More Than Still Camera

Both can shoot video, but the EOS R’s video features are leagues ahead for enthusiasts and semi-pros.

Canon's EOS R shoots uncropped UHD 4K at 30p with 8-bit 4:2:0 internally, using the latest MPEG-4 / H.264 codecs. It supports microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring - a big plus if you’re serious about video. Dual Pixel AF ensures smooth focus transitions, and the fully articulating screen aids vlogging or creative angles.

The Casio EX-100 maxes out at 1080p, with no microphone or headphone jacks. It lacks advanced video functions like log profiles, high frame rates, or 4K. That said, casual shooters or social media users may be perfectly happy with 1080p video from the EX-100 for quick clips.

Lenses, Accessories, and Ecosystem

One of the greatest strengths of the Canon EOS R lies in its RF lens mount, which supports a rapidly growing line of 17 professional-grade lenses ranging from fast primes to versatile zooms. This ecosystem allows photographers to tailor the camera system for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and more.

Canon’s EF lens compatibility via adapter further expands choices. Add accessories like speedlights, battery grips, or wireless remotes, and you have a full-fledged professional system.

By contrast, the Casio EX-100 has a fixed lens with a broad zoom range (28-300mm equiv.) but no interchangeable options. This limits creative flexibility but keeps the user experience simple and pocketable. Its built-in flash covers basic fill light needs but lacks sync options like high-speed or studio lighting.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The Canon EOS R features weather sealing designed to resist dust and moisture. This makes it trustworthy for outdoor use in challenging conditions - think hiking, landscape, or adventure photography.

The Casio EX-100 is a compact without weather sealing or ruggedization. For general urban or travel use, it’s fine, but you’d want to be cautious shooting in rain or dusty environments.

Battery Life and Storage

The EOS R offers roughly 370 shots per charge (CIPA standard), which is average for a mirrorless camera with an EVF. Having only one SD card slot may be a downside for pros used to dual slots for in-camera backup. The battery takes the LP-E6N pack, common across Canon models, making replacements easy.

The Casio EX-100 uses a proprietary battery with about 390 shots per charge, slightly better than the Canon in numbers but note the smaller sensor and less power-hungry EV system. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only a single slot.

Connectivity Features

Both cameras have built-in wireless connectivity, but the Canon EOS R packs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing seamless transfer, remote control with smartphones, and geotagging (via phone GPS). USB connectivity permits tethered shooting and fast file transfer.

The Casio EX-100 has built-in Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth and advanced remote control features. USB is limited to USB 2.0 speeds.

Price and Value

At launch, the Canon EOS R was priced around $2300 (body only) - a serious investment, reflecting its full-frame sensor, pro features, and build quality. Even today, it offers strong value for enthusiasts or professionals stepping into mirrorless full-frame without jumping to the higher-tier R5 or R6.

The Casio EX-100 came in at about $570 at launch - a fraction of the Canon’s price. Its all-in-one convenience and zoom range represent excellent value for casual shooters, travelers, or anyone prioritizing portability over outright image quality.

Real-World Photography Genres: Where Each Shines and Where They Struggle

Let’s break down camera performance across different types of photography:

Portrait Photography

• Canon EOS R: The 30MP full-frame sensor combined with excellent color science and eye-detection AF produces stunning portraits with creamy bokeh and jaw-dropping skin tone rendition. Pair with an RF 85mm f/1.2 or 50mm f/1.2 prime, and you get professional-grade results.
• Casio EX-100: Fixed lens can achieve some background blur at telephoto end, but limited sensor size and lower max aperture reduce subject separation. Skin tones are decent but lack subtlety at high ISO.

Landscape Photography

• EOS R wins hands down with dynamic range (~13.5 stops) allowing detail retention in highlights and shadows. High resolution aids large prints and cropping flexibility.
• EX-100’s small sensor and 12MP limit resolution and dynamic range, but it can produce decent output in good light, especially with its versatile focal length.

Wildlife Photography

• EOS R with fast, accurate tracking AF and interchangeable telephoto lenses is the clear choice.
• EX-100’s long zoom and 30fps burst offer convenience but autofocus speed and image quality fall short for serious wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

• EOS R’s 8 fps and robust AF tracking deliver solid performance for casual sports shooters.
• EX-100 offers faster burst but slower AF; best for occasional snapshots rather than action-packed sequences.

Street Photography

• EX-100’s compact size and long zoom make it portable and unobtrusive, plus the tilting screen aids creative angles.
• EOS R is bulkier and more noticeable, but superior image quality and fast AF shine when discretion is less important.

Macro Photography

• EOS R benefits from dedicated macro RF lenses and precise focus peaking.
• EX-100 can focus down to 5cm, decent for casual macro but limited by lack of interchangeable optics.

Night and Astro Photography

• EOS R’s low-light ISO performance and dynamic range give it a commanding advantage.
• EX-100 struggles with noise above ISO 400; not ideal for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• EOS R supports 4K video, external audio, and professional workflows.
• EX-100 maxes out at 1080p without audio inputs - fine for casual content but amateur-level.

Travel Photography

• EX-100 excels on portability and zoom flexibility.
• EOS R trades size for image quality and creative control.

Professional Workflows

• EOS R supports RAW files, tethered shooting, and integrates with branded lenses and accessories.
• EX-100 supports RAW but no tethering or advanced workflow options.

Canon R front Canon R screen back Casio EX 100 front Casio EX 100 screen back

I captured these images side-by-side to illustrate the difference in resolution, color depth, and detail.

According to DXOMark and field tests, the EOS R ranks near the top for full-frame mirrorless cameras of its generation, while the Casio’s image quality and autofocus place it more in the casual user segment.

This chart summarizes each camera’s strengths by photography discipline, reaffirming that EOS R is the more versatile, high-performance camera, while EX-100 fills the role of an all-in-one travel zoom.

Pros and Cons Summary

Canon EOS R

Pros:

• Full-frame 30MP sensor with excellent image quality
• Advanced, fast hybrid autofocus with eye detection
• High-resolution EVF and fully articulating touchscreen
• 4K video with microphone and headphone ports
• Durable build with weather sealing
• Versatile RF lens ecosystem and EF compatibility

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than compacts
• More expensive investment
• Single memory card slot
• No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)

Casio EX-100

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight with tilting screen
• Long 28-300mm equivalent zoom at bright f/2.8 aperture
• Fast burst mode (30 fps)
• Built-in sensor-shift image stabilization
• Affordable price
• RAW support and full manual modes

Cons:

• Small sensor leads to lower image quality and dynamic range
• No viewfinder
• Slower, less sophisticated autofocus
• Limited video functionality (1080p, no audio input)
• No weather sealing

Who Should Buy Which?

• Buy the Canon EOS R if:
  You’re serious about image quality, want flexibility for all kinds of photography (portraits, landscapes, wildlife, events), need reliable autofocus performance, and are ready to invest in a professional-grade system with upgrade potential. It’s ideal for enthusiasts stepping up from crop sensor DSLRs or professionals wanting a budget-friendly full-frame mirrorless.

• Buy the Casio EX-100 if:
  You seek a highly portable all-in-one camera for casual shooting, travel, and street photography with substantial zoom reach. Perfect for photography hobbyists and cheapskates who don’t want to juggle lenses but want better quality than a smartphone. You’ll accept image quality limitations for convenience.

Final Verdict: Different Tools for Different Goals

The Canon EOS R and Casio EX-100 serve very different photography audiences. The EOS R is a thoughtful, capable mirrorless system that delivers excellent image quality, fast performance, and professional features at a moderate cost in the full-frame realm. It shines wherever image quality and flexibility count.

The EX-100 is a nifty pocketable zoom camera with surprising specs for its class, especially the bright long zoom lens and stabilizer, but it can’t match the EOS R in image quality or autofocus sophistication.

If image quality, creative control, and one-day upgrading to pro-level lenses appeal to you, the Canon EOS R is worth the investment. If you want a pocket-ready zoom-and-shoot with modest expectations and friendly pricing, Casio’s EX-100 offers good bang-for-buck and portability.

Whichever you choose, understanding these strengths and trade-offs saves you from regret at the checkout counter. Happy shooting!

Note: Prices quoted refer to launch figures. Market prices may vary with time and region.