Canon EOS R50 Hands-on Review (is it replacing the EOS M50?)

A Canon EOS R50 hands-on review. The Canon EOS R50 made quite the splash when it was announced.

At a glance:

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC X Image Processor
• UHD 4K 30p Video Recording
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 Zones
• 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
• 15 fps Electronic Shutter
• Movie for Close-Up Demos Mode
• Vertical Movie Mode
• Multi-Function Shoe, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

DPReview posted their Canon EOS R50 hands-on review. They also tackle the question many are wondering about: can or does the EOS R50 replace the hugely popular Canon EOS M50 Mark II? DPReview says:

The similarities between the two cameras [EOS R50 and EOS M50 II, editor’s note] are plentiful. […] In short, they seem to be targeting the same user base of casual users, beginners and those seeking a small, simple camera.

So what does the R50 mean for the M-mount?

Canon hasn’t said anything official on what the future holds for the M-mount, but it’s been four and a half years since the last EF-M lens launch and two and a half years since the last new EOS M body. The M50 was one of Canon’s best-selling EF-M mount models and yet we haven’t seen any movement or new support to expand on the EF-M mount in years. Now, in addition to having no new news, we’ve gotten what looks like a direct upgrade/replacement of the M50 II, new and improved in every way.

Read the Canon EOS R50 hands-on review at DPReview…

DPReview provided also a Canon EOS R50 sample gallery to check out.

The Canon EOS R50 was announced last week, along with the Canon EOS R8 and new RF mount lenses.

All new Canon gear is available for preorder at B&H Photo and Adorama, or by using the links below.

Canon EOS R50 preorder:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

A compact and lightweight camera, the black Canon EOS R50 is a highly versatile mirrorless camera with a sophisticated photo and video feature set. Geared towards content creators and vloggers, this camera is slightly smaller and lighter than the EOS M50 Mark II and features an upgraded 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC X image processor to deliver high-resolution stills and UHD 4K videos.

24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and DIGIC X Processing

Pairing a powerful 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC X image processor, the R50 delivers high resolution imagery with striking and accurate colors. Designed to work in a variety of lighting condition, this camera offers a flexible ISO 100-32000 range that is expandable to ISO 51200 for working in difficult lighting conditions. Using the full width of the sensor, 6K oversampled UHD 4K 30p video recording is supported as is Full HD 1080 120p for slow motion playback. Additionally, 1-hour of video recording is now available. Capable of processing high speed bursts and high-resolution 4K video, the DIGIC X image processor also supports up to 15 fps continuous shooting via its silent electronic shutter.

Enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II

Featuring 651 high precision autofocus zones, the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system provides fast and accurate focusing performance. This phase-detection focusing system offers enhanced subject detection and tracking, with the ability to intelligently recognize people, animals, and vehicles while automatically locking onto these subjects and maintaining sharp focus throughout bursts and video captures.

2.36m-Dot EVF and Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD

Providing high-resolution eye-level viewing, the R50 is designed with a bright and clear 2.36m-dot OLED EVF for a pleasing electronic viewfinder experience. Additionally, a large 3.0″ 1.62m-dot vari-angle touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for controlling focusing points, navigating menus, and reviewing imagery. This screen also features a vari-angle design for ease-of-use when working from high and low angles.

Advanced A+ Assist

Experience the joy of creative photography with an expanded array of auto-compatible scenes. Advanced A+ Assist enables great imagery even in difficult settings such as night views and backlit scenarios. Overexposure is automatically reduced so you can capture dynamic scenes or bright portraits, and multiple continuous shots are taken to create beautiful night images or macro photography with a deeper depth of field.

Simple and Convenient Vlogging

With video recording features such as uncropped UHD 4K movie recording at up to 30 fps, Full-HD High-frame rate movie recording at up to 120 fps, Dual Pixel CMOS AF tracking, and Movie for Close-up Demo Mode, the R50 camera makes vlogging and video content creation simple and convenient. The camera also lets you continuously record video for up to 1 hour, allowing you to set up your video and keep your vlog, podcast, or other video project rolling without worrying about it stopping.

Movie for Close-Up Demos Mode

Ensure the correct subject is in focus with Movie for Close-Up Demos Mode on the R50 mirrorless camera. This mode quickly switches focus from the on-camera subject to an object that is presented towards the camera’s lens, ideal for movies where showing a product to the viewers is necessary such as in makeup demos or cooking videos.

Vertical Movie Mode and Aspect Markers

Movie rotation information can be set during or after movie recording, allowing videos to be played in vertical composition when viewing on a smartphone. The Aspect Markers function displays visual markers for different aspect ratios that may be desired for posting the same file to various social media sites. This display provides consideration for proper composition for the different deliverable files that can be created when editing.

Flexible Connectivity

• Wired and wireless connectivity options allow for multiple methods of transferring photos and videos, livestreaming, as well as for remotely controlling the camera. Physically, the camera features a USB-C port, a micro-HDMI port, and a microphone port for video recording.
• UVC/UAC compatibility allows the R50 camera to be used as a web camera to stream live video in Full HD without additional computer software. Compatible applications include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and similar on-line web conferencing software.
• Built-in Bluetooth pairing lets you easily connect the camera to compatible smart devices using the free Canon Camera Connect app. This low-energy wireless connection helps preserve battery life, while providing remote control of the camera. It also sends continuously updated GPS location data from your phone, letting you geotag what you’ve captured so you know precisely where you captured the photo.
• Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables quick and seamless wireless functions, such as remote live view, file viewing, and transfer. Using the Canon Camera Connect app, you can also transfer files to your mobile device to browse and share on social media.
• Built-in USB-C allows you to connect the camera to a smartphone or computer. All Canon Camera Connect app features that can be used with Wi-Fi are now available when the camera and smartphone are connected via USB, using a compatible cable for your device.

Pop-Up Flash and Next-Generation Multi-Function Shoe

A built-in pop-up flash provides additional illumination for working in low-light conditions, and the camera’s Multi-Function Shoe adds a row of pins at the front of the design to permit greater accessory functionality. This next-generation shoe also provides power to select accessory types that traditionally rely on separate batteries.