The Most Affordable R Camera: Canon EOS R50  

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Canon EOS R50

Canon has just announced a new, more affordable entry camera body into its R mirrorless camera system. Alongside the full-frame EOS R8, the company unveiled today the EOS R50, an APS-C RF mount camera that will start at $680 when it goes on sale later this year. Based on the price and spec sheet, the R50 could quickly become a go-to for many beginners.

Canon’s ground-breaking mirrorless EOS R System was introduced in 2018 and has subsequently grown. The EOS R7 and EOS R10, the first APS-C sensor versions in the lineup, were introduced in 2022 and quickly gained popularity among photographers looking for a camera with EOS R System features in a smaller chassis.

With the release of the Canon EOS R50, in early 2023, which offers the same excellent image quality and power as the EOS R10 but in an even more compact and simple body for creators who want to move beyond their smartphones to elevate their YouTube tutorials.

In this article, we are going to review the Canon EOS R50 and compare it with the Canon EOS R10

Canon EOS R50 Highlights

The Canon EOS R50 is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless hybrid. It features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, a DIGIC X Image Processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 Zones, and the ability to record internally in up to UHD 4K 30p.

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC X Image Processor
  • UHD 4K 30p Video Recording
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 Zones
  • 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, and Bluetooth

Canon EOS R50

Canon EOS R50 Overview

  1. User Suitability

If you’re using an interchangeable lens camera for the first time, and you are familiar with taking photos and videos from a smartphone and want something that can automatically take high-quality photos and videos, then the EOS R50 is best suited for you.

Its small size, intuitive design, and powerful features make it an ideal choice for those who want professional-level results without having to lug around bulky equipment.

  1. Weight & Size

Size and weight are big deciding factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. Canon R50 has external dimensions of 116 x 86 x 69 mm (4.57 x 3.39 x 2.72″) and weighs 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz) (including batteries).

Dimensions of Canon EOS R50

  1. Ergonomic Operability & Interfaces

If you’re a first-time camera user, the EOS R50 features smartphone-style operability with touch, drag, swipe, and pinching in and out. The camera also has a Shooting Mode Guide that teaches you to use a variety of functions with clear visual guidance. It works with familiar steps to give you a quick, intuitive, and simple guide to controls and settings.

  1. Still Image Quality

With the 24.2 megapixels, APS-C sized 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 conditions, this camera offers a flexible ISO 100-32000 range that is expandable to ISO 51200 for working in difficult lighting conditions. It allows users to capture stunning images with great detail in both stills and video formats up to UHD 4K 30p resolution. Advanced automatic modes ensure that even novice photographers can get amazing shots with minimal effort required on their part.

General spec

Lens MountCanon RF
Sensor ResolutionEffective: 24.2 Megapixel
Sensor Type22.3 x 14.9 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Crop Factor1.6x
Image StabilizationNone
Built-In ND FilterNone
Capture TypeStills & Video

Exposure specs

Shutter TypeElectronic Shutter
Shutter SpeedElectronic Shutter
1/8000 Up to 30 Seconds
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/4000 Up to 30 Seconds
Bulb/Time ModeBulb Mode, Time Mode
ISO SensitivityPhoto/Video
100 to 32,000 (Extended: 51,200)
Metering MethodCenter-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Partial, Spot
Exposure ModesAperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Metering Range-2 to 20 EV
White BalancePresets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Tungsten
Continuous ShootingElectronic Shutter
Up to 15 fps for up to 28 Frames (JPEG) / 7 Frames (Raw)
Electronic Shutter
Up to 12 fps for up to 42 Frames (JPEG) / 7 Frames (Raw)
Interval RecordingYes
Self-Timer2/10-Second Delay
  1. Autofocus

The advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system provides fast, accurate focusing performance. It Features 651 high-precision autofocus zones, 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.

Subject detections (people, animals, and auto)

Focus spec

Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeContinuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus PointsPhoto: Phase Detection: 4503
Video: Phase Detection: 3713
Autofocus Sensitivity-4 to +20 EV
  1. Video Recording

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.

The R50 mirrorless camera features a Movie for Close-Up Demos Mode. 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.

In addition, the Movie rotation information can be set during or after movie recording, allowing videos to be played in vertical composition when viewed 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.

Video spec

Internal Recording ModesH.264/H.265/MPEG-4
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
Broadcast OutputNTSC/PAL
Built-In Microphone TypeStereo

  1. Vari-angle LCD

Canon EOS r50 has a fully articulating rear touchscreen.

LCD

LCD spec

Size3"
Resolution1,062,000 Dot
Display TypeArticulating Touchscreen LCD
  1. Viewfinder (EVF)

The viewfinder is a relatively modest 2.36M dot OLED display with a rather low 0.59x magnification level (which means it appears pretty small)

EVF spec

TypeBuilt-In Electronic (OLED)
Size0.39"
Resolution2,360,000 Dot
Eye Point22 mm
Coverage1
MagnificationApprox. 96x
Diopter Adjustment-3 to +1
  1. Connectivity

Wired and wireless connectivity options allow for multiple methods of transferring photos and videos, live streaming, as well as for remotely controlling the camera.

The camera features the following:

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.
  • 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.

Connectivity spec

Media/Memory Card SlotSingle Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video I/O1 x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input on Camera Body
Other I/O1 x USB-C Input/Output
Wireless2.4 / 5 GHz Bluetooth 4.2 Control
Mobile App CompatibleYes
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)None
  1. Pop-Up Flash & 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.

Flash spec

Built-In FlashYes
Maximum Sync Speed1/250 Second
Flash Compensation-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash SystemeTTL
External Flash ConnectionIntelligent Hot Shoe
  1. Battery

The EOS R50 uses the same LP-E17 battery, In standard (‘Smooth’) mode the camera is rated to deliver a respectable 370 shots per charge if you use the LCD but just 230 shots through the viewfinder. Energy saver mode boosts the numbers to 440 and 310 shots, respectively.

  1. Availability

The Canon EOS R50 is now available to pre-order. It won’t start shipping until late April. The EOS R50 retails for $680 USD.

 

Canon R50 vs. Canon R10

At $680 for body-only, the R50 slots under the EOS R10, which was previously Canon’s most affordable RF mirrorless camera. It’s also competitive against Sony’s ZV-E10 and Nikon’s Z30, which cost about the same but don’t offer an electronic viewfinder.

Canon EOS R50 Vs Canon EOS R10

 EOS R50EOS R10 
Megapixels24.224.2
Image ProcessorDIGIC XDIGIC X
ISO Speed100-32000100-32000
Continuous Shooting Speed15 shots/sec23 shots/sec
Movie Recording Size4K 30p (6K oversampling uncropped)4K 60p (cropped) / 4K 30p - (6K oversampling uncropped)
High Frame Rate MovieFull HD 120p (uncropped)Full HD 120p (uncropped)
Movie Focus MethodDual Pixel CMOS AF IIDual Pixel CMOS AF II
Movie Modes for VloggingMovie for close-up demos Mode /Movie IS Mode
Subject DetectionPeople (eyes/face/head/body) /People (eyes/face/head/body) /
Animals (dogs, cats, birds) /Animals (dogs, cats, birds) /
Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) /Vehicles (cars, motorcycles)
Scene Intelligent AutoCreative Assist / Advanced A+ /Creative BracketCreative Assist
MonitorVari-angle 3.0" touchscreenVari-angle 3.0" touchscreen
Approx. 1.62 million dotsApprox. 1.04 million dots
Battery lifeLP-E17 (1040mAh)LP-E17 (1040mAh)
Approx. 310 shots (with finder)Approx. 260 shots (with finder)
Approx. 440 shots (with monitor)Approx. 430 shots (with monitor)
Dimensions116.3 x 85.5 x 68.8mm122.5 x 87.8 x 83.4mm
Weight375g429g

Conclusion

The EOS R50 is designed for users whose smartphone is their main experience of photography. The R50 does a pretty good job of taking attractive photos with limited need for user intervention. It provides an interface that’s both relatively easy to use and that tries to guide the user as they make adjustments.

There’s a pretty neat separation between this model and the R10, quite aside from the cost difference. The R10 has twin dials, and more buttons and makes clear that the expectation is you’ll take control of all its functions. By contrast, the R50 seems happiest if you devote yourself to finding the photo you want to take, and letting the camera do the rest, clever AF and all.

 

Related posts

The Best Canon Camera For Beginner- EOS R10 Review

Canon R7 Vs R10- New Lineup RF Mount APS-C Cameras

 

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4 Comments

  • I’ve been looking to move over from my smartphone photography to a good affordable camera for by blogs and YouTube videos. The Canon EOS R50 with the electronic view-finder scores better over Sony’s ZV-E10. Only problem is that I can get it only after Aril 2023.

    But I am OK to wait for it as it gives me an edge with 1 hour of uninterrupted video recording for my tutorials.

    What a great review explaining each aspect of the camera in such great details. Thanks for sharing.

    Regards,

    Rohit

  • I think the Canon EOS R50 sounds like a good option for someone who is just starting out with photography or looking for a more affordable camera. The 30.3-megapixel sensor and compatibility with RF lenses are impressive features, and the vari-angle touchscreen and autofocus make it user-friendly. Overall, it seems like a great camera for the price.

    But no matter what the other says about camera reliability, my goto camera is still my phone. And in the future, I will still buy mobile phones with great camera features

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