Canon EOS R50 Review

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The Canon EOS R50 is the newest Canon APS-C mirrorless camera, and if you are looking for more information about it, you, my friend, have come to the right place. In this Canon EOS R50 review, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about this small but powerful Canon R mirrorless camera. 

We’ll break down its design and handling, photo and video performance, lens compatibility, and more. Additionally, thanks to websites like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier. 

Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company offering high-quality used photo and video gear at affordable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by expert product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

What truly sets MPB apart, though, is its state-of-the-art online platform. It’s a game-changing tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading photography equipment over the years, and we believe it can do the same for you. With that in mind, join us as we explore the Canon EOS R50 and find out if it fits you and your needs!

Check out the video above by Engadget to learn more about the Canon R50 and why it’s a great first camera for people thinking about switching from shooting with their smartphone.

Table of Contents

Canon EOS R50: Overview

The Canon EOS R50 is an entry-level mirrorless camera ideal for beginners, children, and photography enthusiasts who currently take photos and videos with their smartphones and want to upgrade to a proper camera. It was released in April 2023 and is powered by a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a Digic X image processor. 

Canon designed the R50 with vloggers and social media content creators in mind, and it boasts an impressive lineup of hybrid photo/video features. Although it’s a different camera system (Canon R cameras vs Canon M cameras), many people in the industry consider it the natural successor to the popular Canon EOS M50 II.

Now, here’s a closer look at the Canon EOS R50 specs and key features:

  • Camera Type: Mirrorless
  • Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 100 - 32,000 (expandable to 100 - 51,200)
  • Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
  • Speed: 12.0 fps
  • Autofocus: 651 focus points
  • Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
  • Size/Weight: 116 x 86 x 69 mm / 375 grams
  • Battery Life: 370 shots
  • Stabilization: No
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-Sealed: No
  • Canon EOS R50: $544 - $579

Canon EOS R50: Design & Handling

One key selling point of the Canon EOS R50 is its super-portable, lightweight body. Weighing only 375 grams, it’s the lightest Canon R mirrorless camera on the market today. Moreover, when paired with a compact Canon lens like the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens, you might even be able to fit it in your pocket! Its sleek size makes it a good choice for travel and street photography.

Other noteworthy design features include its fully articulating rear display, OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), and LP-E17 battery. The articulating touchscreen LCD is good for video, while the EVF is better for photography. You can capture approximately 370 photos using the LCD or 230 with the EVF. 

Regarding handling and ergonomics, the mode control dial lets you easily switch between shooting modes, and the menu system is very user-friendly. Additionally, thanks to the camera's small size, you can operate it with only one hand. That said, if you have large hands or are used to using a DSLR, you may find the hand grip on the small side.

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Canon EOS R50: Imaging Capabilities

The heart and soul of the Canon EOS R50 is its 24.2MP image sensor, which puts it on par with other entry-level cameras such as the Sony a6100. However, one thing we prefer about shooting with the R50 is its bold, saturated colors, especially when shooting JPEGs. RAW images will be slightly less bright, but you can easily touch them up in post-production.

Another strength of the R50 is its autofocus. It uses an upgraded 651 Dual Pixel AF system that makes capturing sharp, in-focus images a piece of cake. Furthermore, its subject recognition technology automatically recognizes and tracks people, animals, and vehicles. The AF also delivers good results in video mode.

Like many cameras with smaller sensors (APS-C and Micro Four Thirds), a weakness of the R50 is its low-light performance. Its image quality is superb during the day or if you have lighting equipment, but if the lighting is subpar and you need to boost the ISO level, unwanted noise becomes quite noticeable.

Canon EOS R50: Video Capabilities

Video creators and hybrid photographers will be stoked with how the Canon EOS R50 performs as a video camera. First and foremost, it has both 4K and slow-motion video capabilities. The R50 captures uncropped 4K video at up to 30 fps and records slow-motion movies in 1080p/120p Full HD.

Another innovative feature is the addition of true vertical video, which allows you to capture video clips in portrait mode. Social media influencers who regularly share videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok have greatly applauded this feature. 

We love three more video-oriented features: 10-bit video, the microphone port, and its live streaming capabilities. The 10-bit video gives you more control over color-correcting when editing videos. The mic plugin makes it easier to monitor audio levels, leading to higher-quality sounds. And live streaming is great for YouTubers and gamers. 

Recommended Lenses for the Canon EOS R50

Here’s a quick list of some of the best Canon RF lenses for photos and video to pair with the Canon EOS R50.

Final Thoughts on the Canon EOS R50

While it’s not a high-end camera, the Canon EOS R50 is an excellent starter camera for people to learn the basics of photography and videography. It takes sharp photos and videos, perfect for sharing on YouTube and social media. If you’d prefer an affordable full-frame camera, we recommend the Canon EOS R8 instead.

We understand if you aren’t 100% sure the Canon R50 is the right camera for you and you want to browse some more options. If that’s the case, check out the list below of other budget-friendly Canon mirrorless cameras available now at MPB.

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we're absolutely crazy about! 

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