The Canon EOS R50, a new compact and lightweight camera, is set to replace the EOS M50 II, and is perfect for travellers with its impressive autofocus capabilities and compact body. The camera has a range of features, including uncropped 4K video capabilities, a burst rate of 28 images in large JPEG mode, and wireless connectivity.
Canon has recently announced the release of its latest camera, the Canon EOS R50, which is set to be an excellent option for travellers. This compact and lightweight camera is effectively replacing the EOS M50 II and marks the entry-level transition of the series to RF. According to a recent review by PetaPixel, the EOS R50 is a vast improvement over its EOS-M predecessors and is an excellent choice for beginners and those looking for a compact camera that can deliver high-quality images.
Features For Travellers
One of the essential features of any camera is its battery life. The LP-E17 battery delivers up to 880 shots, which is more than enough for most users. Additionally, the camera comes with USB-C charging capabilities, allowing users to charge the device on the go quickly. This is particularly useful for travellers who don’t want to carry multiple batteries or chargers.
One downside for travellers is the R50’s lack of weather sealing. This means that the camera is not dust or water-resistant, so users will need to take care when using it in adverse weather conditions. We suggest storing the camera in a dry-bag when not in use. However, the camera does have an electronic front curtain shutter and an electronic shutter, which reduces the risk of dust entering the device.
The EOS R50 uses an SD card for storage, which is a popular choice among enthusiast photographers. Additionally, the camera can connect to Android and iOS smartphones via a USB-C cable, or wirelessly with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the camera only supports the older 802.11b/g/n WiFi standard, which may be a disadvantage for users who prefer faster data transfer rates.
Imaging & Cost
As for image quality, the EOS R50 has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and uses the company’s newer DIGIC X processor, which is more than enough for publishing on digital platforms. The camera also has advanced subject detection technology found in the Canon R6 Mark II and the new Canon R8, and impressive autofocus capabilities driven by AI-driven subject recognition.
The EOS R50 comes with an OLED viewfinder with 2.36 million dots and a .96x magnification, and a TFT color liquid crystal display with 1.62 million dots, which is touch-control capable. The camera is also capable of recording in JPEG, HEIF, RAW, and C-RAW formats. The R50 has a maximum burst rate of 28 images in large JPEG mode with an electronic shutter (at 15 frames per second), and 42 shots with an electronic first curtain shutter at that setting’s slower 12 frames per second shutter rate. It is staggering to think that think that entry-level cameras are now doubling the 5D Mark IV’s 7 frames per second.
Canon has simultaneously announced the release of a new APS-C lens to work with the EOS R50. The RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens offers coverage equivalent to an 88-336mm lens on a full-frame camera, with 4.5 stops of optical image stabilization and close-focusing capabilities. This lens is a perfect choice for capturing telephoto images on the R50 with a compact body.
In terms of creative modes, the R50 activates a new creative mode by turning the mode dial to the A+ setting. Like most automatic modes, A+ modes allow for camera-supported setting decisions, and there are also two additional creative settings unlocked when the camera is in A+ mode.
The Canon EOS R50 will be available in “early spring” for $680 USD in either black or white. The EOS R50 paired with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM lenses will be available for $1,029 USD. With its excellent image quality, advanced autofocus capabilities, and compact size, the Canon EOS R50 is a perfect choice for travellers looking for a reliable camera to capture their adventures.
EOS R50 vs EOS M50 Mark II vs EOS R10
| EOS R50 | EOS M50 Mark II | EOS R10 | |
| Megapixels | 24.2 | 24.1 | 24.2 |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC 8 | DIGIC X |
| ISO Speed | 100-32000 (expanded to 51200 equivalent) | 100-25600 (expanded to 51200 equivalent) | 100-32000 (expanded to 51200 equivalent) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 15 shots/sec (electronic shutter) 12 shots/sec (electronic 1st curtain) | 10 shots/sec (electronic 1st curtain) | 23 shots/sec (electronic shutter) 15 shots/sec (electronic 1st curtain) |
| Movie Recording Size | 4K 30p (6K oversampling uncropped) | 4K 23.98p (cropped) | 4K 60p (cropped) / 4K 30p (6K oversampling uncropped) |
| High Frame Rate Movie | Full HD 120p (uncropped) | HD 120p (uncropped) | Full HD 120p (uncropped) |
| Movie Focus Method | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | Contrast AF (4K) Dual Pixel CMOS AF II (non 4K) | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II |
| Movie Modes for Vlogging | Movie for close-up demos Mode /Movie IS Mode | ||
| Subject Detection | People (eyes/face/head/body) / Animals (dogs, cats, birds) / Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) / Auto | People (eyes/face) | People (eyes/face/head/body) / Animals (dogs, cats, birds) / Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) |
| Scene Intelligent Auto | Creative Assist / Advanced A+ / Creative Bracket | Creative Assist | Creative Assist |
| Monitor | Vari-angle 3.0″ touchscreen Approx. 1.62 million dots | Vari-angle 3.0″ touchscreen Approx. 1.04 million dots | Vari-angle 3.0″ touchscreen Approx. 1.04 million dots |
| Battery life | LP-E17 (1040mAh) Approx. 310 shots (with finder) Approx. 440 shots (with monitor) | LP-E12 (875mAh) Approx. 250 shots (with finder) Approx. 305 shots (with monitor) | LP-E17 (1040mAh) Approx. 260 shots (with finder) Approx. 430 shots (with monitor) |
| Dimensions | 116.3 x 85.5 x 68.8mm | 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm | 122.5 x 87.8 x 83.4mm |
| Weight | 375g | 387g | 429g |
