Canon M50

amazon Canon M50 reviews

Canon finally got a mirrorless camera called the M50 4K video recording. Basically the compact camera like the Canon M5 of 2016 with less dial and button, the body is more compact. However, the interior equipment is upgraded and the screen rotates.

The M50 uses a 24.1 megapixel APS-C sensor, smaller than a 24.2 megapixel camera found in the M5. However, the M50 has the ability to do more, and take better pictures with low light, Canon requirements. This is because the M50 uses the new Canon image processor, DIGIC 8.

The M50 is the first Canon camera to use DIGIC 8, which allows 4K video cameras at 24 frames per second, 1080p video at 60 frames per second and 720p video at 120 frames per second. DIGIC 8 also offers fast shutter speeds of up to 10 frames per second in RAW or JPEG, and 7.4 frames per second in continuous focus.

In addition to adding shooting capabilities, the 4K turns, one thing not much to like about the old M5 version is that the screen just flips up and down. Canon has changed that on the M50. The screen rotates to the side and can flip 180 degrees, making it easy to work in all sorts of directions.

One more thing not to be satisfied on M5 is that most of the quality is not perfect and there is a universal feel. The camera was made of plastic, however. M50, in a short demo, seems to have solved this. The new body feels more coherent and is covered in a different material that is not plastic when touched. It’s more closely resembles the material of some other mirrorless Canon series, like the M6.

The M50 has a viewfinder that is similar in design to the M5, which is very sharp and small. It also has the same touch and drag feature to move the auto focus point around while you are peering through that viewfinder. There are many types of auto-focus points within the M50 (143 to the M5’s 49). The M50 uses Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. There is also a new “eye detection AF” mode, which automatically locks the focus to the subject’s eye.

The DIGIC 8 processor also allows for a complete raw file format from Canon. Original images taken with the M50 will be saved with the .CR3 extension, and the biggest change is that the M-RAW and S-RAW options are gone. These are “small and medium” RAW file formats that occupy less space than a full file.

These options always provide the flexibility of a raw file. Canon’s replaced them with a name called “C-RAW,” which is a RAW file that has the same resolution as M-RAW but only about 40 percent of the capacity. Canon compares it to receiving M-RAW resolution in S-RAW format. Either way, both the DIGIC 8 and the audio are the same as the improvements being evaluated.

where can you get a Canon M50 online

Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera Kit w/ EF-M15-45mm Lens and 4K Video (Black): Buy it now

Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera Body with 4K Video (Black) and Pro Photography Bundle Backpack, Monopod, SanDisk 64GB SDXC Memory Card, Extra Battery Kit (EOS M50 15-45mm Video Creator Kit): Buy it now

Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera w/15-45mm (Black) + 2 x 32GB + K&M Essential Photo Bundle: Buy it now

Canon EOS M50 Wi-Fi Digital ILC Camera & EF-M 15-45mm & 55-200mm IS STM Lens (Black) with 64GB Card + Battery + Charger + Flash + Tripod + Cases + Cleaning Kit: Buy it now

A new feature on the M50 is that it can immediately bring all the photos you bring to your phone. Canon has had a mobile application for several years now and this is a great way to pull your personal image out of the camera of the company without having to deal with cables or embarrassing when moving cards SD. However, the new option is similar to the transfer mode that is always pioneered by Nikon with its Snapbridge feature. It allows the camera, when connected to Canon’s mobile application, to send compressed or full-resolution JPEGs of every photo you capture to your smartphone. This is not the right kind of feature for every situation, but I find it very useful on Nikon cameras in certain settings and this is a welcome addition to Canon’s mobile application.

With the M50, Canon is also updating its desktop backup software. This new version, simply called Image Transfer Utility 2, will allow the camera to start sending images to a computer as soon as it’s plugged into the user’s home Wi-Fi network.

Canon has spent years into the mirrorless camera market before launching the M5, which is just like the company’s first inroads into the market. However, it still has overwhelming shortcomings, such as the ability to record 4K video and touch screen freedom. The M50 overcomes those bugs, though some users will be uncomfortable with 4K locked to 24 frames per second, or 120 frames per second not available when recording full HD. It should be noted that, when shooting 4K, the camera responds automatically to the contrast instead of the Dual Pixel.

Sensor and Image Quality

Sensor Specifications

The Canon EOS M50 is equipped with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. This sensor size is larger than those found in many other mirrorless cameras, particularly micro four-thirds models, allowing for better control over depth of field and superior low-light performance. The sensor is paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor, enhancing overall image quality and processing speed.

Image Quality and Performance

The M50 delivers excellent image quality, characterized by sharp details, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range. The 24.1-megapixel resolution provides ample detail for large prints and heavy cropping. Canon’s color science is well-regarded, and the M50 does not disappoint in this regard, producing pleasing and accurate color reproduction.

In terms of dynamic range, the M50 performs well, capturing a wide range of tones from shadows to highlights. However, it may not match the dynamic range of some higher-end APS-C or full-frame cameras. Low-light performance is commendable, with the camera maintaining good image quality at higher ISO settings. Noise is well-controlled up to ISO 3200, with usable results even at ISO 6400, though with some noticeable grain and loss of detail.

Autofocus System

Autofocus Technology

The M50 features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, renowned for its speed and accuracy. This phase-detection autofocus system covers a significant portion of the frame, with 99 selectable AF points that expand to 143 when using certain lenses. The autofocus system includes face and eye detection, which are invaluable for portrait photography, ensuring sharp focus on the subject’s eyes.

Performance

In practice, the Dual Pixel AF system on the M50 is fast and reliable, locking onto subjects quickly and maintaining focus during continuous shooting. The face and eye detection work effectively, making it easier to achieve sharp portraits. In video mode, the autofocus transitions smoothly and accurately, avoiding the distracting hunting often seen in contrast-detection systems.

In-Body Image Stabilization

The Canon EOS M50 does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Instead, it relies on lens-based stabilization (IS) for reducing camera shake. Canon offers a range of stabilized lenses that work well with the M50, providing effective stabilization for both stills and video. While the lack of IBIS might be a drawback for some users, the availability of stabilized lenses helps mitigate this limitation.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

Electronic Viewfinder

The M50 features a 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF provides a clear and detailed view of the scene, with accurate color reproduction and minimal lag. The electronic nature of the viewfinder allows for real-time exposure preview, making it easier to adjust settings and see the impact before taking the shot.

LCD Screen

The camera is equipped with a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. The vari-angle design allows the screen to be flipped out and rotated, facilitating shooting from high, low, and selfie angles. The touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive, allowing for easy navigation of menus, quick adjustments, and touch-to-focus/shoot functionality.

Performance and Speed

Continuous Shooting

The Canon EOS M50 offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second (fps) with One-Shot AF, and 7.4 fps with continuous AF. This burst rate is suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action shots. The camera handles continuous shooting well, with minimal lag and buffer clearing times.

Startup Time and Shutter Lag

The M50 has a quick startup time, ensuring that users can capture spontaneous moments without delay. Shutter lag is minimal, and the camera responds promptly to user inputs, providing a responsive shooting experience. This performance is essential for capturing fleeting moments and ensuring that you don’t miss important shots.

Video Capabilities

Video Resolution

The Canon EOS M50 supports 4K UHD video recording at 24 fps. However, it’s worth noting that 4K recording comes with a 1.6x crop factor, which effectively narrows the field of view. Additionally, Dual Pixel AF is not available in 4K mode, relying instead on contrast-detection AF, which is slower and less accurate. For Full HD video, the camera offers up to 60 fps, and 720p video can be recorded at up to 120 fps for slow-motion effects.

Video Quality

The video quality in Full HD is excellent, with sharp details, vibrant colors, and smooth motion. The 4K video, while good, is somewhat limited by the crop factor and slower autofocus performance. Despite these limitations, the M50 is still a capable video camera, particularly for vlogging and casual video projects.

Connectivity and Usability

Wireless Connectivity

The M50 includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity. These wireless features allow for easy image transfer to smartphones, tablets, or computers, and enable remote control of the camera via the Canon Camera Connect app. The app provides a range of functionalities, including live view shooting, image transfer, and camera settings adjustment.

Menu System and Controls

Canon’s menu system is user-friendly and well-organized, making it easy to navigate and find settings. The touchscreen interface further enhances usability, allowing for quick adjustments and intuitive control. The physical controls, including dials and buttons, are strategically placed for easy access and customization, improving overall efficiency and ease of use.

Battery Life

The Canon EOS M50 uses the LP-E12 battery, which provides a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 235 shots per charge. This battery life is relatively modest, especially compared to some DSLRs and higher-end mirrorless cameras. However, it can be extended by using the ECO mode, which increases battery life to around 370 shots per charge. For users who plan to shoot extensively, carrying a spare battery is advisable.

User Experience and Practical Applications

Everyday Photography

The Canon EOS M50 excels as an everyday camera due to its compact size, ease of use, and high image quality. It’s an ideal choice for capturing everyday moments, family gatherings, and casual outings. The vari-angle touchscreen and reliable autofocus make it easy to use in a variety of situations, from selfies to group photos.

Travel Photography

Travel photographers will appreciate the M50’s portability and versatility. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re exploring city streets, hiking through nature, or visiting landmarks. The 24.1-megapixel sensor ensures that you can capture detailed and vibrant images, while the ability to use a wide range of lenses provides flexibility for different types of shots.

Vlogging and Content Creation

The M50’s combination of a vari-angle touchscreen, Dual Pixel AF, and 4K video recording makes it a popular choice for vloggers and content creators. The touchscreen allows for easy framing and focus adjustments, while the reliable autofocus keeps subjects sharp. Although the 4K video has some limitations, the camera’s Full HD capabilities are more than sufficient for most online content. Additionally, the 3.5mm microphone jack allows for high-quality audio recording, enhancing the overall production value of videos.

Portrait Photography

For portrait photography, the M50’s Dual Pixel AF with face and eye detection ensures sharp and well-focused images. The camera’s color reproduction and dynamic range contribute to pleasing skin tones and detailed portraits. Using the EF-EOS M adapter, portrait photographers can take advantage of Canon’s extensive range of prime lenses, providing greater control over depth of field and achieving beautiful bokeh effects.

Sports and Action Photography

While the M50 is not specifically designed for sports photography, its continuous shooting speed of up to 10 fps (with One-Shot AF) and reliable autofocus system make it capable of capturing action shots. The compact size and fast performance allow photographers to react quickly and capture dynamic moments, though it may not match the performance of higher-end sports cameras with more advanced autofocus systems.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers will appreciate the M50’s image quality and portability. The APS-C sensor captures detailed and vibrant landscapes, while the compact size makes it easy to carry to remote locations. The vari-angle screen is useful for composing shots from low or high angles, and the ability to use a variety of lenses allows for creative flexibility in framing and perspective.

Final Thoughts

The Canon EOS M50 is a well-rounded mirrorless camera that offers a great balance of image quality, portability, and usability. It is an excellent choice for beginners looking to step up from smartphones or compact cameras, as well as experienced photographers seeking a capable secondary camera. The M50’s strengths lie in its intuitive design, reliable autofocus, and impressive image quality, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic applications.

While the camera has some limitations, such as the lack of in-body stabilization and the crop factor in 4K video, its overall performance and feature set make it a compelling option in the mirrorless market. The availability of the EF-EOS M adapter further enhances its versatility, allowing users to leverage Canon’s extensive range of lenses.

In conclusion, the Canon EOS M50 is a versatile and user-friendly mirrorless camera that caters to a broad audience. Its combination of portability, ease of use, and high-quality performance make it a valuable tool for photographers and content creators alike. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments, documenting your travels, or creating engaging video content, the M50 is a capable and reliable companion that delivers excellent results.