The Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera from Canon offers a diverse feature set that can be used for both stills and video applications. It stands out from the crowd thanks to its UHD 4K video recording, high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF. When combined with an improved Auto Lighting Optimizer and the DIGIC 8 image processor, the 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor produces clear images with low noise.
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The camera also boasts a top 10 frames per second shooting rate and a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600, which can be extended to ISO 51200 for working in low-light conditions. In addition, the sensor and CPU combination allows for UHD 4K video recording at a frame rate of 23.98 frames per second, as well as Full HD 1080p60 and HD 720p120 for slow-motion capture.
Additionally, the sensor’s architecture allows for Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which employs phase-detection focusing to deliver rapid, accurate, and smooth performance that is suitable for both stills and video shooting. Additionally, the 5-axis image stabilization of the Combination IS system contributes to the achievement of stable, shake-free recording by reducing the appearance of camera shake.
In addition to the photography capabilities, the EOS M50 includes a 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3.0″ touchscreen LCD for simple control. Its vari-angle design allows you to work from both high and low working angles, and its touchscreen interface enables you to operate with Touch and Drag AF for easier manipulation of the AF region. Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC makes it easy to link with a smartphone or tablet for wireless image sharing, and Bluetooth allows you to share images with and manage the camera from a mobile device.
APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.1MP resolution and DIGIC 8 image processor
In order to provide excellent sensitivity and rapid camera performance for both stills and video applications, the camera has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 image processor. A flexible ISO 100-25600 range, with an expandable ISO 51200 setting, accommodates working in a variety of lighting conditions, and the processing capabilities minimize noise while enabling Auto Lighting Optimizer to provide notable clarity in a variety of shooting situations, according to the manufacturer.
UHD 4K video recording at 23.98 frames per second is also enabled, as are Full HD 1080p60 and HD 720p120 settings for slow motion recording, as well as Full HD 1080p60 and HD 720p120 settings for fast motion recording. Additionally, the CPU allows for a continuous shooting rate of 10 frames per second, a quick camera startup time, and short interval durations between each frame, making the shooting process more intuitive and efficient.
CMOS AF with Dual Pixels
A similar mechanism to that used by a camcorder to acquire focus is used by Dual Pixel CMOS AF to provide smooth and quick focusing performance. Using two distinct photodiodes integrated inside each pixel, this technology creates a broad and dense network of phase-detection collecting elements across a large portion of the image sensor, reducing focus chasing and allowing for faster and more direct control of focus placement in the picture.
Although it is designed for still pictures, this focusing system is equally adept at acquiring critical focus on moving things, making it particularly well suited for shooting and monitoring moving subjects to ensure that critical focus is achieved with each shot. It is also possible to employ Eye Detection AF for portraiture, which helps to prioritize focus on a subject’s eye to ensure clarity in the final image.
Using Movie Servo Autofocus when recording video, you may achieve smooth and natural focusing when switching between several objects of varying distances within a scene. You can also customize the tracking sensitivity and speed, as well as the importance is given to Face Tracking when shooting video. Rack focus is made possible thanks to the Touch AF technology, which allows you to adjust the focus by merely touching anything within the scene on the touchscreen in an easy manner.
It is also possible to achieve better subject tracking in movies, thanks to the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system’s ability to detect subjects and keep focus even while operating in rapidly changing or crowded environments.
Combination IS
With Combination IS, you can effectively eliminate the appearance of camera wobble by using the built-in 5-axis digital image stabilization in combination with lens-based image stabilization systems. This allows for clearer handheld photography.
This is especially useful while filming while walking or moving, and it may also be utilized in conjunction with lenses that provide optical image stabilization for even greater total stabilization effectiveness.
Canon EOS M50 Specifications
| MSRP | $779 (body only), $899 (w/15-45mm lens), $1249 (w/15-45 and 55-200mm lenses) |
|---|---|
| Body type | |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Body material | Composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Digic 8 |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.31)Raw (Canon CR3 14-bit) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 143 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF-M |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuousSelf-timer |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 120p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 60p / 26 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC slot (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | No |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Built-in |
| Battery description | LP-E12 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 235 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 390 g (0.86 lb / 13.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 116 x 88 x 59 mm (4.57 x 3.46 x 2.32″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Verdict
When it comes to Canon’s EOS M series mirrorless cameras, it’s been difficult to discern where the company is going. The entry-level Canon EOS M200 is so simple that it’s a little off-putting, and the only other choice with a viewfinder so far – the EOS M5 – is extremely pricey, doesn’t shoot in 4K, and is no longer readily available. The new EOS M6 Mark II, which does not come with a built-in viewfinder but can be equipped with one by attaching it to the camera’s accessory shoe – and many resellers are including one as standard – provides an option.
The EOS M50 is a unique camera. It has a built-in viewfinder, and the most important feature is that it is available at a reasonable mid-range pricing. When compared to other mirrorless cameras, it still doesn’t feel like a game-changing camera, but it does feel like Canon has finally caught up with the competition.
In fact, it has gotten a leg up on the competition in terms of features to price. It’s hard to imagine finding a 24MP APS-C mirrorless camera with a viewfinder for less money anywhere. In addition to very excellent Micro Four Thirds competitors, the only other APS-C contender in this price bracket is the Sony A6000, which is a four-year-old camera targeted at an entirely different type of photographer.
Canon EOS M50 Price
