Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless: Our Honest Review
In this review, we will discuss the Canon EOS M50. As cameras continue to advance and grow, one of the more talked about, and futuristic models of camera styles is the mirrorless camera. Put simply, this style bypasses the traditional system of having the shutter act as a mirror to reflect what your photo composition is to your eyepiece and instead runs a digital feed to an electronic viewfinder or to the main screen.
This option inherently decreases the necessary size for mirrorless cameras while offering luminance and control qualities for photo review that regular DSLR cameras just do not have. For many years, this mark has largely been dominated by makers like Sony and Panasonic, leaving goliaths like Nikon and Canon to focus on perfecting the more familiar looking and traditional styles of DSLR cameras.
This is not universally true across all their lines of camera models and with Canon’s M series, Canon makes its own space in the mirrorless camera field. Today we will explore the Canon EOS M50 and the merits and qualities that make it a viable mirrorless camera in this increasingly competitive and fast-paced market and then compare it to other mirrorless and non-mirrorless cameras to generate a comprehensive view of the available options you have in this exciting field.
What Is Canon EOS M50?
The Canon EOS M50 is a 2018 mirrorless camera installment developed by canon. It offers both photographic and video-graphic functionality as well as a variety of built-in functions like guided-setup, touchscreen interface, face detection, autofocus, and quite a bit more.
It is the latest in the M series canon line that is primarily focused on mirrorless cameras as an option for smaller and more advanced cameras. It will have a familiar look and feel to most Canon cameras, but with a modernist touch that has become so ubiquitous with most mirrorless cameras available on the market today.
Product Specs
The Canon EOS M50 is a powerful camera, to say the least. In its ergonomic 116.3 X 88.1 X 58.7mm body, the Canon EOS M50 houses a powerful 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Digic 8 processor. The internal tech in this camera processes a competitive autofocus system that utilizes an enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF across 149 focus areas. It can handle a zippy 10 frames per second burst fire which is definitely an impressive feat for any camera. It has a fairly comprehensive ISO range, but does experience grain at around 800.
In addition to premium photographic ability, the Canon EOS M50 houses amazing capacity for videography as well. 4k shooting at 30 frames per second and external inputs for sound make this camera a well-rounded piece of technology that you will love to have in your kit.
Pricing
For around $$, you can find the Canon EOS M50 with a 15-45mm telescopic lens on Amazon.com as well as other online retailers. This is a comparatively reasonable price, particularly for its 4k shooting and APS-C sensor. Keep in mind though, that this camera package does not include extra batteries, support gear or packaging.
How It Compares
The Canon EOS M50 finds its strengths in its affordability, mirrorless portability, and its powerful APS-C sensor. For that reason, our list includes breakdowns and comparisons with the following competitive cameras available this year:
Nikon D500
Fujifilm X-T20
Canon EOS M50
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera Kit w/EF-M15-45mm
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus that helps you get the photo you want right as the moment happens
- 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers incredible color, clear details, and stunning range
- Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD has a flexible tilt range ideal for high-angle and low-angle shooting, and reviewing your photos
- Ease of Use
- Performance
- Design Quality
- Warranty
You can purchase a warranty for this camera on Amazon.com.
The mirrorless aps-c sensor is a powerful asset that makes this camera stand out for power and ability amongst its adversaries. It falls short on its autofocus system and lacks the finder fidelity of other full frame cameras, but where it lacks there, the Canon EOS M50 does stand out for power in a price-friendly body.
The compact design and grip-friendly body give this camera an ergonomic engineering quality—which is lovely, but not the best available. The articulating screen and portable, mirrorless body all make it appealing, but compared to the more retro and interesting cameras out there, it seems like the look of this camera was an afterthought.
You can purchase a warranty for this camera on Amazon.com for 3 or 4 years.
PROS
- Portable Mirrorless body
- 4k video capability at 30 Frames Per Second
- Vari-angle touchscreen for convenient shooting
CONS
- Autofocus can occasionally be clunky
- Limited selection of working lenses
- Good for all around, but not the best of its class in anything
Nikon D500
Nikon D500 DX-Format Digital SLR
- 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor.Viewfinder:Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor;Monitor Size : 3.2 inches diagonal
- 3.2″ 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
For the DSLR enthusiast who is not ready to move into the mirrorless camera field, but who still loves a powerful, affordable APS-C Sensor, the Nikon D500 makes for a sturdy contender against the Canon EOS M50. Housed in a rugged and more durable body, this adventure-friendly camera strays away from the portability of the mirrorless series and instead focuses on power and reliability.
It shoots cinematic 4K UHD runs on a 20.9-megapixel sensor and then plays them back on a delightful high-resolution tilt touchscreen display. Shareability is a breeze with the built-in SnapBridge (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth) technology, and the traditional design is intuitive, even for users new to the Nikon Design. Finally, its compatibility with the NIKKOR line means an exciting array of quality lenses at your disposal for all your projects.
- Ease of Use
- Performance
- Design Quality
- Warranty
This is, for the most part, a pro-grade camera. As a result, this camera can be a bit of a challenge to work with and can be daunting for new users. Consider some of the smaller and more affordable cameras if you are just starting with photography.
Compared to the other camera on this list, it is hard to argue with the power and ability of this exceptional camera. If you have the capital to pay for it, the Nikon D500 is a powerful camera to consider.
Heavier than its competitors, aesthetically predictable and lacking a fully articulating touchscreen keeps this camera from standing out among others in design.
You can acquire a warranty for this camera for 3 and 4 years.
PROS
- Powerful camera
- Compatible with Nikkor lenses
- Sturdy and durable
CONS
- Very expensive
- Bigger and less portable
- Does not include a lens with purchase
Panasonic Lumix GX850
PANASONIC LUMIX GX850 4K Digital Camera, 12-32mm and 45-150mm Lens Bundle
- FINE DETAIL PERFORMANCE: 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor with no low pass filter resulting in a near 10% boost in fine detail-resolving power over existing 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensors
- MIRRORLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA KIT: With two super compact lenses 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 and 45-150mm F4.0-5.6, shoot lighter and faster with the modern hybrid photography performance of a mirrorless camera and nearly half the bulk of most DSLRs
For Panasonic’s entry in the mirrorless line, the Panasonic Lumix GX850 is a 4K mirrorless camera with a micro four-thirds sensor. It is compatible with over 28 Lumix and Leica compact lens options, which is mostly centered around Panasonic’s own design. It is housed in a 1.3 x 4.2 x 2.5 inches body that emphasizes portability without sacrificing power.
The front-facing LCD is a 180 Degree flip up face auto shutter for easy shooting. Meanwhile, it offers a slew of internal features like 22 creative filters plus Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing with your mobile device. It is a lot of camera packed in a convenient and powerful body.
- Ease of Use
- Performance
- Design Quality
- Warranty
This is in many ways, a beginner-friendly camera. With a simplified interface and enough automation to confidently capture in a variety of conditions, the Panasonic Lumix GX850 is a great way to advance your photography career and still have money left over.
The 16 megapixel, micro four-thirds sensor is not the most powerful, and many of the lenses are not among the clearest available, but the camera is a great value.
A small camera with many easy access functions, new users may love this camera, but if you are a pro looking to advance in photography, the features in the Panasonic Lumix GX850 might be limiting.
You can acquire a 3 and 4-year warranty for this camera.
PROS
- Small and portable
- 4k video capability
- Post-focus ability
CONS
- Small sensor
- Limited lens selection
- Low megapixel count
Fujifilm X-T20
Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Lens
- 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter and X-Processor Pro
- 5.0Fps Live-view shooting, start-up time of 0.4sec., shutter time lag of 0.050sec. And shooting Interval of 0.25sec
- 3.0″ tilting Touchscreen panel for operation at almost any angle. Weight (approx.) excluding caps and hoods- 310g
The X–T20 is a beautiful, compact and lightweight body camera oriented around convenient composing and powerful photo capabilities. With a full manual mode to truly control your scenes as well as many automated shooting functions, you can shoot the best of a moment wherever you are.
Meanwhile, the tilting LCD monitor and touch screen will make interfacing with this camera a breeze. The high–quality 4K video will give you exceptional post production abilities in the editing room, and the 24.3-megapixel APS-C is sure to grant you visual acuity for all your photos. Finally, the Fujifilm X-T20 offers up to 325 focus points for accurate focusing.
- Ease of Use
- Performance
- Design Quality
- Warranty
The wide range of dials and settings can be daunting when you first take on this camera, which may be discouraging for new users.
With a powerful sensor and exceptional lenses, taking powerful and beautiful pictures will be a breeze.
Amazing features, articulating screen, all housed in a beautiful and retro style camera body, there is nothing to dislike about the make of this gorgeous camera.
You can purchase 3 and 4-year warranty plans for $49.12 and $52.98 respectively.
PROS
- Powerful sensor
- 4k video functionality
- Articulating screen
CONS
- Not the cheapest on the list
- Many features can be daunting for new users
- Not the smallest body size
Conclusion
For semi-pro shooting capabilities that will not break the bank, but won’t skirt on the features, the Canon EOS M50 is a camera you could come to love. Admittedly, this is not the best camera available or even the best mirrorless camera, but for a camera that takes great photos from a convenient and affordable package, this might just be the option for you.
We recommend this camera for new users that are interested in enhancing their photo and video game for their own personal products. For commercial work with clients, we would more readily suggest the Canon EOS 80D or even other DSLR cameras not featured on this list. Particularly in the fields of sports or action photography, the Canon EOS M50 is not aptly designed to meet photographers needs in those realms.
If you are just interested in upping your camera game without getting hung up on all the bells and whistles of other cameras, Panasonic Lumix GX850 might be a more graduated entry into your development as a photographer. Regardless of what you select, you will not be disappointed if you end up an owner of any of the cameras featured on this list.
To note though is that no matter what camera you select, make sure you have enough money reserved to consider purchasing support equipment as well as essentials like lenses. Photos are just as contingent on their camera body as they are on their lenses, so finding a setup that can support your lens needs is essential for owning a camera that works best for you.