In mid-August we talked about the Canon EOS M5, a practically "semi-pro" option among the models the Japanese manufacturer offers under the mirrorless format. The more economical alternative is the Canon EOS M100, which with less than 400 euros on its label points to travelers, influencers and vloggers taking their first steps. The best way to find a middle ground between both is the Canon EOS M50, which includes basic 4K recording, a good burst, and a more general design aligned with DSLR cameras.
Presenting a balanced offering is one of the most interesting challenges any manufacturer faces. At the end of the day it's easy to recommend cameras with four-digit prices simply because they behave like true spaceships. But the position of the average consumer doesn't change: They want more for less, and that puts pressure to launch intermediate models. That said, justifying the existence of the Canon EOS M50 is not complicated. Its older sister, the Canon EOS M5, is a formidable camera on its own merit, but with two years behind it, some things were left on the drawing board. Its younger sister, the Canon EOS M100, is a highly recommended model to replace smartphones, although it didn't escape cuts. The path for the Japanese manufacturer was clear: take the most robust aspects of both mirrorless cameras, and make the fusion.
Canon EOS M50: In the magical 'sub-700' space
Officially presented between February and March of this year, the Canon EOS M50, also known as EOS Kiss M in Japan, uses a dual-pixel CMOS sensor of 24.1 effective megapixels, accompanied by the DIGIC 8 image processor, its most recent version. Its ISO sensitivity extends from 100 to 25,600 with a boost of 51,200, and the shutter speed ranges between 1/4000 and 30 seconds. The LCD screen is 3 inches, with a resolution of 1.04 million dots, touch-sensitive and fully tilting, ideal for vlogging or selfies. Unlike the M100, the Canon EOS M50 brings an electronic viewfinder with 100 percent coverage and 2.36 million dots.
Autofocus continues to be one of Canon's strongest aspects thanks to its Dual Pixel technology. Using compatible lenses, the Canon EOS M50 offers 143 points and greater coverage, but even with "normal" lenses the final number rises to 99, a good jump compared to the 49 points of its sisters. Tracking is solid even in low-light situations, and its burst stays relatively stable at 7.4 FPS, with a buffer of 47 JPEG images. The camera also enables a faster burst of 10 FPS, but the buffer drops to 33 JPEG shots, and just 10 in RAW. The wireless connectivity of the Canon EOS M50 is very polished, with WiFi – NFC – Bluetooth support and an instant transfer mode to mobile devices that works very well. If you want to share everything you capture as soon as it is captured to social networks, this mirrorless will serve you wonderfully.
The overall appearance of the Canon EOS M50 reminds us of some DSLR models, but it actually borrows many things from the Canon EOS M5. The grip is deeper and more defined, without throwing the weight factor out the window. The main dial is on the right side, and its options are halfway between the M100 and the M5. The general parameters are already known to us: Intelligent Auto, Hybrid Auto, Special Scene, Creative Filters, Video Recording, Programmed Auto "P", Shutter Priority "Tv", Aperture Priority "Av" and Manual "M". There are no advanced programming modes here like on the M5, but it's not a big loss either.
When analyzing video modes, the Canon EOS M50 is the first "non-professional" camera to incorporate 4K support, and we definitely welcome it, but we cannot deny some first-generation pains, so to speak. Its frame rate is 24p/25p with a maximum bitrate of 120 megabits per second under H.264, normal parameters that we find in its direct competitors, but Canon decided that Dual Pixel should be deactivated when recording in 4K. That diminishes the robustness of autofocus, and in very unfavorable environments there is a certain "jelly effect". That doesn't mean 4K is impossible to use, and it's not as bad as the one on the Fujifilm X-T100, but it requires one or two compromises, including the assistance of a tripod. On the other hand, things are much more interesting when recording in 1080p60 with Dual Pixel in action.
Accessories for Canon EOS M50
With a price of 660 euros in its 15-45 kit, the Canon EOS M50 shows a very important cost correction in a few months, which demonstrates the need this mirrorless had to position itself more competitively in relation to its sisters and other high-profile rivals. However, we would be wrong to ignore its secondary advantages. The selection of lenses multiplies with the use of an adapter, and the search for compatible accessories for Canon EOS M is a real breeze at this point. Let's see:
Batteries and power
With an average of 235 shots per charge without using Eco mode and the absence of USB recharging, the Canon EOS M50 tends to be a bit weak in this category, but as with other cameras, the complete solution doesn't exceed 45 euros. On one hand, the Gloxy battery compatible with the LP-E12 format performs virtually identically, and on the other, the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car helps us reduce waiting time, taking the recharging potential anywhere. The product identifiers DI3776,VDTS-4604-CH-0712001294 cover these accessories.
Tripods and supports
Reviewing what we mentioned earlier, the most effective way to extract the best 4K video with this mirrorless is to adopt some kind of support. Fortunately, when it comes to finding a good tripod for Canon EOS M50, the path leads us back to the classic Gloxy GX-T6662A, which despite demand retains a very attractive price. Something similar happens among compact alternatives. Beyond the versatility of monopods and other compact tripods, the Clampod Takeway T1 leaves no room for error with its extreme grip and a maximum load of 40 kilograms.
Flashes
The performance of the Canon EOS M50 is more than acceptable in low-light situations, and its built-in flash will allow you to overcome part of the "light challenges" you'll face as a photographer, but remember that without light there is no photo, and when the environment doesn't cooperate, you'll need an ace up your sleeve. One of them is the professional Gloxy GX-F1000C flash. Quite "overkill" for casual use, however, if you need to do an emergency portrait it won't let you down. Do you prefer a cheaper flash? Then what you want is the Gloxy TR-985, which also includes support, diffuser and case.
Bags and backpacks
Compact and light, mirrorless cameras have very few demands regarding storage and transport, and the Canon EOS M50 is no exception. For that reason we can safely recommend the Gloxy Pro AW backpack, available in three sizes. It delivers a customizable padded interior, wide straps for greater comfort, and a waterproof cover that protects it from weather whims. And when talking about bags, it's hard to find something with a better cost-benefit ratio than the Delta 400a Fancier. If a backpack seems too big or you don't plan to carry so many things, the Fancier is the ideal replacement. In fact, nothing stops you from using both at the same time… The codes GloxyPRO,Fancier400a identify these products.
Lenses
Since we have decided to continue on the EOS M platform in our photographic adventure, it makes no sense to do strange maneuvers in lens selection, and the recommendations I made for the Canon EOS M100 remain valid here. If you prefer to invest in a single lens, the first option on your list is the wildcard Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3, which you can go from "almost" wide-angle to telephoto in a single move, without major compromises. On the other hand, the Samyang 12mm f/2.0 is a dedicated wide-angle of excellent quality, with 98.9 degrees of angle of view, and only 20 centimeters of minimum focusing distance.
Excellent image quality, latest version of the DIGIC processor, electronic viewfinder, one of the best examples of smartphone connectivity we've seen, the force of Dual Pixel in autofocus and a much friendlier price than at launch close the package of the Canon EOS M50. If the EOS M100 doesn't reach you and the bulk of your video recording will be under 1080p60, this mirrorless is a great candidate, but if 4K takes all your attention, I admit you'll be better off putting 200 euros more on the table to get to the Sony Alpha A6300. Good luck!
