Looking up to the brand new mirrorless Canon EOS M50, it may remind you a lot to the older EOS M5. Besides sharing the same initial number, both cameras perform similar silhouette on their design. But, do you know that even though they share similar outlook, apparently both cameras are aimed for different level? Yes, instead of sitting next to its brother the EOS M5 in high-end level, the new EOS M50 rather sits between Canon EOS M100 and EOS M6, which are classified as mid-range mirrorless to targets new and novice users.
A little sneak Peak to the feature, Canon states that the new M50 is still using 24MP APS-C sensor, which is the same sensor used by other Canon cameras within EOS M lines. Moreover, it also has electronic viewfinder just like what we find on EOS M5, fully articulating touch display, and advance connectivity with BT, NFC, and WLAN.
Besides all these features, the camera also offers upgraded AF system and 4K video shooting. In addition, the new application that will automatically transfer the photos to your mobile device is also available. Then, what else does this Canon EOS M50 offer? Here is the review.
Canon EOS M50 Design
In term of design, Canon EOS M50 shares many resemblances to what we see on Canon EOS M5. The most notable thing is the hump on the center top of the camera. Just like on M5, this hump is where a small built-in flash is located. This flash will appear when the hump raises up. Moving to the back, there is Electronic Viewfinder. This viewfinder is center-positioned right on the back side of the hump and has 2.36 million-dot resolution. With this resolution, viewing object through the finder is clear and you won’t miss any detail in frame.
At the top plate, there is nothing intimidating. You will only see 1 control dial, function button that can be customized, on/off switch, and video record button. Besides, there’s also hotshoe at the top side of camera’s hump. While on the rear side, you will see a sensitive and responsive touch display that can be fully articulated. Surely, it will be such an advantage for vloggers or for you who just want to do selfie.
Handling is pretty comfortable with textured body on front side and grip-able handgrip. The size itself is not too intimidating as DSLR. The dimension is just 4.6 x 3.5 x 2.3″ (116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm). With strong polycarbonate material, the camera only weights about 350g for body only. Overall, the whole body represents ease and simplicity. By this, it’s obvious that Canon EOS M50 is targeting new camera user who are just getting tired of using smartphone and ready to use dedicated camera device.
Canon EOS M50 Features
Under the hood, Canon EOS M50 still uses Canon’s typical 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor. As stated before, this is the kind of sensor that’s used by most of nowadays Canon mirrorless camera. To support its functionality, this sensor will be coupled with Canon’s latest Digic 8 processor. The use of this processor brings many possibilities to the camera. For example, the camera now can shoot in 4K UHD/30p video format, 4K timelapse, and 720/120p slow motion. But, unfortunately the 4K comes with 1.6x crop only, which is considered as a little bit heavy. And also, the Dual Pixel Autofocus can’t be used when you’re shooting 4K, only contrast detection AF which will be available.
Speaking about focusing system, Canon EOS M50 has been completed with Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus system. With this technology, moving between the focus points in frame felt so fast. And for this focusing point, this camera has more focusing points than any other Canon mirrorless camera, which is 99 points. It’s still can be expanded to be 143 points by using certain Canon lenses.
ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 all the way up to 25,600. And if you think it’s still not sufficient, the ISO can be expanded to 51,200. With this ISO, shooting in low light wouldn’t be a problem anymore, even if there’s still some limitation in this ISO capability. Detail specification can be found on canon official website.
Moreover, to create stable footage, the camera employs gyro sensor along with Dual Sensing image stabilization and optical stabilization technology. So, the picture captures will not get any blurry effect from the shake. In addition, M50 also uses the new CR3 Raw format, which offers new compression option called C-Raw.
Battery capacity
In the power supply, the new Canon EOS M50 is power with LP-E12 battery, the same battery used in the latest M100. As for the capacity, it’s a little bit disappointing that this battery can only take 235 shots in 1 single charge.
While for the charging process, the battery can only be charged by using supplied charger, means that even if the camera has USB port, this port can’t be used to charge the battery. In addition to this USB port, Canon EOS M50 also supplied with Micro-HDMI port and microphone socket for adding external microphone during video shooting.
Canon EOS M50 Price and Performance
Using this camera feels pretty good. The weight is not too heavy, and handling is great especially with the hand grip. Moreover, performance is pretty good too with the presence of latest DIGIC 8 processor. With this processor, the camera is able to reach 10fps of speed in Single AF mode. But, when you track moving subject in Continuous AF, the sped will a little drop down to 7.4fps. However, it is still solid and strong.
Moreover, we also love the various connectivity offered by Canon EOS M50. It has Bluetooth Low Energy, NFC, and WiFi. Technically, it has everything’s on board. And more interestingly, the camera also supplied with the new application where it allows images to be automatically transferred to your personal device such as smartphone or laptop, right after shooting. And not to mention, the viewfinder is a plus for this mid-level camera device.
With all those details, Canon EOS M50 could be the right choice for you who just decided to leave your phone camera and started to use dedicated camera device. It’s simple and provides ease of use. So, if you who are just excited to this brand new mirrorless device from Canon, you can note the date that it will start shipping at April 2018 As for the price, you can get it for around $780 for body only, $900 with EF-M 15-45mm lens, or $1250 with both EF-M 15-45mm and EF-M 55-200mm.
