Canon EOS R50 V: The Ultimate Mirrorless Camera Guide
▼ Summary
– The Canon EOS R50 V is a $699.99 camera designed for vloggers and content creators, featuring a three-capsule microphone, vertical and widescreen tripod mounts, and video-focused controls.
– It records full-width 4K30 video with 10-bit color and digital stabilization, supports 4K60 with a crop, and is compatible with Canon RF and third-party lenses.
– The camera omits an electronic viewfinder and flash but includes a vari-angle touch screen, USB-C for streaming, and a product demo autofocus mode ideal for YouTubers.
– Battery life is rated for 70 minutes of 4K30 recording, though it may overheat after around 54 minutes, and it supports 1080p live streaming with simultaneous charging.
– Audio quality is strong with the built-in microphone, and it offers various color profiles including C-Log3 for professional grading, though stabilization is digital rather than physical.
Canon’s EOS R50 V is a purpose-built mirrorless camera designed specifically for vloggers and content creators, offering professional video features at an accessible price point. Priced at $699.99 for the body alone, it delivers full-width 4K30 video with 10-bit color, along with effective digital stabilization and a versatile RF lens mount. While it handles still photography competently, its design, including a three-capsule microphone and specialized color profiles, clearly prioritizes moviemaking. This model stands out as a more flexible alternative to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and a budget-friendly option compared to Sony’s full-frame ZV-E1, earning it recognition as a top choice for creators.
Built around a large APS-C sensor, the R50 V maintains a compact form, measuring just 3.4 by 4.6 by 2.7 inches and weighing 13.1 ounces without a lens. It forgoes an electronic viewfinder and built-in flash in favor of a fully articulating touch screen and dual tripod mounts, positioned on the base and right side, enabling easy setup for both horizontal and vertical recording. The integrated three-capsule microphone captures cleaner audio than most photo-focused cameras, and a 3.5mm jack allows for external mic connectivity. Although there’s no built-in flash, the hot shoe supports external strobes.
Constructed with a polycarbonate exterior over magnesium and aluminum alloys, the R50 V doesn’t include weather sealing but offers solid durability for its class. It outperforms the more fragile DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in ruggedness, though the Pocket 3’s gimbal provides superior stabilization.
The camera is available as a body-only unit or in a kit with the RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens for $929.99. Canon’s RF-S lens lineup for APS-C is growing, with third-party options from Sigma and Tamron expanding the choices further. Full-frame RF lenses are also compatible. For vloggers, wide-aperture primes like the Sigma 12mm F1.4 or zooms such as the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 offer excellent flexibility.
Controls on the R50 V are tailored for video, resembling Canon’s cinema line more than its stills cameras. A front-mounted record button simplifies starting and stopping clips when filming yourself, complemented by a red tally light. The top plate includes a second record button, doubling as a shutter release, surrounded by a zoom rocker for power zoom lenses. Buttons for live streaming settings and control lock help prevent accidental adjustments during recording.
Instead of a standard PASM dial, the R50 V uses a mode dial with one setting for stills (where exposure modes are selected on-screen) and seven dedicated video modes, including auto, manual, slow and fast motion, and three customizable slots. The rear control column includes buttons for autofocus, color profile selection, and display info, along with a four-way dial for ISO, self-timer, white balance, and focus mode. A quick menu offers fast access to frequently used settings.
The vari-angle 3-inch LCD, with 1.04 million dots of resolution, is bright and detailed, suitable for outdoor use in moderate light. A micro HDMI port supports external monitors.
Power comes from the LP-E17 battery, rated for 390 shots or approximately 70 minutes of 4K30 recording. At 1080p, runtime extends to around 140 minutes. Be aware that extended 4K recording may lead to overheating, around 54 minutes in room temperature conditions.
Connectivity includes USB-C for charging, data transfer, and live streaming (1080p with charging or 4K without), along with micro HDMI, a 2.5mm remote port, and separate 3.5mm jacks for mic and headphones. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable pairing with the Canon Camera Connect app, though wireless file transfers can be slow.
Autofocus relies on the capable Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, covering nearly the entire sensor with reliable face, eye, and subject tracking. A product demonstration mode is especially useful for YouTubers, shifting focus to foreground objects when needed. The camera shoots at up to 12fps with the mechanical shutter or 15fps silently, with a buffer that handled 60 C-Raw, 44 uncompressed Raw, or 90 JPGs in testing before slowing down.
Image quality matches other 24MP APS-C Canon models, with support for JPG, 10-bit HEIF, and 14-bit Raw files. The sensor performs well from ISO 100-1600, with usable results up to ISO 12800. Higher ISOs show increased noise and loss of fine detail.
For video, the R50 V shoots uncropped 4K30 and 4K24, or 4K60 with a 1.6x crop. At 1080p, frame rates up to 120fps are available for slow motion. Encoding options include 10-bit and 8-bit HEVC or H.264, with bit rates from 35-250Mbps. A dedicated color button makes it easy to switch between standard and creative profiles like Tasty Cool, Warm, and several tinted options. Professionals can use C-Log3 for greater grading flexibility.
Although the sensor lacks in-body stabilization, the digital stabilization works effectively, cropping slightly into the frame but delivering smooth handheld footage. The built-in three-capsule mic produces clear, natural-sounding audio, though dedicated external microphones will yield the best results. A windscreen accessory is available from third-party manufacturers like SmallRig.
All in all, the Canon EOS R50 V is a thoughtfully designed, highly capable camera that brings serious video features within reach of creators at various skill levels.
(Source: PC Gamer)
