Canon EOS R50: a mini APS-C hybrid with a big telephoto zoom to start taking photos

Canon is gradually expanding its range of hybrid cameras with APS-C sensor in RF mount. Today it’s the turn of the entry-level with the EOS R50, a small APS-C body that wants to seduce beginners and vloggers with its obvious grip and compact size.

An APS-C case to start

Canon recently launched the EOS R10 and R7, which are intended more for experienced or amateur photographers. With the all-new R50, Canon is moving towards the entry level to offer photographers a hybrid RF-S mount alternative, compatible with both EF/EF-S (via a ring) and RF lenses. .

Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer has another range of mirrorless cameras, using the EF-M mount, but whose limited optical fleet does not allow all users to fully reveal their creativity.

All the same 15 fps burst

With the EOS R50, the Japanese manufacturer offers a compact camera, equipped with an unstabilized APS-C sensor of 24.2 megapixels and weighing only 375 grams in working order. Decked out with a Digic X processor, this small box relies heavily on its subject detection autofocus. On the performance side, the R50 does not overbid, with a burst amounting to 15 frames per second in electronic shutter but a buffer limited to 28 jpegs at this rate. However, it has an electronic viewfinder displaying 2.36 Mpx with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, a minimum to provide satisfactory comfort.

An EOS M50 Mark II under a new envelope?

For users who want to try their hand at video and vlogging, the EOS R50 wants to deliver the full experience. The device is thus able to film up to 4K 30 fps, without recording limit. In addition, the screen is mounted on a ball joint which allows it to be oriented in all directions. In terms of connectivity, the small Canon hybrid is up to date with a wifi and Bluetooth connection to pair it and control it from a smartphone. Finally, the Canon EOS R50 is not stabilized in order to maintain a contained price and to remain accessible to more modest budgets.

Finally, this R50 hybrid can be compared to a slightly revised EOS M50 Mark II. It retains what made the success of its predecessor while gaining the RF-S mount, more versatile and for which Canon is developing new optics.

Alongside this mirrorless camera, Canon is launching the RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM. It is an APS-C mount telephoto zoom designed to accompany hybrids such as the R50, R10 or even R7.

This new pebble in RF-S mount will ideally complement the 18-55mm kit lens to offer a focal range from 18mm to 210mm. Mounted on an APS-C sensor, this represents an 88 to 336 mm (in 24×36 equivalent), enough to photograph distant subjects.

It adopts a philosophy similar to the EF 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM, a telephoto zoom often acclaimed to go hand in hand with an entry-level SLR. Thus, once mounted on an EOS R50, the photographer can take advantage of the stabilization of the lens to compensate for the lack of a stabilized sensor. We only regret that the aperture at full zoom is also restricted (f / 7.1) which forces you to increase the ISO or to photograph in bright sunlight, as well as the focal range less extensive than before.

Available in white or black, the Canon EOS R50 is expected for the end of March. It will take 829 € to afford the body alone or 949 € with the kit lens. If it is the cheapest of the hybrid cameras in RF-S mount, we regret the entry-level SLRs of yesteryear that it aims to replace, which were much more accessible.

Those who want to acquire the RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens will have to pay 449 € to be able to slip it into their wallet.