Canon EOS M50 ?

Crotal Bell

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Keith
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Some very good used deals on this APS mirrorless these days, and still seems to be well regarded if you don't crave 4K video.
Full flip touch screen, Canon colour science, kinda regarded as a vloggers camera but great stills from what I've seen, and not too shabby tracking moving subjects.
One reviewer said it had Poor HDR performance but not heard much else bad about it.
Not sure I can see much benefit in the MkII?
Would love to know what users think of the original M50
 
My only concern with canons M system is whether there’s a future for it now canon have released their crop RF system with the RF Mount.

I’m sure there’s some users on here who can give you more information about the cameras.
 
My only concern with canons M system is whether there’s a future for it now canon have released their crop RF system with the RF Mount.

I’m sure there’s some users on here who can give you more information about the cameras.
Yes I have heard that, but I guess it depends how many lenses a person want to get their work done.
The serious photographer may desire a platform with a greater range of native lenses.
 
I use an M50 for macro, as its nice and light, coupled to the Canon 100mm L macro lens.
I'm more than happy with the results, the kit lens, 15-45, is also very capable as a close up lens, or just a general walk about.

I don't really use the results with HDR, more stacking TBH.
 
I use an M50 for macro, as its nice and light, coupled to the Canon 100mm L macro lens.
I'm more than happy with the results, the kit lens, 15-45, is also very capable as a close up lens, or just a general walk about.

I don't really use the results with HDR, more stacking TBH.
Ah yes I've been looking at stacking for getting the blown out skies sorted out, so M50 does a good job with the right editing?
 
so M50 does a good job with the right editing?
I have no complaints whatsoever, :)
I've even used it with my 100-400 canon lens, obviously an adapter, is need for the EF lenses, it slows the AF
down a little in poor light, but in good light, you hardly notice any lag.

They do of course make dedicated EF-M lenses and the prices are not outrageous.
But as above I just have the kit lens. the rest are canon EF lens via an adapter.
 
A couple of recent random images, M50 + 100mm macro

006.jpg

The tip of a Buddleia flower

012.jpg
 
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Yes I have heard that, but I guess it depends how many lenses a person want to get their work done.
The serious photographer may desire a platform with a greater range of native lenses.
It’s not necessarily from the point of how expansive a lens range is but from the availability of spares/parts should repairs be required in the future. Lenses are generally seen as an investment in photography that will likely be kept for many years. Being able to repair lenses should they need it becomes a factor to consider otherwise you’re left with an expensive paper weight.

Of course if the price is right then it’s possibly worth it especially if you’re aware of the potential pitfalls that could come in the future. I’ve looked at the range in the past and it looks good. It’s likely to be more than capable for the majority of peoples photography needs.
 
It’s not necessarily from the point of how expansive a lens range is but from the availability of spares/parts should repairs be required in the future. Lenses are generally seen as an investment in photography that will likely be kept for many years. Being able to repair lenses should they need it becomes a factor to consider otherwise you’re left with an expensive paper weight.

Of course if the price is right then it’s possibly worth it especially if you’re aware of the potential pitfalls that could come in the future. I’ve looked at the range in the past and it looks good. It’s likely to be more than capable for the majority of peoples photography needs.
Certainly enough for me, in fact the 18-150mm would do me fine for walking and composing scenes, which is becoming a favourite practice of mine.
Long zoom work is done with my cheap FZ82 1200mm zoom, it has limitations but I'm never going to invest in dedicated big zooms.
 
I have no complaints whatsoever, :)
I've even used it with my 100-400 canon lens, obviously an adapter, is need for the EF lenses, it slows the AF
down a little in poor light, but in good light, you hardly notice any lag.

They do of course make dedicated EF-M lenses and the prices are not outrageous.
But as above I just have the kit lens. the rest are canon EF lens via an adapter.
Funny enough I've seen an M5 with 18-150mm lens for under 600, that's a lens size that I would find very flexible, but struggling to see what the M5 would give me over the M50.
 
I prefer (ed) the M5 to the M50. I didn't own an M50, but had one on loan for quite a while to use the two side by side. Mainly for the control layout, and to me it gave better jpegs.
The only major difference between the M50 and the M50 Mk11 is that the Mk11 has an electronic shutter as well as mechanical.

Exposure bracketing for stacking is slightly harder to select than it can be done on the Panasonics, and if I remember correctly doesn't have the 5 or 7 shot sequence, however you can adjust the amount of exposure change between each shot (but if that is important check it, as I seem to remember the max is 2 stops), which under some circumstances means a three shot series is good enough, where as the Panasonic would need 5 or seven shots, but most times the Panasonic is preferable, the more shots the more levels of correction you have on merge.

So far as noise goes, I would put it between the G80 and the G9, nearer to the G9. Image quality is good, Canon lenses are good (but so are Panasonic)

The Canons don't have in-body stabilisation

EF or EF-s lenses are relatively cheap, and there is a wide selection (with the adapter)

If I had to be honest, the M5 is the only Canon I sometimes wished I had kept :)
I wouldn't have felt the same about the M50, it just didn't feel the same, not commenting on its quality or performance, just how I felt them to use.

All that is based on memory, it is just about a year now since I started selling the Canon gear.
 
Funny enough I've seen an M5 with 18-150mm lens for under 600, that's a lens size that I would find very flexible,
That sounds like a very good price (y)
IIRC I paid about that with the kit lens.

but struggling to see what the M5 would give me over the M50.
When I was looking I compared both, And like you, failed to see any advantage.
OK so the M50 only has the one func. not 2 most of the settings are done via the menu.
but if you are used to the Canon menu's its no big deal.
 
Mainly for the control layout, and to me it gave better jpegs.
Which is strange, as the sensors are identical.

Keith, There is a comparison article HERE
You just need to skip past the unrelated bits.
 
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Which is strange, as the sensors are identical.

Keith, There is a comparison article HERE
You just need to skip past the unrelated bits.
Maybe it was just how they looked to me :)
The M50 is supposed to have an improved image engine, so it could just be looking different.
As I said, to me the jpegs looked better, not that they were better!
 
As I said, to me the jpegs looked better, not that they were better!
TBH, there is no right or wrong way, is there? I just find it strange
how we all perceive or see things different.
 
I prefer (ed) the M5 to the M50. I didn't own an M50, but had one on loan for quite a while to use the two side by side. Mainly for the control layout, and to me it gave better jpegs.
The only major difference between the M50 and the M50 Mk11 is that the Mk11 has an electronic shutter as well as mechanical.

Exposure bracketing for stacking is slightly harder to select than it can be done on the Panasonics, and if I remember correctly doesn't have the 5 or 7 shot sequence, however you can adjust the amount of exposure change between each shot (but if that is important check it, as I seem to remember the max is 2 stops), which under some circumstances means a three shot series is good enough, where as the Panasonic would need 5 or seven shots, but most times the Panasonic is preferable, the more shots the more levels of correction you have on merge.

So far as noise goes, I would put it between the G80 and the G9, nearer to the G9. Image quality is good, Canon lenses are good (but so are Panasonic)

The Canons don't have in-body stabilisation

EF or EF-s lenses are relatively cheap, and there is a wide selection (with the adapter)

If I had to be honest, the M5 is the only Canon I sometimes wished I had kept :)
I wouldn't have felt the same about the M50, it just didn't feel the same, not commenting on its quality or performance, just how I felt them to use.

All that is based on memory, it is just about a year now since I started selling the Canon gear.
Interesting, it seems to me that Canon made the M5 and then a couple of years later, a smaller vlogging version with articulating screen BUT, they gave the M50 the smaller battery and took off a manual switch to try and make the M5 look like the more serious photography tool.
The M50 has the 4K video, but it's well cropped and limited (and I don't care about 4K so not something I consider an advantage)
From what I've read, the M50 has the Digic8 processor with a slightly improved image quality and slightly better buffer, and aside from having one less dial it does everything the M5 does, and some of it slightly better. Whether you notice this in every day use is debatable I suppose, although the M50 also has far more focus point across more of the screen.

There's the obvious empty space on the left of the M50 where the extra dial could sit, and maybe the M50 should/could have been the M5 MkII, but I think Canon avoided this to try and maximise sales from 2 different cameras with different advantages.
But as far as I can see the only advantage to an M5 is the extra dial and a bigger battery.
But in reality, if the advantages of the M50 are not really noticeable in the hands of some, then the extra dial and bigger battery would still make them choose the M5.
@Cobra
 
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Interesting, it seems to me that Canon made the M5 and then a couple of years later, a smaller vlogging version with articulating screen BUT, they gave the M50 the smaller battery and took off a manual switch to try and make the M5 look like the more serious photography tool.
The M50 has the 4K video, but it's well cropped and limited (and I don't care about 4K so not something I consider an advantage)
From what I've read, the M50 has the Digic8 processor with a slightly improved image quality and slightly better buffer, and aside from having one less dial it does everything the M5 does, and some of it slightly better. Whether you notice this in every day use is debatable I suppose, although the M50 also has far more focus point across more of the screen.

There's the obvious empty space on the left of the M50 where the extra dial could sit, and maybe the M50 should/could have been the M5 MkII, but I think Canon avoided this to try and maximise sales from 2 different cameras with different advantages.
But as far as I can see the only advantage to an M5 is the extra dial and a bigger battery.
But in reality, if the advantages of the M50 are not really noticeable in the hands of some, then the extra dial and bigger battery would still make them choose the M5.
@Cobra


Yes, it is all down to what you like :)

I doubt if the 8 processor vs the 7 would give any big advantage, and maybe that is what gives it whatever it is I'm not so keen on :)

Number of focus points has never been a consideration of mine, doen't matter how many it has, it can still only focus on one distance.

How it feels in my hand is probably more important than specs on paper.

Twenty years ago when we were looking for a house, several we looked at I didn't even go inside, despite the agents whining that the inside needs looking at. I pointed out that every evening when I came home from work, it was the outside I had to look at.
Same with a camera, doesn't matter what it has inside if I don't like the ergonomics and feel!
 
Yes, it is all down to what you like :)

I doubt if the 8 processor vs the 7 would give any big advantage, and maybe that is what gives it whatever it is I'm not so keen on :)

Number of focus points has never been a consideration of mine, doen't matter how many it has, it can still only focus on one distance.

How it feels in my hand is probably more important than specs on paper.

Twenty years ago when we were looking for a house, several we looked at I didn't even go inside, despite the agents whining that the inside needs looking at. I pointed out that every evening when I came home from work, it was the outside I had to look at.
Same with a camera, doesn't matter what it has inside if I don't like the ergonomics and feel!
I think the Digic8 was more to enable 4K video than anything else, which by all accounts is limited and 1080p works much better. I get the feeling that while canon products are well regarded and solid, they do hold back a few things compared to some other brands. Saying that, DP review compared the M50 to a Fuji and Sony entry level mirroless and although the other two had certain advantages, the Canon won by being the best all rounder.

I take your point on the feel and function of a camera, when I only had the FZ82, having to press a button to switch from screen to EVF didn't seem an issue, but when you get used to a camera that has an auto switch sensor it's surprising how frustrating the manual switch becomes. Plus I do like dials on top as well.
 
I have the M5 and have used it for everything from macro to airshows, super little camera and such a compact system. I have a R7 coming next week (hopefully) and then I will probably sell the M5 as it will become surplus to requirements.


Red Damselfly by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr


Fishing Tern by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr


RIAT 2018 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
And there it is..........A modern mirroless camera from a respected manufacturer and no nit pick comparison.
You look at those images and it just screams quality.
I guess it goes back to the cliche, all modern cameras are great, it's down to the photographer.
 
Number of focus points has never been a consideration of mine, doen't matter how many it has, it can still only focus on one distance.

How it feels in my hand is probably more important than specs on paper.
Fair point on both, and I agree with both of them.

I pointed out that every evening when I came home from work, it was the outside I had to look at.
Again, a very good point.
 
Fair point on both, and I agree with both of them.


Again, a very good point.
Again this seems to enforce my previous comments, the M50 has a newer processor, but realistically what difference does this make in modern camera terms, especially when there's only 2 years between them. Add to that the fact that the added focus points seems dismissible judging by yours and @Sangoma 's experienced opinions.
I like the multiple dials on the G80, so it makes sense that would be more important to have on the M5 over the M50.
 
I like the multiple dials on the G80, so it makes sense that would be more important to have on the M5 over the M50.
Its not an issue as far as I'm concerned, my main camera is 7DII
As before my main use for the M50 is macro.
And I just use the small single point focus ( available in the menu) dot

The M50 is a little more simpler in use. than the 7DII but everything you want is in the menu.
At the end of the day, one size does not fit all, so you pay your money, and takes your choice :)
 
I like the multiple dials on the G80, so it makes sense that would be more important to have on the M5 over the M50.

I hate to be a killjoy but I hope you'll think very carefully before swapping systems Keith. I've always thought that there isn't enough difference between MFT and APS-C to justify changing systems but that's just me and others can make their own minds up.

One thing I would recommend if you feel MFT is holding you back / disappointing you is to look at the results other people are getting with the same kit as you and if you see wonderful pictures it'll maybe give you a new target to aim for.
 
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I hate to be a killjoy but I hope you'll think very carefully before swapping systems Keith. I've always thought that there isn't enough difference between MFT and APS-C to justify changing systems but that's just me and others can make their own minds up.

One thing I would recommend if you feel MFT is holding you back / disappointing you is to look at the results other people are getting with the same kit as you and if you see wonderful pictures it'll maybe give you a new target to aim for.
I'm not jumping in to anything right now, just learning and toying with different ideas.
One thing that I like the idea of is 24MP sensors. I can't afford big lenses, they are so expensive.
There's been a few occasions where cropping images with 16MP has been an issue, if you're going to increase you may as well make a decent leap, so it's not just the bigger sensor buddy, it's the added pixels too.
I wont be buying 800mm lenses and such like.
I do realise the G80 can take great pictures, I'm really pleased with a lot of mine.
 
Have a think about a M6 MKII. It's basically a miniaturised 90D and you can fit a removable viewfinder on the top.

Look at MPB for prices. I don't know your price limit but I would have paid £855 for mine (camera, viewfinder, adaptor) if the hadn't given me £600 for my 70D stuff.
 
Have a think about a M6 MKII. It's basically a miniaturised 90D and you can fit a removable viewfinder on the top.

Look at MPB for prices. I don't know your price limit but I would have paid £855 for mine (camera, viewfinder, adaptor) if the hadn't given me £600 for my 70D stuff.
A bit over my budget Philip but thanks for the suggestion.
 
I hate to be a killjoy but I hope you'll think very carefully before swapping systems Keith. I've always thought that there isn't enough difference between MFT and APS-C to justify changing systems but that's just me and others can make their own minds up.

One thing I would recommend if you feel MFT is holding you back / disappointing you is to look at the results other people are getting with the same kit as you and if you see wonderful pictures it'll maybe give you a new target to aim for.
I agree.

I went from Canon to M43, and I am getting better results now.

To get roughly the same as the Panasonic 100-300, you would need to have 100-400 on the Canon, and that combined with a 24MP sensor did not give me as good results as the 100-300 on the G9 does.

That does not necessarily mean that the Panasonic set up is better, it does mean though that it is better in my hands.

Have to admit though that you can buy an 80d together with a 100-400 4.5-5.6 L IS USM for less than a G9 and a 100-300 Power OIS lens, but for me the better results I get are worth it, even with the Mega OIS 100-300.

If you do eventually seriously consider changing, can you get hold of a Canon to try?
 
I agree.

I went from Canon to M43, and I am getting better results now.

To get roughly the same as the Panasonic 100-300, you would need to have 100-400 on the Canon, and that combined with a 24MP sensor did not give me as good results as the 100-300 on the G9 does.

That does not necessarily mean that the Panasonic set up is better, it does mean though that it is better in my hands.

Have to admit though that you can buy an 80d together with a 100-400 4.5-5.6 L IS USM for less than a G9 and a 100-300 Power OIS lens, but for me the better results I get are worth it, even with the Mega OIS 100-300.

If you do eventually seriously consider changing, can you get hold of a Canon to try?
It's not really on the long lenses specifically, but just in general.
Yesterday I took a shot of a river scene with the exp comp lowered to capture the sky detail. When I got home it didn't look right because a bit of foreground looked odd. I did a 30% crop and really liked the new image. Then lifted the shadows/gamma to get the grass and river in decent light. That's just one example.
It wasn't too bad but I do wonder if a 24mp crop sensor would just give more flexibility all round.

As for 100-400 crop sensor lenses, I dont think I would want to carry one, and generally speaking when I want range I sacrifice a little quality and get closer on the FZ82. My pana 100-300mm doesn't get used that much.
 
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