The Canon EOS R50 V is the company's first camera in a new series geared specifically toward video creators. It builds upon the popular still-focused R50, but with key design changes and enhancements tailored directly for video use, making it a practical choice if you're stepping into more serious filmmaking without a steep budget.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this straightforward video introduces the EOS R50 V’s key differentiators. One noticeable shift from the standard R50 is the removal of the electronic viewfinder, a decision that makes the camera more compact and easier to mount on rigs, though it might be a drawback if you prefer shooting stills through an EVF. Frost points out practical additions like two conveniently placed recording buttons and a zoom rocker for lenses like Canon’s new RF 14-30mm power zoom. These enhancements reflect thoughtful attention to usability, making the R50 V notably more convenient for video-centric tasks. However, Frost is critical of some quirks like the awkward menu navigation when changing frame rates and resolutions, an issue not present in simpler models like Canon's PowerShot V1.
Frost emphasizes the video capabilities as the camera’s true standout feature. It records uncropped 4K video at 30 fps downsampled from 6K footage for impressive image quality, and it also supports 4K at 60 fps with a 1.5x crop and Full HD slow-motion recording at 120 fps. Moreover, the camera can capture in both H.264 and H.265 formats, offering 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 color sampling. Advanced videographers will appreciate Canon Log 3 and the various HDR options, making the camera versatile enough for more complex workflows. On the practical side, the R50 V features streaming capabilities up to 4K 60p, helpful for live broadcasts or online content creation.
Key Specs
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Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS
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Video: UHD 4K up to 59.94 fps, Full HD up to 120 fps
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Color Sampling: 10-bit, 4:2:2
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Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 4503 points (photo), 3713 points (video)
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ISO: 100-32000, expandable to 51200
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Media Slot: Single SD
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Display: 3-inch articulating touchscreen
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Battery: LP-E17, approx. 80 mins of 4K recording
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Ports: USB-C, micro-HDMI, microphone and headphone jacks
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Wireless: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
Frost acknowledges the camera isn’t without flaws, particularly criticizing the menu complexity and small, fiddly controls on the back, challenging for users with larger hands. He notes the camera's small battery capacity might also limit extended shooting sessions. Still, for its price point, these drawbacks are balanced by its overall functionality, especially if video is your primary focus. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
