Canon EOS M50 Review
The Canon M50 is the definition of a bad investment. We explain why its dead-end mount and average performance make it a camera to avoid, especially at its current price.
The 30-Second Version
Don't buy a camera from a dead ecosystem. The Canon M50 is a technological cul-de-sac that's overpriced for what you get.
Overview
The Canon M50 is a camera that's trying to do everything, and ends up doing nothing particularly well. It's the jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none of the mirrorless world. The one thing you need to know is that this camera is built on a dead-end mount—Canon's EF-M system is discontinued, meaning your lens options are frozen in time and future upgrades are a dead end. For over a thousand bucks, that's a dealbreaker before you even look at the specs.
Performance
Looking at our database, the numbers tell a clear story: mediocrity across the board. Its 24.1MP sensor lands in the 68th percentile, which is the only bright spot. Everything else is average or worse. The autofocus is below average at the 44th percentile, and the video capabilities are in the bottom third. The real shocker is the build quality, sitting at a dismal 2nd percentile. This thing feels cheap, and the data backs that up.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 24.1MP sensor is decent for stills. 96th
- The vari-angle touchscreen is useful for vlogging or awkward angles. 92th
- It's relatively lightweight for a kit bundle. 83th
- The included starter bundle has everything you need to begin. 82th
Cons
- It's built on the dead EF-M mount with no future. 2th
- Build quality feels cheap and isn't weather-sealed. 33th
- 4K video is heavily cropped and practically unusable.
- Battery life is just okay, and you'll need spares.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
| Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 24.1 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 143 |
| AF Type | Contrast Detection: 143Phase Detection: 99 |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 |
| Max Shutter | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | No |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
Display & EVF
| Articulating | Yes |
Build
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.3 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | No |
Value & Pricing
At $1140 for this bundle, it's a terrible value. You're paying a premium for a camera system with no upgrade path and middling performance. You can get a much better used camera, or a newer model from a living ecosystem, for the same money or less.
vs Competition
Forget the Sony a7 V or Canon R6—they're in a different league. The real competition is the Fujifilm X-E5 or the Nikon Z30. The Fuji has a better sensor, a vibrant lens ecosystem, and that classic dial control. The Nikon Z30 is a purpose-built vlogging camera that smokes the M50 in video. Both are part of active, growing systems. The M50 feels like a relic next to them.
| Spec | Canon EOS M50 | Sony Alpha Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-E FUJIFILM X-E5 Mirrorless Camera (Silver) | Nikon Z Nikon Z5 II Mirrorless Camera | Panasonic Lumix S Panasonic - LUMIX S9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera | OM System OM OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C | 26MP APS-C | 40.2MP APS-C | 24.5MP Full Frame | 24.2MP Full Frame | 21.8MP Four Thirds |
| AF Points | 143 | 759 | 425 | 273 | 779 | 121 |
| Burst FPS | 10 | 11 | 13 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Video | 4K | 4K @120fps | 8K @60fps | 4K | 4K @60fps | 4K @24fps |
| IBIS | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 130 | 408 | 397 | 635 | 590 | 371 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS M50 | 92.4 | 42.8 | 1.5 | 76.7 | 66.1 | 81.9 | 48.1 | 81.7 | 95.6 | 33.4 | 83.1 | 40.9 |
| Sony Alpha 6700 Compare | 98.1 | 89.3 | 93.5 | 79.7 | 97.4 | 87 | 98.4 | 95.6 | 0 | 96.1 | 98 | 90 |
| Fujifilm X-E 5 Compare | 96.6 | 91.2 | 73.9 | 82.4 | 99.7 | 92.3 | 95.6 | 87 | 0 | 90.4 | 95 | 98.9 |
| Nikon Z 5 II Compare | 94.5 | 97.5 | 59.3 | 92.1 | 81.4 | 96 | 97 | 95.6 | 0 | 96.1 | 98 | 90 |
| Panasonic Lumix S 9 Full Frame Compare | 98.4 | 93.4 | 58.8 | 92.1 | 88.6 | 94.9 | 97.6 | 95.6 | 0 | 86 | 84.9 | 98.6 |
| OM System OM 5 Mark II Compare | 92.1 | 94.3 | 93.3 | 92.1 | 59.2 | 70.9 | 95.6 | 95.6 | 0 | 90.4 | 92.4 | 98.6 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the Canon M50 good for beginners?
It's easy to use, which is good for beginners. But buying into a dead-end system as your first camera is a bad long-term move. You'll outgrow it fast and have nowhere to go.
Q: Can I use other lenses with the M50?
You're stuck with EF-M lenses, which Canon has stopped making. You can use an adapter for old Canon DSLR lenses, but it's clunky and defeats the purpose of a small mirrorless camera.
Q: Is the 4K video any good?
No, it's bad. The crop is so severe it's like using a different lens, and autofocus struggles in 4K mode. For video, look elsewhere.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're planning to grow your gear or take photography seriously. You're buying into a walled garden with the walls crumbling down. Go get a Fujifilm X-S20 or a used Sony a6400 instead.
Verdict
We cannot recommend the Canon M50 to anyone in 2024. Buying into a discontinued system at this price is a mistake. If you're a beginner, get a used camera from a current system. If you're a vlogger, look at the Nikon Z30. If you want Canon colors, save a bit more for an EOS R50. The M50's time has passed.