The Canon M50 vs M50 Mark II comparison reveals subtle yet significant upgrades in the newer model. While both cameras share many features, the Mark II offers improved autofocus, vertical video shooting, and live streaming capabilities. This content explores their similarities, differences, and helps you decide which camera best suits your needs.
Canon M50 vs M50 Mark II Side by Side Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison table of the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II:
| Feature | Canon M50 | Canon M50 Mark II |
| Sensor | 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS | 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 | DIGIC 8 |
| Autofocus System | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II |
| AF Points | 143 | 143 |
| Eye Detection AF | For Stills Only | For Stills and Video |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (exp. to 51200) | 100-25600 (exp. to 51200) |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K at 24p (1.6x crop) | 4K at 24p (1.6x crop) |
| Vertical Video | No | Yes |
| Live Streaming | No | Yes (to YouTube) |
| Continuous Shooting | 7.4 fps (fixed AF) | 7.4 fps (continuous AF) |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36 million dots | 2.36 million dots |
| LCD | 3.0″ Vari-angle Touchscreen | 3.0″ Vari-angle Touchscreen |
| Image Stabilization | Digital IS | Digital IS |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | Approx. 235 shots | Approx. 250 shots |
| Weight | 390g (with battery & card) | 387g (with battery & card) |
| Dimensions | 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7 mm | 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7 mm |
| Price | Check Canon M50 Price | Check Canon M50 Mark II Price |
Why Do I Recommend Canon M50 Mark II
While both the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II are excellent cameras, the Mark II offers several improvements that make it a more compelling choice for many users. Here’s why I recommend the Canon M50 Mark II:
- Enhanced Autofocus System: The Mark II features an improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which provides better tracking and eye detection for both humans and animals.
- Vertical Video Support: With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, the ability to shoot vertical video natively is a significant advantage.
- Live Streaming Capabilities: The M50 Mark II can stream directly to YouTube, making it an excellent choice for content creators and vloggers.
- Improved EVF and LCD: The electronic viewfinder and LCD screen on the Mark II offer a higher resolution, providing a clearer and more detailed view of your subjects.
- Enhanced Continuous Shooting: The Mark II can shoot up to 7.4 fps with continuous AF, slightly faster than the original M50.
- Clean HDMI Output: This feature allows for better integration with external recorders and monitors, expanding your video production capabilities.
- Wireless Image Transfer: The Mark II offers improved connectivity options, making it easier to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet.
- Movie Self-Timer: This new feature is great for vloggers and content creators who need to set up their shots before getting in front of the camera.
- Improved Battery Life: While the difference is slight, the M50 Mark II offers a marginally better battery performance.
- Future-Proofing: As the newer model, the M50 Mark II is more likely to receive firmware updates and support from Canon in the coming years.
What Can Both Do?
Both the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II share many capabilities, making them versatile cameras for various photography and videography needs. Here’s a list of features they both offer:
- High-Quality Stills: Both cameras use a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, capable of producing detailed and vibrant images.
- 4K Video Recording: They can shoot 4K video at 24p, albeit with a 1.6x crop factor.
- Vari-Angle Touchscreen: The 3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen makes it easy to compose shots from various angles and control the camera.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Both models are designed to be portable, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go photography.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF: This technology enables fast and accurate autofocus in both photo and video modes.
- Eye Detection AF: Both cameras can detect and focus on human eyes, though the Mark II extends this feature to video as well.
- Built-in Flash: A pop-up flash is included for low-light situations where additional illumination is needed.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models offer wireless connectivity for easy image transfer and remote control.
- Creative Assist: This feature helps beginners adjust camera settings with easy-to-understand terms and visual references.
- Time-Lapse Movie Mode: Both cameras can create time-lapse videos in-camera.
- Silent Shooting Mode: This feature is useful for capturing photos in quiet environments without disturbing subjects.
- RAW Image Capture: Both support RAW format, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing.
- Manual Exposure Control: Full manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is available on both models.
- Picture Styles: Various built-in picture styles allow for in-camera image customization.
- HDR Movie Mode: This mode helps capture a wider dynamic range in video footage.
Common Strengths
The Canon M50 and M50 Mark II share several strengths that make them popular choices among photographers and videographers:
| Strength | Canon M50 | Canon M50 Mark II |
| Image Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface | User-friendly interface |
| Compact Design | Lightweight and portable | Lightweight and portable |
| Vari-Angle Touchscreen | Versatile composition | Versatile composition |
| Dual Pixel CMOS AF | Fast and accurate autofocus | Fast and accurate autofocus |
| 4K Video Capability | Available (with crop) | Available (with crop) |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wireless connectivity | Wireless connectivity |
| EF-M Lens Compatibility | Wide range of lenses | Wide range of lenses |
| Creative Assist | Beginner-friendly features | Beginner-friendly features |
| RAW Shooting | Flexible post-processing | Flexible post-processing |
| Silent Shooting | Discreet photography | Discreet photography |
| Time-Lapse Movie Mode | Built-in time-lapse creation | Built-in time-lapse creation |
| Price: | Check Canon M50 Price | Check Canon M50 Mark II Price |
Now that we’ve covered the key points in our Canon M50 vs M50 Mark II comparison, let’s delve deeper into some aspects that might influence your decision between these two cameras.
Image Quality and Performance: Both the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II feature the same 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor. This combination delivers excellent image quality with rich colors, good dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance. The ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) allows for versatile shooting in various lighting conditions.
While the core imaging capabilities remain the same, the M50 Mark II does offer some performance enhancements. The improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system provides better tracking and more reliable eye detection, especially in video mode. This can make a significant difference when shooting moving subjects or recording vlogs.
Autofocus and Tracking: The autofocus system is one area where the M50 Mark II shows notable improvement over its predecessor. While both cameras feature 143 AF points, the Mark II’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system offers enhanced performance, particularly in continuous AF and subject tracking.
The M50 Mark II also extends eye detection autofocus to video mode, a feature that was limited to still photography in the original M50. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for vloggers and content creators who frequently film themselves or conduct interviews.
Video Capabilities: Both cameras offer 4K video recording at 24p, which is impressive for cameras in this price range. However, it’s worth noting that both models apply a 1.6x crop when shooting in 4K, which can be limiting in tight spaces or when trying to capture wide-angle shots.
The M50 Mark II introduces some video-centric features that set it apart:
- Vertical Video: Native support for vertical video recording caters to content creators focusing on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Live Streaming: The ability to stream directly to YouTube (with a compatible account) makes the Mark II an attractive option for live content creators.
- Movie Self-Timer: This feature allows vloggers to set up their shot before getting in front of the camera, enhancing ease of use for solo content creators.
- Clean HDMI Output: This feature expands video production possibilities by allowing connection to external recorders or monitors.
Design and Handling: At first glance, the M50 and M50 Mark II are nearly identical in terms of design and ergonomics. Both cameras maintain a compact and lightweight body, making them excellent choices for travel photography or as everyday carry cameras. The controls are well-placed and intuitive, catering to both beginners and more experienced users.
The vari-angle touchscreen on both models is a standout feature, allowing for easy composition from various angles and providing a user-friendly interface for adjusting settings. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on both cameras offers a clear and detailed view, though some users might find the slightly improved resolution on the Mark II’s EVF and LCD to be beneficial.
Connectivity and Sharing: In today’s connected world, the ability to quickly transfer images and control your camera remotely is increasingly important. Both the M50 and M50 Mark II offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy image transfer to smart devices and remote camera control.
The M50 Mark II, however, offers improved wireless capabilities, making the process of transferring images and videos to your smartphone or tablet even smoother. This can be a significant advantage for photographers who need to quickly edit and share their work on the go.
Battery Life: Battery life is often a concern with mirrorless cameras, and neither the M50 nor the M50 Mark II are exceptional in this regard. However, the Mark II does offer a slight improvement, with a CIPA rating of approximately 250 shots per charge compared to the M50’s 235 shots. While this difference is minimal, every bit helps, especially for those who spend long days shooting.
It’s worth noting that actual battery life can vary significantly depending on usage patterns, especially when it comes to video recording and live view use. For both cameras, it’s advisable to carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions.
Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem: Both the M50 and M50 Mark II use Canon’s EF-M mount, which means they’re compatible with the same range of lenses. While the EF-M lens lineup isn’t as extensive as some other systems, it offers a good selection of high-quality options covering most focal lengths and use cases.
Additionally, both cameras can use Canon’s vast lineup of EF and EF-S lenses via an adapter, greatly expanding their versatility. This compatibility can be particularly appealing for photographers who already own Canon DSLR lenses or those looking to invest in glass that can be used across multiple systems.
Price and Value: When considering the Canon M50 vs M50 Mark II, price is inevitably a factor. As the newer model, the M50 Mark II typically commands a higher price. However, the price difference may be justified for users who can take advantage of its improved autofocus, vertical video capabilities, and live streaming features.
For beginners or hobbyists who don’t need these specific enhancements, the original M50 still represents excellent value, offering most of the core features at a potentially lower price point. It’s worth keeping an eye out for deals and discounts, as the price gap between the two models can fluctuate.
Long-term Considerations: As the newer model, the M50 Mark II is likely to receive firmware updates and support from Canon for a longer period. This could mean improved performance and potentially new features down the line. Additionally, as the more recent release, it may hold its value better if you decide to upgrade or switch systems in the future.
FAQS About the Canon M50 vs M50 Mark II
How does the M50 Mark II’s vertical video feature impact battery life compared to horizontal shooting?
The vertical video feature on the M50 Mark II doesn’t significantly impact battery life compared to horizontal shooting. However, continuous use of the LCD screen in any orientation will drain the battery faster than using the viewfinder. To maximize battery life when shooting vertical videos, consider using an external power source or extra batteries.
Can the Canon M50’s firmware be updated to include the M50 Mark II’s eye detection autofocus for video?
Unfortunately, the original M50’s firmware cannot be updated to include the M50 Mark II’s eye detection autofocus for video. This feature requires the improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which is a hardware upgrade in the Mark II model.
How does the M50 Mark II’s live streaming capability affect the camera’s temperature during extended use?
Answer: The M50 Mark II’s live streaming feature can cause the camera to heat up more quickly than regular video recording. During extended live streaming sessions, you may notice the camera becoming warm to the touch. To prevent overheating, ensure proper ventilation and consider using an external power source to reduce internal heat generation from the battery.
Are there any differences in the weather sealing between the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II?
Answer: There are no significant differences in weather sealing between the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II. Both cameras have similar build quality and are not officially weather-sealed. Users should exercise caution when using either camera in adverse weather conditions and consider using additional protection like rain covers.
How does the improved autofocus in the M50 Mark II affect its performance with adapted EF and EF-S lenses?
Answer: The M50 Mark II’s improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system enhances autofocus performance with adapted EF and EF-S lenses. Users may notice faster and more accurate focusing, especially in challenging situations or with moving subjects. However, the degree of improvement can vary depending on the specific lens used.
Can the Canon M50 Mark II’s live streaming feature be used with third-party streaming platforms other than YouTube?
Answer: The M50 Mark II’s built-in live streaming feature is designed specifically for YouTube. However, you can use the camera’s clean HDMI output with capture cards or streaming devices to broadcast to other platforms like Twitch or Facebook Live. This setup requires additional equipment but offers more flexibility in choosing streaming platforms.
How does the slight weight difference between the M50 and M50 Mark II impact handheld video stabilization?
Answer: The weight difference between the M50 (390g) and M50 Mark II (387g) is negligible and doesn’t significantly impact handheld video stabilization. Other factors, such as lens choice, shooting technique, and the camera’s digital image stabilization, have a much greater effect on video steadiness.
Are there any differences in the RAW file processing between the Canon M50 and M50 Mark II?
Answer: There are no significant differences in RAW file processing between the two models. Both cameras use the same 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor, resulting in virtually identical RAW files. Any perceived differences in image quality are likely due to improvements in JPEG processing or autofocus accuracy in the Mark II.
How does the M50 Mark II’s enhanced connectivity affect its compatibility with older Canon wireless accessories?
Answer: The M50 Mark II maintains backward compatibility with most Canon wireless accessories designed for the original M50. However, some newer features, like enhanced image transfer, may require updated versions of Canon’s mobile apps or newer accessories. Always check the compatibility of specific accessories with the M50 Mark II before purchasing.
Can the Movie Self-Timer feature on the M50 Mark II be customized for different delay durations?
Answer: The Movie Self-Timer feature on the M50 Mark II can indeed be customized. Users can set different delay durations, typically ranging from 2 to 10 seconds, allowing for flexibility in setting up shots. This customization can be accessed through the camera’s menu system, enabling content creators to fine-tune the feature to their specific needs.
Conclusion
Canon M50 vs M50 Mark II debate, both cameras emerge as capable and user-friendly options for enthusiast photographers and content creators. The original M50 continues to be a solid choice, offering excellent image quality, 4K video capabilities, and a compact, easy-to-use design.
The M50 Mark II, while not a revolutionary upgrade, brings meaningful improvements in areas that matter to many users. Its enhanced autofocus system, vertical video support, and live streaming capabilities make it a more versatile tool, particularly for vloggers and social media content creators.