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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs Canon EOS RP: The Ultimate Showdown for Photographers

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • The EOS RP, on the other hand, boasts a full-frame sensor, providing a wider field of view and a shallower depth of field compared to the APS-C sensor.
  • The EOS 90D, being a DSLR, offers a more traditional design with a deep grip and a viewfinder.
  • The EOS RP, while more expensive, offers the benefits of a full-frame sensor and advanced video capabilities, making it a compelling choice for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and….

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into the world of Canon’s offerings, comparing the versatile Canon EOS 90D paired with the beloved EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens against the mirrorless Canon EOS RP. This head-to-head battle will help you determine which camera best suits your photographic needs and budget.

Understanding the Contenders

Canon EOS 90D: This DSLR powerhouse boasts a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, a powerful DIGIC 8 image processor, and a 45-point all cross-type autofocus system. It’s a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike, known for its impressive image quality, fast performance, and excellent autofocus capabilities.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This lens is a classic for a reason. Its affordability, sharp image quality, and beautiful bokeh make it a perfect companion for the EOS 90D. It’s a versatile lens that excels in a wide range of shooting scenarios, from portraits to street photography.
Canon EOS RP: This full-frame mirrorless camera offers a 26.2MP sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, and a 4779-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. It’s a compact and lightweight option that delivers excellent image quality and impressive autofocus performance, particularly for video recording.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon EOS 90D and EOS RP offer distinct image quality characteristics due to their different sensor sizes. The EOS 90D’s APS-C sensor delivers a crop factor of 1.6x, increasing the effective focal length of your lenses. This can be beneficial for capturing distant subjects or achieving a shallow depth of field, even with a standard lens like the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
The EOS RP, on the other hand, boasts a full-frame sensor, providing a wider field of view and a shallower depth of field compared to the APS-C sensor. This makes it ideal for landscapes, portraits, and low-light photography, where capturing subtle details and achieving a blurred background is essential.

Autofocus: Speed and Precision

Both cameras deliver impressive autofocus performance, but their approaches differ. The EOS 90D’s 45-point all cross-type autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for tracking moving subjects. The EOS RP’s 4779-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, however, offers a wider coverage area and excels in video recording, providing smooth and accurate focus transitions.

Performance: Speed and Responsiveness

The EOS 90D shines in terms of shooting speed, offering a continuous shooting rate of up to 10 frames per second with autofocus tracking. This makes it a great choice for capturing fast-paced action. The EOS RP, while not as fast, still delivers a respectable 5 frames per second with continuous autofocus.

Video Capabilities: A Mirrorless Advantage

The EOS RP emerges as the winner in the video department. Its advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides smooth and accurate autofocus tracking during video recording, making it a compelling choice for videographers and filmmakers. The EOS 90D also offers decent video capabilities, but its autofocus performance during video recording isn’t as refined as the EOS RP.

Ergonomics and Design: Comfort and Control

The EOS 90D, being a DSLR, offers a more traditional design with a deep grip and a viewfinder. This can be advantageous for photographers who prefer the feel of a DSLR and the ability to compose shots directly through the viewfinder. The EOS RP, on the other hand, is compact and lightweight, making it more portable and easier to handle. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) provides a clear and detailed view, but some users may find it less immersive compared to an optical viewfinder.

Connectivity and Features: Staying Connected

Both cameras offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy image transfer and remote control. The EOS 90D also features a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging images.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot

The EOS 90D with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a more budget-friendly option compared to the EOS RP. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers on a tighter budget who are looking for a versatile and high-performance camera. The EOS RP, while more expensive, offers the benefits of a full-frame sensor and advanced video capabilities, making it a compelling choice for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and versatility.

The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Champion

So, which camera reigns supreme? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon EOS 90D with EF 50mm f/1.8 STM if:

  • You prioritize speed and performance for capturing fast-paced action.
  • You’re on a tighter budget and value a versatile camera with great image quality.
  • You prefer the feel and functionality of a DSLR.

Choose the Canon EOS RP if:

  • You desire the superior image quality and shallow depth of field offered by a full-frame sensor.
  • You’re a videographer or filmmaker seeking smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording.
  • You prioritize portability and a compact design.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the EOS 90D and EOS RP are excellent choices, it’s worth exploring other Canon cameras that might fit your needs. For example, the Canon EOS 80D is a great alternative to the EOS 90D, offering similar features at a lower price point. And if you’re looking for a more affordable full-frame mirrorless option, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a solid contender.

What You Need to Learn

Q: What are the key differences between the EOS 90D and EOS RP in terms of image quality?
A: The EOS RP, with its full-frame sensor, offers a wider field of view and a shallower depth of field compared to the EOS 90D’s APS-C sensor. This translates to better low-light performance and more detailed images, particularly in scenarios where a shallow depth of field is desired.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The EOS RP excels in video recording thanks to its advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which provides smooth and accurate autofocus tracking. While the EOS 90D also offers video capabilities, its autofocus performance during video recording isn’t as refined.
Q: Is the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens compatible with the EOS RP?
A: No, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is designed for Canon’s EF mount system, which is used by DSLRs like the EOS 90D. The EOS RP uses the RF mount system, requiring RF lenses or EF lenses with an adapter.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the EOS 90D’s DSLR design might feel more familiar and intuitive to those new to photography. The EOS RP‘s mirrorless design is also user-friendly, but its advanced features might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
Q: What are the pros and cons of using an APS-C sensor vs a full-frame sensor?
A: An APS-C sensor offers a more affordable option and a crop factor that effectively increases the reach of your lenses. However, a full-frame sensor delivers superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and offers a wider field of view.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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