Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS M50 Canon EF 50mm f 1.8 STM vs Canon EOS R Canon RF 35mm f 1.8 IS STM Macro!

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’ll delve into a popular head-to-head comparison: the Canon EOS M50 with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens versus the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens. Both setups are known for their versatility and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned photographers alike. This blog post will analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for different shooting scenarios, helping you make an informed decision.

The Canon EOS M50: A Compact and Capable Mirrorless

The Canon EOS M50 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that offers impressive image quality and performance. It boasts a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor, delivering sharp images with excellent detail and vibrant colors. The M50 features a 143-point autofocus system, including 143 cross-type points, ensuring fast and accurate focusing. It also offers 4K video recording at 24p, 25p, and 30p, making it a versatile tool for both stills and video.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: A Classic Portrait Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a classic portrait lens known for its sharp optics, shallow depth of field, and affordable price. With its wide maximum aperture, it allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light shooting capabilities. The STM (Stepping Motor) technology provides quiet and smooth autofocus, making it ideal for video recording as well.

The Canon EOS R: A Full-Frame Powerhouse

The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance. It features a 30.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor, resulting in stunning detail and dynamic range. The EOS R boasts a 5655-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, providing incredibly fast and accurate autofocus across the entire sensor. It also offers 4K video recording at up to 30p, making it an excellent choice for professional-level filmmaking.

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: A Versatile All-Rounder

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a versatile lens designed for both stills and video. Its wide maximum aperture allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light shooting, while its macro capabilities enable close-up photography. The lens incorporates image stabilization, reducing camera shake and producing sharper images, especially in low light. The STM technology provides smooth and silent autofocus, ideal for video recording.

Comparing Performance: Image Quality and Autofocus

In terms of image quality, the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens emerges as the winner. The full-frame sensor captures more detail and offers a wider dynamic range compared to the APS-C sensor in the EOS M50. However, the M50 with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens still delivers excellent image quality, especially for everyday photography and social media sharing.
Regarding autofocus, both setups perform exceptionally well. The EOS R’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is renowned for its speed and accuracy, while the M50’s 143-point autofocus system is also very capable for most shooting scenarios. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens’s STM technology provides smooth and quiet autofocus, while the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens‘s autofocus is even faster and more precise.

Versatility: Exploring Different Shooting Scenarios

The Canon EOS M50 with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a great choice for photographers who prioritize portability and affordability. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and everyday photography. The 50mm focal length is versatile, suitable for portraits, street photography, and general shooting.
The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens offers greater versatility, thanks to its full-frame sensor and the lens’s macro capabilities. The 35mm focal length is a popular choice for street photography, landscapes, and portraits. The macro function allows for close-up photography of flowers, insects, and other small subjects. The image stabilization feature is particularly beneficial for low-light shooting and video recording.

Video Performance: A Comparison of Capabilities

Both setups offer impressive video recording capabilities. The Canon EOS M50 can record 4K video at 24p, 25p, and 30p, while the Canon EOS R can record 4K video at up to 30p. The EOS R’s full-frame sensor and the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens’s image stabilization provide a significant advantage for video recording, especially in low-light conditions. However, the EOS M50’s lightweight and compact design makes it more convenient for handheld video shooting.

Choosing the Right Setup: Considering Your Needs

The best camera and lens combination ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable setup for everyday photography and travel, the Canon EOS M50 with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a great option. However, if you prioritize image quality, versatility, and video recording capabilities, the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is the superior choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While focusing on the Canon EOS M50 and Canon EOS R, it’s worth considering other options within Canon’s mirrorless lineup. The Canon EOS M6 Mark II offers similar features to the M50 but with improved autofocus and video capabilities. The Canon EOS RP is a more affordable full-frame option compared to the EOS R, offering excellent image quality and performance.

Final Thoughts: A Recap of the Strengths and Weaknesses

The Canon EOS M50 with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a compact and affordable setup that delivers excellent image quality and performance for everyday photography. Its portability and versatility make it a great choice for travel and street photography.
The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is a powerful and versatile setup that excels in image quality, autofocus, video recording, and macro photography. Its full-frame sensor and advanced features make it an excellent choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which setup is better for low-light photography?
The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is better for low-light photography due to its full-frame sensor and image stabilization. The EOS M50 with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens can also handle low-light situations, but the EOS R’s superior low-light performance is noticeable.
2. Which setup is better for video recording?
The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens offers better video recording capabilities, thanks to its full-frame sensor, image stabilization, and faster autofocus. However, the EOS M50’s compact size and lightweight design make it more convenient for handheld video shooting.
3. What are the main differences between the EF and RF lens mounts?
The EF lens mount is Canon’s older system, compatible with DSLRs and some mirrorless cameras. The RF lens mount is Canon’s newer system, designed specifically for their full-frame mirrorless cameras. RF lenses offer improved performance and features compared to EF lenses.
4. Can I use EF lenses on the Canon EOS R?
Yes, you can use EF lenses on the Canon EOS R with an adapter. However, you may experience some limitations in autofocus performance and functionality.
5. Which setup is better for beginners?
Both setups are suitable for beginners. The Canon EOS M50 with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a more affordable and user-friendly option, while the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens offers more advanced features and capabilities for those who are ready to invest in a more professional system.