The Battle of the Lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4-5.6 3 IS STM on EOS M50 vs EOS R10

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between two popular camera and lens pairings: the Canon EOS M50 with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the **Canon EOS R10 with the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM**.
This comparison will be helpful for photographers of all levels, from beginners looking for a versatile setup to enthusiasts seeking a reliable and affordable option. We’ll cover key aspects like image quality, autofocus performance, video capabilities, and ergonomics, helping you decide which combination best suits your needs and budget.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Canon EOS M50 with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM:

• Camera: The EOS M50 is a mirrorless camera with a 24.1MP APS-C sensor and 4K video recording capabilities. It’s known for its compact size and user-friendly interface.
• Lens: The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a popular, affordable, and versatile prime lens. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and low-light photography.

Canon EOS R10 with Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM:

• Camera: The EOS R10 is a mirrorless camera with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. It boasts advanced autofocus and a compact design.
• Lens: The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is a lightweight, versatile kit lens that offers a standard zoom range. It features image stabilization for sharper photos and videos.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but there are subtle differences to consider.
Canon EOS M50: The M50’s 24.1MP sensor delivers sharp, detailed images with good dynamic range. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, with its wide aperture, allows for beautiful bokeh and shallow depth of field effects.
Canon EOS R10: The R10’s 24.2MP sensor is slightly newer and boasts improved low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is a solid performer, capturing sharp and detailed images across its zoom range.
Verdict: While both cameras offer excellent image quality, the R10 edges out slightly with its newer sensor and improved low-light performance. However, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM’s wide aperture provides a distinct advantage for shallow depth of field photography.

Autofocus Performance: A Technological Leap

The autofocus performance is where the R10 truly shines.
Canon EOS M50: The M50’s autofocus system is decent but not as advanced as the R10’s. It struggles a bit with tracking fast-moving subjects.
Canon EOS R10: The R10’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is incredibly fast and accurate. It excels at tracking moving subjects, even in challenging lighting conditions. This makes the R10 a better choice for action photography, wildlife, and sports.
Verdict: The R10’s advanced autofocus system is a clear winner, offering superior tracking and overall accuracy.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Snapshots

Both cameras offer impressive video capabilities, but the R10 takes the lead with its advanced features.
Canon EOS M50: The M50 can record 4K video at 24p and 25p, with a maximum frame rate of 30p in 1080p. It offers decent video quality but lacks some advanced features found in the R10.
Canon EOS R10: The R10 can record 4K video at up to 60p, providing smoother and more detailed footage. It also features advanced features like internal 4K 10-bit video recording, Canon Log 3, and HDR video.
Verdict: The R10’s superior video features, including 4K 60p recording and advanced video codecs, make it the better choice for videographers.

Ergonomics and Design: Comfort and Control

Both cameras offer comfortable and ergonomic designs, but with some differences.
Canon EOS M50: The M50 is a compact and lightweight camera, making it easy to carry around. It features a well-designed grip and a tilting touchscreen.
Canon EOS R10: The R10 is also compact and lightweight, but it has a more robust build and a deeper grip. It features a vari-angle touchscreen, which provides more flexibility for shooting from different angles.
Verdict: Both cameras are comfortable to use, but the R10’s deeper grip and vari-angle screen offer a slight edge in terms of ergonomics.

Lens Options: The Power of Choice

Canon EOS M50: The M50 offers a wide range of EF and EF-M lenses, providing flexibility in choosing the right lens for your needs. However, the EF lens selection requires an adapter for use on the M50.
Canon EOS R10: The R10 utilizes the RF-S lens system, which is designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras. While the current RF-S lens selection is growing, it’s still smaller than the EF lens system.
Verdict: The M50’s wider lens selection, including the vast EF lens system, offers more flexibility and options. However, the R10’s native RF-S lenses are designed for optimal performance on its sensor.

The Price Factor: Value for Your Money

Canon EOS M50: The M50 is generally more affordable than the R10, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers.
Canon EOS R10: The R10 is a more expensive option, but it offers a higher level of performance and features.
Verdict: The M50 offers better value for money, while the R10 provides premium features at a higher price point.

The Final Verdict: A Matter of Needs and Preferences

So, which camera and lens combination comes out on top? It ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon EOS M50 with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM if:

• You prioritize affordability and want a compact and lightweight setup.
• You enjoy shallow depth of field photography and want a versatile prime lens.
• You’re a beginner or casual photographer looking for a user-friendly camera.

Choose the Canon EOS R10 with the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM if:

• You need advanced autofocus performance for fast-moving subjects.
• You prioritize video capabilities, including 4K 60p recording and advanced video codecs.
• You want a camera with superior low-light performance and a wider dynamic range.

Beyond the Basics: A Look Ahead

Both the Canon EOS M50 and the Canon EOS R10 are capable cameras that offer excellent image quality and performance. While the R10 boasts advanced features and a newer sensor, the M50 remains a solid option for budget-conscious photographers. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Popular Questions

Q: Is the Canon EOS M50 still a good camera in 2023?
A: Yes, the Canon EOS M50 is still a great option for photographers who prioritize affordability and a compact design. It offers excellent image quality and decent video capabilities, making it a versatile choice for many users.
Q: Is the Canon EOS R10 worth the extra cost compared to the M50?
A: The Canon EOS R10 offers a significant upgrade over the M50, especially in terms of autofocus performance, video capabilities, and image quality. If you’re willing to invest a bit more, the R10 is a worthwhile upgrade.
Q: What are the best lenses to use with the Canon EOS M50 and EOS R10?
A: For the Canon EOS M50, popular lens choices include the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM, and Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM. For the Canon EOS R10, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is a good starting point, but you can also explore other RF-S lenses like the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM.
Q: Are there any other cameras in the same price range as the Canon EOS M50 and EOS R10 that I should consider?
A: Yes, there are several other cameras in the same price range that you might want to consider, including the Sony a6000, the Fujifilm X-T30, and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. These cameras offer different features and strengths, so it’s worth researching them before making your final decision.