Canon EOS M50 vs Canon EOS RP: Which Camera is Best for Your Photography Needs? Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Tested

Choosing the right camera for portrait photography can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. The Canon EOS M50 and Canon EOS RP, both popular choices for photographers, offer distinct features and capabilities. Moreover, the addition of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens further complicates the decision-making process. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these three contenders, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice.

Canon EOS M50: The Compact Contender

The Canon EOS M50 is a mirrorless camera designed for portability and ease of use. Its compact size and lightweight body make it ideal for travel and everyday photography. The M50 boasts a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, capable of producing high-quality images with excellent detail and color reproduction.
Key Features of the Canon EOS M50:

• 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor: Delivering impressive image quality and detail.
• 4K video recording: Capture stunning footage at 24p, 25p, and 30p frame rates.
• Continuous shooting at 10fps: Allows you to capture fast-paced action.
• Vari-angle touchscreen LCD: Facilitates intuitive framing and menu navigation.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Enables seamless image transfer and remote control.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
• Affordable price point.
• Excellent image quality and video capabilities.
• User-friendly interface and controls.

Cons:

• Limited lens selection compared to the EOS RP system.
• Autofocus performance may not be as advanced as the EOS RP.
• No in-body image stabilization.

Canon EOS RP: The Full-Frame Powerhouse

The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers exceptional image quality and versatility. Its larger sensor size allows for better low-light performance, shallower depth of field, and a wider dynamic range. The EOS RP features a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for fast and accurate autofocus.
Key Features of the Canon EOS RP:

• 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor: Produces exceptional image quality and detail.
• 4K video recording at 25/30p: Captures high-resolution footage.
• Continuous shooting at 5fps: Provides sufficient speed for most portrait scenarios.
• Vari-angle touchscreen LCD: Offers flexibility for framing and menu navigation.
• In-body image stabilization: Reduces camera shake for sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths.

Pros:

• Full-frame sensor for superior image quality and low-light performance.
• Advanced autofocus system for accurate subject tracking.
• In-body image stabilization for sharper hand-held shots.
• Extensive lens selection through Canon’s RF and EF lens systems.

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than the EOS M50.
• Higher price point compared to the EOS M50.
• Battery life may not be as long as the EOS M50.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: The Portrait Masterpiece

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a professional-grade portrait lens designed for Canon’s RF-mount cameras. Its exceptional optical performance, fast aperture, and unique features make it a top choice for portrait photographers.
Key Features of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM:

• Fast f/1.2 aperture: Provides shallow depth of field for stunning subject isolation.
• Exceptional image quality: Delivers sharp, detailed images with beautiful bokeh.
• High-speed autofocus: Ensures quick and accurate subject tracking.
• Nano USM technology: Provides smooth and near-silent autofocus operation.
• Weather-sealed construction: Protects the lens from the elements.

Pros:

• Stunning bokeh and subject isolation.
• Exceptional sharpness and detail.
• Fast and accurate autofocus.
• Durable and weather-sealed construction.

Cons:

• Expensive price tag.
• Can be bulky and heavy.
• Limited compatibility with EF-mount cameras.

Canon EOS M50 vs Canon EOS RP: The Portrait Showdown

When it comes to portrait photography, both the Canon EOS M50 and Canon EOS RP offer compelling features. However, the choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
EOS M50:

• Pros for portrait photography: Compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and maneuver. The 24.1MP sensor delivers excellent image quality, while the vari-angle touchscreen LCD allows for creative angles and perspectives.
• Cons for portrait photography: Limited lens selection may restrict your creative options. Autofocus performance may not be as advanced as the EOS RP, especially in low-light conditions.

EOS RP:

• Pros for portrait photography: The full-frame sensor offers exceptional image quality and shallower depth of field, ideal for portraiture. The advanced autofocus system ensures accurate subject tracking, even in challenging lighting scenarios. In-body image stabilization provides sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths.
• Cons for portrait photography: The larger size and weight may be less convenient for on-the-go shooting. The higher price point may be a deterrent for budget-conscious photographers.

Canon EOS M50 vs Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: The Perfect Match?

Pairing the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM with either the EOS M50 or EOS RP creates a powerful combination for portrait photography. However, the choice between the two cameras remains a matter of preference and budget.
EOS M50 with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM:

• Pros: The compact and lightweight setup makes it ideal for travel and everyday portrait photography. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM’s exceptional optical performance complements the M50’s image quality.
• Cons: The autofocus performance of the M50 may not fully utilize the capabilities of the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. The lack of in-body image stabilization may require careful handling to avoid camera shake.

EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM:

• Pros: The full-frame sensor and advanced autofocus system of the EOS RP perfectly complement the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM’s capabilities. In-body image stabilization ensures sharper images, especially at wider apertures.
• Cons: The larger and heavier setup may be less convenient for on-the-go shooting. The higher price point may be a significant consideration.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Ultimately, the best camera for portrait photography depends on your individual needs, budget, and shooting style.

• Canon EOS M50: If you prioritize portability, affordability, and ease of use, the EOS M50 is a great option. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and everyday photography, while its image quality and video capabilities are impressive.
• Canon EOS RP: If you are seeking exceptional image quality, advanced autofocus, and a full-frame sensor, the EOS RP is a strong contender. Its larger sensor size, in-body image stabilization, and extensive lens selection make it a powerful tool for professional and aspiring portrait photographers.
• Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: Regardless of your camera choice, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a phenomenal lens for portrait photography. Its stunning bokeh, exceptional sharpness, and fast aperture make it a top choice for capturing captivating portraits with beautiful subject isolation.

Making the Final Decision: A Checklist

To make the best decision for your portrait photography needs, consider the following factors:

• Budget: The EOS M50 is the most affordable option, while the EOS RP and RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are more expensive.
• Portability: The EOS M50 is the most compact and lightweight option, while the EOS RP and RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are larger and heavier.
• Image quality: The EOS RP offers the best image quality due to its full-frame sensor.
• Autofocus performance: The EOS RP has a more advanced autofocus system than the EOS M50.
• Lens selection: The EOS RP offers a wider range of lens options through Canon’s RF and EF systems.
• In-body image stabilization: The EOS RP features in-body image stabilization, which can be beneficial for portrait photography.

What You Need to Know

Q: What are the main differences between the EOS M50 and EOS RP?
A: The main differences lie in sensor size, autofocus performance, and in-body image stabilization. The EOS RP boasts a full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus, and in-body image stabilization, while the EOS M50 features an APS-C sensor, less advanced autofocus, and no in-body image stabilization.
Q: Is the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM compatible with both the EOS M50 and EOS RP?
A: No, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is only compatible with Canon’s RF-mount cameras, including the EOS RP. It is not compatible with the EOS M50, which uses the EF-M mount.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light portrait photography?
A: The EOS RP is better for low-light portrait photography due to its full-frame sensor, which offers superior low-light performance and wider dynamic range.
Q: Can I use EF lenses with the EOS RP?
A: Yes, you can use EF lenses with the EOS RP using an EF-to-RF adapter. Canon offers several adapters, including the Control Ring Adapter EF-EOS R and the Adapter EF-EOS R.
Q: What are some alternative lenses for portrait photography?
A: Some alternative portrait lenses include the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM, and Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM. These lenses offer a balance of performance, price, and versatility for portrait photography.