The Canon EOS R50 V is a Camera That Launched Too Late

Canon has been dedicated to expanding its mirrorless series lineup. We recently saw the Canon EOS R5 II and EOS R1, both full-frame devices aimed at professional photographers. While the company continued to work on its full-frame series, it realized that its APS-C format was somewhat neglected. Today, they launched a new camera that hopes to fill that gap: the Canon EOS R50 V. They have also introduced a new lens in the L VCM series. Here’s a look at what the anticipated camera and lens offers.

Canon Launches a New APS-C Camera For Video

The camera is the new addition, and it is designed to cater to those who shoot video. The original EOS R50 was launched in 2023 and, per reports, went on to become one of the most successful Canon APS-C cameras in terms of sales. The new EOS R50 V boasts the same 24MP sensor as the R50 and also comes with the same DIGIC X image processor as well. Here are some of its specs:

• Has a low-pass filter
• Supports 24MP RAW still files
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, with people, birds, animals, and vehicle subject detection
•  ISO 100–32000, expanded up to 51,200
•  Lacks in-body image stabilization and weather sealing

• Supports UHS-II card
• Can shoot up to 15 fps
• Compatible with RF-S 14-30mm f4-6.3 IS STM PZ, Canon’s first RF-S Lens with Power Zoom for video
• Can shoot 4K UHD video at 30fps, oversampled from 6K recording. Also has 4K crop at 60fps and YCC 422 10bit
• Offers timelapse movie recording and has verticle video recording
• Different ways to live stream: UVC/UAC, HDMI, Camera Connect, and Live Switcher Mobile multi-camera
• Supports Cinema EOS with five presets for editing, including Canon Log 3

• Has a 3-inch 1.04 million dots touchscreen, no viewfinder
• The R50V body weighs more at 370g and measures 119.3 x 73.7 x 45.2mm 
• Cost-effective, priced at $649 body only

One of the major changes one will see is the design of the camera. The EOS R50 looks like a mini DSLR, while the R50 V looks Sony FX3. You can see dials on the top and the back, which will allow one to navigate through the menu. The device, overall, does feature a whole new core but slightly improves on the existing camera to cater to video needs. For instance, there is a 4K crop, which was not there on EOS R50. Similarly, the model supports USH-II, which the former one didn’t.

However, what we would like is for Canon to improve its APS-C cameras for photography rather than launch a whole new iteration to cater to APS-C needs. Anyone who purchased the R50, someone who is a hybrid shooter, will not go after this. Similarly, the camera seems to be set to battle against Sony’s Vlog camera, the ZV-E10, especially since Canon wants to expand its presence in the vlogging domain. A camera like this could have been an update, but rather, we see a rehashing of the same old tech in new bodies. And we aren’t sure when will Canon learn.

Canon Expands L VCM Lens Lineup

This is the fourth addition to Canon’s RF hybrid lenses, after RF 24mm f1.4 L VCM, RF 35mm f1.4 L VCM, and RF 50mm f1.4 L VCM. The RF 20mm F1.4 is designed for both stills and video needs and comes with quiet and fast autofocus. Some of its other features are:

• 15 elements in 11 groups, including one Super UD element, two UD elements, one BR Lens, two aspherical elements
• 11 aperture blades

• Minimum focusing distance of 7.9 in
• Maximum magnification ratio is 0.19x
• 67 mm filter size
• VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for primary focus drive and Dual Pixel CMOS AF coverage
• Features iris ring, AF/MF Switch, focus and control ring
• Measures 76.5mm x 99.3mm and weighs 519g
• A hefty price tag of $1,699

After reviewing the 35mm f1.4 VCM, we expect this lens to have similar image quality. Yet again, the challenge would be the price tag. The Iris control is also likely to be limited to video applications, so some photographers may feel left out.

Canon seems to be going after content creators, but that is only going to backfire after a point since the market is immensely saturated when it comes to video cameras. How does Canon aim to stand apart? We don’t really know. Our hope is that they give the same love to photographers as they do to video creators.