Canon EOS M50 Mark II Review: Components, Features, and Alternatives

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a mirrorless camera that strikes a balance between performance and portability, making it a popular choice among content creators and photography enthusiasts alike. With features like 4K video recording, a vari-angle touchscreen, and improved autofocus, it caters to a wide range of creative needs. 

In this Canon EOS M50 Mark II review, we dive into the camera’s specifications, strengths, and limitations to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

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Our Verdict

The M50 Mark II performs well for video creation and video podcasting. It offers 4K video recording, although with a crop. The camera operates smoothly, with minimal lag, ensuring you don’t miss important moments. Its combination of quality, versatility, and ease of use makes it a solid choice for content creators. The battery life could be better. 

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design.
• User-friendly interface.
• Versatile autofocus system.
• Vari-angle touchscreen LCD.
• 4K video recording.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Cons

• 4K video recording comes with a crop factor.
• Battery life may be insufficient.
• Limited native lens selection for the EOS M mount.
• May not meet the demands of advanced users.

Overview of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II Review

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a versatile and user-friendly mirrorless camera that serves as an incremental update to the popular EOS M50. It retains many of the features that made its predecessor a favorite among content creators. 

While it maintains a compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography, the M50 Mark II’s upgrades focus on improving user experience and connectivity, aiming to appeal to a broad range of photographers and video creators.

Let’s talk through the main components of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II.

Design and Build

The M50 Mark II has a compact and lightweight design. It’s easy to handle, making it great for shooting on the go. The camera’s build is sturdy, so it can handle daily use. Its small size is perfect for vloggers and podcasters who need a portable camera that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Controls and Handling

This camera has user-friendly controls, even if you’re new to cameras. The buttons and dials are well-placed, making it convenient to adjust settings while shooting. The touchscreen adds to the ease of use, letting you navigate menus and change settings quickly.

Autofocus

The M50 Mark II’s autofocus is fast and reliable. It has eye detection AF, which is great for videos as it keeps focus on the subject’s eyes. This feature is particularly useful for YouTubers and podcasters, ensuring that the person on camera remains in sharp focus, even with movement.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming is straightforward with the M50 Mark II. You can stream directly to YouTube, making it ideal for creators who want to engage with their audience in real-time. The camera delivers clear and high-quality video, ensuring your live content looks professional.

Power and Connectivity

The camera offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This makes it easy to transfer files to your devices or remotely control the camera. These features are essential for creators who need to share content quickly or want to control their camera from a distance.

Viewfinder

The M50 Mark II has an electronic viewfinder that helps you compose shots accurately. It’s especially useful in bright conditions where the LCD screen might be hard to see. The viewfinder displays essential shooting information, aiding in better shot composition and exposure control.

Battery

The battery life of the M50 Mark II is decent, but poorer than similar cameras. For long shooting days, you might need spare batteries. It’s important to plan accordingly, especially when filming outdoors or away from power sources. The camera can also be powered via USB, offering additional flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality

The camera has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, delivering high-quality images and videos. It performs well in various lighting conditions, which is crucial for creators who shoot in different environments. The image quality is sharp and detailed, suitable for professional-looking content.

What’s in the Box of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II?

When you unbox a new Canon EOS M50 Mark II, here’s what you typically find inside:

• Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera Body: This is the core of the package, the camera itself without a lens attached.
• EF-M 15-45mm IS STM Lens: If you purchase a kit, it often includes this versatile standard zoom lens, ideal for a range of shooting conditions.
• Battery Pack LP-E12: This rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the camera.
• Battery Charger LC-E12: Use this to charge the LP-E12 battery.
• Camera Strap: A strap to secure the camera around your neck or shoulder, reducing the risk of drops.
• Lens Cap: Protects the lens from dust, smudges, and scratches when not in use.
• Body Cap: Placed on the camera body when a lens is not attached to protect the sensor and internal components.
• User Manual: Instructions and guidelines to help you get started and maximize the camera’s features.

Keep in mind, the contents might vary slightly based on the region or the specific kit you purchase. Always check the included items listed on the box or retailer’s website to know exactly what you’re getting.

Specifications of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II boasts a range of specifications that cater to both photography enthusiasts and content creators. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• Image Sensor: 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.
• Image Processor: DIGIC 8, enabling high-quality image processing and 4K video recording.
• ISO Range: 100-25600 (expandable to 51200), supporting shooting in various lighting conditions.
• Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with eye detection AF, enhancing focus accuracy, especially for video and portrait photography.
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps (frames per second) with AF lock, and up to 7.4 fps with AF tracking.
• Video Recording: 4K UHD at 24p and HD 120p for slow-motion effects. Note that 4K recording comes with a crop factor.
• LCD: Vari-angle 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD, facilitating vlogging and selfies with ease.
• Viewfinder: Built-in 0.39-inch, 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) for a clear view of your subject.
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote camera control.
• Live Streaming: Capability to live stream directly to YouTube, making it a solid choice for vloggers and content creators.
• Battery: Uses the LP-E12 battery pack, providing adequate shooting time, though duration can vary based on usage patterns.
• Input/Output Ports: Includes HDMI (Micro-D), USB 2.0, and an external microphone jack, enhancing video production capabilities.
• Storage: Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including those with the UHS-I standard.
• Size and Weight: Compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting.

Who is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II For?

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is designed for a range of users, from content creators to photography enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of who might find this camera particularly appealing:

• YouTuber creators and video podcasters will appreciate the M50 Mark II for its video quality, especially its 4K capabilities, and the ease of live streaming. The vari-angle touchscreen is a boon for self-recording and vlogging.
• Hobbyist photographers who want a step up from their smartphones or basic point-and-shoot cameras will find the M50 Mark II’s image quality, interchangeable lenses, and manual controls attractive.
• With its user-friendly features, beginners can learn the basics of photography and grow with the camera, transitioning to its more advanced features over time.
• Influencers who need a reliable, high-quality camera for content creation will find the M50 Mark II’s connectivity features and image quality beneficial for their work.

While the camera is versatile, professional photographers or videographers might seek higher-end models due to the M50 Mark II’s limitations, such as the crop factor in 4K video recording. Nonetheless, for many users, the balance of features, size, and price makes it an attractive option.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Alternatives

If the Canon EOS M50 Mark II isn’t right for you, here are some alternatives you might like. 

Sony Alpha a6400

The Sony a6400 offers superior autofocus performance with its Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking technologies, making it exceptional for both stills and video. It also boasts a higher resolution 4K video without a crop factor if you need wider frame options. 

However, it lacks the vari-angle screen found on the M50 Mark II, which might be a drawback for vloggers.

Fujifilm X-T30

The Fujifilm X-T30 stands out with its unique film simulation modes, offering creative color and tone options straight out of the camera, appealing to photographers who prefer a distinct aesthetic. It also provides 4K video without a significant crop. 

However, its autofocus, while impressive, doesn’t quite match the eye detection capabilities of the M50 Mark II.

Panasonic Lumix G85

The Lumix G85 is renowned for its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), providing smoother handheld video and sharper stills in low-light conditions, which the M50 Mark II lacks. It also offers 4K video recording without a crop factor. 

That said, the G85 has a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, which might affect low-light performance and depth of field compared to the APS-C sensor in the M50 Mark II.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Review FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about the Canon EOS M50 Mark II.

What makes the Canon EOS M50 Mark II good for vlogging?

The Mark II is excellent for vlogging due to its compact size, vari-angle touchscreen LCD, and 4K video capability. Its improved autofocus, particularly eye detection, ensures the vlogger stays in focus, and the external microphone jack allows for better audio quality.

Can the Canon EOS M50 Mark II shoot in 4K?

Yes, the M50 Mark II can shoot in 4K resolution. However, it’s important to note that 4K recording comes with a 1.6x crop factor, which may affect your field of view and lens selection.

Is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II good for beginners?

Absolutely, the M50 Mark II is beginner-friendly with its intuitive interface, automatic shooting modes, and helpful tutorials. Its compact design and straightforward controls make it an ideal camera for those new to photography or videography.

Does the Canon EOS M50 Mark II have a headphone jack?

No, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II does not have a headphone jack. While it offers an external microphone input for enhanced audio recording, users cannot monitor audio through headphones directly from the camera.

Can I use my existing Canon lenses with the M50 Mark II?

Yes, you can use existing Canon EF and EF-S lenses with the M50 Mark II by using the EF-EOS M mount adapter. This expands the camera’s versatility, allowing access to a wide range of lenses.

How does the autofocus perform in low light?

The M50 Mark II performs admirably in low light, thanks to its improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. While it’s not the best in extremely dim conditions, it still maintains reliable focus acquisition in most low-light scenarios.

Is the M50 Mark II weather-sealed?

No, the M50 Mark II is not weather-sealed. While it’s built to be durable, it’s advisable to protect it from harsh weather conditions like rain or dust to ensure its longevity.

Can the Canon EOS M50 Mark II be used for live streaming?

Yes, the M50 Mark II can be used for live streaming, making it a solid choice for content creators. It offers clean HDMI output and can be connected to a computer for high-quality live streaming, especially with additional software or hardware.

Should You Buy the Canon EOS M50 Mark II?

Deciding whether to buy the Canon EOS M50 Mark II hinges on what you’re looking for in a camera. It’s an excellent choice if you’re a content creator, vlogger, or a photography enthusiast who values a compact and lightweight design without sacrificing image quality. 

The camera’s user-friendly interface makes it ideal for beginners, while its advanced features like 4K video recording and eye detection autofocus appeal to more experienced users. It’s also a great pick for travel photography, thanks to its portability. 

However, if you’re a professional photographer or videographer, you might find it limiting due to the 4K video crop and other professional features it might lack. 

Essentially, if you’re seeking a versatile, all-around camera that balances performance and portability, the M50 Mark II is a strong contender. But if your focus is on high-end professional features, you might want to explore other options.

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