Canon EOS M50 Mark II: A Comprehensive Review and Why It’s the Perfect Mirrorless Camera for Photography Enthusiasts

Lens Logic Verdict

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great choice for anyone starting with mirrorless cameras. It’s compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for travel or street photography. The autofocus is fast, and the image quality is sharp. It also shoots 4K video, but there’s a crop, which can limit wide-angle shots. There aren’t many lenses available, but the ones you get are good. For the price, it’s a strong performer.

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The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a tiny mirrorless camera that provides modest but significant enhancements for today’s content creators and photographers. As a significant component in Canon’s mirrorless range, this camera seeks to find a balance between portability, usefulness, and image quality.

The M50 Mark II targets individuals looking for a step up from smartphone photography without the hassle of more complex systems. It was created with beginners, vloggers, and hobbyists in mind. Content producers wishing to enhance their visual storytelling will find it appealing due to its simple user interface and contemporary features like enhanced autofocus and live streaming capabilities. 

In a crowded camera market, the M50 Mark II differentiates itself as an adaptable camera for still photography and video production. While it may not have new technological advancements, its improvements and affordable price point make it a tempting alternative for those entering the world of interchangeable lens cameras.

This in-depth review will go over the camera’s essential features, design, performance, and image quality to help you decide if the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a good fit for your creative needs.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II: SPECIFICATIONS

• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• Image Processor: DIGIC 8
• Lens Mount: Canon EF-M Mount
• Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection
• ISO Range: 100–25,600 (expandable to 51,200)
• Video: 4K UHD at 24p, Full HD at 60p
• Viewfinder: 2.36M-dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• Memory Card: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
• LCD: 3.0-inch Vari-Angle Touchscreen, 1.04M-dots
• Max Burst: 10 fps (single-shot AF), 7.4 fps (continuous AF)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-C
• Size: 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7 mm (4.58 x 3.47 x 2.31 in)
• Weight: 387g (0.85 lb) with battery and card

Key Features of Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Sensor and Processor

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II features a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor. This combination provides a strong basis for shooting detailed photos and films. While not the most advanced sensor in Canon’s series, it maintains a reasonable mix between resolution and low-light performance, making it appropriate for a variety of shooting situations.

Compared to full-frame sensors found in more advanced cameras, the APS-C sensor in the M50 Mark II may show some limitations in extreme low-light situations or when significant cropping is required. However, for most everyday shooting and content creation, it delivers more than satisfactory results.

Autofocus Improvements

One of the most notable improvements in the M50 Mark II is the addition of Eye AF for both stills and video. This function is especially useful for portrait photographers and vloggers because it allows for great focus on the subject’s eyes even when they move. The enhanced autofocus technology improves the camera’s ability to track targets properly, allowing for crisper photos and smoother video output.

Video Capabilities

The M50 Mark II supports 4K video recording but has several limitations. The 4K mode has a 1.6x crop factor and uses contrast-detect autofocus, which can be slower and less reliable than the Dual Pixel AF technique used in 1080p. Despite these limitations, the camera excels at 1080p recording, making it a decent option for vloggers and content creators who value Full HD resolution and smooth autofocus performance.

Connectivity

The M50 Mark II has amazing connectivity features, including built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for quick image transfer and remote control via smartphone. One of its most notable features is the ability to live stream directly to YouTube. This capability, combined with its small size and flip-out screen, makes it an appealing choice for vloggers and content makers seeking an all-in-one solution for generating and distributing video. The camera also includes a micro HDMI port, a UHS-I SDXC memory card slot, and a 3.5mm input.

Build and Design

Compact and Portable Design

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II retains the small form factor that made its predecessor popular with travelers and casual photographers. It weighs only 387g even with a battery and memory card, making it easy to carry all day. The button arrangement is simple, with most controls easy to reach with your right hand. The mode dial, shutter button, and primary control dial are all easily accessible, allowing for rapid changes on the go.

Articulating Touchscreen and Viewfinder

One of the M50 Mark II’s distinguishing characteristics is its completely articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD. This vari-angle screen can be flipped out and rotated, making it excellent for vlogging, self-portraits, and shooting from awkward positions. The touchscreen interface is responsive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate menus and select focus points.

The camera also includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots of resolution. While it may not be the best resolution EVF on the market, it still delivers a crisp and lag-free viewing experience, which comes in handy when shooting in sunny outdoor circumstances where the LCD panel may be difficult to see.

Build Quality

Despite its entry-level positioning, the M50 Mark II feels solid in hand. The body is primarily constructed of polycarbonate plastic, which helps keep the weight down but may not feel as premium as more expensive models. It’s worth noting that the camera lacks weather sealing, so extra care should be taken in adverse conditions. However, for its intended use and price point, the build quality is more than adequate for most users.

Performance 

Autofocus Performance

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II‘s autofocus system is one of its strongest attributes. Utilizing Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, the camera delivers fast and accurate autofocus for both stills and video (in 1080p mode). The addition of Eye AF enhances its performance, particularly for portrait and vlogging scenarios.

When the lighting is good, the autofocus works quickly and reliably, locking on to objects with ease. It performs brilliantly in continuous AF mode, tracking moving subjects nicely, although it may struggle with really fast or unpredictable subjects. The AF system performs well in low light, although it may occasionally underperform in extremely dark conditions.

For video, the Dual Pixel AF provides smooth focus transitions, which is mostly beneficial for vloggers and videographers working without a dedicated focus puller. However, it’s worth noting that in 4K mode, the camera switches to contrast-detect AF, which is siignificantly slower and less reliable.

Burst Shooting

The M50 Mark II offers respectable burst shooting capabilities, with up to 10 frames per second in Single AF mode and 7.4 fps with continuous AF. While not class-leading, these speeds are more than enough for capturing action sequences or fast-moving subjects in most casual shooting scenarios. The buffer depth allows for about 36 JPEG images or 10 RAW files in a single burst, which may be limiting for extended action sequences but sufficient for most users’ needs.

Battery Life

Battery life is a common concern for mirrorless cameras, and the M50 Mark II is no different. It has a battery life of about 305 shots when using the LCD screen and 250 shots while using the EVF. While this is an improvement over the previous generation, it still falls short of many DSLRs and rival mirrorless devices.

To extend battery life, users can activate the camera’s Eco mode, which dims the screen and puts the camera to sleep faster. It is advisable to bring replacement batteries or use an external power bank via the USB connector for long shooting sessions or video recording. 

Image Quality 

Sharpness and Detail

The 24MP APS-C sensor in the Canon EOS M50 Mark II delivers impressive image quality, particularly when paired with high-quality EF-M lenses. In optimal lighting conditions, the camera produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and good contrast. The level of detail captured is sufficient for large prints and allows for some cropping flexibility in post-processing. In real-world scenarios, the camera performs admirably across various shooting situations. Landscape photos show good edge-to-edge sharpness, while portraits benefit from the camera’s ability to render fine details like skin texture and hair. The M50 Mark II’s fast autofocus and high image quality make it an adaptable tool for capturing fleeting moments with clarity in street and travel photography.

Dynamic Range and Low-Light Performance

The M50 Mark II has a fair dynamic range, which allows for effective shadow and highlight recovery in post-processing. Even though it’s not nearly as versatile as full-frame sensors, it is suitable for the majority of shooting settings. The camera handles exposure effectively in high-contrast scenarios, preserving details in both bright and dark portions of the image.

Low-light performance is excellent for an APS-C sensor. The native ISO range of 100-25,600 (expandable to 51,200) enables flexible photography in a variety of lighting settings. Images remain clean and detailed until ISO 3200, with passable results at ISO 6400. Beyond this point, noise becomes more noticeable, but the camera’s noise reduction does a wonderful job of preserving image quality. 

Video Quality

The M50 Mark II’s video capabilities are a mixed bag. In 1080p mode, the camera produces excellent quality footage with smooth autofocus and full sensor readout. Colors are accurate, and the overall image is sharp and detailed.

However, the 4K video mode comes with significant limitations. The 1.6x crop factor not only narrows the field of view but also impacts low-light performance. The lack of Dual Pixel AF in 4K mode results in slower autofocus. Despite these drawbacks, the 4K footage itself is sharp and detailed, making it useful for situations where the higher resolution is critical and the limitations can be worked around.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II vs Competitors

Specification	Canon EOS M6 Mark II	Sony Alpha A6300	Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
Sensor	32.5 MP APS-C CMOS	24.2 MP APS-C CMOS	16.1 MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
AF Points	143 points (Dual Pixel AF)	425 phase-detection points	121 contrast-detection points
Video	4K UHD (30p, 25p), Full HD 120p	4K UHD (30p), Full HD 120p	4K UHD (30p), Full HD 60p
Viewfinder	Optional electronic viewfinder (EVF-DC2)	Built-in OLED EVF, 2.36M dots	Built-in OLED EVF, 2.36M dots
Memory Cards	1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)	1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)	1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
LCD	3.0-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots	3.0-inch tilting LCD, 921K dots	3.0-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Max Burst	14 fps	11 fps	8.6 fps
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C	Wi-Fi, NFC, Micro USB, HDMI	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro USB, HDMI
Size	119.6 x 70.0 x 49.2 mm	120 x 66.9 x 48.8 mm	121.5 x 83.6 x 49.5 mm
Weight	408 g (including battery and memory card)	404 g (including battery and memory card)	410 g (including battery and memory card)

Canon EOS M6 Mark II

The M6 Mark II, while more expensive, offers significant upgrades over the M50 Mark II. It features a higher resolution 32.5MP sensor, faster burst shooting at 14 fps, and uncropped 4K video. However, it lacks a built-in EVF, which the M50 Mark II includes. The M6 Mark II is better suited for more advanced users who prioritize performance over compactness and simplicity.

Sony Alpha A6300

In terms of pricing and features, the Sony A6300 is directly comparable to the M50 Mark II. It features a more powerful autofocus system with 425 phase-detection points and uncropped 4K video. The Sony excels at action photography and videography, although it may be less user-friendly for beginners than the Canon.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

The Olympus offers in-body image stabilization, which the M50 Mark II lacks, making it excellent for handheld shooting in low light. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than the Canon’s APS-C, impacting image quality in challenging light conditions. However, the Olympus system offers a wider range of compact lenses, making it an attractive option for travel photographers.

Conclusion and Final Thought

While not a groundbreaking change, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is still an excellent pick for learners and content creators. Its user-friendly interface, small structure, and enhanced autofocus make it a perfect starting point for the world of interchangeable lens cameras. Vloggers, in particular, will value its movable screen and live streaming features.

Those looking for more advanced capabilities, such as uncropped 4K video or in-body stabilization, may want to seek other options like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III or the Sony A6300. The M50 Mark II provides an appealing package for amateurs looking for a powerful, portable camera for everyday photography and Full HD video. If you are looking for great image performance, decent build quality with an amazing autofocus system within an affordable price point, you should definitely go for the Canon EOS M50 Mark II.