Canon R50 vs R50 V - Which One Should You Buy?
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Canon’s entry-level mirrorless lineup just got more interesting. The Canon EOS R50 and the new Canon EOS R50V share the same sensor and processor, but they’re aimed at slightly different creators. If you’re wondering which one is right for you, this quick guide will break it down.
Shared Specs Between R50 and R50V
Before the differences, here’s what stays the same:
- Sensor & Processor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS with Canon’s Digic X processor
- Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject tracking for people, animals, and vehicles
- Photo Burst: Up to 15 fps (electronic shutter)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, micro HDMI
- Battery: Canon LP-E17 (average life, bring spares)
So in terms of core image quality, autofocus, and overall performance, both cameras deliver nearly identical results.
Key Differences
This is where the decision gets easier.
Body Design:
- R50 – DSLR-style with an EVF and built-in flash
- R50V – Rangefinder-style, no EVF, no flash, shallower grip, smaller body
Screen:
- R50 – 3-inch, 1.62M-dot fully articulating LCD
- R50V – 3-inch, 1.04M-dot LCD
Video Recording:
- R50 – 4K 30p (oversampled from 6K), 8-bit 4:2:0
- R50V – 4K 60p (with crop), 10-bit 4:2:2, Canon Log, 2-hour record time, no overheating
Audio & Monitoring:
- R50 – Mic input only
- R50V – Mic input + headphone jack, zebras, false color, log view assist
Storage:
- R50 – UHS-I card slot
- R50V – Faster UHS-II card slot
Mounting:
- R50 – Single tripod thread
- R50V – Extra tripod mount for vertical shooting
Who Should Buy the Canon R50?
The Canon EOS R50 is the better choice if:
- You shoot a lot of photography
- You want an electronic viewfinder
- You value the higher-resolution LCD and built-in flash
- Your video needs are casual (vlogging, short clips, 4K 30p max)
Who Should Buy the Canon R50V?
The Canon EOS R50V is the better choice if:
- You primarily shoot video (YouTube, streaming, content creation)
- You want 10-bit recording, Canon Log, and better color grading flexibility
- You need long, reliable record times without overheating
- You want headphone monitoring and advanced video assist tools
Price and Value
At launch, the R50 sold for about $679 body only, while the R50V came in slightly cheaper at $650 body only. With prices this close, your decision should come down to whether you lean more toward photo or video.
Final Recommendation
- Buy the Canon R50 if you’re a hybrid shooter who leans heavier on photography.
- Buy the Canon R50V if you’re a content creator or videographer who needs pro-level video tools in a compact, affordable package.
Both cameras are excellent entry points into Canon’s RF system, and you can’t go wrong with either.