Big test
Of course, the good images were thanks to reliable autofocus, autoexposure and white-balance systems. AF and focus detection in video mode was accurate and steady, rather than rapid, especially with the RF 100-500mm lens. For a budget camera, the R50 V has useful continuous shooting skills. With a 300MB SD card, I got 83 JPEGs at 12fps, and the buffer cleared in just five seconds. In Raw, I got 20 full stills at 12fps – much more than the seven
Raws claimed to be available in the camera’s specifications. All in all, the R50 V is a well- specified, capable camera that’s temptingly priced for a range of creators looking to move up from their smartphones or find a budget route into multimedia. While the R50 V is very much aimed at video shooters, it’s a decent stills machine too, so is a good hybrid. See more photos online at photographynews.co.uk/reviews
MAXIMUM DETAIL The camera’s back (far right) is dominated by the monitor, with key controls arranged down the side. The EOS R50 V’s 1.6x crop factor comes in handy for subjects such as wildlife (right)
LENS PERFORMANCE: RF-S 14-30MM F/4-6.3 IS STM
Final word
14mm
20mm
30mm
Verdict
If you’re predominantly a stills shooter looking for a budget, compact backup body, the EOS R50 V is arguably not the best choice, even if you don’t mind the lack of EVF. But, if you are after a backup with good video skills, then the R50 V merits serious consideration. If shooting video is your main thing – with stills a secondary need – the R50 V is a strong contender. If you are currently uncommitted, there are different paths you can take, with Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm and Nikon vying for your attention. But there’s no doubt that the R50 V is a welcome, capable and nicely priced addition to Canon’s line-up – well worth a look.
F/4
F/4
F/5
F/6.3
F/5
F/6.3
F/5.6
F/5.6
F/5.6
F/8
F/5.6
F/8
22 /25 FEATURES
The EOS R50 V has a strong set of video features including an extensive list of shooting options, as well as Canon EOS Log support. The lack of EVF takes getting used to, but this camera’s target market is familiar with monitor shooting, and the camera is easy to use. The monitor needs to be brighter, but the front-placed record button is a positive.
F/8
F/8
F/11
F/8
F/8
F/11
22 /25 HANDLING
F/11
F/16
F/11
F/11
F/16
F/11
F/16
F/16
F/16
F/16
F/22
F/22
23 /25 PERFORMANCE
Picture performance, stills and video, is excellent, as you would expect from Canon.
F/22
F/22
F/22
F/22
F/32
F/32
24 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
Sub-£1000 for a 24-megapixel camera and a kit lens is pretty good value.
91 /100 OVERALL
Performance took another step down at 30mm, and while sharpness was acceptable at the wider apertures, fine detail didn’t appear quite as crisp as 14mm. The optimum aperture for good sharpness at the centre and edges was f/8, followed closely by f/11. Overall, the kit lens turned in an acceptable, rather than outstanding, optical performance, while the power zoom was fine in use and respectably controllable. Used at its wider f-stops and sharpness, contrast and detail rendering was fine, while at the smaller f-stops there was noticeable softening due to diffraction. For the price, the lens rates as good value, especially when bought together with the EOS R50 V.
181g and balances nicely on the EOS R50 V. We tested the RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM on our test chart at three focal lengths and took shots at each f-stop. These started life as Raws and were processed in Canon DPP. At 14mm, image quality was good across the frame at f/4 and f/5.6, with fine detail nicely rendered and staying at a high level to f/11, after which diffraction kicks in. From f/16, sharpness suffers considerably. Quality was a tad less impressive at the 20mm setting, with the best resolution across the frame showing at f/8 and f/11. However, performance at f/5 was perfectly acceptable, especially at the centre, where the smaller aperture values showed noticeable diffraction again.
The RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM was announced at the same time as the EOS R50 V, and the pair make a good package. Sold on its own at £379, it’s the first RF lens with an internal power zoom and 15 adjustable speeds. The STM motor provides fast, silent autofocus with a minimum focus of 15cm from the focal plane. The focal length range is modest (22-48mm in the 35mm format), but that covers most general situations, and there’s the benefit of compactness, minimal size change during zooming and light weight. It has five stops of Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), which increases to 7.5 stops when used on an IBIS body. Despite the power zoom and OIS, this lens weighs just
The EOS R50 V is a capable camera and, with the kit lens, makes for a powerful package at a compelling price.
PROS Good value, fully articulating monitor, front-facing record button, vertical tripod mount, impressive video feature set, video performance, C-Log3, two hours of recording time, minimum focus of 14-30mm lens, portable and lightweight CONS No EVF, monitor image faint in bright daylight, single card slot, no exposure bracketing, no focus joystick, only one stills setting on dial
34 Photography News | Issue 121
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