Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS M50 Comparison
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EOS M50
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Brand | Canon | Canon | |
Model | EOS 5D Mark III | EOS M50 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | March 02, 2012 | February 26, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR |  Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS M50 with a score of 65/100 compared to 59/100. Both cameras share some specs, such as being released by Canon and having a similar announcement date. The 5D Mark III, a DSLR camera, excels with its higher score, larger size (152 x 116 x 76mm), and heavier weight (950g). Launched in 2012, it had a price tag of $3499.
On the other hand, the EOS M50, a mirrorless camera, is better in terms of its lower launch price ($779) and lighter weight (390g), making it more budget-friendly and portable. Released in 2018, it has a smaller size (116 x 88 x 59mm). Despite the 5D Mark III’s higher score, the M50’s affordability and compactness make it an attractive option for some photographers.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS M50 Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III wins the optics comparison with a score of 67/100, while the Canon EOS M50 scores 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications: they both have CMOS sensors, no image stabilization, and similar shooting speeds (6 fps for the 5D Mark III and 10 fps for the M50).
The 5D Mark III’s superiority in optics comes from its full-frame sensor, which is larger than the M50’s APS-C sensor. This difference contributes to the 5D Mark III’s higher DXOMARK sensor score of 81, compared to the M50’s 58. The full-frame sensor provides better low-light performance and increased dynamic range. Additionally, the 5D Mark III uses a Canon EF lens mount, which is compatible with a wide variety of high-quality lenses.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS M50 has a higher megapixel count at 24, compared to the 5D Mark III’s 22.3. This allows the M50 to capture more detailed images. However, the M50 utilizes a Canon EF-M lens mount, which has a more limited lens selection compared to the EF mount.
In terms of optics, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS M50 due to its larger sensor and wider lens compatibility. The M50’s higher megapixel count offers an advantage in capturing detail, but its lens selection is more limited. Ultimately, the 5D Mark III is the better choice for photographers seeking superior optical performance.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 22.3 MP | 24 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5760 x 3840 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 36 mm | 14.9 x 22.3 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |  APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps | 10 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF | Canon EF-M | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 5+ | Digic 8 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 50 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 102400 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 61 | 143 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 2,360,000 dots |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS M50 Video Performance
The Canon EOS M50 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark III in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the 5D Mark III’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a maximum video resolution and frame rate. However, the EOS M50 surpasses the 5D Mark III in these areas, offering 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and a maximum frame rate of 120fps, while the 5D Mark III only provides Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and a maximum frame rate of 60fps.
The higher resolution and frame rate of the EOS M50 allow for crisper, more detailed video quality and smoother slow-motion footage. This makes the M50 a superior choice for videographers who require high-quality video performance. Additionally, the EOS M50 has built-in time-lapse functionality, which the 5D Mark III lacks. This feature enables users to create dynamic time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.
On the other hand, the EOS 5D Mark III may still be a suitable option for those who do not require 4K video or advanced video features. Its Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate can still produce decent video quality for casual users or those with less demanding video needs.
Considering the significant differences in video capabilities, the Canon EOS M50 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its 4K resolution, 120fps frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile and powerful option for videography. While the Canon EOS 5D Mark III may be adequate for some users, those seeking top-notch video performance should opt for the EOS M50.
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Video
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |  4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV | MPEG-4 |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS M50 Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS M50 emerges as the winner in the features category with a score of 70 out of 100, compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III’s score of 59. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots and the absence of GPS functionality. However, there are notable differences between the two cameras that contribute to the M50’s higher score.
The EOS M50 outperforms the 5D Mark III with its advanced features, such as a touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities. The touchscreen allows for easier navigation and control, while the flip screen enables versatile shooting angles and improved self-portraits. The addition of WiFi and Bluetooth simplifies the process of transferring images and remote camera control.
On the other hand, the 5D Mark III offers a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the M50’s 3-inch screen. This provides a slightly better viewing experience when composing and reviewing images. However, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits of the M50’s additional features.
In comparing the features of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon EOS M50, the M50 offers a more advanced and user-friendly experience due to its touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities. The 5D Mark III’s larger screen size is a minor advantage, but not enough to surpass the M50’s superior feature set. Therefore, the Canon EOS M50 is the better choice for those seeking a camera with more modern and convenient features.
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Features
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS M50 Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III significantly outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in storage and battery, with a score of 76/100 compared to the M50’s 13/100. Both cameras share compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, and neither offers USB charging.
The 5D Mark III excels with its two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash and UDMA cards in addition to the standard formats. This versatility allows for more storage options. Furthermore, the 5D Mark III boasts a battery life of 950 shots, using the LP-E6 battery type, which considerably surpasses the M50’s 235 shots with its LP-E12 battery.
The EOS M50, however, has an advantage in using UHS-I compatible memory cards, potentially enabling faster read and write speeds. Despite this benefit, the single memory card slot and shorter battery life limit its overall storage and battery capabilities.
Given these factors, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III stands as the superior choice in terms of storage and battery performance, while the EOS M50 offers a minor advantage with UHS-I compatibility.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | LP-E12 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 950 shots | 235 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24 bits | N/A | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.7 EVs | N/A | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 2293 | N/A |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS M50 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5D Mark III or the Canon EOS M50:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS M50
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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