Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6100 Comparison
Canon EOS M50
Sony a6100
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS M50 | a6100 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 26, 2018 | August 28, 2019 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a6100 emerges as the winner with a score of 66/100, while the Canon EOS M50 trails behind with a score of 59/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were launched within a year of each other, with the M50 in 2018 and the a6100 in 2019. They share similar dimensions and weight, with the M50 measuring 116 x 88 x 59mm and weighing 390g, and the a6100 at 120 x 67 x 59mm and 396g.
The Sony a6100 gained a higher score due to its better overall performance and features. Moreover, it was launched at a slightly lower price of $750 compared to the M50’s $779. On the other hand, the Canon EOS M50 has a slight advantage in terms of size and weight, making it a more compact option.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a6100 is the better camera, offering superior performance at a lower price. However, if portability is a priority, the Canon EOS M50 may still be a suitable choice.
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6100 Overview and Optics
The Sony a6100 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in optics with a score of 68/100, whereas the Canon EOS M50 scores 59/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as 24 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. Despite these similarities, there are key differences that contribute to the Sony a6100’s higher score.
The Sony a6100 has a faster shooting speed of 11 compared to the Canon EOS M50’s 10, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Sony a6100 has a significantly higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 82, compared to the Canon EOS M50’s 58. This indicates the Sony a6100 has better image quality and low light performance. The Sony a6100 also uses the Bionz X processor, while the Canon EOS M50 utilizes the Digic 8 processor. The lens mount for the Sony a6100 is the Sony E mount, offering a wider range of lens options compared to the Canon EOS M50’s Canon EF-M lens mount.
The Canon EOS M50, however, does not have any specific advantages in optics over the Sony a6100. Both cameras lack image stabilization, which would have been a beneficial feature for either camera.
From the comparison, it is clear that the Sony a6100 offers better optics performance than the Canon EOS M50. With a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, faster shooting speed, and a wider range of lens options, the Sony a6100 is the better choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and versatility in their camera equipment.
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Optics
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 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. | 6000 x 4000 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. | 14.9 x 22.3 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | 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. | 10 fps | 11 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-M | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 8 | Bionz X | |
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 | 32,000 | |
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. | 100 | 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. | 51200 | 51000 | |
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/ 4000 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. | 143 | 425 | |
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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots | 1,440,000 dots |
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6100 Video Performance
The Canon EOS M50 and the Sony a6100 both have a video score of 91/100, indicating their equal capabilities in video performance. Both cameras offer 4K video resolution with maximum dimensions of 3840 x 2160 and a maximum video frame rate of 120fps. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Canon EOS M50 excels in providing a user-friendly interface, making it easier for beginners to navigate through settings and explore video options. This advantage caters to those who are new to videography or prefer a simpler camera operation.
On the other hand, the Sony a6100 stands out with its superior autofocus system, ensuring sharp and accurate focus during video recording. This feature is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
Despite the shared video score, each camera has its unique strengths. The Canon EOS M50 is ideal for individuals seeking an easy-to-use camera with reliable video capabilities. Meanwhile, the Sony a6100 is well-suited for those who prioritize precise autofocus and the ability to capture dynamic subjects in their videos.
In comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, it becomes evident that both are highly capable and offer similar video performance. The choice between the Canon EOS M50 and the Sony a6100 ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific video requirements.
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Video
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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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. |  4K | 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. | 3840 x 2160 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. | 120 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. | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264 |
Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a6100 Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS M50 narrowly wins in the features category with a score of 70/100, compared to the Sony a6100’s 68/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, GPS absence, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Canon EOS M50 has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, compared to the Sony a6100’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and sharper display, enhancing the user’s experience when composing images or reviewing captured photos and videos.
Despite the Canon EOS M50’s advantage in screen resolution, the Sony a6100 has its merits. The a6100’s autofocus system is more advanced, offering faster and more accurate focusing. This feature is particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low-light conditions.
In comparing the features of the Canon EOS M50 and Sony a6100, both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The Canon EOS M50’s higher screen resolution provides a better display, while the Sony a6100’s autofocus system is superior. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the priorities and preferences of the user.
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Features
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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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 | 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" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 921,600 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 M50 vs Sony a6100 Storage and Battery
The Sony a6100 outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in storage and battery, with a score of 37/100 compared to the M50’s 13/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the a6100 also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, providing more storage options.
The a6100 has a superior battery life, offering 420 shots per charge, while the M50 only provides 235 shots. The Sony a6100 uses the NP-FW50 battery, and the Canon M50 uses the LP-E12 battery. An added advantage of the a6100 is its USB charging capability, which the M50 lacks.
Despite the lower score, the Canon M50 still serves as a reliable camera for casual users who do not require extended battery life or additional storage options. However, for those seeking longer shooting sessions and more storage flexibility, the Sony a6100 proves to be the better choice.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E12 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 235 shots | 420 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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Scores
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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Alternatives to the Canon EOS M50 and Sony a6100
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS M50 or the Sony a6100:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS M50
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Sony a6100
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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