CameraReview

Canon EOS R vs Canon EOS R50 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Canon EOS R
Canon
Canon EOS R
Mirrorless · 30.3 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
80
SCORE
$1,799
best of 1 retailer
Best Price →
Canon EOS R50
Canon
Canon EOS R50
Mirrorless · 24 MP · APS-C · 4K video
70
SCORE
$679
best of 2 retailers
Best Price →
General
Brand CanonCanon
Model EOS REOS R8
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20182023
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
05/09/201808/02/2023
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 136 x 98 x 84 mm116 x 86 x 69 mm
Camera weight 485 g375 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
30.3 MP05024 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6720 x 44806000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 3622.3 x 14.9
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameAPS-C
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
8 fps04512 fps045
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 RFCanon RF
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 8Digic 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
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.
400003003280000320003003280000
Min 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.
503020010030200
Max 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.
1024003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max 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.
800080032000400080032000
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.
565503006510300
In-body stabilisation
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 369000009900000236000009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K4K
Max video format
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 21603840 x 2160
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.
30 fps120 fps
Timelapse 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.
MP4MP4, H.264, H.265
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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 LCDLCD
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 dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2100000115000150000016200001150001500000
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
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I and II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NLP-E17
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
370 shots1505000370 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS R outperforms the Canon EOS R50 with a score of 74/100 compared to 70/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar specifications, such as announcement dates and release years (2018 for the EOS R and 2023 for the EOS R50).

The EOS R excels with its larger size (136 x 98 x 84mm) and heavier weight (485g / 1.07lbs), which may provide better stability and handling for some users. Its higher launch price of $2300 also suggests more advanced features and better overall performance.

On the other hand, the EOS R50 is more compact (116 x 86 x 69mm) and lighter (375g / 0.83lbs), making it a more portable option. Additionally, its lower launch price of $679 makes it a more budget-friendly choice.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS R is the better camera due to its higher score, while the EOS R50 offers a more affordable and portable alternative for those who prioritize these aspects.

Canon EOS R vs EOS R50 Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS R50 both receive an optics score of 73/100. These cameras share common features such as CMOS sensor type, Canon RF lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.

The Canon EOS R has a higher megapixel count at 30.3, compared to the EOS R50’s 24 megapixels. This difference allows the EOS R to capture more detail in images. Additionally, the EOS R has a full-frame sensor, which provides a larger field of view and better low-light performance than the R50’s APS-C sensor. The EOS R’s DXOMARK score for the sensor is 89, slightly lower than the R50’s 94.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS R50 has a faster shooting speed of 12 frames per second compared to the EOS R’s 8 frames per second. This enables the R50 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. Furthermore, the R50’s Digic X processor provides faster image processing and better overall performance compared to the EOS R’s Digic 8 processor.

In terms of optics, the Canon EOS R excels with its higher megapixel count and full-frame sensor. These features make it ideal for photographers seeking high-resolution images and improved low-light performance. Conversely, the Canon EOS R50 offers a faster shooting speed and a more advanced processor, making it suitable for action photography and those requiring speedy performance.

Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, but their equal optics score indicates that each model has its own unique advantages. Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS R50 depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.

Canon EOS R vs EOS R50 Video Performance

The Canon EOS R50 outperforms the Canon EOS R in video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the EOS R’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K maximum video resolution and 3840 x 2160 maximum video dimensions. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.

The EOS R50’s superiority in video performance is evident in its maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is significantly higher than the EOS R’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, making the EOS R50 a better choice for videographers who require high-quality slow-motion capabilities.

While the EOS R does not surpass the EOS R50 in any specific video capability, it still offers a decent video performance with its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. This makes the EOS R a suitable option for those who prioritize photography but still need occasional video capabilities.

Comparing the two cameras, the Canon EOS R50 is the clear winner in terms of video performance due to its higher video score and superior frame rate. The EOS R50 is an excellent choice for videographers who require advanced slow-motion capabilities, while the EOS R remains a viable option for photographers with occasional video needs.

Canon EOS R vs EOS R50 Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS R outperforms the Canon EOS R50 with a feature score of 87/100, compared to the R50’s 72/100. Both cameras share several features, including a touchscreen, flip screen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, neither camera has GPS functionality.

The EOS R takes the lead with a larger screen size of 3.2 inches and a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots. This provides the user with a clearer and more detailed view of their images when composing and reviewing shots. The superior screen quality of the EOS R contributes significantly to its higher feature score.

On the other hand, the EOS R50 has a slightly smaller screen size of 3 inches and a lower screen resolution of 1,620,000 dots. While these differences may not be drastic, they do impact the user experience, making the EOS R50 less preferable in terms of screen specifications.

Despite the lower feature score, the EOS R50 still offers a decent user experience with its touchscreen and flip screen capabilities, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. These features are valuable for photographers who prioritize ease of use and seamless connectivity.

To sum up, the Canon EOS R is the superior camera in terms of features, primarily due to its larger screen size and higher screen resolution. The EOS R50, while not as impressive, still offers a respectable array of features that cater to users who prioritize simplicity and connectivity.

Canon EOS R vs EOS R50 Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS R50 have identical storage and battery scores, both receiving 35/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. They also have the same battery life of 370 shots and offer USB charging capabilities.

The Canon EOS R50 has a slight advantage in memory card compatibility, as it supports both UHS-I and II, while the Canon EOS R only supports UHS-II. This difference allows the EOS R50 to work with a broader range of memory cards, providing more flexibility for users.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS R uses the LP-E6N battery type, while the Canon EOS R50 uses the LP-E17. There is no significant advantage for either camera in terms of battery type.

Given these similarities and minor differences, both cameras perform equally well when it comes to storage and battery. Users can confidently choose either camera without compromising on storage and battery performance.

Canon EOS R vs EOS R50 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS R vs EOS R50 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS R or the Canon EOS R50: