The Canon Eos R8 and R50 — Compact Powerhouses on a Budget

But that slash in cost and size comes with a few sacrifices. 

Firstly, the EOS R8 has no mechanical shutter and in-body image stabilization, or IBIS. This means creatives will have to keep a steady hand or rely on sense with image stabilization built-in.

For video, filmmakers and content creators can record 4K UDG at 60 fps, but only for 30 minutes. At 4K UDH in 30 fps, creatives will get up to two hours of recording time without cropping. This is also the same runtime for Full HD at 30 fps and 180 fps. However, there will be limits when using faster frame rates.

All this can be recorded in C-Log 3 in up to 10bit 4:2:2 wrapped in an H.265 HEVC codec. 

But what makes this camera great for content creators is the movie self-time, audio noise reduction, and vertical video metadata. 

However, if you want to get a more “cinematic,” the EOS R8 will pump out HDMI video up to 4K in 60 fps. Unfortunately, this is through a micro-HDMI port, so just be gentle. 

The Canon EOS R50

 The successor to the EOS M50, the new APS-C EOS R50 is one of Canon’s final hurdles toward a fully mirrorless camera lineup. It’s run about the same size as its DLSR siblings but inherits some features from the new EOS R8 and EOS R6 Mk II.

There’s the 24.2 MP sensor and its new DIGIC X processors, along with the AI subject recognition tech, which should make it a solid shooter for budding photographers.

The EOS M50 was a budget choice for several content creators and budget filmmakers, at least from the circles I run in. It’s no surprise that the R50 offers some interesting features for those types of creatives once again. 

4K video up to 30 fps is oversamples from 6K, without any crop. There’s also Full HD at 60 fps and an HFR option up to 120 fps. Like the EOS R8, creatives will also get vertical video metadata and audio noise reduction. Creatives can also have the ability to use the R50 as a webcam to a streaming camera.

But there are a few new additions, such as focus breathing correction and aspect markers, which filmmakers will really appreciate, especially for the rock-bottom price of $679. 

Who Are These Cameras For?

As we’ve mentioned before, the common use case between these two cameras is photographers. But as with any hybrid camera, creatives will always do more with what they have. 

The Canon EOS R8 seems like a perfect solution for budding photographers looking to add a video to their portfolio. On the other hand, the Canon EOS R50 is a content creator's dream while also leaving room for more narrative content. 

When compared feature by feature, most of these cameras would lose to the competition or at least be on par. But what really sets them apart is the price. Creatives are getting Canon quality for a fraction of the cost, along with a great set of features. 

And that goes a long way to allowing everyone to be creative with a camera.

What do you think about this latest from Canon? Would you like to add either of these cameras to your kit?

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