850D (T8I) OR M50 Mark ii

I was in a similar position years ago, thinking about upgrading from compact cameras and smartphones to a “real” camera. I ended up getting a small Canon DSLR with a crop sensor (one of the 100D/Rebel/KISS series, the SL1). As an absolute novice, I was frustrated with how what I saw in the optical viewfinder did always not match what appeared later on the screen. Coming from simpler cameras, and computers, I was accustomed to WYSIWG – What You See Is What You Get. I am embarrassed to say that I stopped shooting.

In 2019 I resolved to really figure this stuff out. I did some research, discovered the exposure triangle, and started hearing about mirrorless systems, and how the electronic viewfinder is always a preview of the eventual photo. I looked around for the Canon mirrorless camera with the most controls, so that I could most easily change aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to see the effects in the EVF. At the time that was the EOS M5, purchased used. My learning curve became much easier. With the 22mm f/2 EF-M, I had a relatively cheap and compact photo-centric package that was convenient enough to take nearly everywhere. That rig could fit into any bag I owned, and the pocket of almost any jacket. With this little photo machine almost always with me, I just had a lot more time to practice. I also purchased an EF-to-EF-M lens mount adapter, which opened up a world of inexpensive used EF and EF-S lenses from Canon’s mature DSLR line. That allowed me to experiment with focal lengths, and I discovered that I am mostly into longer ones. The EF-S 50-250mm is really a gem, and so much value for money. (Those DSLR lenses would have been even easier to mount onto the SL1 years ago, but… no WYSIWYG. So I never even got there.)

Since all that ancient history, Canon has leaned into mirrorless a lot more, so I’m not sure I would recommend the M5 as a first choice. The M50 series has fewer controls, but is more capable for things like 4K video, if you think you might head down that route in the future. But I do think mirrorless cameras are easier to learn than their DSLR equivalents. It’s not a huge gap, but if you want to just get into shooting right away, it’s a gap you wouldn’t have to make up.

And yes, like others have suggested, given the impending announcements from Canon, I would definitely wait a couple of days more before buying anything!