Couldn't choose between 800D/77D vs M50????

Hey guys,

I spend the entire day trying to decide which camera I should go for...
I was using G1X Mark II, the time lag between shots are extremely annoying and thought it's time to upgrade it!!

I don't really care about the 4K that M50 is so stressing on, but the light weight body and the lenses are really attractive!!
That being said, I do think that the 800D/77D offers a wider range of lenses to choose from, altho as a beginner I probably wont play with lenses that much... for now. Plus, great battery life!!!!
So, please help????? Thanksssss

yoru1119 wrote:

Hey guys,

Welcome to the Forum!

I spend the entire day trying to decide which camera I should go for...
I was using G1X Mark II, the time lag between shots are extremely annoying and thought it's time to upgrade it!!

There are several things that can contribute to lag. I’d suspect that it’s the Autofocus lag that’s been the most annoying?

I don't really care about the 4K that M50 is so stressing on, but the light weight body and the lenses are really attractive!!

Like most folks here, I’ve shot with many different digital cameras over the years. When Canon introduced their incredible Dual Pixel Autofocus into the M-Series I became very intrigued (I had been using DPAF on my 70D for a couple of years by then already).

So I bought the M5 with the 15-45 kit lens (I too was very attracted to the tiny bodies and EF-M lenses). I figured that I could use the M5 as a super lightweight macro rig if nothing else (to complement my DSLR).

Well to my surprise the little M5 soon took over all of my shooting duties, save for BIFs with the big 400mm telephoto attached (for which I still use my 70D due to its superior tracking ability). I’ve since bought a bunch more M lenses (due to their minimal size), and continue to use all of my existing EF and EF-S lenses with an adapter (they do work wonderfully).

That being said, I do think that the 800D/77D offers a wider range of lenses to choose from, altho as a beginner I probably wont play with lenses that much... for now.

Don’t forget that with the M-Series you can still use the entire catalog of current EF and EF-S lenses (in addition to all of the EF-M’s), without penalty.

Plus, great battery life!!!!

I did buy a couple of Wasabi batteries (and USB charger) for backup.

So, please help????? Thanksssss

As much as I love the little M-Series, I too think it’s very important to try out all of the options in person. Everybody has their own unique set of requirements and preferences. I do recommend getting a model with DPAF though, which can be accessed on the newer DSLR models via the back LCD, and you also still retain the benefits of the OVF for eye-level shooting. If you like taking videos, the DPAF combined with the touchscreen (and STM lenses) truly makes shooting video a dream.

So head down to the store. See what feels right to you. Then go have some fun.

Best of luck!

R2

MikeJ9116 wrote:

I suggest you try the cameras before making a decision.

+1 Best advice!

The EVF in the M50 might not be something you can live with if you are used to the OVF in DSLRs.

They are definitely very different. Although any G-Series shooter is already well aware of this.

Also, look into lens costs with each system. I think the EF-S lenses offer better value than the EF-M lenses.

You can use both with EOS-M. For instance I use my EF-M 15-45 kit lens when I want the lightest and smallest form factor possible. I take my EF-S 18-135 STM kit lens when I want more versatility. Best of both worlds.

One last thing, many think that since Canon made their FF R camera use a completely incompatible lens mount with the EF-M mount used in the M50, that this means the M system will be discontinued at some point in the future.

How did Mark Twain put it?... "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated!"

Personally I think it makes the greatest sense for Canon to keep all threee formats in their desire to cover as much of the market as possible. EF-M for those who want the smallest and lightest system possible, EF-R for the full-frame shooters (and future crop R), and EF-R(S) (also for future crop R)... for the current casual and enthusiast market segment.

And of course all shooters will still continue to be able to use the complete line of current EF/EF-S (and esoteric Canon) lenses as well, not to mention 3rd party. 👍

I personally would not buy into the M system at this point in time because its long term future is in doubt.

I'm of the opposite opinion actually. The Canon M-Series is a very capable (and popular!) line-up. Compacting, reducing, eliminating, or combining their product offerings (into only R/crop R) goes against all marketing sense. Horizontal market expansion is the key to growth in any industry. Keep the G-Series, Powershots, M-Series, R-Series, and DSLRs for as long as people want to shoot them. It only makes sense. 

R2

yoru1119 wrote:

Since you have mentioned 70D, I am actually kinda thinking about 80D too (yeah I know how does it go to 80D all of a sudden lmao)! Would you think getting a 80D would be too advanced for a beginner?

A difficult decision indeed!  And it’s because they’re all so darn good!

The 80D does give you some additional features that might not be readily apparent.  AF Micro-Adjustment being the biggie, amongst other AF customization options.  If you go to DPReview’s 77D review, there is a side-by-side feature comparison that might help (it’s not completely comprehensive though).

Or is a 77D/M50 better suited for travelling photography, which mainly involves landscape and buildings under sunlight, and of course sunset shots!

All of the latest offerings would be entirely capable of taking those kinds of shots, plus about anything else you could throw at them.  For travel, IMHO the more important consideration is their form factor (ie size and weight).  I’ve hauled around full size DSLRs (plus lenses) when traveling and it is just no fun.  Sure you can do it if you’re dedicated enough, but I know I don’t have to tell you how nice it is to carry just a small little camera around while trekking about.  

That’s where the M-Series shines of course.  But you might also consider the little (powerhouse) 200D as well.  You give up some features to its bigger brothers, but this little guy offers huge bang for the buck.

Extra question, how do you think your M5/70D performs under cold weather?

I’ve been outside all day dozens of times with my 70D in temps from -10 F to +10 F with zero issues.  No special treatment.

I’ve been out a few times in the winter with the M5 (with no problems), but haven’t stress tested it nearly as much.  8 hrs at +10 F.

Note: If you know you are going to be out in extreme temps, many battery grips can be loaded up with Energizer Extreme Lithium AA batteries, which are good to -40 (that’s both F and C).

I took my G1X Mark II to Japan for a hike at around -5 to 0 degree and it can barely operates, is it simply coz I didn't keep the camera/battery warm enough?

The battery is the weak link.  Keep a spare warm in an inside pocket.  Swap when needed.

And my lens even got glitchy and unable to retract at one point...

Low battery power?  Moisture?  Increased friction maybe?

Is there a way I can make the camera perform in cold weathers, say when its snowy?

Precipitation is another matter entirely.  I keep my cameras protected whenever it’s coming down.  Fly at your own risk!

Plus, would a weather sealed camera (aka 70D/80D) really perform better then the ones without?

To keep moisture out?  The short answer is yes, but it’s really a matter of degree, and not an absolute.  The problem is that YMMV.  

Good luck with your decision!

R2

JPAlbert wrote:

OP asked:
"Any other lens recommendation to cover the wide-angle end?"

I picked up the EF-s 10-18 IS from the Canon online refurbished store for $190.
Very nice, especially for the price.

+1 for the 10-18.

yoru1119 wrote:

JPAlbert wrote:

I like my 77d, and chose it primarily because it offered much (but not all) of what the 80d had, but in a more compact body.

If you go this route, I'd recommend the 18-135 IS USM kit lens that can be bought with it. Excellent range and excellent clarity at a reasonable price.

Thanks for the input! That would prob be my to go kit lens to purchase should I go for a 77D.
Any other lens recommendation to cover the wide-angle end?
Also having a lens for macro would be helpful too!

The 18-135 is a very versatile lens.  I have the older STM version (the USM has faster AF). IQ is adequate for most applications (no glaring weaknesses).  Here’s an uncropped sample (shot with a 70D at ISO 800)...

18-135 STM.  Click on “original size”

• A 100% crop of this can be found here. 

These lenses are absolutely fantabulous for video however, with extremely smooth and silent AF, very effective and silent image stabilization (incl Dynamic IS exclusive to video), and a very useful zoom range.

If you’d like to shoot occasional macros, I’d suggest picking up a Raynox DCR-250 close up lens (to use on the 18-135). Very sharp, and it just clips onto the end of any lens. The only down side is the rather short working distance. Great bang for the buck.

For a dedicated macro lens, I’d suggest either the 60 Macro or one of the 100 Macros for starters (the 100L Macro is my very favorite macro lens).  Having the extra working distance is really nice when shooting bugs and such, vs something like the 35 Macro.  I recommend using diffused flash a least to begin with, as it helps fight both camera shake and subject motion blur (and allows use of smaller apertures for greater depth of field).

I have lots of macro samples (from a variety of lenses and cameras) in my galleries.  I note what equipment was used, and EXIF is intact...

Insect Gallery

Holler back with any questions!

R2

Updated (edited) post above re: lenses...