Need to upgrade from T3i. (SL3 vs M50)

I upgraded my three Canon T2i/T3i (550D/600D) cameras to three Canon T7i (800D) cameras.  I think it's a matter of personal preference.  I don't know much about the mirrorless cameras.  When I want a new camera, I usually just read the reviews and take a chance.  Fortunately, when I have taken a chance it has turned out good.

So here's the deal:

Get the SL3 and here's why.

1. You can use it like a mirrorless camera by using the Live View mode.

2. Save battery life by looking through the viewfinder. You can get well over 1,000 shots on a single charge vs like 300 on the M50.

3. Doesn't need an adapter to put EF and EF-S lenses on it, giving it a huge advantage for lens compatibility.

4. Eye tracking works in both video recording AND shooting photos as well as when using Servo AF (the M50 can't do eye detection during servo AF or shooting video).

5. Unless 24fps 1080p is your jam, get the SL3. It's mirrorless when you want it to be, and a DSLR for when you want battery life.

One final note, the NEW M50 Mark II can do all the things that the SL3 can, including the eye tracking in servo AF mode and video), due to the new firmware it has on it.

I hope this helps!

I used an SL1/ 100 D for several years and loved it but when considering an upgrade a couple of years ago I bumped into a former pro that I've known for  many years.He was trying out an M50 which had just appeared in the shops. He handed it to me to try out for a few minutes and I was very impressed .A couple of hours later I ordered one and after a few days with it  dslr's were history for me as the M50 was a much better camera than my SL1. The SL3 seems to be a fine camera but I hope you realise the center pin on the flash hotshoe has been omitted so you cannot use it with external third party flash.

IMO, I think it comes down to whether you can live with the EVF of the M50. I have had a difficult time making the adjustment. I bought the EOS R camera and have grown to like the EVF in it. The worst thing about EVFs is the blackout and lag when doing burst shooting. If this isn't a concern for you then I think the M50, or the M50ii when it is available, is a better choice. I say this having used a SL2 since it came out over two years ago. The M50 takes out all micro focus issues, has a much better burst rate and buffer depth, has much better view finder AF and EF/EF-S lenses worth seamlessly with the adapter. Don't worry about using an EF/EF-S adapter on an M camera. Another advantage of the EVF is it will allow you to see clearly in low light conditions where an OVF in the SL3 would be all but worthless. Also, if shooting 24p is important to you then the M50 might be the best choice for this reason alone. Battery life isn't as good for the M50 but the batteries are small and it is easy to carry one or two extras in a pocket if needed.

There is a reason MILCs are taking over photography from DSLRs. It is because the AF and EVF technology has improved greatly the past few years Especially the AF ability. The eye AF in the EOS R makes the keeper rate when shooting people very high. This, along with no micro focus issues, makes using lenses with thin depth of field a pleasure.  I moved from using a 6D to the R and haven't had one regret doing so.

MikeJ9116 wrote:

IMO, I think it comes down to whether you can live with the EVF of the M50. I have had a difficult time making the adjustment. I bought the EOS R camera and have grown to like the EVF in it. The worst thing about EVFs is the blackout and lag when doing burst shooting. If this isn't a concern for you then I think the M50, or the M50ii when it is available, is a better choice. I say this having used a SL2 since it came out over two years ago. The M50 takes out all micro focus issues, has a much better burst rate and buffer depth, has much better view finder AF and EF/EF-S lenses worth seamlessly with the adapter. Don't worry about using an EF/EF-S adapter on an M camera. Another advantage of the EVF is it will allow you to see clearly in low light conditions where an OVF in the SL3 would be all but worthless. Also, if shooting 24p is important to you then the M50 might be the best choice for this reason alone. Battery life isn't as good for the M50 but the batteries are small and it is easy to carry one or two extras in a pocket if needed.

There is a reason MILCs are taking over photography from DSLRs. It is because the AF and EVF technology has improved greatly the past few years Especially the AF ability. The eye AF in the EOS R makes the keeper rate when shooting people very high. This, along with no micro focus issues, makes using lenses with thin depth of field a pleasure. I moved from using a 6D to the R and haven't had one regret doing so.

I would say the SL3 is a little bit better than the M50 Mark 1, and live view gives you all the focusing advantages of a mirrorless camera and the SL3 also does eye tracking in photo, video and servo af modes.

It's the best of both worlds. You get an excellent DSLR, plus all the features of a mirrorless except for the electronic viewfinder.

The M50 Mark II on the other hand, has the same features as the SL3.

It's worth noting that the SL3 is missing the center pin on the flash mount, but it's really not a big deal for me as I don't ever use flash.