Beginner's luck

Having shot many cameras in my life, I can say that few, if any, approach the sheer "fun" of the EOS M50. Likewise, bang for buck, the M50 is unbeatable in value.

Who:

The M50 represents, IMHO, the best entry-level interchangeable lens camera on the market, ideal for those wanting more than smartphone photography, but on a budget, or, not sure what they want or enjoy to shoot. It's also good for those who want a second camera that isn't huge, or want access to say wide angle or macro capabilities, but without spending a fortune on one of Canon's L lenses, as an example.

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Do:

Get the stock 15-45 and 55-200 lens/s; the discounts these lenses get bundled with the M50 are fabulous value particularly on a Canon refurb + sale which is common around the Xmas season.

Do:

Shoot lots with it. Don't be afraid of auto, or to leave auto. Video out of this guy, so long as you understand 1080P can be good, is your friend. Consider adding a EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake for low light or "street" photography. It's the new nifty fifty if you will. If you like creative landscapes? EF-M 11-22 also comes recommended. Use Av with f/2 if you get said 22 pancake as auto ignores f/2 on this lens. Vlog, take it places, shot lots with it (if I didn't already say that).

Don't:

4K video. Crop + rolling shutter makes it a gimmick on this model.

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Consider carefully:

That awesome 32mm f/1.4 STM lens, or, any of the Sigma f/1.4 "trio" lenses. If you're considering them, consider the EOS M50 Mark II or M6 Mark II instead. You really should have continuous eye-AF to make the most of them. Even the M200 has it for that matter which is worth a mention. Now that didn't stop me from assigning the M-Fn button to switch between AF methods so I could have eye-AF, and it works well within that context. I prefer AI-servo 24/7 on this camera, except, when shooting f/1.4 and portraits, where you want that eye-AF.

More samples here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskUqR8hQ

As a "retired" wedding photographer I traded my 5Diii's and L lenses for the M50 and the lenses you mention (I have 22,15-45, 55-200 and the amazing Sigma 56/1.4). I may also add the 11-22 (perhaps by trading my little-used 22mm)

I have even used this camera to shoot 2 weddings (as a favour for friends) and this camera performed flawlessly.

I LOVE the EF-M format and sure, there are better "M" cameras out there (the M50ii and the M6ii) but the lack of EVF in the M6ii stops me from buying it. For now I sit and dream of a M5II (M6ii with built-in EVF) but the minute Canon announces that they are dropping the EF-M line-up my finger will smash that "BUY" button on the M6ii 

Thanks for sharing your views and tips (I was not aware of the 22 f2 limitation on Auto  for example).

RLight wrote:

Having shot many cameras in my life, I can say that few, if any, approach the sheer "fun" of the EOS M50. Likewise, bang for buck, the M50 is unbeatable in value.

Good summary.  I think you miss the sheer fun of the m series.  I enjoy your photos from the m series more than the g series. because of bokeh  As I've suggested, I think you need to buy back into the m series (M50II or M6II) for the sheer fun.  The P&S do not have the bokeh.  The shot of your daughter at iso 4000 could also be improved with DXO PL4 deep prime.  Buy into the M6II or M50II and get DXO PL4 Elite

Consider carefully:

That awesome 32mm f/1.4 STM lens, or, any of the Sigma f/1.4 "trio" lenses. If you're considering them, consider the EOS M50 Mark II or M6 Mark II instead.

A few things about your advice.  My advice is somewhat different.

The difference between the M50 and the M50II in price is only $50.  Get the M50II for $50 more since it has the firmware update with the better eye focus.

I personally would not recommend the kit zooms, 15-45 and 55-200, with the m6II since they don't take much advantage of the 33 mpxl sensor over the 24 mpxl sensor and the M6II lacks EFCS,  whereas, the M50II has proper EFCS to address some of the IS issues that some users have had with the IS on these two zooms

So if the buyer wants the 2 kit zooms, get the M50II imo..

That said, the M6II has great resolution and has custom operations for more advanced users with the f1.4 primes.  Buy the M6II for the primes (16, 22, 28, 32, 56 and the 11-22) with the 32 being the #1 priority.  Maybe get a FE lens.  Maybe adapt the 55-250 stm.  Get DXO PL4 Elite.

Just *my 2 cents* on *my advice *

Alexis wrote:

As a "retired" wedding photographer I traded my 5Diii's and L lenses for the M50 and the lenses you mention (I have 22,15-45, 55-200 and the amazing Sigma 56/1.4). I may also add the 11-22 (perhaps by trading my little-used 22mm)

I have even used this camera to shoot 2 weddings (as a favour for friends) and this camera performed flawlessly.

I LOVE the EF-M format and sure, there are better "M" cameras out there (the M50ii and the M6ii) but the lack of EVF in the M6ii stops me from buying it. For now I sit and dream of a M5II (M6ii with built-in EVF) but the minute Canon announces that they are dropping the EF-M line-up my finger will smash that "BUY" button on the M6ii

the 11-22 and 32 are the lenses to get with the M6II -- they work nicely with the nice tilt back screen so I can use my odin triggers.  With longer lenses, I'd want an integrated EVF

Thanks for sharing your views and tips (I was not aware of the 22 f2 limitation on Auto for example).

MAC wrote:

RLight wrote:

Having shot many cameras in my life, I can say that few, if any, approach the sheer "fun" of the EOS M50. Likewise, bang for buck, the M50 is unbeatable in value.

Good summary. I think you miss the sheer fun of the m series. I enjoy your photos from the m series more than the g series. because of bokeh As I've suggested, I think you need to buy back into the m series (M50II or M6II) for the sheer fun. The P&S do not have the bokeh. The shot of your daughter at iso 4000 could also be improved with DXO PL4 deep prime. Buy into the M6II or M50II and get DXO PL4 Elite

Consider carefully:

That awesome 32mm f/1.4 STM lens, or, any of the Sigma f/1.4 "trio" lenses. If you're considering them, consider the EOS M50 Mark II or M6 Mark II instead.

A few things about your advice. My advice is somewhat different.

The difference between the M50 and the M50II in price is only $50. Get the M50II for $50 more since it has the firmware update with the better eye focus.

I personally would not recommend the kit zooms, 15-45 and 55-200, with the m6II since they don't take much advantage of the 33 mpxl sensor over the 24 mpxl sensor and the M6II lacks EFCS, whereas, the M50II has proper EFCS to address some of the IS issues that some users have had with the IS on these two zooms

So if the buyer wants the 2 kit zooms, get the M50II imo..

That said, the M6II has great resolution and has custom operations for more advanced users with the f1.4 primes.

What about just getting EOS R for $400 more?

Buy the M6II for the primes (16, 22, 28, 32, 56 and the 11-22) with the 32 being the #1 priority. Maybe get a FE lens. Maybe adapt the 55-250 stm. Get DXO PL4 Elite.

Just *my 2 cents* on *my advice *

KEG wrote:

MAC wrote:

RLight wrote:

Having shot many cameras in my life, I can say that few, if any, approach the sheer "fun" of the EOS M50. Likewise, bang for buck, the M50 is unbeatable in value.

Good summary. I think you miss the sheer fun of the m series. I enjoy your photos from the m series more than the g series. because of bokeh As I've suggested, I think you need to buy back into the m series (M50II or M6II) for the sheer fun. The P&S do not have the bokeh. The shot of your daughter at iso 4000 could also be improved with DXO PL4 deep prime. Buy into the M6II or M50II and get DXO PL4 Elite

Consider carefully:

That awesome 32mm f/1.4 STM lens, or, any of the Sigma f/1.4 "trio" lenses. If you're considering them, consider the EOS M50 Mark II or M6 Mark II instead.

A few things about your advice. My advice is somewhat different.

The difference between the M50 and the M50II in price is only $50. Get the M50II for $50 more since it has the firmware update with the better eye focus.

I personally would not recommend the kit zooms, 15-45 and 55-200, with the m6II since they don't take much advantage of the 33 mpxl sensor over the 24 mpxl sensor and the M6II lacks EFCS, whereas, the M50II has proper EFCS to address some of the IS issues that some users have had with the IS on these two zooms

So if the buyer wants the 2 kit zooms, get the M50II imo..

That said, the M6II has great resolution and has custom operations for more advanced users with the f1.4 primes.

What about just getting EOS R for $400 more?

In my market, the R is $800 more than the RP and $950 more than the m6II

that is too much for what it offers imo, particularly since some of what you need is F1.2/F1.4 glass to take advantage of the R

Buy the M6II for the primes (16, 22, 28, 32, 56 and the 11-22) with the 32 being the #1 priority. Maybe get a FE lens. Maybe adapt the 55-250 stm. Get DXO PL4 Elite.

Just *my 2 cents* on *my advice *

23speaker23 wrote:

MAC wrote:

In my market, the R is $800 more than the RP and $950 more than the m6II

that is too much for what it offers imo, particularly since some of what you need is F1.2/F1.4 glass to take advantage of the R

That's what I was going to say. The price difference here is way above $400 for the body.

But once you start looking at lenses including WA zooms the difference goes waaay up.

exactamundo!

choosing the right lens/body matches/combos for the intended purposes and within the budget are the keys to having the right tools for each person.

M6 mark ii glass fits my budget. There are times I wish it had the VF included in the body, but have learned to live with it. I find the resolution fantastic, and even the 15-45 works quite well. I also find the Tamron a good 18-200 a good lens for hiking and wildlife, even though the reach is not there for good closeups. In the long run comparing the price of a body is easy, but when you look at the cost of good glass, the m series is a respectable compromise with the M6 mark ii giving you the best in resolution that rivals 5 year old ff resolution in  a much lighter more compact carry.

bisquefire wrote:

M6 mark ii glass fits my budget. There are times I wish it had the VF included in the body, but have learned to live with it. I find the resolution fantastic, and even the 15-45 works quite well. I also find the Tamron a good 18-200 a good lens for hiking and wildlife, even though the reach is not there for good closeups. In the long run comparing the price of a body is easy, but when you look at the cost of good glass, the m series is a respectable compromise with the M6 mark ii giving you the best in resolution that rivals 5 year old ff resolution in a much lighter more compact carry.

One reason I bought into the M system in the first place was that it didn't have an EVF, as I had a balance disorder that made using an EVF impossible. I do have a residual degree of it that makes using some EVFs a very unpleasant experience. So I went through M, M3, M6 and then found that I can use Canon's EVFs in Smooth Mode. But I actually prefer the add-on finder of the M3/6/II - as a two-eyed shooter, it gives me better peripheral vision, and I can take it off when I want an even more compact package. With the M6 II having touch and drag AF, and me not being a huge flash user for personal stuff, it's a better solution for me than a built-in finder.

I also greatly enjoy my M50. I got it as a refurb last November after using my original EOS M for 6 years. Obviously, it was a huge upgrade. I will probably do the same with it, using it for ~5 more years before upgrading to a newer model that will be a couple years old at the time but still a huge leap forward for me. That is, assuming the system isn't completely dead by then (which I don't think it will be).

The M50/M50 ii has to be one of the best values in photography today. Pair it with a few good lenses, and it's very capable. I'm certainly still the main limiting factor in my photography, not the camera.

nnowak wrote:

Since the M50 II is currently only $50 more expensive (about 8% more) that the original M50, I don't see the point of purchasing/recommending the original version. Having access to Eye AF outside of a crippled scene mode is reason enough to pay the small premium for the newer camera.

The original M50 has Eye AF in any shooting mode too, just not in Servo AF. But I agree there's no point in not getting the Mark II given the minimal price difference.

Alexis wrote:

As a "retired" wedding photographer

me too

For now I sit and dream of a M5II

me too

I'll press the buy button immediately upon announcement and include the two kit zooms in the package if it is announced and they include proper EFCS and mechanical and shutter speed algorithms  in the design as they should have with the m6II and continue to give the great electronic shutter of the m6II

Listening Canon?

You got a market here for M5II with 32 mpxl  sensor, all the features of the m6II, and then add the internal evf for longer lenses and to use my Odin triggers with the evf and longer lenses

Heck, then build even another one, an M5III and include IBIS in that one and I'll buy that one also and run three M's with three different lenses attached since I hate changing lenses

The M6II would have the M32 F1.4 glued

The M5II with EFCS, mechanical, electronic and shutter speed algorithms implemented would have either the  M11-22 or m55-200 attached

The M5III with all the features of the M5II and then add IBIS would have the siggy 56 F1.4 glued

Win Win for everyone who cares about small !!!!

KEG wrote:

MAC wrote:

RLight wrote:

Having shot many cameras in my life, I can say that few, if any, approach the sheer "fun" of the EOS M50. Likewise, bang for buck, the M50 is unbeatable in value.

Good summary. I think you miss the sheer fun of the m series. I enjoy your photos from the m series more than the g series. because of bokeh As I've suggested, I think you need to buy back into the m series (M50II or M6II) for the sheer fun. The P&S do not have the bokeh. The shot of your daughter at iso 4000 could also be improved with DXO PL4 deep prime. Buy into the M6II or M50II and get DXO PL4 Elite

Consider carefully:

That awesome 32mm f/1.4 STM lens, or, any of the Sigma f/1.4 "trio" lenses. If you're considering them, consider the EOS M50 Mark II or M6 Mark II instead.

A few things about your advice. My advice is somewhat different.

The difference between the M50 and the M50II in price is only $50. Get the M50II for $50 more since it has the firmware update with the better eye focus.

I personally would not recommend the kit zooms, 15-45 and 55-200, with the m6II since they don't take much advantage of the 33 mpxl sensor over the 24 mpxl sensor and the M6II lacks EFCS, whereas, the M50II has proper EFCS to address some of the IS issues that some users have had with the IS on these two zooms

So if the buyer wants the 2 kit zooms, get the M50II imo..

That said, the M6II has great resolution and has custom operations for more advanced users with the f1.4 primes.

What about just getting EOS R for $400 more?

I have both the M6II and the R. They serve different purposes. The M6II is much smaller and lighter in almost all combinations. I take it with me everywhere. If/when I get to travel again (still avoiding airports because of Covid), the M6II is definitely my travel camera. I also really enjoy using the R, and use it for lots of low light work, and most things that don't require traveling with it. The M6II is still better for most sports, and for focus bracketing (the R is the only R camera that doesn't have that feature).

Buy the M6II for the primes (16, 22, 28, 32, 56 and the 11-22) with the 32 being the #1 priority. Maybe get a FE lens. Maybe adapt the 55-250 stm. Get DXO PL4 Elite.

Just *my 2 cents* on *my advice *

Alastair Norcross wrote:

KEG wrote:

MAC wrote:

RLight wrote:

Having shot many cameras in my life, I can say that few, if any, approach the sheer "fun" of the EOS M50. Likewise, bang for buck, the M50 is unbeatable in value.

Good summary. I think you miss the sheer fun of the m series. I enjoy your photos from the m series more than the g series. because of bokeh As I've suggested, I think you need to buy back into the m series (M50II or M6II) for the sheer fun. The P&S do not have the bokeh. The shot of your daughter at iso 4000 could also be improved with DXO PL4 deep prime. Buy into the M6II or M50II and get DXO PL4 Elite

Consider carefully:

That awesome 32mm f/1.4 STM lens, or, any of the Sigma f/1.4 "trio" lenses. If you're considering them, consider the EOS M50 Mark II or M6 Mark II instead.

A few things about your advice. My advice is somewhat different.

The difference between the M50 and the M50II in price is only $50. Get the M50II for $50 more since it has the firmware update with the better eye focus.

I personally would not recommend the kit zooms, 15-45 and 55-200, with the m6II since they don't take much advantage of the 33 mpxl sensor over the 24 mpxl sensor and the M6II lacks EFCS, whereas, the M50II has proper EFCS to address some of the IS issues that some users have had with the IS on these two zooms

So if the buyer wants the 2 kit zooms, get the M50II imo..

That said, the M6II has great resolution and has custom operations for more advanced users with the f1.4 primes.

What about just getting EOS R for $400 more?

I have both the M6II and the R. They serve different purposes. The M6II is much smaller and lighter in almost all combinations. I take it with me everywhere. If/when I get to travel again (still avoiding airports because of Covid), the M6II is definitely my travel camera. I also really enjoy using the R, and use it for lots of low light work, and most things that don't require traveling with it. The M6II is still better for most sports, and for focus bracketing (the R is the only R camera that doesn't have that feature).

hmmm, even the RP has focus bracketing

I think the R's strengths are in low light as you said

I also think that with the right lens (like a EF 16-35 F4 IS L), the R would be very good at landscapes for its good DR

https://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm#Canon%20EOS%20M6%20Mark%20II,Canon%20EOS%20R,Canon%20EOS%20R6,Canon%20EOS%20RP

but that said, the zoom lenses for landscapes are expensive and heavy

now if one got the R6, one could try landscapes with IBIS and the new RF 16, but that is only 20 mpxl's

For me I'm headed toward landscapes with the M6II, with its high MPXL and good DR (better DR than my RP @ iso 100) and the 11-22

Buy the M6II for the primes (16, 22, 28, 32, 56 and the 11-22) with the 32 being the #1 priority. Maybe get a FE lens. Maybe adapt the 55-250 stm. Get DXO PL4 Elite.

Just *my 2 cents* on *my advice *

Beautiful photographs - thank you for sharing.