Canon is increasingly strengthening its position in the mirrorless market with the relaunch of the M50 model. The new version called EOS M50 Mark II brings with it an adequate series of novelties. We tell you about them in these reviews.
There are two versions of this model: black and white. The first is, frankly, a camera and that's it. The second becomes instead becomes protagonist from the first moment. The choice of tint and other small details turns this camera into an object that is sure to attract the attention of many.
The difference of white
It is precisely the design of the white version that makes this version so eye-catching. There are three shades that dominate the body of this small mirrorless: the white of the body, the light gray of the leather-like inserts and the silver of the controls. The combined optics in the kit, EF-M 15-45mm f / 3.5-6.3 IS STM Silver, takes up the silver hues of the controls, making the whole harmonious. For a rare occasion we have a camera in our hands that goes well with different outfits; it has a character that asks to be shown: hanging on the shoulder with its shoulder strap or next to our smartphone in our daily life.
The white shell with pleasure resists daily use, the external treatment repels dirt while maintaining its brightness. As we will see, it is a camera conceived for those who stream and vlogging: its design will surely contribute to all the backstage shots.
Around the shutter button we find an unusual coaxial ferrule, acts as a selector for functions and menus. Viewed as a whole, the bezel and the button create a large area which, in this white version, stands out for its silver hues. The knurling of the bezel is both effective to the touch and pleasant for its texture.
The general management is also done through the LCD Touch monitor, bright and sensitive to the touch. Above the monitor we also find the viewfinder, suitable for the highest light conditions. Vision is also comfortable for eyeglass wearers. The only note that must be made is the intensity of the focus beep, very strong; when it is framed with the viewfinder it is annoying.
The monitor orients itself thanks to the lateral joint, allowing a comfortable shot even in case of selfies.
24 megapixel APS-C sensor
The heart of the system is based on a 24,1 megapixel APS-C sensor, a very balanced resolution between definition and management of numerous shots. The sensor is equipped with the technology Dual Pixel AF for precision focusing during video. The shutter speed is 10 frames per second, one of the many benefits of the mirrorless system and DIGIC-8 processor.
Battery performance is good, considering the use of almost continuous displays and monitors. In the test it was loaded only once; in streaming mode, however, the power consumption becomes higher.
In the test shots the sensor performed well even at high sensitivities; we can use up to 12800 ISO , sensitivity can also be enabled 25600 ISO.
The raw file is the new CR3 which, at the time of writing, is not yet recognized for this camera neither by Adobe Camera Raw nor by Capture One; it is only a matter of time before it is fully supported. In the meantime you can use the supplied software Canon Digital Photo Professional: carries out the work of raw conversion with dignity; the software itself includes lens correction profiles along with basic creative tools.
EOS M50 Mark II review: born to connect
With the EOS M50 Mark II Canon has given space to those concerned with streaming e vlogging. The camera body features the 3,5mm mini-jack for connecting a external microphone, essential for quality audio; one of the sales kits of this mirrorless in fact provides for the external microphone.
Connection management is simple. With the EOS M50 Mark II we can stream to YouTube with ease, just complete the camera setup with a free account image.canon. YouTube parameters can be conveniently configured from the web account management. The same page of image.canon allows you to set up other online services: Google Photos, Google Drive, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (Adobe account), YouTube, Flickr.
Once the services and connection methods have been registered (to a smartphone or to a Wi-Fi network), starting web services is simple and fast, a notable improvement over the past.
Video, even in 4K
The EOS M50 Mark II is generally optimized for FullHD recording, format more than ideal for streaming. There are two compression modes IPB and ALL-I, the first strongly compresses the movie, suitable for immediate sharing while the second keeps more information, a suitable condition for video editing. Given the spread of more and more content vertical video, we have the possibility to save the position of the camera in the movies, so that the services and players are able to reproduce the shot correctly.
There is a modality of shooting in 4K with limitations. The Dual Pixel system will work in phase contrast, a slower mode than that used for photos and FullHD mode. The 4K resolution also imposes the crop of the frame, an old story already seen with the EOS R. Last detail is the ISO sensitivity: maximum 6400.
The performance of the Auto Focus in the video is very good: Once the video is started just touch the part you want to focus on and then the camera will follow that subject precisely. The stabilization of the lenses and the STM-type AF servo motor make shooting stable and without annoying mechanical noises.
Selfie proof
With the EOS M50 Mark II selfies and videos of oneself are easier to shoot, thanks in particular to the supplied lens: the focal length of 15mm (equivalent to 24mm in full frame) is ideal for the length of our arm, for an effective composition of both the face and the surrounding environment. The button for video recording is in a strategic position: it can be easily reached both by holding the camera in the traditional way and when we use it in reverse to shoot. Even the choice of coaxial ring nut shows its advantages because even by taking selfies it turns out natural rotate it to change the parameters.
EOS M50 mark II review: the results in the field
The shooting tests highlight the goodness of the sensor: pleasant images and well contained in terms of noise. For the class of camera it is worth delving into SCN mode for pre-set scenes. One of this, Silent mode, offers true silent shooting, useful in both delicate concerts and animal photography. The SCN and A + modes combine the best performance in internal image processing: an opportunity to skip the editing phase and immediately share more captivating images.
The stabilization of the optics is very effective, thanks also to the small size of the lenses involved.
Obiettivo EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM a 11mm, tempo 1/320, f 9, ISO 100.
Given its compact size, with the EOS M50 Mark II you will often travel with us; it is therefore important to know its performance in low light such as indoors or evening events. The normal range of ISO is from 100 to 12800 in which we can find a good yield up to 3200 ISO. At ISO 6400 you can feel the noise reduction work with a still usable image. At ISO 12800 the camera's internal processing limits sharpness, with a watercolor effect; it is a sensitivity right at the limit, at most usable without enlarging or cropping the image. The sensitivity of ISO 25600 it is available after enabling it through the menus; the image undergoes still further processing with a curious loss of saturation in particular in magenta tones. However, we are talking about a 25600 ISO file on an APS-C sensor, an emergency option to ensure a clear shot when there are no alternatives.
In tests we also have compared the JPGs produced by the camera and the JPGs processed from raw files with Digital Photo Professional. Canon's software does its job by slightly improving color accuracy while sharpness improves dramatically.
The first on the left is the version processed with Digital Photo Professional (DPP) and the one immediately after the JPG of the camera. Sharpness is greater along with a more extensive color palette. The ISO 25600 version also gains more quality with DPP processing.
Intended for those looking for style and performance
With the review of the EOS M50 Mark II we came across a product from excellent performance with an attractive design. A camera for those who produce quality content; the brilliant style of its design draws the eye to those who hold it, an investment in their own promotion.
A perfect camera for female users: small size both for the handle and for the transport space, as well as being pleasing to the eye. The combination of colors and finishes makes it perceive as light, unlike the dark version.
EOS M50 Mark II review: conclusions
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great evolution of the previous model: in step with technology and adequate for current needs, thanks to the strong dedication to streaming. It is a complete machine for traveling and a lifestyle on the go. The autonomy of the battery allows us to resume a day without worries. Picture and video quality is perfect for bright exteriors and interiors. When the light goes down it does its job with some sacrifices in terms of sharpness.
Connectivity is its forte, undoubtedly; with the investment of a good microphone it is an ideal camera for on-the-move and indoor content production.
The camera is available as a kit with EF-M 15-45mm f / 3.5-6.3 IS STM Silver lens for the price of € 769,99.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II White BODY + Canon EF-M 15-45mm
- 24.1 megapixel APS-C sensor
- Filmati Full HD da 60p con Dual Pixel AF
- Stunning video quality with continuous AF
