The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a perplexing camera; while it has a ton of features on its own, the majority of those features were included in the original EOS M50, with only a few new features indicating an upgrade.
The M50 Mark II is similar to its predecessor both inside and out; the only additional features are purely software-based and may be very important to aspiring content producers. The ability to capture vertical videos for social media sites and eye-detect focusing are further advantages.
Features of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Given that the EOS M50 Mark II is an exact clone of its predecessor, you may read our review of the EOS M50 to learn more about the majority of the features in the new model. It not only inherits the M50’s body but also the latter’s 24.1MP APS-C sensor and relatively outdated Digic 8 image engine.
Hence, the ISO sensitivity range of 100–25,600 (extendable to 51,200) and the maximum burst speed of 10fps remain the same. While the Mark II model gains certain software changes that offer it a minor edge over the M50, the number of AF points stays the same at 143 useable points.
Thanks to Canon’s Dual Pixel sensor, which employs phase-detection focusing, eye recognition and tracking are now available for both still photos and video, and they perform rather well. Both static photos and 1080p video can capture fast-moving subjects without losing them. Nevertheless, only contrast-detect AF is available while recording in 4K, which slows down the autofocus a touch.
Speaking of 4K recording, the M50 II has identical specifications to its predecessor in that it can record footage with a resolution of 3840×2160 at 25 frames per second and has 4K timelapse recording, which enables you to extract still images from the video. However, the M50 II also carries along the M50’s hefty 1.56x cut when shooting in 4K mode. This crop rises to 1.75x if digital image stabilization (IS) is enabled, and to 2.26x if advanced IS is used, making the M50 II a 4K camera only in name. If 4K video is more important to you than anything else, we’d suggest the Canon EOS M6 Mark II. There is also high-speed video at 100 frames per second, however the highest resolution is 720p.
Canon has adapted their PowerShot G7X Mark III playbook and added vertical video recording features to the M50 II in order to appeal to content makers. Social media companies like Instagram and TikTok like this format since it makes it simpler for content creators to post to their chosen website. Also, as was already noted, it has the potential to stream straight to YouTube, albeit there are requirements that must be met before you can utilize Google’s live streaming capability. The M50 II may be used as a webcam or for streaming because it is also compatible with Canon’s EOS Webcam Utility.
The M50 II now has a virtual recording button on the touchscreen as well as a helpful movie self-timer to make capturing video simpler. This last function is excellent for usage by a single person since it gives you between 2 and 10 seconds to position oneself in front of the camera before it begins to record.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II: construction and use
We won’t go into much detail because the M50 II and the earlier M50 are similar. It has the same sturdy construction and a manageable size that makes it a great travel companion. In fact, some Micro Four Thirds cameras are smaller than it. Also, it implies that your grip is not particularly firm, but it is sufficient to prevent you from dropping the camera.
The 1.04-million dot fully articulating LCD touchscreen, 2.36-million dot crisp viewfinder, and single-dial control scheme are all retained. You can access all the functions you want with the back buttons or the touchscreen, which includes touch-and-drag focusing.
While this is a new model, there is still no weather sealing; yet, despite the camera’s plasticky appearance, it is built solidly and doesn’t feel delicate in the hand.
Performance of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The EOS M50 was the first Canon camera to get the Digic 8 image engine in 2018, and the Mark II version, while being three years older, inherits the same processor. It was also the first Canon camera to enable 4K video. Accordingly, the M50 Mark II can shoot bursts of up to 10 frames per second (fps) in Single AF mode, although tracking reduces that speed to a still-capable 7.4 fps in Continuous AF mode.
You can get more shots out of the battery even if it is only rated for 305 (strangely more than the 235-shot limit for the M50 despite having the same battery). We tested the device (which we did while traveling to Tasmania) and were able to capture 375 photographs on a single charge, which is rather commendable.
Regarding AF performance, there isn’t much to be unhappy about either. It may not perform as well as the EOS R5 or R6, but it more than holds its own, latching onto and tracking a subject well. Although it struggles with things that move very quickly, Canon’s dependable Dual Pixel AF nevertheless performs admirably in this situation.
Contrast-detect AF is utilized to capture 4K footage, however it is sluggish and has trouble locating the target. Despite this, the camera performs admirably in most scenarios, especially for vlogging, even if it wasn’t made to keep up with activity. Yet, it performs rather admirably in 1080p.
As there is no in-body image stabilization available, in some circumstances a tripod may be necessary.
Image quality of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II
It’s not broken, so why fix it? The 24MP sensor in the previous M50 had no issues whatsoever, thus utilizing it once more in the Mark II was a wise choice. With the M50, it creates some incredibly clear and sharp photos with superb color rendering and tons of details.
We were able to bring the camera and a few EF-M lenses to Tasmania, Australia, and it goes without saying that we are really pleased with the results.
When image quality starts to suffer, there is more than enough resolution for A3 printing or significant cropping.
Although the dynamic range of the M50 II falls short of those of more sophisticated cameras, it nevertheless performs admirably in raw files. In reality, we were able to recover a significant amount of lost features in JPEGs’ highlights and shadows.
Do I need to purchase the Canon EOS M50 Mark II?
If, purchase it.
You require a skilled and trustworthy entry-level camera.
The EOS M50 Mark II is a top performer, especially when it comes to still photos, like its predecessor. You can’t go wrong with this camera if you’re just starting out in photography and looking for something that offers fantastic value. Although you may use a lens adaptor to use full-frame EF lenses on this camera, it should be noted that there aren’t many native EF-M lenses available.
You’re a budding content producer.
For social networking sites that target the mobile generation, the EOS M50 II was created. This camera’s capacity to take vertical video makes it simpler to do, and you don’t need assistance to start recording with its movie self-timer. And if you meet Google’s requirements, you may live broadcast to YouTube as well. Although the camera’s 4K footage has some flaws, its 1080p video is flawless.
