When choosing between the Canon R50 and the Canon R50V, you might wonder: what’s the real difference? At first glance, they seem nearly identical. And that’s because, well… they mostly are. But don’t be fooled – those few differences could make a big impact depending on your needs.
Let’s break it all down so by the end, you’ll know exactly which camera is right for you.
Same Camera, Different Focus
The “V” in R50V stands for video, and that’s where most of the differences come into play. Both cameras share the same core specs, but the R50V is tweaked specifically with videographers in mind.
If you’re like me and shoot more videos than photos, the R50V offers some major advantages:
Why the R50V Is Great for Video
Canon C-Log and 10-bit Color
The R50V is the most affordable Canon camera with C-Log, giving filmmakers more flexibility in post-production. It also shoots in 10-bit color, which delivers better color depth, smoother gradients, and reduced banding, especially noticeable when filming skies or skin tones.
Yes, the original R50 also shoots in 10-bit but only in HDR PQ, which isn’t as ideal for professional color grading.
120fps Slow Motion
Need buttery-smooth slow-motion shots? The R50V supports 120 frames per second in 10-bit, making it ideal for action scenes and cinematic B-roll.
Bake LUTs In-Camera
You can now apply custom LUTs (Look-Up Tables) directly in-camera on the R50V, which is a huge time-saver.
You get that stylized, cinematic look straight out of the camera without heavy post-editing.
Want my personal LUTs and Lightroom presets? You can grab them on my website for as low as $15.
2-Hour Recording Limit
The R50V doubles the R50’s record limit from 1 hour to 2 hours, making it better suited for interviews, podcasts, or live event recordings. No more having to get up and hit the record button mid-shoot.
Minor But Helpful Extras
- Tally Light – So you’ll never forget to hit record.
- Headphone Jack – Monitor your audio in real time.
- Vertical Mount Point – Great for shooting vertical content or social videos.
Where the R50 Has the Edge
But it’s not a clean sweep. The R50 holds a few key advantages, especially for photographers:
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
The R50V lacks an EVF, which many photographers consider essential. EVFs are especially helpful in bright sunlight where the LCD screen becomes hard to see.
Higher Quality LCD
The R50 has a slightly better quality LCD screen than the R50V which is a subtle but notable difference if you rely on the display for framing and focus.
Better Ergonomics
The R50 body simply feels better in the hand. Its improved ergonomics make a difference, especially for long handheld shoots.
One Gripe with Canon…
While both cameras are solid, I can’t help but be a little disappointed that Canon didn’t roll out a firmware update for the R50 to bring some of these video upgrades. Even a paid update with just C-Log and 10-bit would’ve been a welcome move.
Pricing and Lens Advice
Both the R50 and R50V are similarly priced:
- $650 for the body only
- $850 with the kit lens
But I recommend skipping the kit lens and instead getting the Meike ND Filter Adapter. It gives you:
- Internal ND filters
- Support for CPL and Black Mist filters
- Cinema-style shooting experience
Note: The Meike ND adapter only works with EF and EF-S lenses, which I actually prefer. They offer manual focus control, which is critical for rack focusing or pull focus techniques in filmmaking.
Favorite Lenses for the R50/R50V
- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 – One of the best APS-C lenses ever made.
- Canon 10-18mm EF-S – Ideal for vlogging with image stabilization, and just $299.
- The 14-30mm kit lens is decent, but not wide enough for true vlogging.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Get the R50V if:
- You’re primarily a video shooter
- You want pro-level color grading tools like C-Log and LUT support
- You rarely use a viewfinder
- You shoot in controlled lighting environments
Get the R50 if:
- Photography is equally or more important to you
- You shoot a lot in bright outdoor conditions
- Ergonomics and handheld shooting matter
- You don’t need to record clips longer than 1 hour
Don’t Forget…
The camera is important, but your skills and the tools you use matter even more.
- Learn new techniques by reading my other articles or subscribing to my YouTube channel
- Watch my video: 7 Must-Have Accessories for the Canon R50 and R50V
Check out my other camera comparisons here:
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