Canon EOS R50 V Review

In a world increasingly dominated by vertical video and social media content, Canon has responded with the EOS R50 V – the debut camera in their new “V” (Video) series. After spending time with this unique hybrid shooter, it’s clear that Canon has reimagined what a video-first camera should be in 2025. Rather than simply tweaking an existing model, they’ve created something genuinely fresh that addresses the needs of modern content creators.

Design & Handling

The moment you pick up the R50 V, you notice this isn’t just an R50 with a different badge. The addition of a vertical tripod socket on the grip side instantly signals this camera’s social media-first intentions. At 370g with battery and card, it remains astonishingly lightweight for a camera with interchangeable lens capabilities, making it ideal for extended handheld shooting sessions.

The body sports several video-focused additions: a front record button positioned perfectly for self-recording, a visible tally light so you always know when you’re rolling, and a power zoom lever for smooth, controlled zoom movements when paired with compatible PZ lenses like the new RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ. These might seem like small things, but they solve real pain points for vloggers and content creators.

The fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen feels responsive, though at 1.04 million dots, it’s not the highest resolution available. The lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) will certainly deter traditional photographers, but for a video-centric camera primarily used at arm’s length, the decision makes sense in keeping both the price and weight down.

Image Quality & Performance

Internally, the R50 V shares the excellent 24.2MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC X processor from the standard R50. This is no bad thing, as it’s a proven combination that delivers crisp, detailed footage with pleasing colors. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system remains one of Canon’s strongest assets, providing reliable tracking and subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles.

The camera’s video capabilities are where it truly shines. 4K 30p is oversampled from 6K with no crop, providing exceptional detail and clarity. 4K 60p is available with a crop factor, while Full HD can be shot at up to 120fps for smooth slow-motion sequences. Most impressively, Canon has included professional-grade features like Canon Log 3, HLG, and PQ with 10-bit 4:2:2 color – specifications typically reserved for much more expensive cinema cameras.

The new “Slow and Fast” mode is particularly innovative, allowing you to set both recording frame rate and playback speed in-camera. This means you can capture smooth slow-motion sequences or hyperlapse videos without any post-processing required – a significant time-saver for content creators on tight deadlines.

Specialised Tools for Content Creators

Canon has clearly studied how modern creators work and built features accordingly. The camera’s mode dial offers seven different video modes, including specialized options for product demonstrations (ideal for unboxings and reviews), walking vlogs with enhanced stabilization, and a skin-smoothing effect that provides a flattering look without the plastic appearance of heavy filtering.

The new “Cinema View” mode adds letterbox bars to create a cinematic 2.35:1 aspect ratio in-camera, while 14 different color filters provide creative looks reminiscent of popular social media presets. While purists might scoff at baking these effects into footage, they’re undeniably convenient for creators who need to publish quickly across multiple platforms.

Connectivity & Livestreaming Capabilities

The R50 V excels in connectivity options with a comprehensive suite of livestreaming features. The dedicated “Live” button provides quick access to streaming settings, allowing for USB webcam functionality, clean HDMI output, or wireless streaming via the Canon Camera Connect app. The camera also supports Canon’s Live Switcher Mobile app, which enables wireless switching between multiple Canon cameras during a livestream – a feature typically requiring expensive dedicated hardware.

Connection ports include USB-C, HDMI (Type D), microphone input, headphone output, and an E3 remote terminal – a remarkably complete set for a camera of this size. The multi-function accessory shoe supports digital audio input for compatible microphones, further enhancing its capabilities as a content creation tool.

Photography Capabilities

While designed primarily for video, the R50 V remains a capable stills camera. The 24.2MP sensor delivers detailed images with good dynamic range, and the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system provides reliable focusing for most situations. Continuous shooting rates of up to 15fps with the electronic shutter are impressive for a camera in this class.

The lack of an EVF will be a deal-breaker for traditional photographers, but for content creators who primarily need photos for thumbnails, social media posts, or behind-the-scenes content, the R50 V is more than adequate.

Battery Life & Practical Considerations

The R50 V uses Canon’s familiar LP-E17 battery, which provides approximately 300-350 shots per charge for stills. Video recording time varies by settings, but you can expect around 80-90 minutes of continuous recording at 4K30p. While not spectacular, this is reasonable for a camera of this size. The ability to charge via USB-C is a welcome addition for creators on the go.

One notable absence is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). While the camera offers electronic image stabilization for video and works with optically-stabilized lenses, the lack of IBIS is noticeable when shooting handheld with non-stabilized lenses. For a camera clearly aimed at mobile creators, this feels like a missed opportunity.

Who Is The R50 V For?

The R50 V finds its sweet spot with several specific user groups:

• Social media content creators who need quick, high-quality video optimized for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
• Solo operators who frequently need to film themselves and require user-friendly self-recording features
• Streamers and live content creators looking for an all-in-one solution for high-quality livestreaming
• Aspiring filmmakers seeking cinema camera features in an affordable, portable package

Traditional photographers, sports/wildlife specialists, and those who prioritize stills will be better served by cameras with viewfinders and more photography-centric features.

The Competition

The R50 V enters an increasingly crowded space of creator-focused cameras. Sony’s ZV-E10 II has been a popular choice with similar intentions, though it lacks the vertical mounting options and some of the specialized video features of the Canon. Fujifilm’s X-S20 offers IBIS and excellent film simulations but at a higher price point, while the Panasonic G100 provides similar video capabilities in an even more compact form factor.

What sets the R50 V apart is its comprehensive approach to modern content creation workflows – not just capturing great video, but streamlining the entire process from recording to sharing. The vertical orientation support, livestreaming capabilities, and in-camera creative tools show a deep understanding of how today’s creators actually work.

The Verdict

The Canon EOS R50 V represents a thoughtful reimagining of what a hybrid camera can be when video takes priority. Rather than forcing video features into a stills-oriented body, Canon has built something purposefully designed for today’s content creators. While it won’t appeal to traditional photographers, it wasn’t meant to – and that’s precisely its strength.

For content creators who primarily publish to social media, streamers looking for a versatile camera solution, or anyone diving into the world of video content creation, the R50 V delivers an impressive feature set at a reasonable price point. Its innovative vertical design, professional video capabilities, and streamlined workflow make it a compelling option for the new generation of visual storytellers.

Is it perfect? No – the lack of IBIS is noticeable, and some will miss having an EVF. But Canon has made deliberate choices to prioritize the features that matter most to their target audience, resulting in a specialized tool that excels at its intended purpose.

The EOS R50 V marks a promising start to Canon’s V series lineup. If this is the direction they’re heading with creator-focused cameras, the future looks bright for content creators seeking tools that truly understand their needs.

Buy the Canon EOS R50 V