Canon’s latest drop, the Canon EOS R50 V, is their attempt to provide creators a mirrorless camera that punches above its weight without breaking the bank.

Priced at around R16 990 for the body only, it’s got all the makings of a solid content creation tool: interchangeable lenses, Canon Log video, and 4K at 60 frames per second (fps).

This camera is an upgrade from the original Canon EOS R50 and also a camera that carries features we would typically see in more premium cameras, so of course, I had to take a closer look.

1. The Kit Lens

Canon is pushing hard into the mirrorless territory, and it shows. The R50 V kit comes bundled with a new RF-S 14-30mm power zoom lens. It hits that sweet spot between wide enough for vlogging (14mm) and tight enough (30mm) for pro-level photos. With optical image stabilisation, it’s compact, stabilised, and versatile.

The aperture range of f/4.0 to f/6.3 is where things get a bit tricky. Low-light shooters may feel let down because it just doesn’t let in much light, especially at night. But you can always upgrade the lens. The beauty of the mirrorless system is the compatibility, you can use an EF or EF-S lens using the EF-EOS R adapter to change lenses.

2. Video First

Canon did a good job at creating a camera that screams “video creator”. From the dedicated record button up front to the live stream button and the fully articulating 7.5cm flip screen, everything feels built around the 2025 creator.

What really impressed me is the 1/4″ side mount, which is perfect for vertical video creators. No extra rigging or accessories are needed. Whether you’re live streaming, vlogging, or making reels, the APS-C sensor and new custom video dial design give you access to three dedicated shooting presets, making the whole process efficient and easy.

3. Log Video

Most budget cameras skip over log video but the R50 V does not. It supports Canon Log 3 in 10-bit, which is a game changer if you’re serious about colour grading your content in post-production.

On top of that, Canon has added a dedicated colour button so you can play with filters straight out of the camera. It’s the kind of flexibility and efficiency creators love to see.

4. Next-Level Autofocus

Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus remains a key talking point for me. Whether you’re filming people, pets, or even fast-moving vehicles, the Canon R50 V tracks subjects reliably. With three autofocus modes (One Shot, Servo AF, and Auto Switch), it’s well-suited for vlogging or run-and-gun shooting.

5. Battery Life

Here’s the downside. The battery life isn’t amazing; you’ll get roughly two hours of shooting on a full charge. If you’re shooting in 4K, be prepared to carry a few spares. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth factoring in if you’re filming long-form content or doing shoots outside of a studio.

Canon

The Canon EOS R50 V is a solid budget mirrorless entry point for South African creators. It’s portable, compatible with the growing lens ecosystem, and designed for today’s video-first social media. The built-in filters, live streaming capability, and log video support are rare at this price point.

But the kit lens struggles in low light, and the battery life could be better. If you’re just starting or want something more serious than your phone, the R50V is a smart step-up.

That said, if you’ve already dabbled with something like the DJI Pocket 3, which adds stabilisation and portability in one package, you might find the R50 V a bit limiting. It’s good, just not revolutionary.