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Canon R5 vs. R50: What's the Difference?
Annika Jansen
What is the difference between the Canon R5 and R50?
The Canon R5 and Canon R50 are both popular mirrorless cameras, but they were developed for entirely different photographers. The R5 is the professional full-frame flagship within the Canon EOS R system, aimed at photographers who want to get the maximum out of their images. The R50, on the other hand, is a compact entry-level camera with an APS-C sensor, ideal for anyone who wants to take great photos easily and quickly.
What are the key differences between the Canon R5 and Canon R50?
| Specification | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R50 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R50 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 45-megapixel | 24.2-megapixel |
| Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X |
| ISO range | 100–51,200 (expandable) | 100–32,000 (expandable) |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II |
| Image stabilisation (IBIS) | Yes, up to 8 stops | Digital only during video |
| Burst shooting | 20 fps electronic, 12 fps mechanical | 15 fps electronic, 12 fps mechanical |
| Video | 8K 30p, 4K 120p | 4K 30p without crop |
| Viewfinder | 5.76 million dots OLED | 2.36 million dots OLED |
| Screen | 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen | 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen |
| Dual card slot | Yes, CFexpress + SD UHS-II | No, 1× SD UHS-I |
| Battery | LP-E6NH | LP-E17 |
| Weight (incl. battery) | 738 g | 375 g |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm | 116.3 × 85.5 × 68.8 mm |
| Grip & controls | Solid, professional, many buttons | Compact, simple, minimalist |
| Recommended price (body) | €3,349 | €789 |
| Year introduced | 2020 | 2023 |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EOS R5?
Advantages
- 45-megapixel sensor for extreme detail and large prints
- 8K video recording and extensive filmmaking capabilities
- Fast autofocus, high burst rate and professional build quality
- In-body image stabilisation (IBIS) up to 8 stops
- Dual card slot and solid grip
Disadvantages
- High recommended price
- Large file sizes require fast cards and plenty of storage
- More features than the average beginner needs
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EOS R50?
Advantages
- Lightweight, compact and easy to use
- 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers sharp photos
- Excellent autofocus and user-friendly interface
- Competitive price, ideal as a first mirrorless camera or for travel
Disadvantages
- Fewer advanced features and physical buttons
- No IBIS, only digital stabilisation during video
- No dual card slot and smaller battery
What are the specification differences between the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R50?
| Specification | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R50 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R50 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 45-megapixel | 24.2-megapixel |
| Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X |
| ISO range | 100–51,200 (expandable) | 100–32,000 (expandable) |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II |
| Image stabilisation (IBIS) | Yes, up to 8 stops | Digital only during video |
| Burst shooting (electronic) | 20 fps | 15 fps |
| Burst shooting (mechanical) | 12 fps | 12 fps |
| Video | 8K 30p, 4K 120p | 4K 30p without crop |
| Viewfinder | 5.76 million dots OLED | 2.36 million dots OLED |
| Screen | 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen | 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen |
| Dual card slot | Yes, CFexpress + SD UHS-II | No, 1× SD UHS-I |
| Battery | LP-E6NH | LP-E17 |
| Weight (incl. battery) | 738 g | 375 g |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 97.5 × 88 mm | 116.3 × 85.5 × 68.8 mm |
| Grip & controls | Solid, professional, many buttons | Compact, simple, minimalist |
| Recommended price (body) | €3,349 | €789 |
| Year introduced | 2020 | 2023 |
Which model best suits your needs?
The Canon EOS R5 and R50 are designed for entirely different photographers. The R5 is the choice for those who want to push image quality, speed and creative possibilities to the limit — for example in portrait, commercial, landscape or professional video work. The R50 is ideal for anyone who wants to start out easily, is looking for a compact camera for everyday use, or simply wants to make great photos and videos without any fuss.
Not sure which model suits you best? Feel free to visit one of our stores for personal advice from our specialists, or browse the full range online. That way you can be sure you choose a camera that matches your way of working and your photographic ambitions.
