Canon R50 vs R100 vs M50: Which Beginner Camera Should You Buy?
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The quick answer
I would choose the Canon R50 for its screen, autofocus and easier video setup. The R100 makes sense when price is the deciding factor and a fixed screen is acceptable. I would compare the original M50 when the used price is attractive or I already own EF-M lenses.
Compare the R50 with the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens and check the R100 with the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens. Compare the actual package, since a body and a kit are different purchases.
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The differences I would decide on first
| Feature | Original M50 | R50 | R100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | EF-M | RF, including RF-S | RF, including RF-S |
| Screen | Articulating touchscreen | Articulating touchscreen | Fixed, no touch control |
| Main video appeal | Full HD with Dual Pixel AF | Oversampled 4K up to 30p with Dual Pixel AF II | Basic Full HD and more restricted 4K |
| USB battery charging | No internal USB charging | Supported with a suitable setup | No internal USB charging |
1. The lens mounts are different
The M50 uses EF-M. The R50 and R100 use RF and RF-S lenses. EF-M and RF lenses are not interchangeable through a normal mount adapter.
Compatible EF and EF-S lenses can be adapted with an adapter made for the destination mount. The M50 needs EF to EF-M; the R50 and R100 need EF to RF.
Check the EF to EF-M adapter option for an M50 only after confirming the exact model and supported functions. Owning EF-M lenses is a reason to compare the cost of keeping an M50 before changing systems.
2. A flexible screen changes how I use the camera
The M50 and R50 have articulating touchscreens. They are easier to frame from awkward angles or turn toward myself when filming.
The R100 has a fixed screen without touch controls. That is a meaningful compromise if I want to film myself or adjust settings by touch.
3. USB-C does not always mean USB charging
The M50 uses Micro USB and the R100 has USB-C, but neither charges its battery inside the camera over USB. They need a compatible external battery charger.
The R50 supports USB charging with compatible power equipment and a supported Canon battery. Check Canon’s USB power instructions rather than assume any USB-C lead will charge it or power a recording indefinitely.
4. Check the battery and charger in the package
The original M50 uses LP-E12 batteries. The R50 and R100 use LP-E17 batteries. They are not interchangeable between those groups.
For a used camera, an old battery’s condition matters. I would budget for a good battery and charger rather than assume a small difference in rated endurance settles the choice.
5. Match the flash or shoe accessory
The M50 and R100 use conventional hot shoes. The R50 uses Canon’s Multi-function shoe, and some older accessories need the appropriate adapter.
A shoe fitting mechanically does not guarantee full electrical compatibility. Check the exact flash or microphone against the camera and any required adapter.
6. The R50 gives more subject tracking options
The R50’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and subject detection are a reason I would pay more for it, especially for moving subjects and video.
The M50 and R100 have Dual Pixel autofocus in supported modes, but that does not mean all three focus the same way in every recording mode. Their cropped 4K modes have more limitations.
7. Burst speed needs context
The R50 offers faster bursts than the R100, with the M50 between them in the original comparison. Maximum frame rates depend on shutter mode, autofocus behavior and other settings.
For action, compare how well the camera tracks the subject and how long it can sustain a burst. The largest fps number by itself does not describe the whole experience.
8. Slow motion is sharper on the R50
The R50 records High Frame Rate movies in Full HD at about 120fps or 100fps, depending on the video system. The M50 and R100’s high frame rate options use lower resolution HD.
The R50’s High Frame Rate mode records without sound and plays back at quarter speed. Read Canon’s mode details and check focus before recording.
9. The 4K modes are not equivalent
The R50’s oversampled 4K up to 30p and Dual Pixel AF II make it the easiest video choice for me here. It does not require the same large additional crop as the other two cameras’ 4K modes.
The M50 and R100 can record 4K, but tighter framing and autofocus limitations matter in practice. I would compare their Full HD results if buying one for simple video.
10. The lens matters as much as the body size
All three are small cameras. The R100 is the lightest in the original comparison, followed by the R50 and M50, but the complete setup depends heavily on the lens.
Try the grip, screen position and controls with a lens similar to the one you will use. Those details matter more to me than a small difference in body weight.
Which one would I buy?
I would start with the R50 kit for a first camera used for both photos and video. The screen and autofocus are features I would use regularly.
I would compare the R100 kit when the saving is significant and I can live with its fixed screen. The original M50 remains worth considering at a suitable used price, particularly for someone who already owns EF-M lenses.