Canon R50 Problems: 5 Downsides to Know Before You Buy

1. Cables can get in the way of the grip

The HDMI and USB connections sit on the grip side of the R50. With a cable plugged in, I have less room for my hand than I would like.

That matters most when I use an external monitor or USB power while holding the camera. On a tripod, the same placement is less troublesome.

Before buying a rig around it, try the actual cable route. Leave enough slack for movement and support the cable so a tug does not pull directly on the camera socket.

2. Choose the lens system around the kit you need

The original video discussed a much more restricted RF lens market. That is no longer a complete description: Sigma now lists licensed Canon RF autofocus lenses, including options intended for APS-C cameras.

The R50 can use Canon RF and RF-S lenses. Compatible EF and EF-S lenses are another option with the appropriate EF to EOS R adapter. EF-M lenses are a different system.

The useful question is whether the particular lenses I want are available at a sensible total price. Check the exact Canon RF version, camera compatibility and firmware rather than assume a lens sold in several mounts will fit.

My budget Canon lens guide covers four different uses, from portraits to distant subjects.

3. Long 4K takes need a realistic test

In my original indoor test, the R50 reached a heat limit after roughly 35 to 40 minutes of continuous 4K recording. I did not hit that problem in the Full HD tests described in the video.

Those are results from that setup, not guaranteed recording times. Ambient temperature, settings, prior camera use and power conditions can change the outcome.

For a short clip, it may never affect the shoot. For an interview or event, test the intended mode for the full expected duration and leave time for cooling. Full HD may be a useful alternative when its image quality is sufficient.

4. Battery fit does not guarantee USB charging

USB-C charging and external power are useful, but the battery, adapter and cable need to work together. Plan around the supported Canon LP-E17 setup rather than assume any replacement battery will charge inside the camera.

Canon’s USB power guidance recommends the PD-E1 for the R50 and distinguishes charging with the camera off from supplying power while it is on.

If you already use third party batteries, confirm their charging instructions and test the complete setup. Do not assume that plugging in a USB cable charges the battery during a recording or removes every runtime limit.

5. Check the flash and multi-function shoe together

The R50’s multi-function shoe needs extra attention if you own older flash equipment. Canon specifies the Canon AD-E1 adapter for accessories not designed for that shoe.

That makes the exact flash or trigger compatibility worth checking before buying. A shoe adapter is not a promise that every flash protocol or function will work.

See Canon’s R50 user guide and the accessory maker’s compatibility information. Include the appropriate adapter in the cost if your setup needs it.

Would these problems stop me buying an R50?

For everyday photos, travel and short video clips, I can work around most of these limitations. Someone recording long events or building a wired video rig should give them more weight.

The lens choice point has improved since the original video. I would now decide based on the exact lenses, power setup and flash I plan to use, instead of dismissing the system based on its earlier third party restrictions.

Check the R50 kit listing and compare the complete setup, not just the camera price.