PHOTOGRAPHY

What's the difference between the EOS R50 and the EOS R10

Whether you want to elevate your social media content or capture standout travel shots, we help you to decide which camera is right for you.
A split image showing a Canon EOS R50 on a desk next to craft materials and a Canon EOS R10 on a tiled shelf.

Canon's revolutionary mirrorless EOS R System was launched in 2018 and has been expanding ever since. The first APS-C sensor models in the range – the EOS R7 and the EOS R10 – were released in 2022 and became popular with photographers wanting a camera with EOS R System features in a more compact body.

The technical innovations continued with the launch of the Canon EOS R50, which features the same great image quality and power as the EOS R10 but in an even more compact and simple body for creators who want a step up from their smartphones to elevate their YouTube tutorials or dance videos on TikTok.

Here, we discover some of the shared technology and key differences between the EOS R50 and the EOS R10, with expert insight from Mark Kendrick, Product Specialist at Canon Europe, as well as Canon Ambassador Martin Bissig, who put the EOS R10 through its paces while on a trip to Sri Lanka.

Shoot and share high-quality images

A man reviews video footage in the Canon Camera Connect app on his smartphone. Next to him is a plate of food, a selection of chopped ingredients and a Canon EOS R50 on a tripod grip.

Both the EOS R50 and the EOS R10 enable you to upload your content straightaway with a seamless smartphone Wi-Fi connection. Bluetooth and the Canon Camera Connect app also make it possible to adjust camera settings remotely, so you don't disrupt the creative flow.

Photographer Martin Bissig holds a Canon EOS R10 camera next to a sign outside a Sri Lankan train station.

Martin enjoys the compact size of APS-C cameras such as the EOS R10 and the EOS R50. "People can be intimidated by a big camera with a big lens attached," he explains. "You are less noticeable when travelling with a smaller setup." © Martin Bissig

The Canon EOS R50 and the EOS R10 share many similarities. The 24.2MP image sensor records rich detail, and brings all the benefits of the APS-C format, including a crop factor of 1.6x that extends the effective focal length when using RF lenses, and a portable body.

Pairing the EOS R10 with the small and lightweight RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM lens proved to be particularly useful in Sri Lanka, where Martin didn't want to draw attention to himself. "Due to the size of the camera, I could always take it with me without worrying about bringing a big camera bag," he says. "The zoom range of 18-150mm (which equals around 29-240mm on a full-frame camera) made me work very efficiently."

At the heart of both cameras is the same DIGIC X processor powering a fast and responsive shooting experience. Then there's the sophisticated Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system – found on professional models such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II – which can automatically detect, track and focus on people, animals or vehicles in your scene. With 651 focus points, they keep up with whatever you want to capture, from action and wildlife shots to presenting your own cooking channel on Instagram.

Both the EOS R10 and the EOS R50 are capable low-light performers, with up to ISO32000 for stills and ISO12800 for video, expandable to ISO51200 and ISO25600. The autofocus system is also able to focus down to -4 EV, the darkness level of a scene lit only by a half-moon.

Differences in design

A woman holding a Canon EOS R50 towards their face and looking through the electronic viewfinder.

The Canon EOS R50 has a slightly different design to previous EOS R System cameras. With a smaller grip, it's compact but comfortable to use handheld. A single UHS-I SD card slot inside the battery door helps to reduce the camera's overall weight and size.

A woman photographing a plate of food with a Canon EOS R10 on a tripod.

"The benefit of the EOS R10 compared to the EOS R50 is more customisation," explains Mark. "And the ability to have more features at your fingertips to make changes on the fly, which is especially useful for photography."

The real distinction between the two cameras is in their size and design. The Canon EOS R50 is lighter than the EOS R10, with a smaller grip thanks to a rotated battery slot. Its depth is just 68.8mm and it weighs just 375g with card and battery (compared to the EOS R10's 83.4mm and 429g). Whether you take it to the skate park to film fast-paced action videos or pop it in a handbag and head out for brunch to capture lifestyle images of a new cafe, it’s a portable camera that can go everywhere with you.

The button layouts are different too. "The EOS R50 is simpler, easier to use and learn, and more intuitive for smartphone users who are used to using the touchscreen," says Mark.

In terms of camera modes, the EOS R50 has the new Advanced A+ in Scene Intelligent Auto mode. "The camera will automatically take and merge multiple images in this mode, so you can achieve advanced techniques without needing to learn how to do them or even know what the camera is doing," adds Mark.

You still have the option to use manual settings if you want to learn and develop your photography skills but for many mirrorless camera beginners, the auto options mean less time getting distracted by settings and more time creating eye-catching content.

Video capabilities

A woman filming herself with a Canon EOS R50 on a tripod grip. The footage can be seen streaming on the screen of a laptop on the desk in front of her.

Both cameras can be used as a webcam for enhanced video calls or streaming but the EOS R10 requires the EOS Webcam Utility software, whereas the EOS R50 works automatically using UVC/UAC.

A woman holds a Canon EOS R10 on a tripod grip and with a microphone attached to film herself on holiday.

The versatile 7.5cm vari-angle touchscreen on both cameras gives you the freedom to record footage from any position, but the higher resolution screen on the EOS R50 means you can view footage or review photos in more detail before transferring to your phone.

When it comes to video content, both cameras are capable of 4K 30p video, oversampled from 6K, using the whole of the sensor, as well as 120fps Full HD for those wanting slow-mo footage. The EOS R10 has 4K 60p (cropped) as an additional option.

Video flexibility is bolstered by HDMI connectivity, alongside a 3.5mm microphone jack and a smart shoe for powering accessories such as an external mic

It's possible to record for much longer periods than before: unlimited on the EOS R10 and for up to an hour on the EOS R50, which should be long enough to film your workout challenges without having to pause mid-exercise.

Compared to the EOS R10, the Canon EOS R50 offers several new video features that would be ideal for filming cookery clips or creating makeup tutorials for YouTube.

"The EOS R50 has the movie for close-up demos mode," explains Mark. "It adapts the focus settings so that when you hold something up to the camera, it will focus on the object, but as soon as you put it down, it will focus on your face again." The movie for close-up demos mode is an ideal feature for filming pieces to camera, from capturing a fun cooking demo or sharing your favourite drawing techniques.

Another new addition is Movie Digital Image Stabilisation (IS), which means footage is less affected by camera shake and handheld video stays smooth and sharp.

Is the EOS R50 or the EOS R10 best for you?

A close-up image of a lemon cut in half. The focus bracketing feature on the Canon EOS R50 has ensured that the entire image is in sharp focus.

The EOS R50 has 14 scene modes for stills, which adapt settings to different subjects. Focus bracketing and in-camera depth compositing help you to automatically create images with a huge depth of field, enabling you to enhance your social content and speed up your workflow. Taken on a Canon EOS R50 with a Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM lens at 1/400 sec, f/4 and ISO2000.

A train emerges from a tunnel to cross a curving viaduct surrounded by lush forest. Taken by Martin Bissig on a Canon EOS R10.

The EOS R10 is likely to appeal to photographers who want to take their imagery to the next level when capturing memorable travel experiences or significant family moments. Taken on a Canon EOS R10 with a Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM lens at 31mm, 1/160 sec, f/5 and ISO100. © Martin Bissig

Whether it's recording your new fitness channel or capturing standout travel shots, the Canon EOS R50 and the EOS R10 are both high-performing stills and video tools. They represent the ideal step up to the EOS R System from your smartphone, compact camera or DSLR, especially as they allow you to use the faster, higher-quality range of RF and RF-S lenses to expand your creative possibilities and viewpoints even further.

The EOS R10 is the ideal camera for enthusiasts wanting to take stunning travel shots or photograph a friend’s wedding without the weight of a full-frame system. It offers an advanced feature set and high level of control, thanks to the customisable buttons, dials and modes.

However, the EOS R50 is the best entry point into the Canon EOS R System, with everything you need to film, photograph and share your hobbies and passions. For born content creators, it provides leading image quality, but is easy to set up and use straight out of the box, with a compact design that won't hold you back.



Written by Lauren Scott

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