The Canon R50 V has just landed, and it’s making waves as one of the most exciting cameras aimed directly at videographers, vloggers, and content creators. Sitting alongside the Powershot V1, the R50 V is Canon’s new APS-C, interchangeable-lens, video-focused powerhouse – and it could well be one of the smartest investments for creators in 2025.
In this detailed review, based on our hands-on YouTube test, we’ll explore every feature, strength, and limitation of the Canon R50 V, and help you decide whether this camera deserves a spot in your kit bag.
A Camera Designed for Video Creators
Unlike previous Canon APS-C cameras, the R50 V is built with videographers in mind. It packs in features that many competing cameras miss, including:
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Dedicated video-focused controls – a large record button with zoom toggle, a live streaming button, and a shutter speed dial designed with video shooters in mind.
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Custom video modes – assignable C1, C2, and C3 modes allow instant switching between 25fps, 50fps, and 100fps shooting setups.
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Connectivity – microphone input, headphone output, HDMI, and USB-C all feature, giving creators flexibility for monitoring and recording.
These inclusions show Canon’s clear intention: this is a video-first camera built for creators, not an afterthought.
Touchscreen and Monitoring
The Canon R50 V features a fully articulating touchscreen, making it easy to vlog, film vertically, or monitor from different angles. However, there are two caveats:
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Resolution – the screen is relatively low-res for a 2025 release, which can make footage appear lacklustre during recording.
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Brightness – the screen struggles in bright outdoor conditions, with no EVF (electronic viewfinder) as backup.
While monitoring in the field may be a little challenging, the recorded footage looks far superior once imported into Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro.
Clever Design Choices
Canon has included some smart ergonomic touches:
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Side screw mount – lets you attach a tripod to the side, making it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical filming instantly.
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Dual record buttons – including one on the front, perfect for solo shooters.
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Tally light – confirms when recording is active.
These additions make the R50 V feel purpose-built for modern creators filming in multiple formats.
Kit Lens and Zoom Features
Bundled with a 14–30mm power zoom kit lens, the R50 V delivers smooth zooming without the barrel extending. This design prevents unnecessary shake during filming, allowing clean zooms and stable handheld footage. While the focal range isn’t huge, it’s an ideal starting point for vlogging and general content creation.
Video Quality and Specs
Where the Canon R50 V shines is in its image quality:
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10-bit 4:2:2 recording in C-Log 3 – giving you cinematic, flexible footage that stands up well to colour grading in post-production.
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6K oversampled 4K – producing sharp and detailed 4K footage.
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Frame rates – 4K at up to 50fps and 1080p at up to 100fps.
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Stills performance – 24.2MP photos for hybrid shooters.
The footage looks professional, even with the kit lens, and punches well above its weight in this price range.
Cropping and Stabilisation
Not everything is perfect, though. At higher frame rates (such as 4K50), the R50 V applies a significant 1.5x crop, limiting your field of view. This is more severe than Sony’s ZV-E10 II.
Stabilisation is also limited:
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No in-body stabilisation (IBIS) – you’ll need lenses with IS or a gimbal for best results.
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Digital stabilisation – three modes are available (Off, Standard, Enhanced). Standard works reasonably well, but Enhanced adds noticeable wobble and heavy cropping.
For run-and-gun shooters, this may be a drawback compared to stabilised rivals like DJI’s Pocket 3.
Autofocus and Exposure Tools
The Canon R50 V’s autofocus is excellent, with fast, reliable subject tracking and none of the issues that plagued older Canon compacts like the G7X series.
Videographers will also appreciate:
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False colour exposure tool – a professional feature rarely seen in consumer cameras, helping you nail exposure with confidence.
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Good picture profiles – the standard automatic mode produces pleasing, natural colours, while C-Log 3 offers maximum flexibility for cinematic workflows.
Audio Performance
For creators, audio is as important as video. The R50 V performs well:
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Built-in microphone – surprisingly strong performance, though a wind muff isn’t included.
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External mic support – works seamlessly with compact shotgun mics like the Joby Wavo Go, with automatic or manual gain settings.
Compared to Sony’s ZV range, the Canon’s internal mic comes out slightly ahead in quality.
Price and Value
At just under £1,000, the Canon R50 V sits in direct competition with the Sony ZV-E10 Mark II. While both are strong contenders, Canon edges ahead with:
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Superior build quality and premium feel.
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Better internal audio.
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Advanced video tools (false colour, custom modes).
For creators without an APS-C mirrorless system, the R50 V offers more future-proof flexibility than Canon’s fixed-lens Powershot V1.
Who Should Buy the Canon R50 V?
The R50 V is ideal for:
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Vloggers wanting a lightweight, professional-looking setup.
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Content creators shooting vertical and horizontal formats for social media.
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Videographers looking for a high-quality B-camera.
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Hybrid shooters who also want sharp stills alongside video.
The only users who may need to think twice are those prioritising in-body stabilisation. For these shooters, a gimbal will be essential.
Final Verdict
The Canon R50 V is one of the most creator-friendly cameras Canon has ever produced. With its 10-bit 4:2:2 C-Log 3 footage, clever design features, and under-£1,000 price tag, it stands out as one of the best cameras for YouTubers, videographers, and social media creators in 2025.
While its lack of IBIS and heavy crop at higher frame rates are downsides, its excellent autofocus, colour science, and video-first ergonomics make it a camera we can confidently recommend.
Be sure to check out our full video review of the Canon R50 V Camera below!
