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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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