EOS M50vs Z5
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Casual & Vlogging — EOS M50 (2018): The EOS M50 is the most complete-feeling entry-level EF-M camera — built-in EVF, fully articulating screen, Dual Pixel AF, and a well-designed compact body. Its 4K video carries a significant crop and loses Dual Pixel AF, making 1080p the practical option — but for stills and casual video, it remains an excellent used-market buy.
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Who should buy what
EOS M50 (2018)
- Beginner photographers who want an EVF in a compact mirrorless
- Vloggers who want face-tracking AF and a flip screen
- Students stepping up to their first mirrorless camera
- Used-market shoppers wanting a well-rounded EF-M package
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the eos m50 is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | EOS M50 (2018) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £999 |
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS (Dual Pixel) | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.1MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/24p (crop, no Dual Pixel AF), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face and subject detection | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | — | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~235 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 387g (body only) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 116.3 × 88.1 × 58.7mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.39" type | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Canon EF-M mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | EOS M50 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history