If we take Canon’s press release at face value, the EOS M50 is an entry-level model that targets smartphone/compact camera enthusiasts, while the the EOS M6 sits in between the low-end M100 and the high-end M5.
After analysing the specifications of these two cameras, however, we are more inclined to say that the M50 is the new “unofficial” high-end model given that it features more advanced video and autofocus capabilities than any other EOS mirrorless camera to date, while the M6 – which lacks a built-in viewfinder, by the way – seems to be the perfect “step up” from an entry-level camera like the M100.
But let’s put official classifications to one side for a moment and concentrate on the ten main differences between the two cameras.
What they have in common:
- 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor
- 100-25600 ISO range (for stills)
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
- WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth
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1. Design and controls
The EOS M50 and M6 have a very similar design but there a few interesting differences worth pointing out. The first and most important is the hump on the M50 that houses the viewfinder (more about this in the next section). The other relevant difference is the more pronounced grip on the M50.
The M6 is slightly smaller but a few milligrams heavier:
- M50: 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm, 387g
- M6: 112.0 x 68.0 x 44.5 mm, 390g
On top, we can see a few differences concerning the dials and buttons. The M6 has a more advanced shooting mode dial that includes two custom modes and an exposure compensation dial. The video recording button on the M50 is found on top rather than the rear of the camera. The On/Off switch is also located in a different position.
The M6 has four extra function button: 13 instead of 9.
Finally the M50 is available in black or white, whereas the M6 can be purchased in black or black/silver.
2. Viewfinder
The M50 features a built-in viewfinder with a 0.39-in OLED panel with 2.36M dots of resolution, a 120fps refresh rate and a 22mm eye-point.
The M6 lacks a viewfinder but you can buy the optional EVF-DC2 which features the same characteristics and attach it to the hotshoe.
3. LCD screen
The M50 is the first EOS camera to have an articulated screen that can be flipped to the side. The M6 on the other hand has a tilting screen that can rotate up 180° for selfies.
Both monitors are touch sensitive and you can perform a number of operations including moving the focus point for example.
4. Video capabilities
The M50 is Canon’s first EOS M product to feature 4K recording at 24/25p. Unfortunately the camera doesn’t use the entire width of the sensor and produces a 1.6x crop. Another rather disappointing aspect is that the autofocus only works with contrast detection. A minor consolation is that you can record 4K Time-Lapses and extract a frame from 4K footage.
In Full HD, both cameras record at 50 or 60fps, in addition to 120fps in 720p.
Another difference regards the ISO sensitivity range: the M50 has a range of 100-6400 in 4K and 100-12800 in 1080p, and the latter can be pushed to 25600. The M6 has a more limited 100-12800 ISO range.
Finally, the M50 has an enhanced gyro sensor that provides better data for the optical stabilisation of the lenses. However bear in mind that for video, this adds an extra crop to your field of view.
5. Autofocus
The M50 and M6 use Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF but the M50 has an updated version that includes more focus areas.
Specifically, the new camera has 99 points that with select lenses (18-150mm, 28mm macro and 55-200mm) can be expanded to 143 areas. The latter covers a sensor area of 88% by 100%.
The M6 has 49 points that cover 80% of the sensor. The low light sensitivity is 1 stop less efficient (-1Ev vs -2Ev on the new camera).
The M50 has a new mode called Eye AF that can only be used in S-AF.
6. Image processor
The M50 is the first Canon camera to take advantage of the new DIGIC 8 image processor. It improves several aspects of the camera, some of which we already covered above (4K and more AF points).
The new engine also offers more highlight tone controls, an improved Auto Lighting/Digital Lens Optimiser, and most interestingly, a silent mode which is another first for an EOS M camera.
7. Burst speed and buffer
The M50 has a faster continuous shooting speed of 10fps when using Single AF (focus is locked on the first frame). If you want continuous autofocus, the speed decreases to 7.4fps. The M6 by comparison can reach speeds of 9fps and 7fps respectively.
When it comes to buffer memory, it’s a mixed bag: the M50 can shoot 33 JPGs / 10 RAW at 10fps while the M6 manages fewer JPGs (26) yet more RAW files (17) at 9fps.
8. RAW format
The M50 introduces Canon’s third RAW type edition, named CR3. It records in 14-bit just like on the M6 but you can choose a new C-RAW option that allows you to reduce the file size by 30-40% by saving a compressed version.
9. Battery life
The cameras use two different batteries: the LP-E17 for the M6 and LP-E12 for the M50.
The new camera can record fewer images on a single charge according to CIPA standards: 235 or 370 shots in ECO mode in comparison to the 295/425 rating of the M6.
10. Price
The base retail price is the same for both cameras:
- $780 body only
- $900 with the 15-45mm
- $1280 with the 18-150mm
However, since it is older than the M50, you can probably find the M6 for less thanks to special discounts and offers. For this reason, if you’re looking to spend less, the M6 might be the better deal.
Conclusion
I’ll be brief: although I haven’t tested these two cameras personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to go with the new M50. It has a viewfinder, 4K video, more AF points and other welcome improvements.
There is no need to say more unless you really hate built-in viewfinders or prefer the more compact frame of the M6. Another point worth considering is that if you’re on a budget, the M6 can be found for less (but I still think the M50 is worth the extra cash).
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