When it comes to choosing between two of the most popular entry-level APS-C mirrorless cameras, the Canon R50 and Sony A6100 often top the list for photographers and content creators. As a professional photographer who’s spent countless hours shooting with both cameras, I’m here to share my hands-on experience to help you make an informed decision. The Canon R50 represents Canon’s latest entry into the APS-C mirrorless market, while the Sony A6100 has been a popular choice since its release. Both cameras offer impressive features in compact bodies, but they cater to different shooting styles and priorities. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know to decide which camera deserves a place in your camera bag.
Quick Comparison: Canon R50 vs Sony A6100 at a Glance
| Feature | Canon R50 | Sony A6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X | BIONZ X |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 100-25600) | 100-32000 (expandable to 100-51200) |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | 425-point phase-detection AF |
| Continuous Shooting | 12 fps (electronic shutter) | 11 fps (continuous AF) |
| Video | 4K UHD at 30p, 1080p at 120p | 4K UHD at 30p, 1080p at 120p |
| LCD Monitor | 3.0″ 1620k dots vari-angle touchscreen | 3.0″ 921k dots tilting LCD (no touchscreen) |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M dots electronic viewfinder | 1.44M dots electronic viewfinder |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Battery Life | Approx. 230 shots | Approx. 420 shots |
| Weight | 375g (with battery and card) | 396g (with battery and card) |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2019 |
Design and Build Quality: Compact but Different
The first time I handled both cameras, I immediately noticed the difference in their design philosophy. The Canon R50 has a more modern, streamlined design with a slightly smaller body that feels comfortable in my hands. At 375g with battery and card, it’s one of the lightest mirrorless cameras I’ve used, making it perfect for all-day shooting without fatigue.
The Sony A6100, while still compact at 396g, feels slightly more substantial in the hand. Its design is more traditional, with a grip that’s deeper and more pronounced. I discovered that the Sony’s grip provides a more secure hold, especially when using larger lenses, which is something I appreciated during a recent wildlife photography outing.
Both cameras feature plastic construction, which helps keep their weight down, but they don’t feel cheap. The Canon R50 has a slightly more refined finish, while the Sony A6100 feels more utilitarian. During a rainy day shoot, I found that neither camera has extensive weather sealing, so I’d be cautious about using them in challenging conditions.
The button layout on both cameras reflects their different approaches. The Canon R50 has a more minimalist design with fewer buttons, relying more on its touchscreen interface. The Sony A6100 has more physical controls, which can be advantageous if you prefer to make adjustments without taking your eye from the viewfinder.
Sensor and Image Quality: Similar Specs, Different Results
On paper, both cameras feature 24.2MP APS-C sensors, but the real-world performance tells a different story. I took both cameras on a landscape photography trip last November to test them side by side, and I discovered some interesting differences.
The Canon R50, with its newer DIGIC X processor, produces images with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. The files have a certain “Canon look” that many photographers find appealing, with pleasing skin tones and natural color reproduction. During a portrait session, I found the Canon’s JPEGs required less post-processing to achieve the look I wanted.
The Sony A6100, while using an older BIONZ X processor, still delivers impressive image quality. The files have excellent detail and slightly more dynamic range in RAW format, which gives you more flexibility in post-processing. During a high-contrast landscape shoot, I was able to recover more shadow detail from the Sony’s RAW files than from the Canon’s.
One area where the Sony A6100 clearly outperforms the Canon R50 is in its ISO range. The Sony can be expanded to ISO 51200, while the Canon tops out at ISO 25600. In practice, I found that the Sony produces cleaner images at high ISO settings, with less noise and better detail retention. During an indoor event with challenging lighting, the Sony’s images at ISO 6400 were noticeably cleaner than the Canon’s.
Autofocus Performance: Speed vs Intelligence
Autofocus is where these two cameras show their biggest differences, and this is crucial for many photographers. The Canon R50 uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which is the same autofocus system found in Canon’s higher-end cameras. The Sony A6100 uses a 425-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers most of the frame.
I tested both cameras during a sports photography session, and the results were revealing. The Canon R50’s autofocus is incredibly intelligent, with excellent subject tracking and eye detection for both humans and animals. During a basketball game, the Canon maintained focus on players as they moved rapidly across the court, with very few missed shots.
The Sony A6100’s autofocus, while fast, isn’t as sophisticated as the Canon’s. It has good subject tracking, but it occasionally lost focus when subjects moved erratically. However, the Sony’s autofocus covers more of the frame, which can be advantageous when composing shots with off-center subjects.
One area where the Canon R50 clearly excels is in low-light autofocus. During an evening event with minimal lighting, the Canon continued to focus quickly and accurately, while the Sony occasionally hunted for focus. This difference makes the Canon a better choice for event and wedding photographers who frequently work in challenging lighting conditions.
Video Capabilities: Content Creation Compared
Both cameras offer 4K video recording, but with different limitations and capabilities. As someone who shoots both stills and video professionally, I found significant differences between the two cameras.
The Canon R50 can record 4K video at 30p with a 1.6x crop, which means you lose some of the wide-angle capability. However, it offers uncropped 4K recording at 24p, which is ideal for cinematic footage. The Canon also has a useful feature that allows you to shoot vertical video for social media platforms, which I’ve found invaluable for my Instagram content.
The Sony A6100 records 4K video with a 1.5x crop, which is less severe than the Canon’s 1.6x crop at 30p. The Sony also has a longer recording time limit of 30 minutes for 4K video, compared to the Canon’s 15-minute limit. During a recent interview session, I appreciated the Sony’s longer recording time, as I didn’t need to stop and restart recording as frequently.
One area where the Sony A6100 outperforms the Canon R50 is in its autofocus during video recording. The Sony’s autofocus is smoother and more natural when tracking moving subjects, with less hunting and jerky movements. The Canon’s autofocus, while fast, can be a bit abrupt in its adjustments, which can be distracting in video.
LCD and Viewfinder: A Tale of Two Screens
The rear LCD and electronic viewfinder are where you interact with your camera most, and there are significant differences between these two cameras.
The Canon R50 features a 3.0″ 1620k-dot vari-angle touchscreen that can flip out to the side and rotate 180 degrees. This is incredibly useful for vlogging and self-portraits, as you can see yourself while recording. The touchscreen is responsive and allows for intuitive menu navigation and focus point selection. During a recent product photography shoot, I found the vari-angle screen perfect for overhead shots without needing to stand on a ladder.
The Sony A6100 has a 3.0″ 921k-dot tilting LCD that can tilt up and down but not to the side. Most importantly, it’s not a touchscreen, which means all menu navigation and focus point selection must be done using the physical controls. This makes the camera feel more dated in use, especially if you’re accustomed to touch interfaces.
The electronic viewfinders also differ significantly. The Canon R50 has a 2.36M-dot EVF with 0.95x magnification, which is bright and clear with good detail. The Sony A6100 has a 1.44M-dot EVF with 0.7x magnification, which feels noticeably lower resolution and smaller in comparison. During a bright sunny day at the beach, I found myself using the Canon’s EVF more frequently because it was more comfortable to look through for extended periods.
Also Read: Hasselblad vs Mamiya RZ67
Battery Life: Power for the Day
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any photographer, and there’s a clear difference between these two cameras.
The Canon R50 uses the LP-E17 battery, which provides approximately 230 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. In real-world use, I found I could get about 300-350 shots with mixed use, including some video recording. This means you’ll need to carry spare batteries if you plan to shoot all day, especially if you’re recording video.
The Sony A6100 uses the NP-FW50 battery, which is rated for approximately 420 shots per charge. In my experience, I could easily get 500-600 shots with mixed use, making it significantly better for all-day shooting without needing to change batteries.
One advantage of the Canon R50 is that it can be charged via USB-C while in use, which means you can connect it to a power bank for extended shooting sessions. The Sony A6100 also supports USB charging, but it can’t be used while the camera is powered on.
Lens Ecosystem: Expanding Your Options
The lens ecosystem is a critical factor to consider when investing in a camera system, and this is where Canon and Sony differ significantly.
The Canon R50 uses the RF mount, which is Canon’s newer lens mount designed for mirrorless cameras. The RF mount offers excellent optical quality and fast communication between the lens and camera body. However, the selection of native APS-C RF lenses is still limited, with only a handful of options available. That said, the R50 can use full-frame RF lenses with an automatic crop factor, and there are adapters available to use older EF and EF-S lenses.
The Sony A6100 uses the E-mount, which has been around since 2010 and has a much more extensive selection of lenses. There are numerous native APS-C E-mount lenses available from Sony, Sigma, Tamron, and other manufacturers, covering everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto. Additionally, the A6100 can use full-frame E-mount lenses with an automatic crop factor.
During a recent wildlife photography workshop, I found the Sony’s lens ecosystem to be a significant advantage. I was able to choose from several telephoto zoom lenses that offered excellent performance at reasonable prices. With the Canon R50, the options were more limited, and I had to rely on full-frame RF lenses, which are larger and more expensive.
User Interface and Menu System: Intuitive vs Comprehensive
The user interface and menu system are where you interact with your camera most, and these two cameras take different approaches.
The Canon R50 features a simplified menu system that’s designed for beginners and enthusiasts. The menus are logically organized with clear categories, and the touchscreen interface makes navigation intuitive. During a family gathering, I was able to quickly adjust settings without needing to dig through complex menus, which allowed me to capture moments I might have missed otherwise.
The Sony A6100 has a more comprehensive menu system that offers more customization options but can be overwhelming for beginners. The menus are organized into categories with tabs, but the lack of a touchscreen means you need to navigate using the physical controls. During a portrait session, I found myself spending more time looking for specific settings in the Sony’s menus than I did with the Canon.
One area where the Canon R50 excels is its creative assist mode, which provides explanations of different camera settings and their effects. This is incredibly useful for beginners who are still learning about exposure, aperture, and shutter speed. The Sony A6100 lacks this feature, relying more on the user’s existing knowledge.
Connectivity and Sharing: Staying Connected
In today’s social media-driven world, connectivity options are increasingly important for photographers who want to share their work quickly.
The Canon R50 features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly. The Canon Camera Connect app is well-designed and makes it easy to transfer images and control the camera remotely. During a recent product launch event, I was able to transfer and post images to social media directly from the camera, which was a significant advantage.
The Sony A6100 also has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Sony Imaging Edge app is functional but not as polished as Canon’s offering. However, the Sony has one advantage: it can transfer images to your smartphone while the camera is in sleep mode, which the Canon cannot do.
Both cameras feature USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, which is a welcome modern touch. The Canon R50 also supports USB-C video output, allowing you to connect it directly to a monitor or computer for live streaming or video recording.
Real-World Performance: How They Handle Different Scenarios
To truly understand how these cameras perform, I took them on a variety of assignments over several weeks.
For a family portrait session, I primarily used the Canon R50. Its excellent eye detection autofocus ensured that everyone’s eyes were in focus, even when shooting wide open. The vari-angle LCD was perfect for composing shots from unusual angles, and the touchscreen made it easy to adjust focus points quickly.
For a sports photography assignment, the Sony A6100 was my camera of choice. Its fast continuous shooting speed and wide autofocus coverage allowed me to capture decisive moments, and the longer battery life meant I didn’t need to worry about running out of power during the event.
For a travel photography trip, I brought both cameras and used them interchangeably. The Canon R50’s smaller size made it perfect for street photography, where discretion is key. The Sony A6100’s better battery life and more extensive lens selection made it ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
For a vlogging session, the Canon R50 was clearly the better choice. Its vari-angle touchscreen LCD allowed me to see myself while recording, and the vertical video option was perfect for creating content for social media platforms.
Who Should Buy Which Camera?
After extensive use of both cameras, I’ve developed clear recommendations for different types of photographers:
The Canon R50 is ideal for:
- Beginners who want an easy-to-use camera with excellent autofocus
- Vloggers and content creators who need a vari-angle touchscreen
- Portrait photographers who value accurate eye detection autofocus
- Travel photographers who prioritize compact size and light weight
- Those already invested in the Canon ecosystem
The Sony A6100 is ideal for:
- Photographers who want a more extensive lens selection
- Sports and action photographers who need fast continuous shooting
- Wildlife photographers who benefit from the APS-C crop factor
- Those who prioritize battery life and physical controls
- Videographers who need longer recording times
Also Read: Sigma 100-400 vs 150-600
My Personal Journey with Both Cameras
I’ve been a professional photographer for over a decade, and I’ve used cameras from both Canon and Sony throughout my career. When the Canon R50 was announced, I was intrigued by its compact size and advanced autofocus system. Having used Sony’s APS-C cameras for several years, I was curious to see how Canon’s newest entry would compare.
I purchased the Canon R50 shortly after its release and have been using it alongside my Sony A6100 for several months. What I’ve discovered is that both cameras excel in different areas, and the choice between them depends largely on your specific needs as a photographer.
For my portrait and event work, I find myself reaching for the Canon R50 more often. Its excellent autofocus and intuitive interface allow me to focus on capturing moments rather than fiddling with camera settings. The vari-angle LCD is also invaluable for portrait sessions, allowing me to compose shots from unusual angles.
For my sports and wildlife photography, the Sony A6100 remains my go-to camera. Its faster continuous shooting speed and more extensive lens selection give me the flexibility I need for these genres. The longer battery life is also a significant advantage during long days in the field.
Pro Tips for Both Cameras
Whether you choose the Canon R50 or Sony A6100, here are some tips I’ve learned that will help you get the most out of your camera:
For Canon R50 Users:
- Take advantage of the vari-angle touchscreen for creative compositions.
- Use the eye detection autofocus for portraits – it’s incredibly accurate.
- Experiment with the creative assist mode to learn about different camera settings.
- Consider investing in a spare battery – the battery life is limited.
- Use the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens for its compact size, but consider adding the RF-S 55-210mm for more reach.
For Sony A6100 Users:
- Take advantage of the extensive lens ecosystem – there are many affordable options.
- Use the continuous autofocus mode for moving subjects – it’s fast and reliable.
- Customize the function buttons to match your shooting style.
- Consider adding a battery grip for extended shooting sessions.
- Use the Sony Imaging Edge app for remote control and image transfer.
Sample Images: What to Expect
Both cameras produce excellent image quality, but with different characteristics:
Portrait Photography: The Canon R50 produces portraits with beautiful skin tones and excellent subject separation when using wide apertures. The eye detection autofocus ensures that the eyes are always in sharp focus, even when shooting wide open.
Sports Photography: The Sony A6100 excels at capturing fast action, with its fast continuous shooting speed and reliable autofocus tracking. The APS-C crop factor also provides extra reach with telephoto lenses.
Landscape Photography: Both cameras produce excellent landscape images, but the Sony A6100 has a slight edge in dynamic range when shooting RAW. The Canon R50’s JPEGs have more pleasing color rendering straight out of the camera.
Vlogging and Video: The Canon R50 is clearly better for vlogging, thanks to its vari-angle touchscreen and vertical video option. The Sony A6100 produces good video quality but lacks the flexibility of the Canon’s screen.
FAQ: Canon R50 vs Sony A6100
Which camera has better autofocus?
The Canon R50 has more sophisticated autofocus with better subject tracking and eye detection. The Sony A6100’s autofocus is fast but not as intelligent as the Canon’s.
Which camera is better for beginners?
The Canon R50 is better for beginners due to its intuitive touchscreen interface and creative assist mode. The Sony A6100 has a steeper learning curve but offers more customization options.
Which camera has better battery life?
The Sony A6100 has significantly better battery life, rated for approximately 420 shots per charge compared to the Canon R50’s 230 shots.
Which camera is better for video?
The Canon R50 is better for vlogging and content creation due to its vari-angle touchscreen and vertical video option. The Sony A6100 has longer recording times and smoother autofocus during video.
Which camera has better lens selection?
The Sony A6100 has a much more extensive lens selection, with numerous native APS-C lenses available from Sony, Sigma, Tamron, and other manufacturers.
Which camera is better for sports photography?
The Sony A6100 is better for sports photography due to its faster continuous shooting speed and wider autofocus coverage.
Which camera is better for travel photography?
Both cameras are excellent for travel photography due to their compact size and light weight. The Canon R50 is slightly smaller and lighter, but the Sony A6100 has better battery life.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
After extensive use of both the Canon R50 and Sony A6100, I can confidently say that both are excellent cameras that deliver impressive results in compact bodies. The choice between them comes down to your specific needs as a photographer.
If you prioritize ease of use, excellent autofocus, and a vari-angle touchscreen for vlogging and content creation, the Canon R50 is the better choice. Its intuitive interface and advanced features make it perfect for beginners and enthusiasts who want to capture great photos without getting bogged down in technical details.
If you value a more extensive lens selection, better battery life, and faster continuous shooting for sports and action photography, the Sony A6100 is the way to go. Its proven performance and extensive ecosystem make it a solid choice for photographers who want flexibility and reliability.
Ultimately, the best camera is the one that helps you capture the images you envision. Both the Canon R50 and Sony A6100 are capable of producing stunning images that will elevate your photography – the rest is just personal preference and specific needs.