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Canon EOS C50 Cinema Camera Initial Review

With the release of the compact Canon EOS C50 Cinema Camera, Canon is bridging the gap between a dedicated video camera and the mirrorless EOS R range. Not only does the new body allow for extensive customisation, while offering active cooling and easy rigging, but Canon has somehow managed to make it the smallest EOS Cinema body to date.

Our Canon EOS C50 Cinema Camera initial review explores not only the features and specs, but how this advanced video-first hybrid Canon video camera can fit into your own workflow. Whether you’re a solo video creator or work for a small production company, this could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

So join us if you’re ready to take the first step into professional video production with Canon’s smallest and most versatile EOS Cinema camera to date, starting with release date and price.

Canon EOS C50 Price

At launch on the 9th September 2025, the canon EOS C50 costs £3299.99, which is excellent value when you take into account features such as the 7K 60P / 4K 120P, 3:2 Open Gate Internal 12-bit RAW Recording and the detachable XLR handle with 2x XLRs.

These place it as one of the most capable dedicated Canon video cameras for newcomers, sandwiched between the R5 C and C70, with a refined ultra compact video-first hybrid body that supports high-end video and stills for solo creators and small production houses. Let’s see what it offers these target audiences next.

Key features for video

Concentrating on video features, and we have with a brand-new full-frame sensor, which is capable of recording 7K 60p video, with oversampled 4K 120p and 2K 180p high frame rate options.

Open Gate recording is also available for the first time in any Canon cinema camera, which records across the full sensor image area and provides more freedom to crop and reframe for different formats. We’ve looked more closely at what Open Gate Video recording is in a previous post if you need more information on how this can significantly reduce production times. The C50 is able to record Open Gate 12-bit RAW for excellent image quality and easy reframing in post.

AF in the new camera is advanced with Canon’s tried-and-tested Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which is combined with EOS iTR AF X. This combination improves subject tracking across the whole frame, with better ability when locking onto faces, heads, and eyes even in challenging scenes or when subjects turn away from the camera.

Canon has included industry standard codecs such as Cinema RAW Light, XF-AVC, XF-AVC S, and XF-HEVC S formats, enabling professional workflows with embedded metadata, MP4 recording with reel numbers, as well as support for Canon Log 2 and Log 3 profiles.

The body also includes active cooling through a redesigned airflow system, which delivers more reliable long-form recording and high temperature shoots. There’s a modular top handle, full-size XLR audio inputs, a zoom lever, and ports including Timecode via DIN, a full-size HDMI, and Canon XC protocol support for multi-camera control. Connectivity has been improved too, with native frame.io, MCC, and CTP support for cloud-based workflows.

The C50 is a brilliant option for video creators who want a more compact, versatile body which still delivers high-end performance from Canon video camera ecosystem. But how about stills features, what’s included?

What features are there for stills images?

Where most Canon Cinema Cameras don’t offer much stills functionality, the Canon EOS C50 is a surprisingly capable stills camera with plenty of features for hybrid creators. Thanks to the new 32MP full-frame sensor and dedicated stills menu this can be used to capture stills as required by many production agencies and solo projects.

The body captures full-resolution RAW and compressed formats, with support for JPEG, HEIF, and Canon’s C-RAW files, giving you more flexibility. Burst speeds are good too, with up to 40fps continuous shooting when using the electronic shutter, which is suitable for fast-moving subjects, particularly when combined with Canon’s excellent autofocus system.

You also get pre-continuous shooting for capturing stills just before the shutter is pressed, and there’s a separate menu interface when switching between photo and video modes, which is true to hybrid implementation.

Even though it’s Canon’s smallest cinema camera to date, these stills features are well integrated and make this a viable single-body solution for creators who need both formats.

Key stills features:

• 32MP still image resolution
• Up to 40fps continuous burst
• Pre-continuous shooting mode
• RAW, C-RAW, JPEG, and HEIF format options
• Dual menu system for stills and video
• Same compact size as Canon’s smallest cinema camera yet

Next we look at connectivity, which is often one of the key areas where Cinema camera set themselves apart from mirrorless.

Professional Audio, Timecode and Connectivity

Audio and connectivity are a major part of what makes the Canon EOS C50 one of the best small Canon cameras for video, especially for solo creators or anyone working with a lightweight rig. It includes two full-size XLR audio inputs via the modular top handle, which provides professional-grade sound without the need for a dedicated recorder or adapter.

These are 3-pin XLR inputs with phantom power, plus there’s an internal stereo mic and a standard 3.5mm external microphone input. The top handle also features controls for adjusting audio levels, with dual-channel support so you can monitor and adjust both inputs at once.

Timecode is supported through a DIN 1.0/2.3 terminal, which is essential for syncing with other cameras or external devices during multi-cam shoots. This is something seen on larger cinema bodies, so it’s good to have for smaller productions.

Connectivity covers just about everything modern video workflows need. There’s a full-size HDMI Type-A output, a USB-C port, mic and headphone jacks, remote input and support for Canon’s XC protocol over both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

You also get native support for UVC/UAC video streaming up to 60p, along with live IP streaming through a decoder or PC, so you can stream to social channels and create live feeds. frame.io is built-in for cloud workflows, alongside MCC and CTP for collaborative review and content delivery.

These features differentiate the EOS C50 from the R5 II or other mirrorless, and make it one of the best Canon cameras for video-first creators. Central to this is the ability to use Canon’s advanced full-frame RF lens range, which we discuss next.

Sizes and weights

The Cinema body arrives with:

• Handle Unit
• LP-E6P Battery Pack
• Battery Charger LC-E6E
• Microphone Holder
• Shoulder Strap
• AC Cable

We’ve made the table below in order to get a better grasp of what you’ll be carrying between locations, before adding any lenses.

RF Mount Versatility and Lens Compatibility

The RF mount is clearly the future for Canon, and the EOS C50 makes full use with the RF system being central to the camera. This supports faster communication between the lens and body, supports better image quality, and improved control, which is especially important when shooting high-resolution stills and video.

Native Canon RF lenses benefit from quicker autofocus, improved Optical Image Stabilisation, and advanced electronic focusing and custom control rings, which you just couldn’t get from older EF lenses in the same way.

For video the new line of hybrid Canon cinema lenses in RF mount are expanding too, with VCM lenses offering the latest optical designs, reduced focus breathing, and compatibility with autofocus systems that now include face, eye and subject tracking.

You’re not limited to RF lenses however, with RF mount adapters you can use EF mount lenses and PL mount cinema lenses with full functionality in most cases. There are mount converters that include control rings, drop-in filters, and locking plates for heavier lenses, which provides the freedom to customise the camera with native primes, EF lenses, or full-size cinema lenses for a high-end production.

The system also supports anamorphic lens shooting, with the ability to de-squeeze footage in-camera for accurate monitoring. This makes it compatible with anamorphic lenses, which is ideal for filmmakers looking for cinematic widescreen footage.

For hybrid users this level of flexibility is invaluable, offering access to sharp, fast modern and legacy glass, all through a single RF lens mount. This brings us neatly onto the new Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens, which launched at the same time.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens is the latest in a growing range of hybrid RF primes that are for the new breed of video and stills creators, and the VCM series offers features that match this cinema camera perfectly.

The 85mm VCM continues with a uniform size across the range, and balances well, which makes gimbal stabilisation easier. The consistent weight and length with other VCM lenses means you won’t have to keep rebalancing, while also being easier for handholding. This saves time, which it also does when you’re using filters or matte boxes, as the identical front dimensions across the VCM family make life easier.

The RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM is a classic portrait prime with a bright f/1.4 aperture for beautiful background separation. It features smooth, fast, and quiet autofocus using Canon’s Voice Coil Motor, with excellent breathing control. Manual focus is well handled, and the lens includes a smooth iris ring for clickless aperture changes, alongside a custom control ring and function button.

These contribute to the RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM being more suitable for hybrid and video creators than a traditional photo lens. Canon has listened to professionals by creating a dedicated series that takes gives you control over focus and aperture, and delivers top-end optical performance to match the latest high-res sensors.

The RF 85mm joins the 20mm VCM, 24mm VCM, 35mm VCM, and 50mm VCM primes, giving hybrid creators a complete set of fast RF optics that are for serious filmmakers.

The Canon VCM Lens We've Been Waiting For | Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens Video Review

Who is the Canon EOS C50 Cinema Camera for?

Canon has aimed the EOS C50 at the growing community of creators who need more than a mirrorless camera but aren’t ready to go all-in on a large, dedicated cinema setup like the EOS C400. This camera fits into a lot of workflows, for example you may be a solo creator who captures content for brands, an events camera operator who captures both video and stills, or part of a small production team working in commercial shoots. From interviews to social content, weddings and independent film making, this camera has a place on every job.

It’s especially appealing to hybrid creators who are looking to elevate the quality of their video. The fact that you can record 7K full-frame footage and Open Gate for the first time with a Canon, shoot 4K at 120fps, and still pull high-res 32MP stills in RAW at blistering speeds, makes it incredibly flexible. The same camera can be rigged for high-end video or stripped-back for social clips, interviews, and lightweight travel.

The dual stills/video menu system helps keep everything efficient too, as there’s no need to dig around changing settings when switching between photo and video. You also get professional ports and control options like Timecode, XLR audio, and the full-size HDMI, but in a body that’s smaller and easier to handle than something like the Canon C300 Mark II.

Photographers who are increasingly asked for video content will find it a manageable step up, without leaving a familiar ecosystem. Support for RF, EF, and PL lenses also means you can use the lenses which you already own, while adding native RF new ones as your needs evolve.

Here’s a recap of the main features:

• Full-frame 32MP sensor for 7K 60p and Open Gate recording
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with EOS iTR AF X subject detection
• Anamorphic support and RF/EF/PL lens compatibility
• Modular design with top handle, accessory points and cooling
• Dual Menu system for instant photo and video switching
• Internal RAW, XF-AVC and HEVC formats with pro metadata
• Timecode, XLR, HDMI and Canon XC protocol for pro workflows
• Native Canon Log 2 and Log 3 support
• Compact cinema body at just 665g
• Built-in tally lamps, REC and zoom control on body and handle

Whether you’re upgrading from a mirrorless system or from an older Cinema EOS camera, the Canon EOS C50 offers a versatile combination of image quality and usability. It has plenty of advanced video tools in the most compact cinema body, with high-speed stills and the freedom to use RF, EF and PL lenses in one.

If you’re ready to level up to professional video productions or upgrade your existing workflow, this could be the best Canon camera for your needs. Shop for the EOS C50 Cinema Camera today and explore our range of VCM lenses, including the recently released RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM.

You can also get a fast and free trade-in quote to see how much you could save off the price of Canon’s smallest and most capable cinema camera to date.

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By Nick Dautlich on 09/09/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.