Canon announces the EOS R50V and RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens

Canon has just announced the EOS R50V, a lightweight, video-centric APS-C mirrorless camera, along with the RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens – a lightweight, compact power zoom lens designed for content creators. 

With the rise of online video platforms, (usually younger) content creators are constantly looking for affordable, easy-to-use gear that delivers professional-like results without the bulk.

The EOS R50V seems to be Canon’s answer, packing a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 4K 60P video, with the ability to shoot Canon Log 3 into a body that weighs just 370 grams.

Designed for hybrid shooters, with even a vertical tripod-mount-socket, it accommodates well for both photography and video, with 15 frames per second burst shooting for stills and an array of creative video tools.

Built for creators

One of the most impressive and convenient standout features of the EOS R50V is its dedicated livestream button, which enables content creators to go live instantly with just a single press. 

The vari-angle 3.0-inch screen makes it easy to frame shots from high and low angles, as well as shooting selfies, while electronic image stabilisation helps smooth out handheld footage.

The camera has inherited a lot of the focussing goodness of the more expensive pro-level cameras with its dual-pixel CMOS AF II. It has the obligatory subject tracking, and can track up to 10 different (preloaded) faces, meaning subjects should stay in focus, even in dynamic scenes.

For video effects, there is a Slow & Fast mode, which offers five times slow-motion or 60 times fast-motion effects, all processed in-camera – perfect for dramatic slow-motion shots or artistic time-lapse sequences. You can also upload your own custom LUTS to give you the filter effects you desire in-camera.

The RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ: A beginners budget power zoom 

Paired with the RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens, the R50V becomes an even more accomplished video tool.

This compact and lightweight lens, which is the equivalent of a 22-48mm zoom on a full-frame sensor, is Canon’s first RF-S power zoom lens which is controlled via a spring loaded zoom ring. This theoretically rids the user of that cringey jerky manual zooming found on most stills lenses.

So this is especially useful for video, giving creators professional-looking zoom transitions from wide to a standard focal length.

While a longer zoom range would be preferable, that would come at a weight and price cost.

And with the lens costing only $579 RRP, it's incredibly cheap compared to the current alternative – the $4,530– $5,400 RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z – with the optional (and additional) $2,399 Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2/PZ-E2B. 

The lens features five stops of image stabilisation, and with the EOS R50V’s wide ISO range of 100–32,000, there should be plenty of flexibility to capture shots in lower light conditions.

This being said, the lens is definitely no low light master, and at f/4-f/6.3 on a APS-C sensor, it will be hard to get that sweet shallow depth of field for that cinematic look, though users can always opt for one of the myriad of Canon lenses on the market.

Interestingly, the only prime Canon APS-C lens with a wide aperture is the EF-S 24mm F2.8 that you'd need an adapter to use. Other lower price Canon lens options with wide apertures are the full-frame RF 28mm f/2.8 ($549 RRP) or the RF 50mm f.1.8 STM ($352 RRP).

The verdict

With customisable LUTs, vertical shooting support, tried-and-tested autofocus, and a versatile RF-S lens mount, the EOS R50V and RF-S 14-30mm PZ combo is a compelling choice for creators looking to level up their video game.

The camera looks well built and is incredibly compact. It may even be an interesting option for video shooters who want a B-Cam for set-and-forget footage.

Also announced locally is the new Canon Powershot V1 which is available in Australia with a RRP of $1,449. It was originally announced with press coverage for an Asia only launch in late February.

The EOS R50V is now available for pre-order and you can find out more on the Canon Australia website.