Canon m50 vs sony a6000 review

The Canon EOS M50 and the Sony Alpha A6000 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2018 and February 2014. Both the M50 and the A6000 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS M50 and the Sony Alpha A6000? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon M50 and the Sony A6000 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M50 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the A6000 is available in three color-versions (black, silver, white).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A6000 is notably smaller (21 percent) than the Canon M50. Moreover, the A6000 is markedly lighter (12 percent) than the M50. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M50 nor the A6000 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the M50 gets 235 shots out of its LP-E12 battery, while the A6000 can take 360 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A6000 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A6000 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 23 percent) than the M50, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A6000 is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (M50) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Even though the A6000 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the A6000 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a of 3.91μm versus 3.72μm for the M50), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. It should, however, be noted that the M50 is much more recent (by 4 years) than the A6000, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The Canon EOS M50 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The Sony Alpha A6000 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution (MP) Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Canon M50 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p23.813.31684812. Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.11347823. Canon M50 Mark II APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p24.013.61939834. Canon SL3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/25p23.913.41791825. Canon M6 Mark II APS-C 32.3 6960 46404K/30p24.013.51848836. Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.31684817. Canon M6 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.61317788. Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.91272789. Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.410417910. Canon T7i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.115868011. Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.412627712. Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.811697213. Sony A6300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.413.714378514. Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.010897915. Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.713478016. Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.810687817. Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068 Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the M50 provides a higher video resolution than the A6000. It can shoot video footage at 4K/24p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the M50 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the A6000 (2360k vs 1440k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon M50, the Sony A6000, and comparable cameras.

Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) Control Panel (yes/no) LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen (yes/no) Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash (yes/no) Built-in Image Stab 1. Canon M502360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n 2. Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n 3. Canon M50 Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n 4. Canon SL3optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 5. Canon M6 Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 14.0/s Y n 6. Canon T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n 7. Canon M6optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n 8. Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n 9. Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 10. Canon T7ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 11. Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n 12. Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n 13. Sony A63002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n 14. Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n 15. Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 16. Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n 17. Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n Notes: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The M50 has a touchscreen, while the A6000 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The M50 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A6000 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Canon M50 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The M50 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A6000 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS M50 and Sony Alpha A6000 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Canon M50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 2. Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 3. Canon M50 Mark IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 4. Canon SL3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y 5. Canon M6 Mark IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 6. Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY- 7. Canon M6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 8. Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY 9. Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 10. Canon T7iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 11. Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 12. Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY- 13. Sony A6300Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY- 14. Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 15. Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY- 16. Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0- 17. Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0-

It is notable that the M50 has a microphone port, which is missing on the A6000. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Both the M50 and the A6000 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A6000 was replaced by the Sony A6300, while the M50 was followed by the Canon M50 Mark II. Further information on the features and operation of the M50 and A6000 can be found, respectively, in the Canon M50 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A6000 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon M50 or the Sony A6000 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS M50:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/24p vs 1080/60p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2360k vs 1440k dots).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the A6000 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A6000:

• More compact: Is smaller (120x67mm vs 116x88mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 46g or 12 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (360 versus 235) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (23 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2014).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the M50 emerges as the winner of the contest (10 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

M50 10:07 A6000

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon M50 and the Sony A6000 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the M50 or the A6000 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon M50 vs Sony A6000

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Is Canon EOS M50 better than Sony A6000?

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II and the Sony α6000 are both solid beginner mirrorless cameras. Even though it's older, the Sony holds its own against the Canon, with a faster max burst rate, better battery life, and a wider range of available lenses.

Is Sony A6000 worth buying in 2023?

Is the Sony A6000 still worth buying in 2023? Though it is pushing on 10 years old, the Sony A6000 remains an excellent camera, particularly for those looking for a budget camera they can learn and grow with.

Is M50 good for professional photography?

Photography is more about skills than the gear. A decent camera body with good quality lenses can definitely make your skills shine. Any camera may produce professional-quality images if the composition and exposure are sound. You can do professional shoots with a Canon M50 Camera.

Is Canon M50 a good starter camera?

Should I buy the Canon M50. Ok, so I think the M50 is a great choice for you if you're a beginner and are looking to step into the mirrorless camera space. It's a great camera vlog, create video for YouTube and also if you want to have a really nice camera for photography.