Canon M50 – My First Mirrorless Camera: A Life-Changing Journey

12 May Canon M50 – My First Mirrorless Camera: A Life-Changing Journey

Canon M50 – My First Mirrorless Camera: A Life-Changing Journey

Introduction

Every photographer remembers their first real camera — the one that shifted their passion into purpose. My first camera was the Nikon D3200, which taught me the basics of photography. But my first mirrorless camera — and the one that truly launched my creative journey — was the Canon EOS M50. It wasn’t just a tool; it was the beginning of a journey that led me to explore new cities, capture unforgettable moments, and build a career in visual storytelling. Introduced in early 2018, the Canon M50 stood out as a game-changer in the entry-level mirrorless segment. This blog is a look back at how I found it, how it changed my approach to photography and videography, and why I still use it to this day.

A Quick Overview of the Canon M50

The Canon EOS M50, launched in February 2018, brought impressive specs in a compact form. With a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor powered by Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor, it offered crisp image quality, improved autofocus with Dual Pixel AF, and even 4K video capabilities — rare at that price point back then.

Its vari-angle touchscreen, built-in electronic viewfinder, and seamless wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth) made it an ideal camera for creators on the move. Whether shooting photos or recording vlogs, the M50 was versatile and lightweight, giving users a reliable hybrid tool without breaking the bank.

The Moment I Discovered the Canon M50

In early 2019, I was in Cape Town and ready to upgrade my gear. Initially, I had my eyes on the Canon M6, another strong contender in Canon’s mirrorless line. But as someone who was increasingly focused on video production, the M50’s fully articulating screen and reliable autofocus pulled me in.

I still remember the excitement when I found a listing on Gumtree — it was like finding a hidden treasure. At that time, the Canon M50 was still very new on the market, and finding a secondhand unit was almost unheard of. But there it was: one single listing. My instincts told me to act fast.

Finding the Deal on Gumtree

I immediately reached out to the seller, who gave me a firm yet simple response: “First come, first serve.” That added even more urgency to my decision. I was amazed that a camera so new had already appeared on the secondhand market.

The listing was based in Hermanus — a quiet coastal town roughly 122 kilometers from Cape Town. The idea of such a drive might deter most people, but I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. That night, I made the decision. I was going to get that Canon M50.

The Drive to Hermanus: 122 Kilometers of Excitement

The next morning, I got behind the wheel of my Nissan Sentra with one goal: secure the M50. The road to Hermanus is scenic and calming, but my heart was racing with excitement the entire way. I had already imagined myself using the camera for street photography, travel vlogs, and cinematic storytelling.

During the drive, I thought about my first camera — the Nikon D3200. It was bulky but reliable. I wondered how this new, smaller mirrorless camera would feel in comparison. The anticipation made every kilometer feel like a countdown.

Meeting the Owner and the First Impression

When I finally arrived, I met the seller — a friendly woman who explained that the M50 had been a wedding anniversary gift. Surprisingly, it had only taken 36 photos. It was practically brand new.

Coming from a Nikon D3200, I was stunned by the size of the Canon M50. It looked and felt like a gadget from the future — compact, lightweight, and sleek. I knew immediately that this wasn’t just a camera; it was going to be the foundation of a new chapter in my creative life.

The First Hands-On Experience

Holding the Canon M50 for the first time felt like magic. It fit comfortably in my hands, and the controls were intuitive. I took a few sample shots, and even with the kit lens, I could tell this camera had potential. The flip-out screen and the fast autofocus were features I had never experienced before.

I left Hermanus with a huge smile on my face and a head full of creative ideas. This was more than just a camera purchase — it was a fresh start, a leap into a new world of photography and filmmaking.

Early Days with the Kit Lens

For the first four months, I used the Canon M50 with its standard 15-45mm kit lens. While it was convenient and lightweight, I soon realized that the image quality didn’t always meet my expectations. It was good for general use but lacked the sharpness and background blur I desired for portraits and detailed shots.

That said, it was still a great learning tool. I experimented with framing, composition, and lighting — all crucial elements for any photographer. But I knew I needed more out of my gear.

Game-Changer: M to EF Converter

My journey took a turn when I discovered the M to EF lens mount adapter at ORSM in Cape Town. This small piece of gear opened up an entire new world of possibilities. I could now use Canon’s legendary EF lenses with my M50.

I immediately picked up a 50mm f/1.8 — known for its beautiful bokeh — and a 75-300mm zoom lens. The difference in image quality was dramatic. Photos looked sharper, backgrounds melted away, and the creative options multiplied. It was at this point I truly fell in love with photography all over again.

Exploring Different Photography Styles

With the new lenses in hand, I explored many genres of photography. I took my M50 everywhere — from the bustling streets of Cape Town to serene landscapes. Street photography became one of my favorite pursuits; the camera’s size allowed me to be discreet and spontaneous.

Food and lifestyle photography also entered the mix. I began documenting culinary experiences, capturing vibrant colors and shallow depth of field. The versatility of the M50 gave me confidence in almost any shooting scenario, from portraits to close-ups.

Videography with the Canon M50

What truly set the Canon M50 apart for me was its video capability. The flip-out screen, Dual Pixel Autofocus, and clean HDMI output made it ideal for solo shooting and vlogging. I started creating content for my YouTube channel, “Tourbee,” where I documented travels, food, and experiences — all filmed on the M50.

Even today, the M50 remains my main video companion. While newer models have entered the market, few offer such a solid mix of quality and portability for the price.

My YouTube and Social Media Journey

Through my Canon M50, I developed a strong presence on social media under the handle @AsadSnapper. My photography and video content attracted followers who appreciated my creative style and storytelling approach.

I also launched a second YouTube channel named “AsadSnapper,” where I share behind-the-scenes content, gear reviews, and tutorials. The Canon M50 has been instrumental in growing both platforms, allowing me to connect with an audience passionate about visual arts.

Long-Term Use and Reliability

Years have passed since I first bought the Canon M50, and I’m still using it to this day. It has accompanied me on road trips, documented weddings, captured wildlife, and helped me grow professionally. Despite being considered an “entry-level” mirrorless camera, its performance and reliability have exceeded all my expectations.

The camera continues to handle various conditions well — from low-light city streets to bright beach scenes. It has been a true workhorse, proving that you don’t always need the most expensive gear to create high-quality content.

The Sentimental Value of the Canon M50

This camera is more than a tool — it’s a symbol of my beginnings. Every scratch, shutter click, and memory attached to the Canon M50 tells a story. It’s seen the world through my eyes and helped shape the way I see the world.

Whenever I hold it, I remember that drive to Hermanus, that excitement of discovery, and the joy of capturing life through a lens. It reminds me to stay passionate, curious, and creative.

Lessons Learned from My First Mirrorless Camera

Looking back, the Canon M50 taught me many lessons. Most importantly, it reminded me that storytelling doesn’t require the most expensive gear — it requires vision, consistency, and heart. I learned how to make the most of limited tools and grew tremendously in both technical skills and creative direction.

For anyone starting out in photography or videography, I always recommend the M50. It’s a forgiving yet powerful camera that allows beginners to grow without limitation, and experienced creators to explore new ideas with ease.

Is the Canon M50 Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. Despite being over six years old, the Canon M50 remains relevant in 2025 for many content creators, hobbyists, and even professionals. While it doesn’t have the most advanced 4K features or newest tech, its strengths in full HD recording, color science, ergonomics, and lens adaptability make it a valuable investment.

It’s especially suitable for vloggers, beginners in photography, and anyone looking to create high-quality social media content without spending a fortune. Pair it with a good lens and you still have one of the most user-friendly creative tools out there.

Conclusion

From a spontaneous road trip to Hermanus to countless shoots across different genres, my Canon M50 has been more than just a camera — it’s been a companion on a journey of creativity and discovery. It captured not just images, but moments, stories, and growth.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, the M50 offers a reliable, accessible, and inspiring platform to turn your ideas into visual reality. I’m grateful I found it when I did — and I’m still proud to use it today.

FAQs

1. Is Canon M50 still good for video in 2025?
Yes, the Canon M50 still delivers excellent Full HD video with reliable autofocus. For most vloggers and YouTubers, it remains a strong contender.

2. What lenses work best with the Canon M50?
The EF-M 22mm f/2, EF 50mm f/1.8 (via adapter), and the EF 70-300mm and 16-35mm f/2.8 are great budget-friendly choices for various shooting needs.

3. Can I use EF lenses on Canon M50?
Yes, with an EF to EF-M mount adapter, you can use a wide range of EF and EF-S lenses on the Canon M50.

4. How does Canon M50 compare to Canon M6?
The M50 includes a built-in viewfinder and articulating screen, making it better suited for video. The M6 is more compact but lacks these features.

5. Is Canon M50 good for travel photography?
Absolutely. It’s compact, lightweight, and capable of capturing stunning images — ideal for photographers on the go.