topic Re: My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!! in Gear Guide

Upgrade recos? My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

BirdyBird — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:07:13 GMT

I am not a luddite, and I am certain not afraid of change. I am, however, someone who shot video with a T5i from 2013 until 2019 when my cameras was stolen. I did a live music video for a Grammy Winner on that camera, shot on tour, and it came out staggeringly amazing because I also happen to be able to color grade. I loved that camera.

Now it is time for me to buy a new camera and I have spent weeks researching all the cameras that a within my price range and it comes down to the T5i and either the R50 or the R50 v, since I'm using it to do a podcast and it was also be used for run and gun documentary and fire and weather videography for networks.

The fire and weather videography I am not worried about because it's supposed to look like terrible footage, caught on the fly, shaky, and could be shot on a potato and they network would still buy it if there's a guy on fire in the video.

These are my sticking points and I know you can help me.

1. The T5i is my benchmark.

2. I would like to have something I can use for a webcam, for streaming. I have learned that with Magic Lantern other software, I can get rid of the 30-minute timeout.

3. I am seeing that later T series cameras have C Log and I've graded C Log before. It's beautiful footage if it's done right, but that the T5i can also be modded to do C Log (though it's said be a lower quality).

4. Every article and assessment I have read says that the T6i and the T7i aren't necessarily an improvement on the T5i but just have extra features, and of course, I really love the fully articulating screen and use it a lot. (I know I can use a monitor, but then do I lose my mic input?)

5. The R50 and the R50 V both look amazing, but I can buy a used T5i for $200 in mint condition, vs. The R series which gets to around $800 plus the adapter, plus lenses, so it adds $1000 over the T5i.

6. Then, I start looking at other models and this is where I get lost. Apparently, there are lots of Canons that offer C Log, models A10 B50 C100 D500 E11 F18 H20 I5 J45 K2 L7 M80 N02 O10 P90 Q2 R50 S10 T2 U2 V12 W11 X1 Y2K Z28, and I am lost because then I have to compare all 50 models to the T5i.

So, considering all of that, what camera am I looking for?

Re: My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

TomRamsey — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:21:44 GMT

Possibly, you buy the used T5i so you are comfortable using it, then whatever R series you buy you have time to learn it. To me when upgrading it is pretty simple, buy the latest technology that mets your requirements that you can afford. Yea, it takes a bit of research to compare them all, but it is worth it to get the right equipment. Everything newer will be quite a step up, and there will be a learning curve so spending $200 for a fallback while you learn could be helpful.

Re: My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

shadowsports — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:20:45 GMT

I like Tom's recommendation a lot.

If the T5i is your benchmark the sky's the limit. If you do decide to go with a new R series body, I would not recommend even trying to run magic lantern on it. Unless you are willing to risk performance, reliability and possibly voiding your warranty. Friendly advice. Possible doesn't = Good idea. 😉 If you want to go with a different manufacturer, I have no idea what magic lantern does with them.

Considerations (Canon). If you want C Log support, you'll need to go with the R50v since the standard R50 doesn't support C Log.

You cannot record to the internal SD memory card on the R50v with an external monitor connected to the HDMI port, so you'd have to use an external display / recorder, and that's going to take power. The battery on the R50v is a pipsqueak. I've got one so I know. It's fine if you want to just run the camera, but if you want to start plugging things in, that's a whole different story. It has a dedicated 3.5mm mic port so you're not going to lose any mic input. If you're willing, I'm sure they have cages available so you could rig it out and use USB-C PD power. Please keep in mind these recommendations are based on unmodified Canon gear. I cannot recommend any software hacks possible or not.

Re: My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

SignifDigits — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:15:43 GMT

I also agree with Tom's recommendation. Get a nice used T5i and sweet used IS EF lens suitable for your videos. I'm assuming the $200 was body only and the lens cost is going to be in the mix? Depending upon your field of view needs, something like the EF 24-105 f/4L IS II USM (seeing one now for $379 from Adorama) or EF 16-36mm f/4L IS USM (seeing one for $499 on MPB now) perhaps. Of course you probably had a favorite lens on that stolen camera different than those (there is a LOT of great used EF glass out there).

Then you can, if you wish to move to mirrorless, keep an eye out for a refurbished R50V or body only in the $600-$700 range along with a $150 EF to RF converter.

Re: My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

kvbarkley — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:51:41 GMT

Since you are so particular, I suggest you rent an R50v for a few weeks to a month to see if it meets your expectations.

Re: Upgrade recos? My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

SignifDigits — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:20:25 GMT

^^Another excellent suggestion.

Re: My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

BirdyBird — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:11:31 GMT

I didn't even know I could rent a camera that cheap. I will look into it.

Re: Upgrade recos? My endless struggle with not wanting to give up the T5i - I need your expertise!!

kvbarkley — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:18:01 GMT

If you are in the US, Lens Rentals has them.