Help a newbie choose please... SL3 vs M50

[bubbapuck]

Hello All!

I have always wanted to take on photography as a hobby but have never been able to afford it. My kids are grown and grandbabies are here so I thought now would be a great time to splurge a little and start a hobby I have always dreamed about. I am not a rich man but have given myself around a $1000 (give or take) to find a good starter camera. If I love the hobby like I think I will, I can grow in the future but for now this is a good starting point.

The main reason I am starting this hobby now is in the next 2 years I will be crusing to Alaska and Mexico, going to Hawaii and Disney World. I want to have a nice camera to capture these events as well as grandkids sporting events (13 yo, 10 yo, and 6 yo). I plan to use my camera equally for photographs and for video.

I have been researching via youtube and online courses so I know some of the basics and have a VERY general undertsanding of the terminology. At this time I am planning on either the SL3 or the M50 (leaning towards SL3 for cost reasons... want to keep them low if possible). I want to list the positive and negatives, as this newbie understands, so I know how important the pros and cons are for my situation so I can make a well educated choice.

• SL3 is a DSLR and M50 is mirrorless. I understand the differences as far as what they are and size wise but does one take better pictures than the other?
• M50 records HD at 24 FPS while SL3 does not (NTSC). This seems to be a point of controversy. They say 24 FPS is for cinematic video. I plan to do basic youtube and family videos. Is this that big an issue in my situtaion.
• I heard that SL3 records 25 FPS in PAL. The difference between 24 and 25 doesnt seem that big a deal to a newb. If I switch to PAL, is there a difference in quality or anything why I wouldnt just switch if wanting the 25 FPS? I live in California if that matters.
• SL3 seems to have a better array of lenses that are more affordable. The M50 you have to add an adapter to get all SL3 lenses or use the more expensive EF-M lenses. If I use the adapter, does the picture quality suffer at all with this adapter. Cost wise is like the SL3 but if the adapter doesnt make a difference, the M50 may be more manageable.
• SL3 seems to have a much better battery. Again, for cost and sanity purposes, I like the fact that the battery life is better.
• M50 seems to have better image stabilization (in-body). This seems like an important difference but not sure how big of a difference. With the SL3 lens syabilization, will that be good enough for my generic use. I dont like when I get hand shake in my videos but not sure how big a difference between the two really is.
• The burst shooting on the M50 is twice as good. For my Alaska and grands soccer shots, I may want a better burst. Is this something that is an important thing or will 5 FPS be suffice?
• SL3 has eye detection while M50 does not. I am not sure if eye detection in general is that much
  better. I plan to get better and learn more but I dont think eye focus should sway my decision.
• SL3 hot shoe is missing a pin meaning you have to use Canon only flash. This can cause more cost to the SL3. The SL3 has a built in flash. Is this a good enough flash or will I need to get a better flash and this is something I need to worry about when it comes to cost. I alsi have to think that 3rd party companies will eventually develop for this hot shoe.
• Neither are weather resistant. I am fearful with going to so many different environments over the next few year I may have an issue and my camera be ruined. How easy is it to have a weather related issue with the cameras? Should I put some sort of cover over the camera if I get the rain of Alasake or the sand of the Hawaian beaches?
• I like these two cameras because of their capabilities and the cost. For $1000 I cam get the camera in a bindle to provide more lenses and gear. Would it be better to go up to a better camera and have fewer lenses/gear or for my purposes, stick with the lower level cameras?

I apolgize for this being so long but I am hoping to get myself better educated before the Black Friday sales come!

Thanks... Bubba

[kvbarkley]

I don't think the M50 has IBIS (image stabilization internal to the body). That is a feature of the newer R series.

I would go with the SL3. Any lenses you get (EF-S) can be used on EF-S mounts and R mounts (with an adapter). EF-M lenses can only be used on M cameras.

[Far-Out-Dude]

The camera (M50) does have IBIS From an Fstoppers article. (Please note this deals with the Mark II)  "If you fancy a good stabilization system, the EOS M50 won't let you down with its five-axis IBIS and digital IS. You can shoot up to 7.4 frames per second with full AF capabilities or 10 frames per second when the AF lock is activated."

[Tronhard]

According to Canon's own specifications for the M50MkII, it does NOT have IBIS.  It was a much speculated feature, which is where I have seen an f-Stoppers article, but that did not eventuate according to the Canon Specs page and a search of the M50II Advanced User Guide.
REF: Canon : Product Manual : EOS M50 Mark II (start.canon)

[Waddizzle]

I think it would be better to go with a better camera and fewer lenses, compared to a lesser camera and more lenses.

You can also compare specs of two cameras on web sites like B&H, which also have a seeminlgy complete list of all of Canon's published specifications for the two cameras.  I recommend this bundle as a good starter kit.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/refurbished-eos-t7i-ef-s-18-55-ef-s-55-250-is-stm-bundle 

But, there are better camera kits and combos out there at the next price tier, about $1250 USD.

If you select a camera bag, pick one that can hold twice the amount gear you currently have.  Some bags include rain/dust covers.  I like the Lowepro Nova Series of shoulder bags.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I am not a fan of the "M" series either.

I also like the idea of buying more camera upfront.    

T7i (1080p) or T8i for 4K video.

I use a Lowenpro Slingshot Edge 250BW for daily carry when out and about.

[ebiggs1]

I agree with Rick.

"I am not a fan of the "M" series either." 

I still see the M series as a dead end and like others say it is its own lens system. However that said I also think the EF/EF-S is dead.  That does make for a tough decision for today's camera buyer. I lean towards the EF/EF-S side though given that choice I doubt there will be any new EF type lenses made either so you have what you have currently available. I polished my crystal ball only this morning, too!

I would strongly recommend you handle a SL3 before you buy one, They are way too small for my liking but you may differ. I would steer you towards the 90D or Rebel T8i.  The 90D is a fine camera and will always be a fine camera.

"..., I can grow in the future but for now this is a good starting point."

Sometimes a good starting point can be more expensive than buying something that will actually grow with you.  That is why I am going to recommend you look at and check out one of the R series camera and lenses. If you do "love the hobby like I think I will" you will almost assuredly buy a better camera later. Buying twice? I have not checked R prices lately and I know some are more, way more, than your $1000 but this is the direction that Canon and digital cameras are going. It just may wind up the cheapest way to go.

[Waddizzle]

"I lean towards the EF/EF-S side though given that choice I doubt there will be any new EF type lenses made either so you have what you have currently available. I polished my crystal ball only this morning, too!"

He's right.  The future of EF/EF-S lenses looks grim.  Canon USA no longer the EF 70-20mm f/4L USM on its' web site.  I noticed that many of the consumer primes are no longer being offered, too.  Get them while they're hot.

[kvbarkley]

What are you talking about?

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/ef/telephoto-zoom/ef-70-20...

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

What are you talking about?

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/ef/telephoto-zoom/ef-70-20...

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Their filters are flawed.  I looked at medium telephoto lenses, and the 70-200mm lenses came up, but not the f/4.

[EDIT] I still don't see 70-200mm f/4 non-IS lens listed.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/all-lenses