R50 video autofocus versus 5D Mark IV, or 6d Mark II

[alyssal]

Hi, right now I mainly use two DSLRs for photography. I'd like to dabble into the world of videography, simplified stuff. Mainly reel making. I have been messing with my DSLRs right now, would the R50 have better autofocus with videos? For example animals running? Or pan shots of a still object? Just wondering if it's worth the extra investment, or should I stick with the DSLRs for now? I'd like to have a camera just dedicated to video that I can master and was wondering if the R50 would be a good choice, along with the RF adapter paired with the 24 to 105 lens that I use on my DSLR sometimes. Any advice would be appreciated. This would be very entry-level.

[deebatman316]

Be aware that not every EF lens produced is compatible with DPAF. This is true even on DSLRs and not just mirrorless. DSLRs have been discontinued a lot of them are nearing the end of support. Also EF lenses aren’t known to have quiet AF & Aperture motors. These sounds can be picked up by the microphone. Also they may not smoothly transition between aperture settings. Instead the lens may jump between aperture settings. Then also cause jumps in exposure. Also older motors may not be fast enough for DPAF. Or may jump around to acquire focus. Instead of smoothly transitioning between different focus points. Now the body itself will be better but it’s limited by the lenses that are used. Especially when you’re adapting EF lenses. 

[alyssal]

Thank you - so with that being said maybe the R50 paired with something like the RF 50mm 1.8 STM lens would be better than an adapter with an older DSLR lens? Would that RF lens in particular still work good for autofocus? Or, what is the cheapest RF lens that would go well with the R50 for animals with movement? Or maybe there is a better long term setup you'd recommend instead? Thanks again.

[deebatman316]

Using a 50mm lens on an APS-C camera such as the EOS R50 will make the angle of view more narrow. The lens would have an 80mm focal length equivalent compared to Full Frame of 35mm Film. Its also a difficult focal length to use on an APS-C camera. What are you using the camera for still, video or hybrid shooting. The kit lens should cover everything you need. Unless you need a telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm for sports. Or if you need anything wider such as a 10-18mm lens. When I was still shooting with an APS-C camera for stills. I mainly used a 17-55mm lens or another good lens was the 18-135mm lens. Those lenses cover everything you need. But now in the RF system those lenses were replaced by the 18-45mm and 18-150mm lenses.

[shadowsports]

Greetings, 

If you are looking for a video first camera, please look at the R50v. 

[alyssal]

Ok, I would mainly cover still shots, some action, and maybe some wedding type. For example a horse galloping in a pasture, I may need to zoom to follow the horse? That's where I need good autofocus tracking. I do like a lot of bokeh, so that's why kit lens aren't my favorite. But, maybe for video footage it's not as noticeable of a difference compared to photography? I'm willing to make more of an investment, but I don't want to go all in on something that I might not end up using as much?

[alyssal]

What's the advantage of that one versus the R50? With which lens do you like? How is the autofocus on fast subjects such as horses galloping? 

[stevet1]

alyssa

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@alyssal wrote:

What's the advantage of that one versus the R50? With which lens do you like? How is the autofocus on fast subjects such as horses galloping? 

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alyssal,

In terms of horses galloping, and following up a little on what Demetrius said, perhaps you could pair an 18-135mm with Canon's PZ-E1 Power Zoom adapter.

Steve Thomas

[kvbarkley]

You are talking about some pretty advanced techniques here and most lenses this side of cinema lenses might not be up to the challenge. I suggest you rent some and try them out.

(Oh, and "bokeh" refers to the quality of the out of focus areas as coined by Mike Johnston of "The Online Photographer". You want a shallow depth of field.)

[alyssal]

Also - Let's say I take even a different approach to this and stick with my 5d MarkIV, and I invest in a really good DSLR lens (because I really love this camera, and I still use it for lots of photos). How is the 5d MarkIV's autofocus tracking compared to the mirrorless ones? Is it still good for with what I'm wanting? For example, pan slow shots of horses grazing, or horses running? Would image stabilization be better on the mirrorless products? I've been trying to watch youtube videos, but there's so much to choose from in the mirrorless world.