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The EOS R50 vlogging creator kit repackages the existing camera, a lens tripod grip and a remote control. Image: Canon |
Canon is targeting video content creators with the announcement of its EOS R50 vlogging kit. The bundle doesn’t include any newly announced gear; rather, it’s a repacking of existing gear. However, it could prove to be an easy start-up pack for those beginning to dip their toes into videography.
Its previous ‘creator kit’ packaged the R50 with an RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, microphone, tripod grip and wireless remote, but this lens was a bit too tight for selfie video. So, it seems Canon has taken note of this issue and repackaged the kit with a lens that is more suitable for vlogging.
Canon’s EOS R50 is an APS-C camera with a 24.2MP sensor that can capture uncropped 4K video up to 30fps. Canon has now paired the R50 with the RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 autofocus lens, a focal length that is ideal for vloggers wishing to point the camera towards themselves and talk to it from arm’s length. To aid stability, the kit also includes a tripod grip and the BR-E1 remote control, which you can use to start and stop your recording.
In our review, we gave the R50 high marks for good image quality, AF stickiness, 10-bit HDR PQ video and a decent 15fps burst mode. The main limitation of the camera is a limited RF APS-C lens selection and a body that might be too small and cramped for some users.
At $1000, is the vlogging kit a money saver? Let’s do the math. Currently, you can purchase the EOS R50 on sale for $570. The 10-18mm costs $329 and the combined tripod / grip / remote control costs $129. That’s a total of $1030 if you bought the items separately. Saving $30 isn’t mindblowing, but it’s a saving all the same.
Away from this vlogging kit, you can bundle the R50 with the 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 kit lens for $700. Alternatively, if you aren’t interested in selfie video and don’t want the 10-18mm lens, and would prefer an 18-45mm kit lens, Canon’s previous creator kit can be had for $800.
If the EOS R50 seems appealing and you don’t want the hassle of buying items separately, Canon’s vlogging kit could be a solid kickstart for those curious about vlogging. However, if you intend to use this as a hybrid camera (and don’t exclusively shoot landscape photography) the 10-18mm will likely be too wide for an everyday lens.
The Canon EOS R50 vlogging kit is now available for preorder on Canon’s website, for a Thursday, April 18 release date.
