Canon R50 vs Sony A6400 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Canon EOS R50 & Sony A6400 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Canon EOS R50 rather than the Sony A6400.

Why Do I Recommend The Canon EOS R50?

  • The Canon EOS R50 includes a newer DIGIC X image processor for improved autofocus intelligence and faster overall system responsiveness, while the Sony A6400 uses the older BIONZ X processor.
  • Canon EOS R50 has Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for faster and more reliable subject tracking across the entire frame, while the Sony Alpha a6400 uses an older hybrid phase-detect autofocus system.
  • It includes advanced subject recognition for humans, animals, birds, and vehicles to maintain accurate focus in complex real-world scenes, whereas the Sony A6400 supports subject detection limited to humans and animals.
  • The Canon EOS R50 comes with a fully articulating touchscreen for flexible framing, vlogging, and menu navigation, while the Sony A6400 uses a tilt-only display without touch functionality.
  • Canon EOS R50 features up to 15 fps electronic shutter burst shooting for capturing fast action sequences more precisely, whereas the Sony A6400 does not support electronic shutter high-speed bursts.
  • It supports uncropped oversampled 4K video for wider field-of-view and higher detail retention, while the Sony A6400 uses a heavily cropped 4K video readout.
  • The Canon EOS R50 supports native USB-C webcam functionality for direct high-quality streaming and video calls, whereas the Sony A6400 requires additional software and setup.
  • Canon EOS R50 has a lighter and more compact body design for easier portability and reduced fatigue during long shooting sessions, while the Sony A6400 uses a heavier magnesium alloy construction.

Maybe the Sony A6400 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Canon EOS R50. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureCanon EOS R50Sony A6400
Mount TypeRF-SSony E
Sensor GenerationNewer APS-COlder APS-C
ProcessorDIGIC XBIONZ X
AF Points Coverage~100%~84%
AF System TypeDual Pixel CMOS AF IIHybrid PDAF + CDAF
Subject Detection TypesHumans/Animals/Birds/VehiclesHumans/Animals
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical)12 fps11 fps
Continuous Shooting (Electronic)15 fpsNone
TouchscreenFully articulating touchNo touch/tilt only
Menu UICanon UISony UI
Battery ModelLP-E17NP-FW50
USB Port TypeUSB-CMicro-USB
Webcam SupportNative UVC/UACSoftware required
Body MaterialPolycarbonateMagnesium alloy
PriceCheck Canon R50 PriceCheck Sony A6400 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Sensor Size: Both cameras use APS-C sensors, which balance image quality and portability. This sensor size allows strong low-light performance and good background separation compared to smaller sensors.
  • Sensor Type: Each model uses a CMOS sensor, enabling fast readout speeds and efficient power usage. CMOS technology is essential for modern autofocus and video performance.
  • Effective Resolution: Both deliver 24.2 megapixels, providing ample detail for large prints and cropping. This resolution is well suited for photography and video hybrid use.
  • Lens Interchangeable: Both cameras support interchangeable lenses, allowing users to adapt to different shooting styles. This flexibility makes them suitable for landscapes, portraits, sports, and video.
  • Mirrorless Design: Each model is mirrorless, resulting in a more compact body than traditional DSLRs. Mirrorless systems also enable faster autofocus and real-time exposure preview.
  • Phase Detection AF: Both cameras include on-sensor phase detection autofocus. This allows faster and more accurate focusing compared to contrast-only systems.
  • Eye Detection AF: Human eye detection is supported on both models. This helps maintain sharp focus on subjects during portraits and motion.
  • Animal Eye AF: Both cameras can detect animal eyes. This is useful for wildlife and pet photography where precise focus is critical.
  • Continuous Shooting: Each camera supports high-speed burst shooting. This allows capturing fast-moving subjects such as sports or action scenes.
  • 4K Video Recording: Both models can record video in 4K resolution. This enables detailed footage suitable for modern displays and professional workflows.
  • Full HD 120p: High-speed Full HD recording is available on both. This allows smooth slow-motion playback for creative video effects.
  • HDMI Output: Both include a Micro HDMI port for external monitors or recorders. This is useful for video monitoring and live production setups.
  • External Microphone Input: A 3.5 mm microphone jack is present on both cameras. This allows improved audio quality compared to internal microphones.
  • In-Body Image Stabilization: Neither camera includes IBIS. Stabilization relies on lenses or external support systems.
  • Viewfinder Type: Both cameras use electronic OLED viewfinders. This provides real-time exposure, color, and focus feedback.
  • Viewfinder Resolution: Each viewfinder has a 2.36M-dot resolution. This ensures a clear and detailed preview when composing shots.
  • Single Card Slot: Both models use a single memory card slot. This is typical for compact mirrorless cameras in this class.
  • SD Card Support: Each supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. This ensures wide compatibility and easy storage expansion.
  • Wi-Fi: Wireless connectivity is included on both cameras. This allows image transfer and remote control via mobile devices.
  • Bluetooth: Both support Bluetooth for low-power device pairing. This helps maintain constant connection with smartphones for quick sharing and control.

Common Features

FeatureCanon EOS R50Sony A6400
Sensor SizeAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOS
Effective Resolution24.2 MP24.2 MP
Lens InterchangeableYesYes
Mirrorless DesignYesYes
Phase Detection AFYesYes
Eye Detection AFYesYes
Animal Eye AFYesYes
Continuous ShootingYesYes
4K Video RecordingYesYes
Full HD 120pYesYes
HDMI OutputMicro HDMIMicro HDMI
External Microphone Input3.5 mm3.5 mm
In-Body Image StabilizationNoNo
Viewfinder TypeElectronic OLEDElectronic OLED
Viewfinder Resolution2.36M dots2.36M dots
Single Card SlotYesYes
SD Card SupportSD/SDHC/SDXCSD/SDHC/SDXC
Wi-FiYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Price Check Canon R50 Price
Check Sony A6400 Price

FAQ

Which camera is better for beginners, Canon EOS R50 or Sony A6400?
The Canon EOS R50 is generally better for beginners because it has a simpler menu system, a fully articulating touchscreen, and more guided shooting modes, while the Sony A6400 is more complex and geared toward experienced users.

Which camera has better autofocus performance overall?
The Canon EOS R50 has more advanced autofocus technology with wider coverage and newer subject-detection algorithms, while the Sony A6400 relies on an older hybrid autofocus system.

Is the Sony A6400 more durable than the Canon EOS R50?
The Sony A6400 is more durable due to its magnesium alloy body and weather sealing, whereas the Canon EOS R50 uses a polycarbonate body without weather sealing.

Which camera is better for video recording?
The Canon EOS R50 is better for casual video creators because it records uncropped 4K and has a fully articulating screen, while the Sony A6400 applies a crop in 4K but offers advanced log profiles for experienced videographers.

Do both cameras support external microphones?
Both the Canon EOS R50 and Sony A6400 include a 3.5 mm microphone input, allowing the use of external microphones for improved audio quality.

Which camera has better battery life?
The Sony A6400 has better battery endurance per charge, while the Canon EOS R50 sacrifices battery life for a smaller and lighter body design.

Are both cameras suitable for wildlife and animal photography?
Both cameras support animal eye autofocus, but the Canon EOS R50 adds bird detection and more advanced subject tracking, making it more capable for wildlife scenarios.

Do either of these cameras have in-body image stabilization?
Neither the Canon EOS R50 nor the Sony A6400 includes in-body image stabilization, so stabilization depends on the lens or external support.

Which camera is better for vlogging and self-recording?
The Canon EOS R50 is better for vlogging because of its fully articulating touchscreen and uncropped 4K video, while the Sony A6400’s tilt-only screen is less flexible.

Can both cameras shoot slow-motion video?
Yes, both cameras support Full HD recording at up to 120 frames per second, enabling smooth slow-motion playback.

Which camera has a more modern connectivity setup?
The Canon EOS R50 features USB-C and native webcam support, while the Sony A6400 uses Micro-USB and requires additional software for webcam functionality.

Is lens availability better on Canon RF-S or Sony E mount?
The Sony E mount currently has a larger and more mature lens ecosystem, while Canon RF-S lenses are newer and more limited but continue to expand.

Do both cameras have electronic viewfinders?
Yes, both cameras use electronic OLED viewfinders with similar resolution, allowing real-time exposure and focus preview.

Which camera is lighter and easier to carry?
The Canon EOS R50 is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry for travel and daily use compared to the heavier Sony A6400.

Are these cameras suitable for professional use?
Both cameras can be used professionally in certain contexts, but the Sony A6400 is better suited for demanding environments due to weather sealing, while the Canon EOS R50 excels as a modern hybrid camera for creators and enthusiasts.