Just got your hands on a Canon M50 and wondering where to start? You’re in the right place. After three years of shooting with the Canon EOS M50, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, what I wish someone had told me on day one. Welcome to the Canon M50 Beginner’s Guide!
The Canon M50 Mark I (and its newer sibling, the M50 Mark II) are fantastic cameras for beginners and enthusiasts alike. But like any camera, knowing the right settings and techniques can make the difference between frustrating struggles and amazing photos.
What You Need Before You Start Shooting
Essential Canon M50 Accessories Beginner’s Guide
Before you even turn on your Canon M50, here are the must-have accessories:
Memory Card Requirements
- Get a Class 10 SD card minimum (UHS-I is even better)
- Start with at least 32GB capacity
- Avoid cheap, slow cards – they’ll cause video recording issues
Battery Life Solutions The Canon M50 battery life is modest at best. You’ll get 2-3 hours of actual shooting time, so:
- Buy at least one spare LP-E12 battery
- Consider a battery grip for extended shooting sessions
- Always charge your battery the night before important shoots
Canon M50 Settings Every Beginner Should Change
1. Viewfinder Display Setup
Make your Canon M50 EVF actually useful:
- Go to the wrench menu
- Find “Viewfinder Display”
- Enable exposure information display
- This shows your camera settings right in the viewfinder
2. Back Button Focus (Game Changer!)
This Canon M50 focus setting will transform your photography:
- Navigate to Custom Functions in your menu
- Set up back-button focus
- Now you focus with a dedicated button instead of half-pressing the shutter
- Takes practice but dramatically improves your shooting accuracy
3. Highlight Alerts (“Blinkies”)
Enable Canon M50 highlight alerts to avoid overexposed photos:
- Turn on highlight warnings in playback settings
- Overexposed areas will flash on your screen
- Adjust your exposure before it’s too late
Canon M50 Lens Guide for Beginners
The Kit Lens Reality
The Canon EF-M 15-45mm kit lens that comes with your M50 is actually quite good for beginners. Don’t let lens snobs tell you otherwise – I captured amazing photos with mine for over a year.
Best Canon M50 Lenses for Beginners
Canon EF-M 22mm f/2
- Perfect Canon M50 portrait lens
- Creates beautiful background blur
- Makes your camera incredibly compact
- Excellent for street photography and everyday shots
Using EF Lenses with Adapter
- The Canon EF-M adapter opens up a world of lens options
- Access to the entire Canon EF lens lineup
- Makes the camera bulkier but worth it for specific needs
Canon M50 Shooting Modes Explained Simply
Start with Aperture Priority (Av Mode)
Forget auto mode after your first week. Canon M50 aperture priority mode is perfect for beginners:
- You control depth of field (background blur)
- Camera handles shutter speed and ISO
- Lower f-numbers = more background blur
- Higher f-numbers = everything in focus
Understanding Canon M50 Manual Mode
When you’re ready for full control, remember the exposure triangle:
- Aperture: Controls depth of field
- Shutter Speed: Controls motion blur
- ISO: Controls sensor sensitivity (keep under 800 for best quality)
The Canon M50 ISO performance is solid up to 3200, so don’t be afraid to push it in low light.
Canon M50 Video Capabilities Beginner’s Guide
4K vs 1080p: What You Need to Know
Canon M50 4K video specs:
- Shoots beautiful 4K footage
- Significant sensor crop in 4K mode
- Recommendation: Stick with 1080p at 60fps for most situations
Canon M50 Video Settings
- Use Canon M50 digital stabilization but don’t rely on it completely
- Monitor audio with headphones if recording sound
- Consider a gimbal for smooth footage
Common Canon M50 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Sensor Maintenance
Canon M50 sensor cleaning is crucial:
- Dust spots will appear in your photos
- Clean your sensor every few months
- Use a professional sensor cleaning kit or service
2. White Balance Issues
Don’t ignore Canon M50 white balance:
- Auto white balance isn’t perfect
- Learn to set it manually for consistent colors
- Especially important for indoor photography
3. Backup Strategy
Create a backup system immediately:
- Use cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud)
- Get an external drive
- Don’t lose months of work like I did
Canon M50 Photography Beginner’s Guide
Composition Fundamentals
- Rule of thirds: Place subjects along imaginary grid lines
- Leading lines: Use lines to guide the viewer’s eye
- Framing: Use natural frames to highlight your subject
Understanding Light
- Golden hour: Hour after sunrise and before sunset
- Blue hour: Twilight period with soft, even light
- Avoid harsh midday sun for portraits
Canon M50 Low Light Performance
- Keep ISO under 800 when possible
- Use a tripod for sharp images in dim conditions
- The M50 handles noise well up to ISO 3200
M50 vs Competitors
Canon M50 vs Sony a6000
- Canon M50: Better for beginners, easier menu system
- Sony a6000: Better autofocus, more lens options
Canon M50 vs Canon M6 Mark II
- M50: More affordable, flip-out screen perfect for video
- M6 Mark II: Better performance, no recording limits
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Getting the Most from Your Canon M50
Recommended Learning Path
- Master composition basics – This matters more than technical settings
- Understand exposure – Learn the relationship between aperture, shutter, and ISO
- Study light – Learn when and where to find good light
- Develop editing skills – Use Lightroom, RawTherapee, or even phone apps
Canon M50 Firmware Updates
Always keep your Canon M50 firmware updated:
- Visit Canon’s official website
- Download latest firmware for your specific model
- Updates often improve autofocus and add features
Canon M50 Price and Value in 2025
The Canon M50 price has dropped significantly since launch, making it an excellent entry-level camera. You can often find good Canon M50 deals on:
- Amazon
- B&H Photo
- Adorama
- Local camera shops
The Canon EOS M50 is an excellent camera for beginners and enthusiasts. Don’t get caught up in gear envy – focus on learning the fundamentals and practicing regularly. The best camera is the one you have with you, so get out there and start shooting.
Remember, every professional photographer started exactly where you are now. Take lots of photos, make mistakes, learn from them, and most importantly, have fun with your new Canon M50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon M50 good for beginners? Absolutely. The M50 offers excellent image quality, user-friendly controls, and a flip-out screen perfect for learning.
What memory card should I buy for Canon M50? Get a Class 10 SD card with at least 32GB capacity. UHS-I cards offer better performance for video recording.
How long does Canon M50 battery last? Expect 2-3 hours of actual shooting time. Always carry a spare LP-E12 battery.
Can I use Canon EF lenses on M50? Yes, with the Canon EF-M adapter, you can use the entire Canon EF lens lineup.
Is Canon M50 good for video? Yes, it shoots excellent 1080p video at 60fps. The 4K mode crops the sensor significantly.
Last updated: September 2025 | Beginner’s Guide Written by a photographer with 3+ years of Canon M50 experience