Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel

Canon EOS R50 vs Sony α6400

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Sony α6400 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.7 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Photographers prioritizing autofocus — read the strengths below before deciding.

Canon EOS R50
Ranked #8 in Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel
Canon EOS R50
$799as of May 29

The Canon EOS R50 is a compact APS-C mirrorless camera priced at $680 body-only, offering strong value with its 24.2MP sensor and advanced autofocus system. Reviewers praised its burst shooting capabilities and subject tracking, calling its AF system the best at this price point. However, the camera suffers from limited third-party lens support and lacks an AV mode in video. While some reviewers noted higher ISO penalties than expected, the R50 remains a solid entry-level option for those seeking a capable RF-mount camera without the premium price tag.

Strengths
  • Responsive touchscreen with good resolution
  • Very useful burst rate with either EFC or Electronic shutters
  • Autofocus system is the best out there at this price point
Watch-outs
  • Very few RF-S lenses available
  • No AV mode in video
Sony α6400
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel
Sony α6400
$848as of May 29

The Sony α6400 stands out primarily for its exceptional autofocus system, which DPReview calls 'one of the best implementations out there' and 'game-changing' for its price range. RTINGS.com notes its 11fps continuous RAW shooting and 4K video capabilities. However, reviewers like Alik Griffin criticize its handling and ergonomics, while others point out the lack of in-body stabilization and confusing menu system. Despite these drawbacks, it's considered one of the most capable APS-C cameras at its price point, particularly for those prioritizing autofocus performance over user experience.

Strengths
  • Industry-leading autofocus implementation with 425 phase- and contrast-detect AF points
  • 11fps continuous RAW shooting capability
  • Detailed 4K video with 100mbps recording and slow motion
Watch-outs
  • Ergonomics are hit-and-miss with no substantive changes from predecessor
  • Lacks in-body stabilization limiting video and low-light performance

How they stack up

Canon EOS R50

The Canon EOS R50 delivers better autofocus performance than the Sony α6400, but lacks the 4K/60p recording and 10-bit color depth of the Sony α6700. Compared to the Fujifilm X-S20, it offers a more affordable price point and better lens support, though the X-S20 provides superior video capabilities and dedicated vlog mode.

Sony α6400

The Sony α6400 excels in autofocus performance compared to the Canon EOS R50, but lacks the 4K/60p recording and 10-bit color depth of the Sony α6700. Unlike the Fujifilm X-T5, it has a more compact design and better low-light performance, though the X-T5 provides higher frame rates and better in-body stabilization.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCanon EOS R50Sony α6400
Sensor24.2MP APS-C CMOS24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
StabilizationNo IBIS, relies on lens ISNo in-body stabilization
Video4K 30p4K/30p, 1080 up to 60p/120p
AutofocusDual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 Zones425 Phase- & Contrast-Detect AF Points
Burst Rate15 fps electronic shutterUp to 11 fps
Display3.0-inch fully articulating touchscreen3.0" 921.6k-Dot Tilting
EVF2.36M-dot OLEDXGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED
Weight13.2 ouncesLess than 1 lb (body only)
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