Photography

Canon R50 V In-depth Review: The King of Compact Content Creation?

Canon R50 V

Canon has long been a powerhouse in the photography world, and its entry-level mirrorless cameras have been instrumental in democratizing professional-quality image-making. The original EOS R50 was a runaway success, carving out a niche as an ultra-portable, easy-to-use camera perfect for new photographers and aspiring content creators. Now, Canon is back with the highly anticipated EOS R50 V, a model that promises to build on its predecessor’s foundation with significant upgrades tailored specifically for the modern vlogger and hybrid shooter. We’ve spent weeks with the R50 V, putting it through its paces in real-world scenarios, from everyday travel and street photography to high-stakes vlogging and live streaming. Does the “V” in its name truly signify a new era for compact video, or is it just a minor iteration? Let’s dive in.

Design, Ergonomics, and Build

At first glance, the EOS R50 V retains the familiar compact, lightweight form factor of the original. This is a camera you can easily slip into a small bag or even a large jacket pocket, making it an ideal companion for travel and daily carry. The body is primarily constructed from high-quality polycarbonate, which feels durable and solid for its weight. The grip, while small, is sculpted enough to provide a secure and comfortable hold for extended use.

Canon has made some thoughtful tweaks to the control layout. The most significant change is the addition of a dedicated mode dial for quickly switching between photo, video, and a new “Vlog” mode. The front command dial, previously a point of contention for some users, now has a more tactile, clicky feel for precise adjustments. The rear of the camera is dominated by the fully articulated, vari-angle touchscreen, which is a vlogger’s best friend. It flips out to the side and rotates 270 degrees, making it perfect for self-recording and creative high or low-angle shots. The screen itself is bright and responsive, and its touch functionality allows for intuitive menu navigation and tap-to-focus control. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a modest 2.36 million-dot OLED, offering a clear and detailed view for framing shots in bright conditions. While not a groundbreaking feature, it’s a solid inclusion for a camera in this class.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Low-Light Performance

The heart of the R50 V is its new 26.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a modest but meaningful bump from the 24.2MP sensor in the original. This new sensor is paired with the latest DIGIC X image processor, a combination that delivers impressive results. In our tests, still images from the R50 V exhibited excellent color accuracy, with Canon’s signature warm, pleasing tones right out of the camera. The dynamic range is surprisingly wide for a camera in this category, allowing us to recover a great deal of detail from both shadows and highlights.

Low-light performance is where the R50 V truly shines. The new sensor and processor combination handles high ISO settings with remarkable grace. We were able to push the camera to ISO 12,800 with minimal visible noise, making it a viable option for shooting in dimly lit restaurants or during golden hour. The noise that does appear is a fine, film-like grain rather than the chunky color noise often seen in less capable sensors. The camera’s built-in digital noise reduction also works effectively without excessively smoothing over fine details.

Autofocus and Video Capabilities

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II is renowned for its speed and accuracy, and the version in the R50 V is nothing short of exceptional. The camera boasts an advanced subject tracking system that can reliably lock onto and follow humans, animals (dogs, cats, and birds), and vehicles. In our tests, the eye-detect and face-tracking for both stills and video were nearly flawless, even with subjects moving quickly or turning their heads away from the camera. This makes the R50 V an ideal tool for vloggers who need to ensure they are always in sharp focus without manual intervention.

But the most significant upgrades are in the video department. The R50 V now offers uncropped 4K video at up to 60fps, a massive leap from the original’s 4K/30p limitation. This allows for beautifully smooth, cinematic footage and gives content creators the option to slow down their 4K clips by 50% for a crisp slow-motion effect. For those who need even higher frame rates, Full HD (1080p) video can be captured at up to 120fps. The camera also supports 10-bit HDR PQ shooting, which provides incredible color depth and dynamic range for those with HDR-capable displays. The new “Vlog” mode activates a suite of features designed for self-recording, including a Product Demonstration mode that automatically shifts focus to an object held up to the camera and a video stabilization setting that works in conjunction with lens-based stabilization for incredibly smooth handheld footage.

Verdict and Who It’s For

The Canon EOS R50 V is a remarkable camera that successfully bridges the gap between a beginner’s entry point and a professional content creation tool. It takes everything that was great about the original R50—its compact size, intuitive controls, and excellent image quality—and supercharges it with the features that modern creators demand. The uncropped 4K/60p video, enhanced autofocus with subject tracking, and a dedicated vlogging mode make it an absolute powerhouse for its size and price point. While its polycarbonate build and lack of extensive physical controls might not satisfy a professional photographer who needs more robustness and manual control, for its target audience—the vlogger, the social media content creator, the travel enthusiast, and the family photographer—it is a near-perfect tool. The Canon EOS R50 V is a clear winner and a camera that sets a new benchmark in the compact mirrorless market.

Pros and Cons Chart

Pros	Cons
Excellent Uncropped 4K/60p Video	Limited Physical Controls
Superior Autofocus with Advanced Subject Tracking	No In-Body Image Stabilization
New, Higher-Resolution 26.1MP Sensor	Polycarbonate Body
Superb Low-Light Performance	Small Handgrip for Larger Hands
Highly Intuitive and Easy to Use	Limited RF-S Lens Ecosystem
Compact and Lightweight Design	Battery Life is Good, Not Great

Competitor Comparison

Feature	Canon EOS R50 V	Sony ZV-E10 II	Fujifilm X-S25
Sensor	26.1MP APS-C	24.2MP APS-C	26.1MP APS-C X-Trans
Max Video	Uncropped 4K/60p	Uncropped 4K/30p	Uncropped 4K/60p
Video AF	Dual Pixel CMOS AF II	Fast Hybrid AF	Hybrid Phase/Contrast
Stabilization	Digital Only	Digital + Catalyst	5-Axis IBIS
Viewfinder (EVF)	Yes (2.36M-dot)	No	Yes (2.36M-dot)
LCD Screen	Fully Articulated	Fully Articulated	Fully Articulated
Weight	~375g	~343g	~491g
Price (Est.)	$$	$$	$$$

Q&A Section

Q: Is the Canon R50 V suitable for professional use? A: While the R50 V has professional-level video features, its build and ergonomics are geared towards casual and content creation use. For a full-time professional photographer or filmmaker, a camera with more robust physical controls, a larger battery, and a more durable build like the Canon R6 II or R7 would be a better choice. However, for a professional who needs a lightweight B-camera or a reliable option for behind-the-scenes content, the R50 V is an excellent choice.

Q: Does the R50 V have in-body image stabilization (IBIS)? A: No, the R50 V does not have in-body image stabilization. It relies on Canon’s excellent Digital IS and the optical image stabilization (OIS) found in many of its RF-S lenses. For handheld video, the combination of these two is highly effective and produces very smooth footage, but it’s not quite the same as a dedicated IBIS system.

Q: Can I live stream with the R50 V? A: Yes, absolutely. The R50 V is designed with live streaming in mind. It has a clean HDMI output, allowing you to connect it directly to a capture card for a professional live stream setup. The camera also supports continuous shooting and power via USB-C, so you can stream for extended periods without worrying about the battery dying.

Q: What is the battery life like on the Canon R50 V? A: The R50 V uses a small LP-E17 battery, which is a key part of its compact design. In our testing, we found it provides decent but not exceptional battery life, especially when shooting 4K video. We recommend carrying a spare battery for all-day shoots or using the USB-C charging feature to keep it topped up when you’re not actively using it. The camera also works great with a portable power bank.

Q: How does the new “Vlog” mode work? A: The new “Vlog” mode on the dedicated dial is a genius addition. When activated, it automatically applies a suite of settings optimized for vlogging. This includes faster autofocus acquisition for people, a brighter screen with a selfie-friendly overlay, and an improved Product Demonstration mode that instantly shifts focus to objects held up to the camera. It’s a seamless way to get great-looking footage without having to dive into complex menus.

For more in-depth photography product reviews and the latest tech news, be sure to visit us at www.thetechreview.net.

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Hasselblad Unveils X2D II 100C: A New Era of Medium Format HDR Photography

Dean Iodice

Dean Iodice, a seasoned freelance tech writer and industry analyst for TheTechReview.net, specializing in emerging technologies and consumer electronics.

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Photography

Hasselblad Unveils X2D II 100C: A New Era of Medium Format HDR Photography

Hasselblad X2D II 100C

Hasselblad has once again raised the bar in the world of high-end photography with the announcement of the X2D II 100C. This 100-megapixel medium format camera is a significant update to its predecessor, introducing true end-to-end high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities. Alongside the new camera body, Hasselblad has also launched the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E, a versatile and compact standard zoom lens.

Hasselblad Unveils X2D II 100C: A New Era of Medium Format HDR Photography 85 — XCD 25V sample images – Mark McGee – Finals

The X2D II 100C: Redefining Image Quality and Performance

The X2D II 100C is packed with groundbreaking features designed to deliver unparalleled image quality and a seamless user experience.

100MP BSI CMOS Sensor: At the core of the X2D II 100C is an enhanced 100-megapixel back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, offering a stunning 16-bit color depth and an impressive 15.3 stops of dynamic range.
Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with HDR (HNCS HDR): This innovative technology ensures that your images are captured with lifelike colors, greater detail in highlights, and richer tones, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. HDR files can be saved in HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG formats.
Advanced Autofocus: For the first time, Hasselblad introduces AF-C continuous autofocus, powered by deep learning algorithms for faster and more reliable subject tracking. The camera’s Phase Detection Autofocus system now covers 425 zones, further enhanced by LiDAR-assisted focusing and a new AF illuminator for exceptional low-light performance.
Enhanced Stability: A new 10-stop, 5-axis in-body image stabilization system provides greater control for handheld shooting, allowing for sharp images even with long exposures.
Improved Design and Ergonomics: The X2D II 100C is 7.5% lighter than its predecessor and features a new graphite grey matte finish. It also boasts a tilting 3.6-inch OLED screen that is 75% brighter, a 5D joystick, and customizable controls for a more intuitive shooting experience.
Ample Storage: With 1TB of internal SSD storage and a CFexpress Type B slot for expansion, you’ll have plenty of space for your high-resolution files.

The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E Lens: Versatility and Optical Excellence

The new XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens is the perfect companion for the X2D II 100C, offering a versatile focal range equivalent to 28-76mm on a full-frame camera.

Flagship Optical Performance: With an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4, this lens delivers exceptional low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. Its advanced optical design, featuring 16 elements in 13 groups, ensures edge-to-edge sharpness, fully capitalizing on the 100MP sensor’s capabilities.
Fast and Silent Autofocus: The lens is equipped with the fastest stepping motor in the XCD lineup, providing swift and silent autofocus.
Integrated Leaf Shutter: A signature feature of Hasselblad lenses, the integrated leaf shutter allows for full flash synchronization up to 1/4000s.

New Accessories

Hasselblad is also launching a range of accessories to complement the new camera and lens, including:

Vandra Camera Backpack: Inspired by Sweden’s “Freedom to Roam,” this backpack is designed for photographers on the go.
New 86mm Filters: A range of new filters, including UV, ND8, and CPL, will be available.

Price and Availability

The Hasselblad X2D II 100C will be available for £6,400 / $7,399, while the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens is priced at £4,100 / $4,599. The Vandra Backpack is £369 / $469, and the new 86mm filters will be priced between £259–£469. All products will be available through Hasselblad Flagship Stores and authorized dealers.

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Photography

Insta360 Go Ultra Review: A Tiny Titan of Action Cams

Insta360 Go Ultra

The Insta360 Go series has always been about capturing unique perspectives with a camera that’s almost unbelievably small. With the new Insta360 Go Ultra, the company has taken that concept and injected it with a serious dose of professional-grade power. This isn’t just a fun little gadget anymore; it’s a legitimate tool for content creators who demand high-quality footage in the smallest possible package.

A New Shape for a New Level of Performance

The first thing you’ll notice about the Go Ultra is its new square shape. It’s a departure from the elongated, thumb-sized design of its predecessors, and it’s slightly larger and heavier. But this change in form factor is for a very good reason: it houses a much larger 1/1.28-inch sensor. This is the key to the Go Ultra’s incredible leap in image quality, especially in low-light conditions.

The magnetic mounting system that made the Go series so popular is still here, and it’s as versatile as ever. The camera comes with a magnetic pendant that you can wear under your shirt for effortless first-person POV shots, as well as a clip for attaching it to hats, straps, and more. The Go Ultra also comes with the Action Pod, which transforms the tiny camera into a more traditional action camera with a flip-up touchscreen.

Insta360 Go Ultra Review: A Tiny Titan of Action Cams 91

Pro-Level Features in a Pint-Sized Package

The Insta360 Go Ultra is packed with features that will appeal to both casual users and serious videographers:

Stunning 4K 60fps Video: The Go Ultra captures incredibly smooth and detailed 4K video at 60 frames per second. This is a major upgrade from the Go 3S and puts the Go Ultra on par with much larger action cameras.
Game-Changing Low-Light Performance: Thanks to its larger sensor, the Go Ultra excels in low-light situations. Say goodbye to grainy, unusable footage from your nighttime adventures.
MicroSD Card Slot: This is a huge win for workflow. No more being limited by internal storage. You can now use microSD cards up to 2TB, which means you can shoot for days without having to worry about running out of space.
Extended Battery Life: The Go Ultra can record for up to 70 minutes on its own, and a whopping 180 minutes with the Action Pod. This is a massive improvement and makes the Go Ultra a much more practical camera for all-day shooting.
FlowState Stabilization: Insta360’s industry-leading stabilization is on full display here. Your footage will be incredibly smooth, no matter how much you’re moving around.
Waterproof to 33ft (10m): The camera itself is waterproof, so you can take it for a swim without any worries. The Action Pod is splash-proof, so it can handle a little rain.

Insta360 Go Ultra Review: A Tiny Titan of Action Cams 92

Performance in the Real World

So, how does all this new tech translate to real-world performance? In a word: impressively. The video quality from the Insta360 Go Ultra is simply outstanding for a camera of this size. The colors are vibrant and accurate, and the level of detail is incredible. But it’s the low-light performance that really steals the show. You can now capture clean, usable footage in situations where previous Go cameras would have struggled.

The FlowState stabilization is as good as ever, and the camera’s audio quality is decent, although it can be susceptible to wind noise. The Insta360 app is also a joy to use, with a host of AI-powered editing features that make it easy to create stunning videos right on your phone.

Insta360 Go Ultra Review: A Tiny Titan of Action Cams 93

Should You Buy It?

The Insta360 Go Ultra is a game-changer in the world of small action cameras. It’s no longer just a niche product for capturing unique angles; it’s a powerful and versatile tool that can go head-to-head with the big boys.

Buy it if:

You’re a content creator who needs a small, high-quality camera for POV shots and creative angles.
You’re an action sports enthusiast who wants to capture your adventures in stunning detail.
You’re a traveler who wants a compact and powerful camera to document your trips.
You prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and a professional workflow.

Don’t buy it if:

You need the absolute smallest and lightest camera possible. The Go 3S is still the king in that department.
You’re on a tight budget. The Go Ultra is a premium product with a premium price tag.
You need a camera with a flat color profile for professional color grading.

The Verdict

The Insta360 Go Ultra is a triumph of engineering. It’s a camera that manages to pack an incredible amount of power and performance into a tiny, versatile package. It’s not just the best Go camera ever made; it’s one of the best action cameras on the market, period. If you’re looking for a small camera that can do it all, the Insta360 Go Ultra is the one to beat.

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Photography

GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition Review: An Immersive Powerhouse

GoPro HERO13

GoPro is back with its latest flagship, the HERO13 Black, and this time it’s brought a special treat for all the POV and immersive footage enthusiasts: the HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition. This special edition bundles the new camera with a pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod, promising the widest, most stable footage ever seen from a HERO camera. But does it live up to the hype? We’ve put it to the test to find out.

At a Glance: Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Video Resolution	5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps
Photo Resolution	27MP
Field of View (FOV)	Up to 177° with Ultra Wide Lens Mod
Image Stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon Lock
Sensor	Larger 1/1.9″ sensor with 1:1 aspect ratio
Color Depth	10-bit color
Slow-Motion	8x at 2.7K, 4x at 4K
Waterproofing	Up to 33ft (10m) without housing
Battery	1900mAh Enduro Battery
Audio	Enhanced audio with wind reduction, Bluetooth mic support
Special Features	Pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod, 1:1 aspect ratio for flexible cropping, Wi-Fi 6

Key Features in Detail

GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition Review: An Immersive Powerhouse 97

The Ultra-Wide 177° Field of View

The star of the show is undoubtedly the pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod. This gives the HERO13 Black an incredible 177° field of view, which is 36% wider than the standard lens. This creates an incredibly immersive and engaging perspective, perfect for first-person-view (FPV) shots, action sports, and capturing breathtaking landscapes. The lens also features a scratch-resistant and hydrophobic coating to repel water, a must-have for any action camera.

HyperSmooth 6.0 and 360° Horizon Lock

GoPro’s image stabilization has always been a class leader, and HyperSmooth 6.0 takes it a step further. The stabilization is incredibly effective, smoothing out even the most jarring movements. The 360° Horizon Lock is another standout feature, keeping your footage perfectly level even if the camera is rotating a full 360 degrees.

New 1:1 Aspect Ratio Sensor

The HERO13 Black features a new, larger sensor with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This is a game-changer for content creators, as it allows for incredible flexibility in post-production. You can easily crop your footage to a traditional 16:9 widescreen format for YouTube, or a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, all without losing significant resolution.

Enhanced Battery Life

The included 1900mAh Enduro battery provides a significant boost in recording time. GoPro claims up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30. This is a welcome improvement for users who want to spend more time capturing the action and less time swapping batteries.

GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition Review: An Immersive Powerhouse 98

Pricing and Availability

The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is available now and is priced at $479.99. This includes the HERO13 Black camera and the pre-installed Ultra Wide Lens Mod.

Who is it for?

Action Sports Enthusiasts: The ultra-wide FOV and best-in-class stabilization make this the perfect camera for capturing high-octane activities like mountain biking, skiing, and surfing.
Vloggers and Content Creators: The new 1:1 sensor and flexible cropping options are a huge plus for creators who need to output content for multiple platforms.
Travel and Adventure Videographers: The rugged, waterproof design and immersive image quality make it an excellent choice for documenting your travels.

Who is it not for?

Casual Users on a Budget: The premium price point might be a bit steep for those who only occasionally use an action camera.
Users Who Prioritize Low-Light Performance: While improved, action cameras in general still struggle in low-light conditions compared to larger-sensor cameras.
Those Who Don’t Need an Ultra-Wide FOV: If you don’t need the extreme field of view, the standard HERO13 Black (when available separately) might be a more cost-effective option.

GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition Review: An Immersive Powerhouse 99

Competitor Comparison

Feature	GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide	DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro	Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Max Video Resolution	5.3K60	4K120	8K24
Max FOV	177°	155°	N/A
Image Sensor	1/1.9″	1/1.3″	1/1.3″
Stabilization	HyperSmooth 6.0	RockSteady 3.0+	FlowState
Waterproofing	33ft (10m)	59ft (18m)	33ft (10m)
Unique Features	1:1 aspect ratio, pre-installed wide lens	Superior low-light performance	8K video, flip screen
Price	$479.99	~$349.00	~$449.00

Q&A

Q: Is the Ultra Wide Lens Mod removable?

A: Yes, while it comes pre-installed, the Ultra Wide Lens Mod is removable, and a standard lens is included in the package. This allows you to switch to a more traditional field of view when needed.

Q: Can I use my old GoPro accessories with the HERO13 Black?

A: Yes, the HERO13 Black maintains the same form factor as previous models, so it is compatible with most existing GoPro mounts and accessories.

Q: How does the 1:1 aspect ratio work?

A: The camera’s sensor captures a square image. In the GoPro Quik app, you can then choose to crop this square image to a horizontal (16:9), vertical (9:16), or other aspect ratio without a significant loss in quality compared to cropping from a traditional rectangular sensor.

Q: Is the GoPro subscription worth it with the HERO13 Black?

A: The GoPro subscription offers benefits like unlimited cloud storage, discounts on accessories, and a no-questions-asked camera replacement. If you’re a heavy user and want peace of mind, it can be a good value.

Q: How does the HERO13 Black compare to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro in low light?

A: The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a larger sensor and is generally considered to have better low-light performance than the GoPro. If you frequently shoot in dark environments, the Osmo Action 5 Pro might be a better choice.