EOS M50 & Speedlite 470EX-AI launched by Canon Malaysia

Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd today launched three new cameras under the brand’s EOS series. The cameras are the EOS M50 mirrorless camera, the EOS 1500D and EOS 3000D DSLR cameras. Also announced at the event is the revolutionary Speedlite 470EX-AI flash, which features an automatic bounce function.

L-R: Ko Huey Ching, Jeffrey Kung and Melvin Lo with new EOS cameras line-up at the launch

The EOS M50 stands out amongst Canon’s mirrorless camera models as it is the first Canon camera to be equipped with the latest DIGIC 8 image processor and includes 4K video shooting function, which is a first for an EOS M-series model.

The EOS 1500D and EOS 3000D cameras, are entry-level DSLRs catering for beginners as well as students that should fuel their passion for photography and allow them to explore the possibilities beyond smartphone technology.

The new Speedlite 470EX-AI, which is the world’s first flash equipped with auto-intelligent bounce function, makes an exceptional tool for flash photography.

While I have seen videos of how the automatic bounce feature of the new Speedlite 470EX-AI works, today's launch is the first time I have witnessed the function had performed in person.

The launch gambit

The new EOS camera models and Speedlite flash are part of the brand’s efforts in cultivating a photography culture amongst the mass consumers who enjoy snapping pictures and want to move up from smartphone photography in expressing their creativity.

Speaking at the launch, Jeffrey Kung, Head of Consumer Imaging and Information Division, said that Canon realises consumers are changing the way they approach photography, and that the brand’s products must complement their lifestyle by being accessible while making them simpler and convenient to use.

One of the speakers during the EOS M50 launch

“Our three new cameras are lightweight and packed with a host of advanced but user-friendly features that create high quality images. And with the increasing popularity of online video content in our digital age, the EOS M50 with its powerful video shooting ability, is also ideal for vloggers, YouTubers, and anyone else who loves to record, capture, and share cherish moments with their friends and family.

“The new EOS 1500D and EOS 3000D are DSLRs with great value for money, and are excellent choices for students in the communications and creative fields. They are simple cameras that produce high quality images and videos for their assignments,” added Kung.

The EOS M50 is Canon’s first mirrorless camera to utilise the new DiG!C 8 image processor, and combined with the 24.1-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, allows users the capability to capture crystal clear, beautiful images even in dimly-lit settings – all in a light-weight, compact body.

The new EOS M50, EOS 1500D, EOS 3000D and Speedlite 470EX-AI

The newly improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF ensures the focus of the subject never strays away, even if it move quickly. And with a normal high ISO speed of 25600 expendable to 51200, available light shooting with minimum noise is made easier with the EOS M50.

The camera’s 3.0” 1.04 million dot Vari-angle LCD touchscreen allows flexibility in varied angles while shooting, letting users capture precious moments in a landscape shot, a portrait selfie, or a casual vlog.

Me with the giant mock-up of the EOS M50

Even though Canon says the EOS M50 is aimed at beginners and photo enthusiasts, I find the features it has are suited to advanced amateurs and even professional photographers.

For example, Adobe 1998 profile and manual Kelvin ° colour temperature options are available in the EOS M50, which are absent from both the EOS M5 and EOS M6 models. Both features are useful for the advanced users.

I am looking forward to having the new EOS M50 for field test in the immediate future. Stay tuned for the review.