Canon launches the Canon EOS M50 "Mark II"

Well I have no words for this announcement.  Essentially it's a firmware upgrade from the M50.  The good thing is that the MSRP is considerably cheaper than when the M50 was first announced, but that's the only thing that's good about this announcement.

Same 4K crop - same 4K autofocus.

What's improved? eye AF and electronic shutter.  These things are firmware upgrades.

I'll post a preorder link here but really, I can't see a reason why to preorder this.  Canon's done some dumb things in the past, and this ranks up there.

From Canon's perspective - this is shelf stuffing. Getting a "new version" of the camera out there to continue to sell it cheaply to the masses.  The competition doesn't yet seem to be in a position to stomp over this camera, especially with the price.  Yes, you can get better cameras, but perhaps not at $599 body only.

I guess the good thing is that you can get the 15-45 kit for $699, and have another chance at getting a good 15-45.  Seling your old M50 and getting this will give you modest improvements, a new one year warranty, and probably only set you out of pocket $200.

Canon's press release is below.

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 14, 2020 –– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the EOS M50 Mark II Interchangeable Lens Camera, the successor to the #1 selling mirrorless camera in the U.S. market – the EOS M50*. An all-in-one product for content creators with improved video features and autofocus capabilities, the EOS M50 Mark II is the latest, high-quality digital imaging camera in the notable EOS lineup.

“Our customer base includes future content creators and imaging storytellers; it’s in our best interest to continuously provide high-quality products that are easy to use in the creative world of photography and video content creation, as well as streaming,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “The EOS M50 Mark II continues to pave the way for photography and video enthusiasts to experience a lightweight interchangeable lens camera with many similar features as our full-frame professional mirrorless cameras.”

For the family who strives for high-quality output when capturing their precious moments or for the budding social media creator, the added and improved capabilities of the EOS M50 Mark II camera make the upgrade to an ILC extremely appealing. The new features include:

• Improved autofocus including eye autofocus for stills and video
• Vertical video shooting support
• Vari-angle touchscreen LCD with newly added tap video record button and movie self-timer for better vlogging experience
• High quality webcam capability, when used with compatible services, with the free EOS Webcam Utility software or Clean HDMI output
• Wireless YouTube Live streaming capability**
• The ability to tap the screen to auto focus on your subject while looking through the EVF, helping to control who the main focus of the image is

The EOS M50 Mark II camera is inclusive of many of the beloved features of its predecessor. Overall, the EOS M50 Mark II is a well-balanced package deal for those interested in both still photography and videography – including those with sparks of social media content creation, thanks to the 4K UHD 24p. Providing a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor and built in Wi-Fi^® and Bluetooth^® technology, as well as access to image.canon cloud service for better workflow, the EOS M50 Mark II camera remains compact and a lightweight addition to your carry bag.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera is scheduled to be available in Late November 2020 at an estimated retail price of $599.99 – body only, $699.99 for the camera body plus EF-M 15-45mm lens kit and $929.99 for the camera body plus EF-M 15-45mm and EF-M55-200mm double zoom lens kit.

* Source: The NPD Group, Inc. U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Mirrorless Detachable Lens Cameras, Based on camera family unit sales, Jan. 2020 - Aug. 2020 combined.

** The live streaming service available with this product is for live streaming on YouTube only. To use live streaming, you need to have an active YouTube account and an image.canon account. Please be aware that YouTube may change, stop, or terminate its services, including live streaming, at any time without notice. In accordance with YouTube’s "Restrictions on live streaming" users must have a minimum of 1,000 channel subscribers in order to live stream from a mobile device (including camera products with live streaming capability). For up-to-date information from YouTube on restrictions, please visit https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2853834?hl=en. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third party product or service, including live streaming.