Is it worth buying a used Canon 50D vs. upgrading to an entry-level mirrorless camera now?
Executive summary
Buying a used Canon 50D can be a cheap way to keep shooting with existing EF/EF‑S lenses, but it is a 2008-era DSLR with a 15MP sensor, no modern live‑view/AF features and a heavy body [1] [2]. Entry‑level mirrorless bodies today (Canon EOS R10 and others) bring modern autofocus, lighter bodies, better video and current lens ecosystems — reviewers in 2024–2025 recommend mirrorless as the default path for most buyers [3] [4].
1. Why the 50D still makes sense for some buyers: proven build and usable IQ
The Canon 50D remains a solid, mechanically sturdy DSLR with a 15.1MP APS‑C sensor and Canon EF/EF‑S mount; several retrospective reviews note its durable metal body, traditional control layout and that its resolution remains usable for online work and mid‑size prints [1] [5]. If you already own EF lenses and want a cheap backup/hobby body that feels substantial and delivers perfectly acceptable stills at lower cost, that is an argument reviewers still make [5] [1].
2. What you give up compared with modern entry‑level mirrorless
Contemporary entry‑level mirrorless cameras deliver features the 50D lacks: advanced on‑sensor AF systems, superior subject tracking, modern processors for better high‑ISO performance, lighter bodies and improved video modes. Tech reviewers in 2024–2025 position Canon’s mirrorless line as the modern ecosystem to buy into, with entry models like the EOS R10 highlighted as strong beginner choices because of Digic‑X processing and powerful AF tracking [3] [4]. The 50D also lacks a modern live‑view experience and many of the convenience features now common in mirrorless bodies [5] [2].
3. Cost tradeoffs: used price vs futureproofing
Available sources do not include current used‑market prices for the 50D, but multiple reviewers frame the 50D as "excellent value" when found cheaply [5] [1]. Entry‑level mirrorless cameras will cost more new, but they buy you current autofocus, video features, firmware support and access to Canon’s RF/RF‑S lens ecosystem that reviewers in 2025 recommend for most buyers [3] [4]. The calculus is: lower short‑term spend for older capability (50D) versus higher outlay for features and an ecosystem that’s being actively developed (mirrorless) [3] [4].
4. Lenses and ecosystem: compatibility vs future lens roadmap
The 50D uses EF/EF‑S lenses — a huge advantage if you already own those glass elements and want to avoid extra lens spending [1]. But Canon’s product strategy and most contemporary buying guides put mirrorless (EOS R system) front and center; Canon’s RF mount now spans entry to flagship bodies and reviewers treat it as the system to invest in for future lenses and tech [4] [6]. If you plan to expand lens choices over the next several years, reviewers suggest mirrorless ownership offers more long‑term options [4] [6].
5. Use case matters: when to keep the 50D, when to upgrade
If your main needs are occasional stills, a preference for an optical viewfinder and reusing EF lenses cheaply, the 50D covers that well [5] [1]. If you shoot action, rely on fast AF tracking, want video, lighter travel rigs, or expect to keep camera hardware current, entry‑level mirrorless will be worth the extra spend because of modern AF, processing and ergonomics [3] [4]. Multiple reviews explicitly recommend mirrorless over DSLR as the sensible upgrade path in 2024–25 [4] [3].
6. Practical buying checklist (based on reviewers’ emphasis)
- Confirm you want to reuse EF/EF‑S lenses (50D makes sense) [1].
- Prioritize modern AF and video? Lean mirrorless [3] [4].
- Try to test image quality and AF performance in real shooting scenarios before buying used or new; reviewers stress AF/processor improvements in modern bodies [3] [4].
- Factor lens cost and future upgrades: Canon’s mirrorless roadmap and lens availability are emphasized in 2025 coverage [4] [6].
Limitations and unanswered items: available sources do not list current used prices for the 50D, nor do they show side‑by‑side benchmark numbers (e.g., high‑ISO comparisons) between a 50D and a specific modern entry mirrorless model; those data points would help quantify the performance gap (not found in current reporting).
Bottom line: buy a used 50D if cost, weight of investment and EF lens reuse are the dominant concerns; choose an entry‑level mirrorless if you value modern autofocus, video, lighter bodies and investing in a camera system reviewers recommend for the future [5] [3] [4].