Canon R50 Mirrorless DSLR

Like many adventure riders, I accumulated action cameras, helmet mounts, chest mounts, handlebar mounts and various bike mounts. Every ride became a production. I'd stop to swap batteries, move cameras to different positions, check whether they were recording, worry about memory cards and constantly think about what shot I needed next.

The problem was that I slowly realised I wasn't fully enjoying the ride anymore.

Instead of simply riding, my mind was always planning the next camera angle.

• Did I get the shot?
• Should I move the camera to the crash bar?
• Is the helmet camera pointing too high?
• Should I stop and change batteries?

Without even realising it, documenting the adventure had started taking priority over experiencing it.

That's exactly what I wanted to change.

The Canon EOS R50 became my solution.

Instead of trying to record every second of every ride, I've started looking for those handful of moments that truly tell the story. A sunrise over a mountain pass. A winding gravel road disappearing into the distance. A river crossing. The bike parked beside a campsite.

Those are the memories worth capturing.

The rest of the time, I simply ride.

Why I Chose the R50

As much as I enjoy taking photos on my rides, I didn't want to carry a large DSLR with multiple heavy lenses. Adventure riding is always a balancing act between capturing the experience and keeping luggage light, compact and practical.

After plenty of research, I settled on the Canon EOS R50, and for the type of riding I do, I think it's one of the best cameras you can buy.

The R50 gives me almost everything I'd want from a much larger professional camera, but in a package that's small enough to fit inside my tank bag. That means it's always within easy reach, because the best camera is the one you'll actually use.

Compared to shooting with my phone, the difference in image quality is immediately noticeable. The larger APS-C sensor produces beautiful background blur, excellent detail and far better low-light performance, making everything from landscapes to campfire shots look far more professional.

One of the standout features is Canon's incredible autofocus system. The camera includes Vehicle Tracking AF, which can recognise and track motorcycles and helmets. Whether I'm asking a riding buddy to photograph me or setting the camera up beside the trail for a ride-by shot, it keeps the subject sharp with very little effort.

For video, the fully articulating touchscreen makes filming to camera incredibly easy, while crisp 4K recording gives me plenty of flexibility when creating content for MyAdvLife.

Another feature I really appreciate when travelling is USB-C charging. I can recharge the camera directly from the bike or a power bank, removing the need to carry a separate battery charger on longer adventures.

A Simpler Way to Tell the Story

One of the best accessories I've bought isn't another lens.

It's a tiny Ulanzi MT-14 Extendable Mini Tripod.

It takes up almost no room in my tank bag, weighs next to nothing and can be set up in seconds. When I come across a location worth remembering, I simply place the camera on the tripod, frame the shot and ride through it. Canon's autofocus does the rest.

Then the camera goes back into the tank bag, and I get back to riding.

That's become my philosophy.

Rather than recording every kilometre, I'd rather come home with a handful of memorable photographs and a few carefully planned video clips that genuinely tell the story of the adventure.

Protecting the Camera

Adventure riding is hard on equipment. Dust, vibration and the occasional tumble are all part of the journey, so I wanted to protect the camera without making it bulky.

The first layer is a silicone protective sleeve, which stays on the camera permanently. It improves grip while protecting the body against scratches and minor knocks.

When the camera goes back into my tank bag, it slips into a MegaGear Ultra Light Neoprene Camera Case. The neoprene provides just enough cushioning to absorb vibration and minor impacts while taking up very little space.

I also fitted a tempered glass screen protector to the flip-out display. The rear screen is one of the most vulnerable parts of any mirrorless camera, so it made sense to protect it from scratches and dust.

The final addition is a quick-release wrist strap. Depending on where I'm shooting, I can quickly swap the strap between my left and right wrist, making it comfortable to use in different situations while ensuring the camera stays securely attached when shooting near rivers, rocky ledges or awkward terrain.

Future Lenses

I've paired the R50 with Canon's compact RF-S lenses, and my next addition will almost certainly be the RF 28mm f/2.8 pancake lens and then the very versatile Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens.

Its incredibly compact design will make the camera almost pocketable while offering excellent sharpness and superb low-light performance for landscapes, camp life and travel photography.

The camera is there to capture the memories, not become the reason for the ride.