Canon M50 Mark II Detailed Setup Guide

Welcome to this detailed guide on how to get the most out of your Canon M50 Mark II. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you will learn how to set up your camera with optimal settings.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting Familiar with Camera Controls
3. Setting Up for Photography
4. Setting Up for Videography
5. Custom Picture Profiles
6. Miscellaneous Settings
7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

This guide is meant for those who have just purchased a Canon M50 Mark II and want to learn how to set it up for optimal performance. Whether you’re into photography, videography, or both, this guide will help you to get started.

2. Getting Familiar with Camera Controls

• Shutter Button: Press it halfway to focus, and full press to take a photo.
• Movie Record Button: Press to start recording a video, and press again to stop.
• Mode Dial: Switch between different camera settings. For this guide, focus on “M” (Manual) and the camera icon for Video mode.
• ON/OFF Switch: Use this to turn your camera on or off.

3. Setting Up for Photography

• Turn on your camera and set the Mode Dial to “M” for Manual Mode.
• Press the “Menu” button.
• Navigate to Page 1 and select “Image Quality”.
  • For professional work, select RAW or C-RAW.
  • For casual shooting, select the highest JPEG setting (L with the curve).
• Go back to the main screen by half-pressing the shutter button or pressing the “Menu” button.
• Press the “Q” (Quick Menu) button.
• Go to “Autofocus mode” (top left).
  • Select the option with face tracking.
  • If you have a Mark II, press the “Info” button to enable eye tracking.

4. Setting Up for Videography

• Set the Mode Dial to the camera icon for Video mode.
• Press the “Menu” button.
• Navigate to Page 1.
  • Choose either “Movie auto exposure” or “Movie manual exposure”.
    • Auto is easier for casual shooting.
    • Manual gives you more control for professional work.
• Select “Movie record quality”.
  • For the best image quality, choose Full HD at 23.98fps.
  • For slow motion, choose Full HD at 59.94fps or enable High Frame Rate for 1280×720 at 120fps.
• Go to Page 3 and select “Sound recording”.
  • Change the setting from Auto to Manual.
  • Adjust the recording level to make sure the audio doesn’t peak past 12.

5. Custom Picture Profiles

• Go to Menu, Page 3, and select “Picture style”.
• Choose “User Defined 1”.
• Select “Neutral” or “Faithful” as your base.
• Set Sharpness to 0.
• Set Contrast to -2.
• Set Saturation to -2.
• Leave Color Tone unchanged.

6. Miscellaneous Settings

• Video Image Stabilization (Menu, Page 8):
  • Enable “IS Mode”.
  • Set “Digital IS” to enable (do not use Enhanced).
• Shutter Button Function for Movies (Menu, Page 8):
  • Set Fully Press to “Start/Stop Recording”.
  • Set Half Press to “Metering & Servo AF”.

7. Conclusion

Now your Canon M50 Mark II is set up for optimal performance in both photography and videography. Remember to always check your settings before shooting and adjust as needed depending on your environment and goals. Happy shooting!