The T50 was Canon's first T-series SLR and pushed SLRs toward compact-camera simplicity. It has Program AE and built-in powered film advance, but still uses manual-focus FD lenses.

It is an SLR that wants to behave like a point-and-shoot. You focus manually, but exposure and film advance are made very easy, which gives it a charming half-automatic personality.

Buy it if you want Canon FD lenses without the full manual workflow of an AE-1. It is especially good for casual shooting with a 50mm FD lens.

Not really. It is better for learning focus and composition, because Program AE handles exposure for you.

The T50 uses AA batteries, which is a practical advantage compared with many vintage cameras that need more obscure cells.