Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II
- Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II: Overview
- Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II: Imaging Performance
- Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II: Video Performance
- Recommended Canon Lenses
- Final Thoughts on the Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
- Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Since Canon released the EOS R in 2018, the company has made huge strides with its mirrorless camera technology. So, even though it was a little late to the mirrorless camera game, Canon is now one of the premier players in the market. The Canon EOS R6 and EOS R6 II are two of its most popular cameras.
In this Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II review, we’ll compare and contrast these two sought-after Canon R mirrorless cameras. We’ll break down their key specs and features, design, photo and video performance, and more. Additionally, thanks to online platforms like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company offering high-quality used photo and video gear at affordable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by professional product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
What truly sets MPB apart, though, is its state-of-the-art online platform. It’s a game-changing tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading photography equipment over the years, and we believe it can do the same for you. Now, without further ado, let’s discover which one of these amazing cameras best fits your needs!
Check out the video above by Tech Through The Lens to learn more about the Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II.
Table of Contents
Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II: Overview
Canon EOS R6
The original Canon EOS R6 launched in 2020, and its successor, the Canon EOS R6 II, debuted two years later in 2022. Both hybrid mirrorless cameras feature full-frame CMOS sensors and Digic X image processing engines. They are mid-range cameras aimed at semi-professional and enthusiast photographers.
On the outside, the two cameras look nearly identical. They have the same external measurements, while the EOS R6 II weighs ten grams less. Moreover, the control dial and button layouts, rear screen, and electronic viewfinders (EVFs) are almost exactly the same.
Canon EOS R6 II
The one major design difference is the placement of the on/off switch. On the EOS R6 II, the switch moved from the left to the right of the camera, and where it used to be, you will now find a new photo/video toggle. This change boosts workflow speed by allowing you to turn the camera on and off with only one hand and quickly switch between photo and video modes.
Another important difference between the two cameras is their battery life. While the R6 could capture 360 photos with a fully charged battery, that number jumps to 580 photos on the R6 II. The enhanced battery life makes the R6 II a better camera for outdoor, street, and travel photography.
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the Canon R6 vs. R6 Mark II specs and key features to see how they stack up.
Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II: Imaging Performance
Canon EOS R6
For still photography, the biggest difference between the Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II is the resolution of the image sensors. The Canon EOS R6 has a 20.0-megapixel sensor, and the Canon EOS R6 II has a 24.2-megapixel sensor.
If you only view your photos on small screens from mobile devices, the truth is you probably won’t be able to see a difference in image quality. However, it’s definitely noticeable when enlarging your images for printing or viewing them on large monitors. Thanks to Canon's award-winning color algorithm, both cameras deliver images with bright and beautiful colors.
Canon EOS R6 II
Two other areas where the R6 II has a clear advantage for photography are autofocus and burst shooting. It has over four times the number of focus points as the R6 and uses machine learning technology that improves subject recognition and tracking. Regarding burst shooting, the R6 II shoots continuously at up to 40 fps, while the R6 maxes out at 20 fps.
These improvements make the R6 II a good camera for sports, action, adventure, and wildlife photography.
Which is the best camera for photos? The Canon EOS R6 II
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Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II: Video Performance
Canon EOS R6
At first glance, you might think the Canon EOS R6 and Canon EOS R6 II function the same as video cameras, but once you dig in a little deeper, you will see why many YouTubers and vloggers are making the switch from the R6 to the R6 II.
For example, while it’s true that both cameras have 4K video capabilities, only the R6 II records 4K/60p video using the entire sensor. It films the footage from an oversampled 6K area, leading to better-quality videos and a wider field of view (FOV). In contrast, the R6 can only record 4K/60p video by applying a 1.07x crop factor.
Canon EOS R6 II
Other video differences include recording time, rolling shutter issues, and audio controls. The R6 II can record continuously for up to 50 minutes (40 when filming from the entire sensor), while the R6 is capped at 30 minutes. Although it’s uncommon, the R6 is more prone to rolling shutter. And the R6 II has more advanced audio controls, such as 4ch audio.
On the other hand, outstanding video features the two cameras share are their fully articulating touchscreen displays, in-body image stabilization (with a CIPA rating of up to 8EV), twin memory card slots, and 10-bit video.
Which is the best camera for video? The Canon EOS R6 II
Recommended Canon Lenses
Canon EOS R6 with 24-105mm lens
Here’s a quick list of some of the best Canon RF lenses for photos and video to pair with the Canon EOS R6 and Canon EOS R6 II.
Final Thoughts on the Canon R6 vs R6 Mark II
Canon EOS R6 with 24-105mm lens
Although both the Canon EOS R6 and Canon EOS R6 II are excellent options, there’s no denying the fact that the R6 II is the superior camera. It boasts better photo and video specs while offering faster autofocus and handling speeds. The one thing the R6 has going for it is its cheaper price, making it a great choice for beginners and people on a budget.
Still unsure if either camera is the perfect fit for you? Check out the links below to other popular Canon mirrorless cameras on sale now at MPB.
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