Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R6 Which One Should You Choose

Canon is known for producing some of the best cameras in the market, and the Canon R6 Mark II and Canon R6 are no exceptions, both are two of the latest models in the Canon R series.

But, choosing between the two can be quite a daunting task, especially for photography enthusiasts who are looking for the best possible camera.

In this article, we aim to provide a detailed comparison of the Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R6, highlighting their similarities, differences, and unique features.

Canon R6 Mark II and Canon R6 are both mirrorless cameras that belong to the Canon EOS R series.

They are designed with full-frame CMOS sensors, DIGIC X image processors, and a Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, making them excellent choices for both photography and videography.

What is Difference Between Canon R6 Mark II and Canon R6?

• The R6 Mark II has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, while the R6 has a 20.1 megapixel sensor.

• the R6 Mark II has a newer and more advanced IBIS system that provides up to 8 stops of stabilization, compared to the R6’s 5-axis system that provides up to 5 stops of stabilization.

• the R6 Mark II has a higher number of autofocus points 1053 compared to the R6 607.

• the R6 Mark II shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, while the R6 is limited to 4K at 30 fps.

What Are Similarities Between R6 Mark II vs R6?

• Both cameras feature a full-frame CMOS image sensor, with excellent low-light performance, high image quality, and a wide dynamic range.

• Both cameras feature Dual Pixel CMOS AF, with fast and accurate autofocus during both still and video shooting.

• Both cameras feature in-body image stabilization IBIS, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

• Both shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.

• Both cameras feature a weather-sealed, magnesium-alloy body

• Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Build Quality

When it comes to the build quality both cameras are made to withstand the rigors of professional use.

The R6 Mark II features a magnesium alloy body that feels sturdy and well-built in the hand. Its construction is similar to that of the Canon R5, with a comfortable grip that is deep enough to accommodate larger hands.

The camera is designed to be both durable and lightweight, making it a great option for photographers who need to carry their gear with them for extended periods of time.

On the other hand, the Canon R6 has a slightly different construction. While it also features a magnesium alloy body, the grip is slightly different, with a more pronounced curve that some photographers may find more comfortable.

The camera is also slightly heavier than the R6 Mark II, although the difference is negligible.

Button and Control Layout

The R6 Mark II features an updated button layout that prioritizes frequently used buttons and controls, allowing for quicker and more efficient access to essential settings.

The camera features a new joystick controller that allows users to easily navigate the autofocus point and menu settings.

The joystick is located conveniently on the back of the camera, making it easy to operate with the thumb.

The Canon R6, on the other hand, features a more traditional button layout, with some minor differences compared to its successor.

The R6 has a directional pad on the back, which allows users to navigate the autofocus point, but the joystick on the Mark II offers a more intuitive and faster experience.

the Canon R6 features a dedicated M-Fn button, which can be customized to control a variety of camera functions.

Menu

The R6 Mark II features a well-organized menu system that is easy to navigate, thanks to the touch screen display.

The menu is divided into several categories, including shooting, playback, settings, and custom functions.

This makes it easy to find the setting you’re looking for, without having to scroll through endless sub-menus.

In terms of customization, the R6 Mark II offers a lot of flexibility. You can customize the My Menu section to include your most frequently used settings, and even assign a custom name to each option.

Also, you can assign functions to the camera’s customizable buttons, which can be a real time-saver for experienced photographers.

Moving on to the Canon R6, the menu system is very similar to that of the Canon R6 Mark II.

The main difference is that the R6 lacks a touch screen display, which can make navigating the menu system a bit more challenging.

So, the R6 compensates for this by including a multi-controller joystick, which makes it easy to move around the menu and select options quickly.

the Canon R6 allows for a high degree of customization. You can add your most frequently used settings to the My Menu section, and assign custom functions to the customizable buttons.

the R6 includes a Quick Control screen, which provides easy access to a range of settings, such as ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation.

Sensor and Processor

the Canon R6 features a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the DIGIC X processor which allows to shoot up to 12 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter.

On the other hand, the Canon R6 Mark II has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with an improved low-pass filter and the latest DIGIC X processor.

This new processor enhances the camera’s performance, providing faster and more accurate autofocus, better noise reduction, and improved image processing.

Screen Size and Resolution

When it comes to screen both have a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1.62 million dots. While the size and resolution of the screens are the same, there are some differences in their features.

Touchscreen Functionality

The R6 Mark II has a fully articulated touchscreen, while the R6 has a fixed touchscreen which means that the R6 Mark II’s screen can be rotated to different angles, making it easier to take photos from different angles.

On the other hand, the fixed touchscreen on the R6 may not be as versatile, but it is more durable since it is less likely to break or get damaged during use.

• Both cameras have focus peaking, which highlights the edges of objects in focus, making it easier to see what is in focus.

• Both cameras have a histogram, which displays the brightness distribution of the image, making it easier to ensure correct exposure.

• Both cameras have touch and drag autofocus, which allows users to select the autofocus point by touching the screen and dragging their fingers to the desired point.

EVF

the R6 Mark II features a 0.5-inch OLED EVF with 3.69 million dots which is bright and clear, and it offers a high level of detail.

It has a refresh rate of up to 120 fps, which makes it very responsive and great for action photography.

The Canon R6 Mark II’s EVF also has a large eyecup, which provides a comfortable viewing experience, especially for photographers who wear glasses.

On the other hand, the R6 has a 0.5-inch OLED EVF with 3.69 million dots as well, but its refresh rate is slightly lower at 60 fps.

While this is still a fast refresh rate, it may not be as ideal for fast-moving subjects. The Canon R6 EVF does not have the same large eyecup as the Mark II, which may make it less comfortable for some photographers.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, both cameras produce excellent results, but the higher resolution sensor on the R6 Mark II allows for more detail to be captured in images, which is particularly noticeable when images are zoomed in or cropped.

However, the difference in resolution is not substantial, and in many cases, it may not be noticeable.

One area where the Canon R6 Mark II outperforms the R6 is in noise reduction.

The R6 Mark II has a more advanced noise reduction system, which produces cleaner images in low light situations.

While the R6 still performs well in low light, the R6 Mark II’s noise reduction system allows for cleaner images at higher ISOs.

The R6 Mark II’s higher resolution sensor and more advanced noise reduction system give it a slight edge in image quality, but the difference is not substantial.

Autofocus

Both cameras have impressive autofocus capabilities while the R6 features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which is a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase-detection autofocus and contrast-detection autofocus.

This system covers approximately 100% of the frame horizontally and 88% vertically. It also has 6,072 manually selectable AF points, which is more than enough for most photography situations.

In comparison the R6 Mark II features an upgraded autofocus system called Dual Pixel CMOS AF III.

This system is also a hybrid autofocus system that combines PDAF and CDAF, but it has some notable improvements over the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system.

The autofocus is also extremely accurate, which is essential when shooting at wide apertures, where even slight focus errors can result in out-of-focus shots.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF III system covers approximately 100% of the frame horizontally and vertically, which is an improvement over the R6’s autofocus system.

It also has 7,530 manually selectable AF points, which is significantly more than the R6’s 6,072 AF points.

Real Time Tracking

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system is fast and accurate, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.

It also offers Eye Detection AF, which automatically detects and focuses on the subject’s eye. This feature is particularly useful for portrait photography.

One of the most significant improvements of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF III system is its ability to track and focus on fast-moving subjects.

It uses advanced algorithms and deep learning technology to recognize and track subjects, making it perfect for capturing sports and wildlife photography.

Another improvement of the R6 Mark II’s autofocus system is the addition of a new Eye Control AF feature.

This feature allows you to select the subject’s eye that you want to focus on by simply looking at it through the viewfinder.

The camera uses artificial intelligence to track the subject’s eye and ensure that it stays in focus even if the subject moves around.

Video

When it comes to video capabilities, the R6 Mark II can record 4K UHD video at up to 60 frames per second.

It also supports 1080p Full HD video recording at up to 120 frames per second, which is ideal for slow-motion footage.

In comparison, the R6 can record 4K UHD video at up to 60 frames per second, just like the Canon R6 Mark II.

It also supports 1080p Full HD video recording at up to 120 frames per second, which is ideal for slow-motion footage.

Additionally, the camera comes with a vari-angle touchscreen LCD that makes it easy to frame your shots from different angles.

Shutter Performance

When it comes to shutter performance The R6 Mark II has a mechanical shutter that can shoot up to 12 frames per second and an electronic one that can shoot up to 20 frames per second.

The mechanical shutter on the R6 Mark II has a lifespan of around 300,000 actuation and also has a fast maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second, which is useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in bright light.

Shutter Durability

The R6 Mark II is equipped with a newly developed shutter unit that has been tested for durability up to 360,000 cycles.

This means that the shutter can withstand a high number of actuations before needing to be replaced. In comparison, the Canon R6 has a shutter durability rating of 300,000 cycles.

Mechanical Shutter Speed

The R6 Mark II has a mechanical shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/8000th of a second.

This means that it can capture fast-moving subjects without any issues.

In comparison, the Canon R6 has a mechanical shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/8000th of a second, which is identical to the R6 Mark II.

Electronic Shutter

Both cameras come with an electronic shutter mode that can be useful in certain situations, such as when you need to capture images without making any noise.

But, the electronic shutter can produce rolling shutter artifacts in some situations, which can result in distorted images.

Burst Shooting Capabilities

One of the most significant upgrades to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is its burst shooting capabilities.

This improved burst shooting speed makes the R6 Mark II more suitable for sports and wildlife photography.

The R6 Mark II can shoot up to 12 frames per second with its mechanical shutter and up to 40 fps with its electronic shutter whereas R6 shoots 12 fps with a mechanical and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter.

Image Stabilization

In terms of image stabilization, the R6 Mark II features an improved IBIS system with up to 8 stops of image stabilization, which is a significant improvement over the Canon R6’s 5-axis IBIS system.

This means that the R6 Mark II can effectively compensate for camera shake even when shooting with longer shutter speeds, making it an excellent choice for low-light photography or shooting handheld in difficult conditions.

In addition to the IBIS system, both cameras also come with lens-based image stabilization capabilities.

While, the R6 Mark II’s IBIS system provides a significant advantage, as it works with all lenses and is particularly effective with non-stabilized lenses.

This means that even if you are using a non-stabilized lens, you can still benefit from the R6 Mark II’s IBIS system.

Viewfinder

The R6 comes with an electronic viewfinder with a 3.69 million dot resolution. The viewfinder provides a clear and crisp image with minimal lag.

The Canon R6’s EVF is particularly useful for low light photography, as it provides a bright and detailed view of the scene you are photographing.

Additionally, the viewfinder has a high refresh rate of 120 fps, making it easy to track fast-moving subjects.

In comparison, the R6 Mark II also comes with an electronic viewfinder, but with a slightly higher resolution of 5.76 million dots.

The viewfinder offers a wide dynamic range with excellent color reproduction, making it ideal for portrait photography.

The R6 Mark II also comes with a high refresh rate of 120 fps, ensuring a smooth and seamless shooting experience.

Focus Bracketing

In terms of the focus bracketing feature, the R6 Mark II features a built-in focus bracketing mode that allows you to capture up to 999 images with different focus points.

The camera also has a focus stacking mode that automatically combines the images into a single file with greater depth of field.

Whereas, the R6 offers a built-in focus bracketing mode that allows you to capture up to 99 images with different focus points.

The camera also has a focus stacking mode that automatically combines the images into a single file with greater depth of field.

Pixel Shift

When it comes to Pixel Shift feature on the Canon R6 Mark II works by taking up to 16 shots and merging them together to create a 200-megapixel image, whereas the Pixel Shift feature on the Canon R6 works by taking up to 4 shots and merging them together to create a 40-megapixel image.

The R6 Mark II takes more shots and therefore creates a much higher resolution image compared to the R6, but the R6 can still produce a decent 40-megapixel image with just 4 shots.

Another factor to consider is the file size, so the R6 Mark II’s Pixel Shift images can be quite large, taking up a lot of storage space on your memory card and computer.

The R6’s Pixel Shift images are smaller in comparison, making it easier to manage your files.

Slow Motion

the R6 Mark II has a maximum slow motion frame rate of 120 frames per second when shooting in Full HD (1080p) resolution.

So, if you’re looking to capture slow motion footage, you can record at up to 120 fps and then slow the footage down in post-production to achieve a smooth, slow motion effect.

It’s worth noting that when shooting at this frame rate, the camera will crop the sensor slightly, which can affect the field of view of your footage.

In terms of 4K video, the R6 Mark II can shoot at up to 60 fps, but unfortunately, it does not offer slow motion capabilities at this resolution.

Now, let’s take a look at the Canon R6 it has a slightly higher maximum slow motion frame rate of 240 fps, but this is only available when shooting in cropped mode at Full HD resolution.

This means that the camera will crop the sensor even further than it does at 120 fps, which can have an impact on your field of view.

Like the Canon R6 Mark II, the Canon R6 can shoot 4K video at up to 60 fps, but again, there are no slow motion options available at this resolution.

ISO Range

In terms of ISO, the R6 Mark II has a native ISO range of 100-102,400, which can be extended up to 204,800.

Whereas, the R6 has a native ISO range of 100-102,400, which can be extended up to 204,800 as well.

However, the Canon R6 has an additional extended ISO setting of 50, which the Canon R6 Mark II does not have.

ISO Performance

Both cameras perform exceptionally well at higher ISOs, producing sharp and detailed images with minimal noise.

While the R6 Mark II has an edge over the R6 when it comes to ISO performance. The R6 Mark II has a lower noise floor, producing cleaner and crisper images at high ISOs.

Frame Rates

When it comes to frame rate, there is a difference between the two cameras, the R6 Mark II can shoot at up to 12 frames per second with the mechanical shutter, while the R6 can shoot at up to 12 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter.

So, if you’re looking for the highest frame rate possible, the R6 with its electronic shutter may be the better option.

If you prioritize image quality and want to avoid potential issues with rolling shutter and distortion, the R6 Mark II may be a better choice with its 12 fps mechanical shutter.

Dynamic Range

When it comes to dynamic range, both cameras are excellent cameras, the R6 Mark II has a slight edge over the R6.

According to tests conducted by DxOMark, the R6 Mark II has a dynamic range of 14.6 stops, while the Canon R6 has a dynamic range of 13.7 stops.

While this difference may not seem significant on paper, it can make a noticeable difference in real-world shooting situations.

With the R6 Mark II, you’ll be able to capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of your images.

This means you’ll have more flexibility in post-processing and be able to recover more detail from your RAW files.

Storage SD Cards

The R6 Mark II is a highly advanced camera with many impressive features. One of the most notable is its use of the CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II memory cards.

CFexpress Type B is a relatively new format that is rapidly gaining popularity in the industry. It offers blazing-fast read and write speeds, making it ideal for professional photographers who need to capture images quickly.

The R6 Mark II can achieve read speeds of up to 1,700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,400 MB/s with CFexpress Type B cards.

In addition to CFexpress Type B, the R6 Mark II also supports SD UHS-II cards. These cards offer fast read and write speeds and are widely available, making them an excellent choice for photographers who need a more affordable option.

The R6 Mark II can achieve read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 260 MB/s with SD UHS-II cards.

On the other side, the R6 also supports SD cards, but it doesn’t support CFexpress Type B. This means that the read and write speeds are slower than those of the R6 Mark II.

The R6 can achieve read speeds of up to 94 MB/s and write speeds of up to 91 MB/s with UHS-II SD cards.

Ports

Both cameras feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, the R6 Mark II includes a Mini-HDMI port, while the Canon R6 features a full-size HDMI port.

Microphone and Headphone Jacks

Both cameras feature a 3.5mm microphone jack, allowing you to connect an external microphone for improved audio quality.

they both have a headphone jack for monitoring audio while recording, the R6 Mark II’s microphone jack is located on the side of the camera, while the R6’s is located on the top, which may affect the placement of any accessories or rigs you plan to use.

Wireless Connectivity

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos to your mobile device or computer.

the Canon R6 Mark II also includes built-in FTP (File Transfer Protocol) support, which is useful for professional photographers who need to quickly and securely transfer large files to a remote server.

Battery Life and Charging

The R6 Mark II and the Canon R6 both use the same battery, the LP-E6NH, the R6 Mark II has a slightly longer battery life, with a CIPA rating of approximately 510 shots per charge, compared to the Canon R6’s 380 shots per charge.

the R6 Mark II includes a USB-C Power Delivery charging port, which allows for faster charging times when using a compatible charger.

Price

The R6 Mark II is a newer and more advanced camera, and it comes with a higher price tag than the Canon R6.

As of February 2023, the R6 Mark II is priced at around $2,500 on BH Photo for the body only, while the R6 is priced at around $2,100 on BH Photo for the body only.

When it comes to value, both cameras offer a lot for the price. The Canon R6 is an excellent camera that can deliver high-quality photos and videos, and it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a powerful camera at a reasonable price.

So, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest features and are willing to pay a bit more, the Canon R6 Mark II is definitely worth considering.

Which One Should you Choose?

Choosing between the Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R6 depends on your needs as a photographer.

If you primarily shoot in low light conditions and require a clear and detailed view of your scene, the R6 Mark II’s higher resolution viewfinder is the way to go.

So, if you don’t require the additional resolution and prefer a smaller and more compact camera, the Canon R6’s viewfinder will suffice.

Which Camera is Better for Video?

The R6 Mark II has 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, which allows for more color depth and flexibility in post-processing.

Where R6 II Wins Over R6?

• The R6 has a fully articulating LCD screen, making it easier to monitor video while shooting from awkward angles.

• the R6 Mark II has improved autofocus performance in video mode, making it easier to keep subjects in focus.

Where R6 Wins Over R6 II?

• One advantage that the R6 has over the R6 Mark II is its ability to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing image blur.

• The R6 Mark II has a higher resolution sensor, which may result in larger file sizes and slower performance when processing images.

• the R6 Mark II has a slightly shorter battery life than the R6, which may be a concern for those who need to shoot for extended periods of time without access to a charger.

How do the R6 and R6 Mark II compare to other cameras on the market?

The Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R6 are both highly capable cameras that compete with other full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. Some of the key competitors include the Sony A7 III, Nikon Z6 II, and Panasonic Lumix S5.

What are Advantages of R6 Mark II over Canon R6

the R6 Mark II has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced IBIS system, improved autofocus, and better video capabilities.

the R6 Mark II has improved subject tracking and detection capabilities, which can make it easier to track and capture moving subjects.

6 Reasons to Choose R6 Mark II

• Anty Dust Shutter
• Lens Breathing Correction
• Build in Image Stabilization
• 2 Storage Slot
• Higher Resolution Viewfinder
• Large Viewfinder

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Canon R6 Mark II and the Canon R6 offer exceptional performance, image quality, and features.

The R6 Mark II is a more advanced version of the Canon R6, with several upgrades that make it a better choice.

It boasts a higher resolution sensor, improved autofocus system, faster burst shooting, and a larger buffer capacity.

It also features a more advanced image stabilization system and a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder.

On the other hand, the R6 is still a very capable camera that can deliver outstanding results in most shooting situations.

It has a lower resolution sensor than the Mark II, but it can still produce excellent images with good detail and low noise. It also has a fast autofocus system, good burst shooting, and a decent buffer capacity.