Sony A7R V vs Canon R6 Mark II Which is Better For Video

When it comes to high-end cameras, Sony and Canon are two of the most popular brands in the market. Both brands have released their latest mirrorless cameras, Sony A7R V and Canon R6 Mark II, respectively, two of the best mirrorless cameras in the market, offering exceptional features and performance.

the Sony A7R V was recently released and I’m gonna go ahead and do a comparison between these two cameras. Now at first, I thought it was a bit silly to do a comparison between the Sony A7R V vs Canon R6 Mark II because well they’re two different categories of cameras.

But honestly, if you’re thinking about upgrading from the previous models you might find this blog helpful, or if you don’t have either one of these yet anything about
upgrading or purchasing one of them maybe this video will also help.

Key Features

What Are Differences Between Sony A7R V vs Canon R6 Mark II?

• Sony A7R V has a 61-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while Canon R6 Mark II has a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.

• Sony A7R V uses a hybrid AF system with 693 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points, while Canon R6 Mark II uses a dual-pixel CMOS AF system with 1053 AF points.

• Both cameras have in-body image stabilization, but Sony A7R V has a 5-axis IBIS system that can compensate for up to 5.5 stops, while Canon R6 Mark II has a 5-axis IBIS system that can compensate for up to 8 stops.

• Sony A7R V can shoot 8K video at up to 60fps and 1080p video at up to 120fps, while Canon R6 Mark II can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps and 1080p video at up to 120fps.

• Canon R6 Mark II has a longer battery life than Sony A7R V. Canon R6 Mark II can shoot up to 760 shots per charge, while Sony A7R V can shoot up to 530 shots per charge.

• The Sony A7R V has an impressive ISO range of 100-32,000, which can be extended to 50-102,400. The Canon R6 Mark II’s ISO range is 100-102,400, which can be expanded to 50-204,800.

What Are Similarities Between Sony A7R V vs Canon R6 Mark II?

• Both the Sony A7R V and Canon R6 Mark II feature full-frame sensors
• Both cameras have fast and accurate autofocus systems that work well in both photo and video modes.
• Both cameras have in-body image stabilization that allows for steady shots even in low light conditions.

Design and Ergonomics

If you plan on using it for extended periods the design of the camera is an essential factor to consider, the Sony A7R V is relatively compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for travel or outdoor photography. It also has a tilting touchscreen that is useful for shooting from unusual angles.

Whereas, the Canon R6 Mark II is more substantial and has a more traditional DSLR-like design, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. It also has a superior electronic viewfinder, which is larger and sharper than A7R V.

Menu System

The menu system of both cameras is well-organized, with different categories and subcategories. the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, making it difficult for users to find what they are looking for.

So, to help you navigate the menu system effectively, I will break down each category and subcategory, explaining the purpose of each option.

When it comes to the Sony A7R V menu system is divided into six main categories, including Camera Settings, Custom Settings, Network, Playback, Setup, and My Menu.

Camera Settings is further divided into nine subcategories, including Exposure, Focus, and Drive Mode. Custom Settings also has nine subcategories, including AF, Operation, and Function Menu Set.

Network, Playback, and Setup each have five subcategories, while My Menu allows you to create a customized menu with frequently used options.

In comparison, the Canon R6 Mark II menu system is also divided into six main categories, including Shooting, AF, Playback, Setup, Custom Functions, and My Menu.

Shooting is divided into four subcategories, including Image Quality, Drive Mode, and White Balance. AF has three subcategories, including AF Operations and AF Configuration Tool.

Playback, Setup, and Custom Functions each have six subcategories, while My Menu allows you to create a customized menu with frequently used options.

Screen

When it comes to the screens The Sony A7R V has a 3.0-inch 2,095,000 Dot tilting LCD, while the Canon R6 Mark II has a 3.0-inch 1.62 million-dot fully articulated LCD.

The higher resolution of the A7R V screen means that it may offer more detailed image previews and more accurate color representation.

Touchscreen

Another important difference between these two cameras is that the Sony A7R V has a touchscreen while the Canon R6 Mark II does not.

The Sony A7R V’s touchscreen makes it easier to navigate through menus and adjust settings, as well as allowing for touch-to-focus capabilities.

The lack of a touchscreen on the Canon R6 Mark II may be a disadvantage for some photographers, but others may prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons.

Screen Size and Design

The size and design of a camera’s screen can also influence its usability. The Sony A7R V’s screen tilts up and down, while the Canon R6 Mark II’s screen can be fully articulated.

This means that the Canon R6 Mark II’s screen can be positioned in a wider range of angles, making it more versatile for shooting from different perspectives.

So, the Canon R6 Mark II’s screen is slightly larger than the Sony A7R V’s screen, which may make it easier to review images and navigate menus.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Sony A7R V has a higher resolution sensor, which means it can capture more detail in an image. This also means that the file sizes are larger and the camera may not perform as well in low light situations.

The Canon R6 Mark II has a lower resolution sensor, but it performs better in low light situations due to its larger pixel size. The camera also has a wider dynamic range, which means it can capture more detail in the shadows and highlights.

While the difference in resolution might seem significant, both sensors produce high-quality images and are suitable for professional use. The Sony A7R V’s high resolution is particularly useful for photographers who need to crop their images extensively or print them in large sizes.

Sensor Resolution

The Sony A7R V features a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the Canon R6 Mark II boasts a 24.2 Megapixel full-frame sensor. The difference in megapixels is significant, and it translates to the Sony A7R V having more resolution, finer details, and better image quality than the Canon R6 Mark II. However, this comes at a cost, as the Sony A7R V produces larger files that can take up more storage space and require more processing power.

Another significant difference is the Sony A7R V’s back-illuminated sensor, which allows more light to hit the sensor’s surface, resulting in better low-light performance and reduced noise in high ISO images.

The Canon R6 Mark II, on the other hand, has a conventional sensor that doesn’t benefit from the back-illumination technology.

Sensor Features

Both cameras have their unique set of features that cater to different types of photography. The Sony A7R V excels in still photography with its high-resolution sensor, impressive dynamic range, and fast autofocus system.

It also has advanced features such as Eye AF, which locks onto a subject’s eyes for sharp and accurate focus.

The Canon R6 Mark II, on the other hand, has better video capabilities with its 4K 60p video recording, built-in image stabilization, and autofocus system that works exceptionally well for video. It also has a faster burst rate and longer battery life than the Sony A7R V.

Processor

In terms of the processor, the A7R V features a Bionz XR processor that is capable of processing large amounts of data at high speeds. The processor has been designed to support the camera’s high resolution, fast continuous shooting speed, and 8K video recording capabilities.

The Bionz XR processor is also equipped with an advanced autofocus system that allows for quick and accurate focus tracking, even in low light conditions.

The Bionz XR processor in the Sony A7R V is also designed to reduce noise and distortion in images, making it an excellent choice for capturing detailed and crisp photographs.

Whereas, the Canon R6 Mark II features a Digic X processor that is designed to provide high-speed image processing and efficient power consumption.

The processor is capable of processing large amounts of data quickly, making it an ideal choice for photographers and videographers who need to capture high-quality images and videos in fast-paced environments.

Autofocus

The autofocus system on both cameras is excellent. The Sony A7R V has a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system, which covers 99% of the frame. This means that you can focus on any subject in the frame with ease.

The Canon R6 Mark II has a 1053-point phase-detection autofocus system, which covers 100% of the frame. This means that the camera can track subjects more accurately and quickly.

The R6 Mark II autofocus system is also designed to work in low light conditions, making it an ideal choice for photographers who shoot in challenging lighting conditions.

Tracking

The A7R V is capable of tracking moving subjects with ease just like Real-time Eye AF, Animal Eye AF, and Real-time Tracking for both photos and videos. thanks to its advanced real-time autofocus tracking system. The camera uses AI technology to track and follow subjects, making it ideal for sports and action photography.

Whereas the Canon R6 Mark II also features an advanced autofocus system, which utilizes Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology. This system has 1053 selectable autofocus points, which provides excellent autofocus coverage and accuracy.

The camera’s autofocus tracking capabilities are also quite impressive, thanks to its advanced subject tracking technology. The R6 Mark II is capable of tracking moving subjects with ease, making it ideal for sports and action photography.

Focus Bracketing

The Sony A7R V features advanced focus bracketing which allows you to capture images with an extremely wide depth of field, perfect for macro photography or landscapes.

The A7R V also offers advanced focus stacking capabilities. Using the camera’s built-in Focus Shift Shooting mode, you can automatically capture a series of images with different focus points. These images can then be combined in-camera or using third-party software to create a final image with a wider depth of field.

In comparison, R6 Mark II also features an automatic focus bracketing mode, which will automatically adjust the focus step size based on the distance to the subject.

In addition, the R6 Mark II offers advanced focus stacking capabilities. Using the camera’s built-in Focus Bracketing mode, you can capture a series of images with different focus points.

Video

Both cameras are capable of recording high-quality video. The Sony A7R V can record 8K video, which is four times the resolution of 4K.

The Canon R6 Mark II can record 4K video without any overheating issues. The camera also has a better autofocus system for video, which makes it easier to track moving subjects.

Viewfinder Type

In terms of the viewfinder, both cameras use different types of viewfinders the A7R V uses an electronic viewfinder, while the R6 Mark II uses an optical viewfinder.

EVFs are essentially tiny screens that display a digital image, while OVFs use mirrors and prisms to reflect the image into the viewfinder. EVFs offer several advantages over OVFs, including the ability to preview exposure and white balance adjustments in real-time.

Viewfinder Resolution

The Sony A7R V has a resolution of 9440 million dots, making it one of the highest resolution viewfinders on the market. In contrast, the Canon R6 Mark II has a resolution of 3.69 million dots, which is still impressive but lower than the Sony A7R V.

This difference in resolution means that the Sony A7R V’s viewfinder provides a sharper and more detailed image than the Canon R6 Mark II.

Viewfinder Magnification

The magnification of a viewfinder refers to how much the image is magnified when viewed through the viewfinder. The A7R V has a magnification of 0.9x, while the R6 Mark II has a magnification of 0.76x. This means that the Sony A7R V’s viewfinder provides a slightly larger image than the Canon R6 Mark II.

Viewfinder Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a viewfinder refers to the number of times the image is refreshed per second. The A7R V has a refresh rate of 120 frames per second, while the Canon R6 Mark II has a refresh rate of 60 fps. This means that the Sony A7R V’s viewfinder provides a smoother and more responsive image than the R6 Mark II.

ISO Range

Both cameras have an impressive ISO range, but the Sony A7R V’s range is more extensive, starting at 100 and going up to 32,000, which can be extended to 50-102,400.

The Canon R6 Mark II’s ISO range starts at 100 and goes up to 102,400, which can be expanded to 50-204,800. If you’re looking for the most versatile ISO range, the Sony A7R V might be a better choice.

Shutter Types

When it comes to the shutter of both cameras the A7R V uses a focal-plane shutter, which is located in front of the camera’s image sensor. This shutter blocks light from reaching the sensor until the exposure starts, which means that it can result in image distortion at high speeds.

In comparison, the R6 Mark II uses a hybrid shutter that combines a focal-plane shutter with an electronic shutter. This hybrid shutter eliminates the distortion issue and provides an option for a completely silent shooting experience.

Shutter Modes

When it comes to modes differences both cameras provide various shutter modes, including single, continuous, and self-timer. the Sony A7R V offers a unique feature called the “Anti-Flicker Shooting,” which detects and corrects flickering light sources in real-time.

This feature can be incredibly useful in situations like indoor sports photography or other low-light scenarios.

On the other hand, the Canon R6 Mark II provides a feature called “Focus Bracketing,” which captures multiple shots with different focus points. This feature can be handy in situations where you need to ensure that your subject is in focus across the entire depth of field.

Shutter Speeds

One of the critical aspects of any camera is its shutter speed, so in terms of the speed, the Sony A7R V has a mechanical shutter that can shoot at a maximum speed of 1/8000 to 30 Seconds, while the Canon R6 Mark II has a mechanical shutter that can shoot at a maximum speed of 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode.

However, both cameras offer electronic shutters that can shoot at an incredible speed of 1/32000th of a second. The electronic shutter of the Sony A7R V can shoot silently, which is a massive advantage in certain situations like wildlife photography, whereas the electronic shutter of the Canon R6 Mark II can shoot up to 20 frames per second.

Image Stabilization

when it comes to image stabilization the A7R V features 5-axis in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake up to 5.5 stops.

Also, you can shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without worrying about blur caused by camera shake. The IBIS system in the A7R V is very effective and can make a big difference when shooting in low light or when using longer lenses.

Whereas the R6 Mark II also has IBIS, but its system is not quite as advanced as the one found in the A7R V. The R6 Mark II’s IBIS can compensate for camera shake up to 5 stops, which is slightly less than the A7R V.

It also has a dual-pixel autofocus system that can compensate for camera shake, which can be useful when shooting video.

ISO Sensitivity

When it comes to ISO sensitivity, the A7R V has an ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400). The camera performs very well at high ISOs and produces clean images with minimal noise.

The A7R V has an improved BIONZ X processor, which helps in reducing noise at higher ISOs. the camera has a 15-stop dynamic range, which ensures that details are retained even in the brightest and darkest areas of the image.

The Canon R6 Mark II has an ISO range of 100-102400 (expandable to 50-204800). It also has a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which ensures that images are sharp and detailed.

The R6 Mark II performs well at high ISOs and produces low noise images. It has an in-body image stabilization system, which helps in reducing camera shake and producing sharper images at slower shutter speeds.

When comparing the ISO performance of both cameras the A7R V produces cleaner images at higher ISOs compared to the R6 Mark II.

The A7R V has a 15-stop dynamic range, which ensures that details are retained in both highlights and shadows. While, the R6 Mark II has a higher ISO range, which may be beneficial in low light conditions.

Dynamic Range

In terms of dynamic range, the A7R V is a full-frame mirrorless camera that boasts an impressive dynamic range of up to 15 stops.

This means that it can capture a wide range of tones from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights in a single image, resulting in stunning detail, depth, and color.

The R6 Mark II boasts a dynamic range of up to 14 stops. While not quite as impressive as the Sony A7R V, it is still an excellent camera for capturing a wide range of tones in a scene.

Frame Rates

When it comes to frame rates, the Sony A7R V has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 10fps, while the Canon R6 Mark II has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 12fps.

This means that the Canon R6 Mark II can capture more frames per second than the Sony A7R V, making it a better option for sports and action photography.

both cameras have the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution, with the Canon R6 Mark II offering a higher frame rate for smoother and more detailed footage.

the Canon R6 Mark II has a faster frame rate than the Sony A7R V, making it a better option for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Storage

So, the Sony A7R V can handle more data and transfer it faster than the Canon R6 Mark II.

The A7R V comes with two SD card slots that support UHS-II cards, while the R6 Mark II has only one UHS-II SD card slot.

Memory Card Speed

Another important factor to consider when comparing these two cameras is the speed of the memory card. The A7R V has a faster memory card speed, with a maximum write speed of 299 MB/s and a maximum read speed of 300 MB/s, while the R6 Mark II has a maximum write speed of 170 MB/s and a maximum read speed of 210 MB/s.

File Formats

When it comes to file formats, both cameras support a wide range of options, including JPEG, RAW, and HEIF. the Sony A7R V has a slight advantage here, as it also supports the highly efficient XAVC S format, which allows for higher bit rates and better compression than other file formats.

Ports

In terms of the ports, the Sony A7R V comes with a full-sized HDMI port, while the Canon R6 Mark II features a micro HDMI port. A full-sized HDMI port is preferable for professional videographers as it offers better connectivity options and less chance of accidental disconnection.

USB Port

The Sony A7R V features a USB Type-C port, while the Canon R6 Mark II comes with a USB Type-C port and a micro USB port. Having both types of USB ports gives the Canon R6 Mark II an advantage as it offers more options for connecting to external devices.

Headphone and Microphone Port

Both cameras feature a headphone and microphone port, which is essential for capturing high-quality audio. the Sony A7R V’s ports are positioned on the side, while the Canon R6 Mark II’s ports are located at the top. This difference in position can make a significant impact on the ease of use for certain applications.

Remote Control Port

The Sony A7R V comes with a dedicated remote control port, while the Canon R6 Mark II lacks this feature. This port allows you to control the camera remotely, which is particularly useful for taking photos in challenging locations.

Battery

the Sony A7R V has a higher battery capacity and longer battery life than the Canon R6 Mark II, according to the CIPA standard. So, keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on shooting conditions and settings.

For example, using the electronic viewfinder instead of the rear LCD screen can drain the battery faster.

Both cameras also support USB charging, which is a convenient feature for travelers and on-the-go photographers. You can charge the batteries directly in the camera using a USB cable and a power bank or a laptop.

Battery Performance

Besides the technical specifications, there are some practical aspects of battery usage that can affect your shooting experience. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:

• Bring a spare battery: Regardless of the camera you choose, it’s always a good idea to carry a spare battery or two, especially if you’re planning to shoot for extended periods or in remote locations where power outlets may not be available.

• Use power-saving features: Both cameras have power-saving features that can help extend battery life. For example, you can set the camera to sleep mode after a certain period of inactivity, or turn off the LCD screen when using the EVF.

• Monitor battery level: Make sure to check the battery level frequently, especially if you’re shooting in cold weather, which can affect battery performance. Both cameras have a battery level indicator on the top screen and in the menu.

Size and Weight

When it comes to weight the Sony A7R V measures 128.9 x 96.4 x 80.8 mm and weighs 665g with a battery and memory card.

Whereas the Canon R6 Mark II measures 138 x 97.5 x 88.4 mm and weighs 680g with a battery and memory card. From the measurements, it is clear that the Canon R6 Mark II is slightly larger than the Sony A7R V. So, the difference in size is not significant and may not affect the handling of the camera.

The difference is only 15g, but if you are someone who is particular about the weight of the camera, then the Sony A7R V might be a better choice.

Price

The Sony A7R V is currently priced at around $3,900 at BH Photo while the Canon R6 Mark II is priced at around $2,500 at Adorama its not available at BH Photo at the moment but it’s the same price.

Lens Selection and Compatibility

Finally, you should also consider the lens selection and compatibility of the camera. The Sony A7R IV uses the Sony E-mount system, which offers a wide range of lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers.

The Canon R6, on the other hand, uses the Canon RF mount, which also offers a variety of lenses but may be limited compared to the Sony E-mount.

Why Should you Buy Sony A7R V?

The Sony has a higher resolution sensor and better autofocus points, making it a better choice for studio or landscape photography. the A7R V’s higher resolution and faster continuous shooting speed may make it more appealing to photographers who specialize in landscapes, architecture, or sports photography.

Why Should you Buy Canon R6 Mark II?

The Canon, on the other hand, has better low-light performance, superior autofocus tracking, and superior in-body image stabilization, making it a better choice for sports, action, and handheld shooting.

the Canon R6 Mark II has better video stabilization and can shoot slow-motion videos at a higher frame rate than the Sony A7R V.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both cameras are excellent cameras that cater to the needs of professional photographers and videographers. While the Sony A7R V has a higher resolution and more advanced autofocus system, the Canon R6 Mark II has a more affordable price tag and slightly better stabilization.