Welcome to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II test and review by Camera Deals. In this review, we’re mainly going to focus on the camera’s photography capabilities. We’ll be testing the 40 frames per second, (human and animal) autofocus, and overall performance. Plus, we’ll compare the EOS R6 Mark II with its predecessor, the EOS R6.
So, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the successor to the Canon EOS R6 and comes with a few upgrades:
- From 20.2 to 24.2 megapixels
- From 20fps to 40fps
- From Dual Pixel to Dual Pixel II CMOS AF with Deep Learning
- The EOS R6 Mark II is 10 grams lighter
- Pre-shooting mode
The kit I tested with. EOS R6 II + RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM + RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. Credit: Camera Deals / Yoreh Schipper
In summary, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a powerful mirrorless camera that offers fantastic photography and video capabilities. While it may come with a higher price tag, it’s certainly worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade from any other model or simply want a top-notch camera in its class.
Camera Deals tested the Canon EOS R6 Mark II on various essential aspects during their review and test:
- The camera’s body and usability.
- Menu navigation and button layout.
- Autofocus performance with people, animals, and vehicles.
- Autofocus speed and frames per second (fps) capabilities.
- Focus bracketing functionality.
- Testing the Dual Pixel RAW feature.
- Evaluating ISO performance and noise levels.
- Assessing the camera’s performance with the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens.
- Examining the camera’s performance with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens.
For this test, they collaborated with Manon Eline Visser. Manon owns the Canon EOS R6 and used the EOS R6 Mark II as the main camera during the shoot. This allowed her to thoroughly test and compare the features of the EOS R6 Mark II with her EOS R6.
Where to buy the Canon EOS R6 Mark II?
- EOS R6 Mark II + 24-105mm f/4
- EOS R6 Mark II + 24-105mm f/4-7.1
- EOS R6 Mark II - body
This review is 100% independent and not sponsored by Canon Netherlands or any other party. Canon Netherlands provided the Canon EOS R6 Mark II for testing, with no conditions on the final judgment. This article is based on my experiences with the camera, and from there, I formed my opinion and conclusion.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Test and Review: General Specifications
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II features a 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor and utilizes the Digic X image processor. This processor supports the Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system with AI Deep Learning, resulting in better recognition and tracking of people, animals (heads and eyes), cars, and other subjects.
Of course, the ability to capture photos at 40 frames per second is a significant improvement compared to the EOS R6’s 20fps. This makes the R6 II the perfect full-frame camera for capturing sports and birds. When using the mechanical shutter, it’s possible to take up to 12 photos per second. Moreover, there is also an upgrade in the field of filming compared to its predecessor; now you can shoot in Full HD at 180fps, whereas the EOS R6 allowed only 120fps.
Photo: Yoreh Schipper / Camera Deals
Specifications Canon EOS R6 Mark II:
| Canon EOS R6 Mark II (2022) | Canon EOS R6 (2020) | |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full Frame CMOS | 20MP Full Frame CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel AF II (4897 points / 1053 cross type) | Dual Pixel AF II (6072 AF points) |
| ISO | 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-204,800) | 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-204,800) |
| Resolution Format | 6000 x 4000 pixels | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
| Video | UHD 4K 24, 25 ,30, 60fps | 6K Oversampled HDMI | FHD 24-180 fps | 4K: 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps | Full HD: 119.88, 59.94, 50, 29.94, 25fps |
| Viewfinder | 3.69m-Dot OLED | 3.69m-Dot OLED |
| Memory Cards | 2x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| LCD Screen and Resolution | 3″ 1.62m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD | 3″ 1.62m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD |
| Burst | 12 mech. / 40fps elek. | 12 mechanical / 20fps electronic |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis up to 8 stops | 5-axis up to 8 stops |
| Connectivity | Wifi 2.4/5GHz, bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, Micro HDMI, Microphone, Headphone | Wifi 2.4, bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, Micro HDMI, Microphone, Headphone |
| Body Size | 138.4 x 88.4 x 98.4 mm | 132.5 x 85 x 70 mm |
| Weight | 588 grams | 670 grams with battery and card | 589 grams | 680 grams with battery and card |
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II ranks above the Canon EOS R8 in terms of megapixel count and specifications but falls below the Canon EOS R5, although it shares many similarities with the latter. The EOS R6 Mark II is newer than the EOS R5, which is evident in the button layout. For example, the EOS R5’s button arrangement felt somewhat unnatural, but the EOS R6 Mark II now features a dedicated physical button to switch between photo and video modes, whereas the EOS R5 requires a combination of buttons.
Also read: Canon EOS R5 test and review by Camera Deals
Credit: Camera Deals / Yoreh Schipper
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Test and Review: Introduction Year
The EOS R6 Mark II was released on November 2, 2022, as the successor to the Canon EOS R6. The camera had a starting price of €2929 for the body only. During its introduction, the R6II was the fastest Canon ever, boasting a continuous burst rate of 40fps with AF/AE on full frame.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Test and Review: Body and Design
With dimensions of 138.4 x 98.4 x 88.4mm, the R6 II is a larger camera, but it features a grip that feels comfortable in the hand, though it could have been slightly deeper. Canon Netherlands provided me with the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lenses, and they are not the lightest lenses. The deep grip comes in handy here, as I was able to walk around with the camera in the streets without worrying about it slipping from my hand.
Credit: Camera Deals / Yoreh Schipper
The camera weighs 558 grams without and 670 grams with the battery and SD card. Furthermore, the camera boasts a classic design that resembles cameras from decades ago. It’s a decent design, but it lacks the vibrant appeal of Fujifilm cameras.
Dual SD UHS-II memory card slots for the R6II. Credit: Camera Deals / Yoreh Schipper
Memory Card Slots
The dual UHS-II memory card slots allow you to record on two cards simultaneously, providing an instant backup. It also allows for easy swapping of cards during longer video interviews without interrupting the recording. However, in practice, this won’t be done frequently because changing cards can cause significant camera movement. It’s more convenient to pause the recording when switching cards.
The EOS R6II offers mechanical, electronic, and first-curtain shutters. Credit: Camera Deals / Yoreh Schipper
Shutter Options
The three shutter options are mechanical, first-curtain, and electronic. While the first-curtain shutter offers a blend of advantages, it’s not as fast as the electronic shutter. To achieve 40fps, use the electronic shutter, but beware of Rolling Shutter. This effect, where fast-moving objects appear distorted, has been reduced thanks to the CMOS sensor and Digic X processor, but is still present.
For less rolling shutter effect, it’s advisable to use the mechanical or first-curtain shutter.
Canon LP-E6NH battery. Photo: Yoreh Schipper / Camera Deals
Battery
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II uses the Canon LP-E6NH battery. This is the latest version of the E6 battery and can be identified by the sparkling sticker on top. According to Canon, the battery can last for 380 to 450 shots with the electronic viewfinder and 510 to 760 shots when using the LCD screen.
Camera Deals’ test photographer, Manon Eline Visser, tested the EOS R6 II during her wedding shoot. It was her first time using the R6 Mark II and the LP-E6NH battery, and she immediately noticed that it lasted longer than the older versions. She mentioned that she could shoot the whole day with the LP-E6NH and LPE6 in the battery grip.
Test photo with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II f/1.2, 1/60s, ISO320 on 50mm f/1.2L USM. Poto: Camera Deals / Yoreh Schipper
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Test and Review: Photography
The R6 Mark II features a completely new full-frame 24.2-megapixel sensor with an anti-aliasing filter, and this megapixel count is more than enough for almost every photographer. You can easily produce high-quality and even large prints. Occasionally, you can even reframe a photo. However, if you want to zoom in on details, such as reflections in someone’s eyes, you would need more megapixels, like what the Canon EOS R5 offers.
White Balance
The automatic white balance works smoothly and accurately, reducing the time spent adjusting when shooting outdoors. Looking at my photos, I see consistent white balance in every shot.
