Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera has 20 MP stills & 4k 60p video shooting capabilities and built-in stabilization. It can shoot up to 20 frames per second and has a touchscreen that can be moved.
If you’ve only read or heard about the Canon EOS R6, it’s easy to underestimate it. Its video quality is pretty much like any mirrorless camera’s quality in this price range, but it immediately reveals itself as a superb camera when used for still photography.
Its 20MP sensor is slightly less detailed than its competitors, but not significantly so. Its low-light performance is excellent, and its dynamic range provides many processing options.
While it’s disheartening to see some non-optional noise reduction at low ISOs, you will still receive pretty JPEGs and flexible RAWs every time you shoot.
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The EOS R6 Review
The Canon EOS R6 is a great all-around camera for versatility and performance. Although it lacks the OLED top panel and twin SD card slots, and weather sealing isn’t quite as good, this camera is essentially an EOS R5 with lesser resolution and fewer high-end video functions.
So does it matter if you have the 24.9MP, 4K 120p, or even 8K options?
No, the R5’s specifications are too much for most individuals. However, the R6’s resolution is a genuine concern for certain people, mainly those for which photography is a day-to-day job, like National Geographic photographers.
Although the EOS RP (26.2MP) and even APS-C cameras like the 90D (32.5MP) provide more resolution, the truth remains that these cameras are more affordable. And, as seen by our testing, the R6’s sensor does not outperform its competitors in this category.
On the other hand, this camera’s in-body stabilization is the greatest for a camera with a full-frame system. The 4K video is sharp and delectable. The two memory cards make it appropriate for professional work.
And last but not least, it unlocks the brave new world of the best Canon RF lenses with its fantastic autofocus.
Features of Canon EOS R6:
Cameras in the R series by Canon always come loaded with specifications. Keeping up with predecessors’ legacy, the same is the case with this camera.
The full-frame sensor of 20.1 megapixels on the Canon R6 may seem a little modest, but it’s plenty for most ordinary circumstances. It reduces post-production cropping options, but it helps keep file sizes down. In addition, of course, this helps keep the R6’s pricing cheaper than it otherwise would be.
The R6 also offers highly appealing specs to capture action shots. Using the mechanical shutter, you may shoot up to 20 or 12 frames per second. With in-built picture stabilization, this camera is the finest in its class.
The R6’s performance will pique the interest of vloggers and filmmakers alike. As the name implies, this is a more stripped-down version of the R5. You receive a 4K video, but it is UHD and does not support DCI.
On the bright side, unlike specific Canon models, you can use the entire sensor, resulting in footage that isn’t cropped. Also, while particular videographers may have a hard time dealing with the camera’s overheating concerns if they’re filming in 4K for more than 30 minutes, this isn’t an issue for most users.
Design and Handling
A familiar “Canon” feel is evident in the R6, so those who have previously used a DSLR will feel right at home with this mirrorless camera system. While it’s the same size as a mid-range Canon camera, such as the APS-C Canon EOS 90D, it has a full-frame sensor and smaller lenses than a DSLR, making it ideal for travel photography.
Though it isn’t the lightest camera on the market, the hefty grip makes it a camera that most users could work with all day without becoming too exhausted.
Most of the camera’s controls are located on the right side, where your thumb can easily access them. However, all of the camera’s controls are on its left side, except for the on/off dial and “rate” and “primary menu” buttons.
It makes it logical to place these buttons in this location because they aren’t likely to be used very often. Otherwise, if you’ve used a Canon camera previously, the setup is very self-explanatory. It has a pair of control dials, one for aperture and one for shutter speed, depending on your mode.
The Q button on the camera’s rear gives you quick access to frequently used settings, including autofocus type, white balance, and more. As well as an AF point slider, there’s a joystick that you may use to traverse both the primary and fast menus.
A 3-inch, 1.62-million-dot screen with full articulation makes it easy to shoot from various angles, take selfies, and capture movies of oneself. At 3.69 million dots, the viewfinder isn’t quite as spectacular as the R5’s high-resolution unit, but it’s still quiet enough.
The camera has two card slots on the right-hand side. Both cards are SD, and they are both UHS-II fast cards. As an enthusiast, you’re likelier to have a stack of SD cards on hand than CFExpress cards, which are less popular and more professionally specced.
Performance
With its impressive list of features, the R6 offers a lot. That being said, for the most part, it performs admirably.
In terms of image quality, the camera can capture rich and accurate colors that don’t lose their vibrancy even when shot in low light. However, Canon prioritizes the active AF point while using all-purpose metering, leading to inaccurate exposures in high-contrast situations.
When looking at photographs in conventional print and online sizes, you won’t be dissatisfied with the level of detail and overall impression you get from this camera, which has a rather low-resolution sensor by current standards.
While photographs produced at high ISOs may show slight blurring when zoomed in to 100%, overall sharpness is superb.
The R6’s low-light performance is excellent, even at high ISOs like ISO 20000, allowing you to capture useable shots. However, you should stay with ISO 12800 or below if you want satisfactory results.
Autofocus
The R5’s autofocus capabilities are very enticing. On-sensor Dual-Pixel CMOS AF II focusing provides 6,072 AF points to choose from, which covers the vast majority of the frame. Humans and animals can benefit from Eye AF (dogs, cats, and birds).
When it comes to capturing animals, autofocus is genuinely unique, with particular praise given to its ability to keep track of the subject. For example, eye AF can spot animal eyes, like a nocturnal owl, even when obscured by dark furs.
In addition, it shoots at a high rate of speed and consistently hits the target as it moves across the frame. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for wildlife and adventure photographers who need a camera they can trust.
Compatibility
Canon currently has three different lens mounts in use. As an R camera, it utilizes the full-frame R mount.
However, EF lenses may be used with an adapter, which works well.
However, Canon’s APS-C mirrorless lineup (EF-M) does not allow you to swap out your lenses, which is inconvenient for those looking to make the conversion. A 24-105mm f/4-7.1 “kit” lens is included with the purchase of this model.
There are sharper and more stunning lenses, but this one is adequate for getting started and works well as a walk-around optic because of its wide focal length range.
Image Quality
The Canon EOS R6 is the same camera as the R5, except for its lower resolution sensor. While some may consider the R6’s 20.1MP pixel count poor, the lower pixel count allows the R6 to store roughly three times as many JPEGs as the R5, allowing for faster continuous shooting rates.
There’ll never be a missed shot while shooting at 12 (mechanical) or 20 (electrical) frames per second. Whether you’re shooting sports or wildlife is critical because it justifies the low number of megapixels.
Even for professionals who shoot magazine spreads and front covers, 20.1MP should be more than plenty. Even yet, the R6 is a step down from Canon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS RP, and only two-thirds as high as APS-C cameras like the Canon EOS 90D in terms of resolution.
The slower readout speed of the sensor means that the rolling shutter (the phenomena where vertical lines and objects seem “skewed” when panning images) is more noticeable than on the R5 due to the slower electronic shutter.
The R6 isn’t the worst offender when it comes to this, but keep in mind that the impact is considerably less obnoxious when using the R5.
Video Quality
The R6 is capable of full-readout 4K video up to 60 fps; however, because it only outputs UHD video (with no option for DCI), there is a small 1.07x crop. Cropping isn’t an issue when shooting at 1080p, which can record at a frame rate of 120 frames per second and isn’t an option on the R5.
All of the newest focusing gadgets may be found in any video format.
Despite the EOS R5’s potential to shoot in 8K, the fact is that many content makers are still only filming in 4K.
Therefore, the ability to record Full HD footage up to 120 frames per second in 1080p will likely be more important to most people interested in this camera than the 4K functionalities – especially given there are no recording constraints in 1080p.
When shooting 4K at an oversampling rate of 5.1k, the R6 has the same recording constraints as its larger sibling, the R7. As a result, between 30 and 40 minutes of 4K 60p video can be recorded on the camera before it begins to overheat.
In contrast, between 40 and an hour of 4K 30p can be registered before it begins to overheat, depending on the temperature and quantity of stills photography you’ve done.
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These limits may be a real pain point for hybrid photographers, especially if you’re juggling stills and video simultaneously. You don’t need to worry if you film in Full HD or only want to post the occasional 4K clip on Instagram.
However, the R6 isn’t the most OK camera if your primary goal is to shoot a 4K video.
However, if you’re persistent, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 4K footage. You may use the new zebra function on Canon’s consumer cameras to avoid bright situations. Even while a rolling shutter can be a nuisance in still images, it isn’t as intrusive in video.
Canon EOS R6 Specifications:
- Sensor: 20.1 MP CMOS Sensor, 6.58µ pixel size
- Sensor Size: 36 x 24mm
- Resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-102,400
- In-Body Image Stabilization: Yes, 5-Axis
- Image Processor: DIGIC X
- Body Build: Polycarbonate Resin, Magnesium Alloy Internal Structure
- Shutter: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
- Shutter Durability: 300,000 actuation
- Storage: 2x SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II)
- Viewfinder: 3.69 Million Dot OLED EVF
- Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.76x
- Speed: 12 FPS (Mechanical Shutter), 20 FPS (Electronic Shutter)
- Built-in Flash: No
- Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 1053 Selectable Focus Points
- AF Sensitivity Range: -6.5 to 20 EV
- LCD Screen: Touch-enabled 3.0″ Fully Articulating LCD with 1.62 Million Dots
- Maximum Movie Resolution: 4K UHD @ 60 FPS
- 4K Video Crop: 1.07x
- HDMI Output: 10-bit 4:2:2
- GPS: Yes
- WiFi: Yes, 802.11b/g/n / 2.4 GHz
- Bluetooth: Yes, 4.2
- Battery Type: Canon LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6
- Battery Life: 360 shots (CIPA)
- USB Standard: Type-C 3.1 Gen 2
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Weight: 598g (Body Only)
- Size: 138 x 97.5 x 88.4mm
Pros:
- Superb autofocusing
- Great all-rounder
- Fast shooting
- Best autofocus
- Best full-frame IBIS
- Pro-grade burst shooting
- Twin card slots
Cons:
- 4K video overheating issues
- Fairly low resolution
- Pricey
Conclusion
A pair of Canon EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras have just been announced. The EOS R system is a watershed moment, demonstrating how far Canon can go when focused.
Fast frame rates go hand in hand with excellent image quality and accurate autofocus—a lot of best-in-class features and recommendations from our side.
