Looking for a camera that will deliver amazing image quality, superior autofocusing, and exceptional speed? The Canon EOS R6 has a lot of best-in-class features that make this a powerhouse camera.
The Canon R6 is a small step down from the Canon EOS R5 but has a lower price point to match. And while it has a more conservative pixel count (20MP compared to 45MP), it’s been made with the same impeccable quality. Its incredible speed, autofocus, and IBIS system make it a worthy alternative.
The Canon R6 is a camera made for stills photography but let’s review the R6 specs and performance below.
Notable Canon R6 specs
The R6 inherits a lot from the high-end 1D X Mark III, including a 20MP full-frame sensor. Though this doesn’t seem like much, the idea is to boost the speed dramatically.
Despite having a lower pixel count than you’d find on competitor cameras (such as the Sony a7 III or the Nikon Z6), detail is rendered beautifully. The lower resolution is only noticeable if you zoom in massively or print huge stills.
This mirrorless camera reproduces warm, saturated colours that are both accurate and vibrant.
The R6 features the same processor you find on the Canon 1D X Mark III camera and can shoot up to 20 frames per second in burst speed with a silent electronic shutter (12 fps with the mechanical shutter).
The R6 goes a step further by mounting the sensor to a 5-axis image stabiliser with up to 8 stops of compensation (when working with a stabilised lens).
This Canon R6 IBIS is particularly impressive when it’s paired with RF lenses that also have built-in image stabilisation. The two systems work in tandem, communicating with each other so the lens IS gains information from the in-camera movement sensors and gyros (and vice versa).
Build and handling
We love the way the R6 is built. Compared to the equivalent Canon 6D Mark II DSLR, the R6 magnesium body is only a fraction lighter and smaller (680g compared to 765g). But it’s got a solid feel to it, thanks especially to the deep, ergonomic grip that makes handling a pleasure.
Adventurous photographers will take comfort in knowing that the R6 is weather-sealed and protected from dust and splashes.
A textured joystick multi-controller on the camera’s rear means you have all the most important controls (including AF) accessible without taking your eyes off the viewfinder.
The R6 doesn’t have the handy LCD screen on the top of the camera, as you find on the Canon EOS R and R5, replacing it with an exposure mode dial. The viewfinder is the same as the EOS R, with a 3.69-million dot EVF. But with a refresh rate of 119.8 frames per second, you won’t miss a beat.
Finally, the LCD is a fully-articulating 3-inch 1.62-million dot touchscreen that’s helpful when you’re shooting at awkward angles or capturing selfies or videos of yourself. This is the same LCD you'll find on the R5.
The R6 autofocus and performance
When it comes to autofocus, no other camera in this class can compete with the R6. This Canon model embraces Dual Pixel AF II. It’s lightning-fast and impressively accurate—no doubt one of the best autofocus systems on the market.
Focusing is done on-sensor with 6,075 AF points to choose from (up from the R5’s 5,940 AF points). These points deliver 100% horizontal frame coverage and 90% vertical coverage.
The system has a better phase-difference detection autofocusing in Live View and also allows for much faster readout speeds during continuous shooting.
The subject recognition system is outstanding, capable of recognising the eyes, faces, and heads of humans, cats, dogs, and birds. It’s that sharp, your focus can stay on the subject even if they temporarily look away from you.
R6 battery and storage
The Canon R6 has dual card slots, both of which support SD UHS-II format so you can rest assured your data is recorded. You can record to both cards simultaneously or one at a time.
You can recharge the battery on the go using the 3.1 Gen 2 speed USB-C port. The R6 has the same battery as the R5, a new LPE-6NH battery that has an incredibly long life (about 510 shots per charge).
Low light performance
The advantage of the R6 sensor’s lower pixel count is that the pixels are larger, which means better light sensitivity and a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
As a result, the R6 wows when it comes to low light performance, largely thanks to the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100-102,400.
You’ll have usable, striking shots even at the highest sensitivity settings (though for the best results, you might want to stick to ISO 12,800 and below).
The Auto ISO system works wonders. You can set the upper and lower limits and the shutter speed threshold at which the camera will increase the ISO. You can even use it in manual exposure mode.
Video
While the Canon R6 hasn’t been designed for videographers, it offers reasonable features for the enthusiast and is competitive in its class.
You can record 4K video at 60p using the whole sensor, which means no cropped footage (the first of its kind in this class). Unlike the R5, there’s no DCI support to produce truly cinematic shots.
Combining the 4K footage with the Dual Pixel AF available in all video recording modes, the camera produces crisp detail, beautiful colour rendition, and smooth transitions between subjects.
As with the Canon 1D X Mark III, the camera can output 10-bit HDR files, which guarantee a more accurate representation of the real world on monitors and TV screens.
The camera has both microphone and headphone ports. Plus you have both focus peaking and—a first in a mainstream EOS camera—zebra warnings.
The camera has been known to have some overheating issues when you shoot 4K at 60 fps for longer than 30 minutes (but keep in mind, similar cameras, such as the Sony a7 Mark III and the Nikon Z6, don’t offer this option at all).
Even if the camera hits the overheating threshold, it’s still capable of recording at 1080p. And firmware updates have helped with this issue, checking camera temperature more frequently so you can allow the camera to cool down.
Are you ready for the Canon R6?
If you’re looking to switch to a full-frame mirrorless camera from the 5D or 6D DSLRs, the Canon R6 might be the model you’ve been waiting for. The placement of dials and buttons will already be familiar to you.
The Canon R6 is a competitive camera in its class, with an unbeatable burst shooting mode and great video specs. Ready to get your hands on this powerhouse camera? Buy the Canon EOS R6 online today and get free regular shipping in Australia on orders over $49.
Not sure whether the Canon R6 or the R5 is right for you? Compare the two today to find out which one better suits your needs.
