Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review

Canon’s EOS R6 Mark II represents the next evolution of their enthusiast-focused full-frame mirrorless camera. Building upon the impressive capabilities of the original R6 (see the Canon EOS R6 Review), this second-generation model further refines autofocus, burst speed, video specs and more in an already excellent package. Equipped with a higher resolution 24MP sensor and DIGIC X processor, the R6 Mark II delivers class-leading speed and focusing performance along with clean, detailed image quality.

For enthusiasts and professionals, the R6 Mark II brings a wealth of improvements while retaining its predecessor’s compact form factor and robust weather sealing. The enhanced processing power enables blistering fast continuous shooting up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter. Sophisticated subject tracking ensures a reliably sharp focus on moving subjects when shooting sports, wildlife or events.

On the video front, the Mark II impresses with refined 4K 60p quality, smoother autofocus transitions and vastly improved rolling shutter performance. An ideal hybrid camera, the R6 Mark II strikes a versatile balance between high-speed photography and advanced videography in a portable, lightweight body. Let’s take a more detailed look at what this impressive model brings to the table.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Key Takeaways

• Super-fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing on sophisticated subject tracking for humans, animals, and vehicles
• Continuous shooting up to 40fps with electronic shutter, 12fps with mechanical shutter
• 24MP sensor delivers excellent image quality with wide dynamic range
• Refined 4K 60p video quality with advanced subject detection AF
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization up to 8 stops
• A deep buffer allows long continuous RAW bursts
• Improved rolling shutter distortion in electronic shutter mode
• Full articulating touchscreen LCD and high-res OLED EVF
• Intuitive interface with excellent physical controls and ergonomics
• Robust weather sealing for demanding conditions
• Big performance upgrades in a compact, comfortable body

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Key Features

• New higher resolution 24.2MP full-frame sensor
• DIGIC X processor brings faster operation
• Up to 40fps full resolution bursts with electronic shutter
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing with 1053 AF points
• Enhanced vehicle and animal subject tracking
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization up to 8 stops
• Clean, detailed 4K 60p and Full HD 180p video
• Improved rolling shutter in electronic shutter mode
• 3.0” fully articulating touchscreen LCD
• Large optical viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
• Up to 760 shot battery life (with LCD)

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Overview

As the second generation of the EOS R6 lineup, the Mark II model refines and enhances an already excellent enthusiast-focused full-frame mirrorless camera. The new higher resolution 24MP sensor retains excellent low light sensitivity while providing some extra resolution for landscapes and cropping flexibility. Paired with Canon’s blazingly fast DIGIC X processor, it enables continuous shooting up to 40 fps in electronic shutter mode.

For sports, action and wildlife photographers, the R6 Mark II truly excels with its blackout-free high-speed bursts and sophisticated subject-tracking focus capabilities. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system provides lightning-fast speed and accuracy, along with intelligent tracking of humans, animals and vehicles. Focus coverage spans nearly the entire frame for flexible composition.

Videographers will appreciate upgrades like refined 4K video quality, smoother focus transitions when filming, and 5-axis stabilization for steady handheld shooting. Having 4K 60p, Full HD 180p slow motion, 10-bit output and Canon Log gamma provides plenty of options for advanced filmmakers. The fully articulating LCD touchscreen assists with filming from creative angles.

Despite all these upgrades, the Mark II retains its predecessor’s compact form factor and familiar Canon ergonomics. With a comfortable deep grip, top LCD panel, and abundance of physical controls, the handling remains outstanding. Dual UHS-II SD card slots, a high-capacity battery, and robust weather sealing round out the Mark II as a versatile camera for enthusiasts and working professionals.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Autofocus Performance

One of the biggest improvements on the R6 Mark II is the enhanced autofocus system, taking the already impressive Dual Pixel CMOS AF II performance to new levels. Focusing is incredibly quick and accurate in virtually all types of shooting conditions, from still portraits to fast action sequences.

The 1053 user-selectable AF points provide ample coverage across the entire frame. Focusing remains tenacious even in extremely dark conditions down to a rated -6.5 EV light level. This enables reliable focus acquisition when shooting night skies, concerts, or other challenging low-light situations.

For moving subjects, the intelligent tracking recognizes and smoothly follows humans, animals and vehicles. This allows you to maintain a sharp focus on subjects like athletes running towards you, birds in erratic flight, or cars moving around a race track. Customizing the tracking sensitivity provides flexibility tuned for your particular subject’s movements.

Overall the Mark II’s focusing speed, accuracy and tracking capabilities remain superlative – competing well against the best of Sony and Nikon’s mirrorless systems. Having this level of performance packed into such a portable body makes the R6 Mark II a compelling choice for sports, wildlife and event action shooters.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Continuous Shooting & Buffer

The DIGIC X processor’s sheer speed and efficiency enable the R6 Mark II’s headline continuous shooting specs – up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter or 12 fps with the mechanical shutter. This empowers you to reliably capture split-second moments in fleeting action sequences. The fast readout sensor essentially eliminates blackout and lag as you shoot at these blistering speeds.

The buffer capacity has been enhanced to around 140 RAW shots when firing full-resolution bursts. This provides ample room when you need to empty the entire buffer capturing fast sequences. Enthusiasts who occasionally shoot action will appreciate not having to micromanage the buffer nearly as much.

Rolling shutter distortion with electronic shutter bursts has been noticeably improved compared to the original R6 model – making this mode far more usable for subjects in rapid motion. Still, the 12 fps mechanical shutter mode maintains a bit cleaner look that may be preferred when panning or shooting fast erratic action.

Altogether, the R6 Mark II delivers incredible speed and performance for athletes, wildlife, motorsports or any fast-paced subject matter. Having this capability in such a compact mirrorless body makes it that much more impressive.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II 6K Video

In addition to robust 4K video modes, the R6 Mark II introduces high-resolution 6K oversampled video recording as well. This provides even greater flexibility for cropping and adjusting composition in post-production.

6K video is captured with minimal cropping at up to 60fps, providing fluid cinematic footage. The wider 6K field of view combined with Dual Pixel CMOS AF gives you faster and more precise control over focus points when editing to 4K.

Even when exported as a 4K video, the oversampled 6K footage retains outstanding levels of fine detail and resolution. This makes the R6 Mark II highly versatile for projects where you need room to reframe or stabilize footage in post.

Let’s take a look at some sample footage showing the 4K and Full HD quality you can expect when filming with the EOS R6 Mark II.

Here’s a sample of the 6K video quality:

Canon EOS R6 Mark II – 6K 60p Sample

The wide 6K field of view provides extra flexibility for adjusting framing in post. Fine details remain crisp when exporting in 4K. Focus transitions are smooth and cinematic thanks to the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.

4K 60p Sample

You can see the excellent fine detail, sharpness and colour reproduction of the oversampled 4K footage even when viewing at 100% magnification. Focus transitions remain smooth and refined with the upgraded subject tracking capabilities.

All around the Mark II impresses with versatile, high-quality video recording packed into a portable mirrorless body. Vloggers will appreciate the fully articulating LCD screen and extensive lens selection. The upgrades make this second-generation model even more capable for both photography and videography enthusiasts.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Image Quality

The new higher resolution 24.2-megapixel sensor maintains the excellent low light quality of the original R6 while providing some extra cropping flexibility. Dynamic range and colours are natural and pleasing straight from the camera. The level of fine detail is impressive for a 24MP sensor, while high ISO noise remains well controlled up to the expanded ISO 204,800 limit.

Let’s take a look at some image samples from the EOS R6 Mark II:

Landscape Samples

Vibrant colours and a wide dynamic range

Impressive level of detail

Portrait Samples

Accurate eye & face tracking focus

Pleasing background blur when using fast-aperture RF lenses

Low Light/High ISO Samples

Very usable noise levels even at ISO 12,800

Impressive colour fidelity even at ISO 51,200

The combination of the higher resolution sensor and DIGIC X processor takes already excellent image quality up a small notch. Overall the R6 Mark II delivers fantastic full-frame image quality across a wide range of photography genres.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Design & Handling

Canon retains the same robust physical design as the original R6 while making some subtle user-experience improvements. The body construction utilizes a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate resin to provide durability with relatively lightweight portability. Extensive weather-sealing around buttons, dials and seams keeps out dust and moisture when shooting in inclement weather.

Despite its compact size, the Mark II includes key pro-oriented features like a top LCD panel, a dedicated AF joystick controller, and an abundance of customizable buttons and dials. This provides quick access to shooting parameters during rapidly unfolding moments. The deep comfortable grip gives you a secure hold even when using large lenses for prolonged periods.

Dual UHS-II SD card slots offer flexibility for overflow, backup or RAW/JPEG separation. The higher capacity LP-E6NH battery delivers CIPA-rated 760 shots per charge for all-day shooting endurance. Overall the handling experience remains excellent, translating the capabilities of a pro-level DSLR into a portable and comfortable mirrorless body.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Performance & Experience

Having spent time using the R6 Mark II in real-world conditions, I’m thoroughly impressed with its speed, performance and focusing capabilities. Here are some thoughts on what it’s like to shoot with this powerful mirrorless camera in the field:

Autofocus Performance

The focusing speed and tenacity for moving subjects is simply remarkable. Whether photographing birds in erratic flight or soccer players making abrupt direction changes, the camera dutifully tracks the subject with unwavering precision. The eye and face tracking autofocus also shines for both humans and animals. This makes the Mark II phenomenal for wedding, portrait, pet or wildlife photography.

Continuous Shooting Performance

Being able to shoot 40 fps bursts with minimal viewfinder blackout is exhilarating and highly effective for capturing split-second moments. Having a buffer deep enough for around 140 full-resolution RAW shots means far fewer interruptions to your shooting flow. While some rolling shutter effect is still visible with electronic shutter bursts, it’s vastly improved making this mode quite usable.

Ergonomics & Handling

Comfortable deep grip, logical control layout, pronounced dials and buttons, and the top LCD panel – Canon nailed the handling formula on the R6 Mark II. It retains its DSLR-like qualities while packing it into a compact but substantial-feeling body. The responsive touchscreen complements the physical controls nicely.

4K Video Quality

Both the refined 4K video quality and improved autofocus transitions when filming make the Mark II shine as a hybrid camera. Having up to 4K 60p and Full HD 180fps slow-motion provides plenty of options for both photographers and videographers who occasionally shoot video. It sits in a nice sweet spot before Cinema EOS models.

Battery Life

The higher capacity battery delivers CIPA-rated 760 shots per charge. While the battery life is reduced with heavy burst shooting or video use, this provides good battery life for everyday still photography. Having USB-C charging adds convenience and flexibility when travelling.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II vs Sony a7 IV Comparison

Sony’s a7 IV is the R6 Mark II’s biggest rival, offering higher resolution combined with many comparable features. Both cameras shine for sports and action photography, delivering excellent quality and burst speeds. Some key differences:

Canon R6 Mark II advantages:

• Faster burst shooting speeds – 40mp vs 10 fps electronic, 12 vs 8 fps mechanical
• Unlimited 8K oversampled video vs 8K crop mode only
• Better low light focus sensitivity -6EV vs -4EV AF
• Higher resolution EVF and side articulating LCD
• Excellent Dual Pixel AF subject tracking
• Familiar, intuitive Canon menu system
• Seamless native RF lens compatibility

Sony a7 IV advantages

• Higher resolution 33MP sensor
• 15+ stops of dynamic range vs 13+ stops
• Larger capacity Z-type battery
• More advanced animal eye AF features
• Wider native lens selection
• More advanced autofocus fine-tuning options

Overall both cameras have strengths that will appeal to certain photographers. The R6 Mark II holds a slight edge for sports/action use cases where speed is critical, while the a7 IV offers higher resolution. For most enthusiasts, either camera would prove a fantastic full-frame option.

Canon EOS R6 vs R6 Mark II

As the next generation of the EOS R6 lineup, the Mark II model brings some significant upgrades while retaining the same compact form factor. Here’s how the R6 Mark II improves upon its predecessor:

Sensor – Bumped from 20.1MP to 24.2MP resolution. Provides extra cropping flexibility and detail.

Continuous shooting – Now up to 40fps electronic shutter (vs 20fps on R6). Deeper buffer for longer bursts.

Video – 6K oversampled video added. 4K video quality improved with less rolling shutter. Enhanced subject detection AF for smoother focus transitions during filming.

Autofocus – Algorithms enhanced to better track vehicles, animals and humans with higher precision.

LCD/EVF – Higher resolution panels provide more vivid, lifelike preview.

Connectivity – Adds 5GHz WiFi for faster wireless transfers.

Battery life – Higher capacity LP-E6NH battery improves shots per charge by over 20%.

Rolling shutter – Greatly reduced when using electronic shutter drive modes.

Lens/Accessory compatibility – Full backward compatibility with existing RF mount lenses and accessories.

While the original R6 was already an excellent camera, the Mark II brings notable improvements in speed, resolution, video capabilities and more. For existing R6 owners, it may not be a necessary upgrade, but the Mark II certainly demonstrates the rapid innovation happening with Canon’s mirrorless cameras.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review Conclusion

Canon’s EOS R6 Mark II delivers a compelling package blending speed, performance and versatile imaging capabilities in a compact, comfortable body. It handily earns our recommendation as one of the best enthusiast-focused full-frame cameras on the market. Sensational autofocus paired with up to 40fps burst shooting makes it a top choice for action genres. Yet it remains equally adept for everyday stills or video needs as well.

For existing Canon owners, the R6 Mark II provides a nearly seamless transition into mirrorless with familiar ergonomics. But even newcomers will find this camera highly approachable thanks to the intuitive menu system and abundance of physical controls. It retains its predecessor’s compact weather-sealed form factor while pushing performance and features even further.

If you’re seeking a versatile high-performance camera for capturing fast-paced subjects or cinematic video footage, the EOS R6 Mark II stands tall as a top contender. Despite formidable competition from Sony, Nikon and others, Canon has created an outstanding photographic tool that should readily meet enthusiast’s and professionals’ demanding needs.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review – FAQs