Should I get the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or EOS R5?

A relevant question, one I was recently asked, is: how does the Canon EOS R6 Mark II compare to the Canon EOS R5, shown to the right of the R6 II in this post's image?

The R6 II vs. R5 specification comparison and visual comparison tell much of the story, but here are the differences between the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the R5:

The R6 II advantages over the R5:

  • Higher performing DIGIC X processor
  • 40 fps continuous shooting vs. 20 fps
  • Slightly faster imaging sensor readout speed (14.5 vs. 16.3 ms
  • AF working range of EV -6.5 to 21 vs. -6 to 20
  • Significantly improved AF system, including separation of AF areas and subject detection and tracking
  • Up to ISO 204800 vs. 102400
  • Canon LOG 3 vs. Canon LOG
  • Movie length max duration 6 hours vs. 29:59
  • 3- or 5-second movie prerecord available
  • Detect Only AF stops autofocusing when subject exits frame, and aspect ratio markers matching social media sites are available
  • Supports focus breathing correction during movie recording
  • Has a physical stills / movie switch
  • RAW Burst Mode with 0.5-second Pre-Shooting
  • Focus Bracketing with Depth Compositing available in-camera
  • Enhanced HDR performance, including Moving Subject HDR (one shot captured at a base ISO of 800)
  • HF light flicker (as in R3)
  • Optical viewfinder simulation
  • Digital 2x and 4x extender (JPG support only)
  • Multi-function hot shoe
  • Improved battery life — 760 vs. 490 with LCD, and 450 vs. 320 with viewfinder
  • Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth have a simplified network menu
  • MFI cable compatibility for direct device connectivity
  • Moderately less expensive

The R5 advantages over the R6 II:

  • 45.0 MP imaging sensor vs. 24.2 MP
  • 5.76 million dot EVF vs. 3.69 million dots
  • 3.15" (8.01cm) LCD with approx. 2.10 million dots vs. 2.95" (7.50cm) with 1.62 million dots
  • Has Dual Pixel RAW
  • Has a PC terminal
  • Has a top LCD
  • Has a multi-function dial and mode button vs. mode dial
  • 8K and 4K 120p vs. 4K, 60p
  • 500,000 actuation shutter durability rating vs. 400,000
  • CFexpress Type B and SD/SDHC/SDXC vs. Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC

The higher resolution imaging sensor is the R5's primary advantage from my perspective, and this camera remains my first choice. If 24.2 MP is acceptable for your needs, the R6 II is likely your best choice.

As always, let me know if I missed a differentiator.

Posted: 2/19/2024 10:25:29 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
Posted to: Canon News    Category: Camera Gear Review News
Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Send Comments
Terms of Use, Privacy  |  © 2024 Rectangular Media, LLC  |  Bryan CarnathanPowered by Christ!