The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the follow-up to 2020's Canon EOS R6. This mid-cycle refresh has a few notable upgrades, including a higher-resolution sensor and EVF, along with an updated autofocus system with better tracking and detection algorithms. Canon's also addressed some of the minor drawbacks of the original R6 for advanced video work, with uncropped 4k video, no recording time limit, and better heat management to prevent overheating during long recording sessions. While these changes may not be enough to warrant an upgrade if you already own the R6, they're thoughtful improvements that make an already amazing camera even better.
Our Verdict
The Canon R6 II is good for travel if you don't mind a bulkier kit. Image quality is fantastic, and the camera has a well-built, weather-sealed body to give you some peace of mind while shooting outdoors, plus superb ergonomics. On top of that, it has in-body image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake, allowing you to get clearer shots at slower shutter speeds. Battery life is also excellent for a mirrorless camera, though it doesn't support use while charging over USB.
-
Excellent photo battery life.
-
Fantastic image quality.
-
Well-built, weather-sealed body.
-
In-body image stabilization.
-
Not especially portable.
-
Doesn't support use while USB charging.
The Canon R6 Mark II is an excellent option for landscape photography. Its high-resolution full-frame sensor is ideal for capturing detailed photos with plenty of dynamic range, as well as making prints. It also does an exceptional job of keeping noise to a minimum in low light. Aside from its image quality, it's also a very well-built camera with excellent ergonomics. Though its screen isn't the brightest or sharpest, it has a relatively high-resolution EVF. That said, it's a heavy camera, so it isn't the most convenient to take on long hikes or shooting sessions.
-
Excellent photo battery life.
-
Fantastic image quality.
-
Well-built, weather-sealed body.
-
Wide dynamic range.
-
Not especially portable.
-
Screen doesn't get too bright.
The Canon R6 Mark II is great for taking photos of faster subjects, including sports and wildlife. It has a quick max burst rate and a deep buffer, though it's slow to empty if you manage to fill it up. Still, the camera has an incredibly reliable autofocus system with advanced subject-detection modes for people, animals, and even vehicles. Image quality is generally fantastic, and it performs well even in low light. Plus, it's weather-sealed and feels great in the hand, with well-placed and customizable controls.
-
Fantastic image quality.
-
Well-built, weather-sealed body.
-
Quick burst shooting.
-
Remarkable autofocus.
-
Not especially portable.
-
Slow buffer empty time.
The Canon R6 Mark II can be good for vlogging, depending on the type of vlog you want to create, though it's also likely overkill for most vloggers and content creators. Video quality is excellent, with oversampled 4k video at up to 60 fps, along with high frame rate recording in 1080p for slow-motion flourishes. The fully articulated screen lets you monitor yourself more easily. The camera also has near flawless autofocus tracking, including video-specific settings that prevent it from hunting for new subjects if the tracked subject leaves the frame. That said, it's not the camera to reach for if you want something portable and lightweight for walk-and-talk vlogs.
-
In-body image stabilization.
-
Fully articulated touchscreen.
-
Impressive video quality.
-
Not very portable for on-the-go video recording.
The Canon R6 Mark II is fantastic for studio video. It can record oversampled 4k video at up to 60 fps without a crop, and video quality is impressive. Internally, it can record 10-bit 4:2:2 4k video to preserve a wider range of color information, and it can output 6k RAW video to a compatible external recorder. You also get dual SD card slots and a full set of inputs for peripherals like a mic and headphones. It also has no recording time limit and great heat management to help prevent overheating.
-
In-body image stabilization.
-
6k RAW recording via external recorder.
-
Up to 4k / 60 fps without crop.
-
10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording.
-
Dual SD card slots.
-
Doesn't support use while USB charging.
The Canon R6 II isn't designed for POV action video, but it's a good choice if you want to film sports or action from the sidelines. Video quality is great, and it can shoot 4k / 60 fps video without a crop. That said, 120 fps recording is limited to 1080p with no sound, which isn't bad, but frame rate options are still limited compared to a dedicated action camera. It's also on the bulkier side. Though it's well-built and weather-sealed, it isn't waterproof.
-
In-body image stabilization.
-
Impressive video quality.
-
Not waterproof.
-
Not designed to be mounted to action cam rigs for POV footage.
-
Not very portable for on-the-go video recording.
- 7.9 Travel Photography
- 8.6 Landscape Photography
- 8.4 Sport & Wildlife Photography
- 7.8 Vlogging
- 9.2 Studio Video
- 5.8 Action Video
- Updated Feb 22, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Feb 16, 2023: Early access published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Canon R6 Mark II comes in one color variant: 'Black'. You can see our unit's label here.
You can buy the camera on its own without a lens or bundled with either the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM kit lens or the more premium Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens.
Let us know if you come across any other variants, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Cameras
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II represents a notable step up from its predecessor, the Canon EOS R6, which is itself a fantastic hybrid enthusiast camera. With a new 24-megapixel sensor, it now matches up to other enthusiast cameras in its class for resolution. It also sets itself apart from other models with 40 fps e-shutter burst shooting and uncropped 4k / 60 fps video recording, not to mention internal 10-bit 4:2:2 4k recording capability and 6k RAW video output over HDMI with a compatible external recorder.
If you're looking for other options, check out our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras, the best cameras for photography, and the best 4k cameras.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the mid-cycle refresh of the Canon EOS R6. While the Mark II does offer some notable improvements and quality-of-life upgrades, they're very similarly performing cameras overall. Some of the updates include a higher-resolution sensor with a faster readout speed, an updated autofocus system, and video quality-of-life upgrades like no recording time limits, no 4k crop, and better heat management. While these aren't game-changing updates, they are an improvement that might cinch the deal for you if you're trying to decide between these two cameras. That said, the original EOS R6 is still a fantastic camera, and the Mark II likely isn't worth the upgrade if you already own the older model.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the Sony α7 IV are very evenly-matched enthusiast cameras. The Sony has a higher-resolution sensor, but the Canon performs a little better in low light. Both can handle advanced video work, with internal 10-bit 4k at up to 60 fps, though the Sony imposes a significant crop on 4k / 60 fps video. The Canon also has a faster burst rate when shooting in uncompressed RAW. Ultimately, if you're choosing between these, the decision will come down to personal preference, ergonomic preferences, and lens selection.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is better overall than the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, but they're both fantastic cameras suitable for professional use. The R6 Mark II is a newer mirrorless camera with a more sophisticated autofocus system and faster burst rate that make it a better choice for sports and action photography. It also has better noise handling for low light situations. That being said, the 5D Mark IV has a more established lineup of native lens options that you can use without an adapter, including more affordable options. It's also a bit more tank-like in build, so it can withstand more extensive use. Plus, it's a DSLR, so it has a longer battery life, and you don't have to worry about lag or eye strain with its optical viewfinder.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is better overall than the Canon EOS RP, but the RP is still a good option if you want a more portable and more affordable full-frame camera. The RP can still take excellent photos, and both cameras use the same lens mount, but the R6 Mark II is a more capable camera body, with a better build quality, a higher-resolution EVF, in-body image stabilization, and more advanced video features, including more frame rate options and better internal recording specs.
Test Results
The Canon R6 Mark II has the same dimensions as the Canon EOS R6. While it's more portable than most full-frame DSLRs, it's a heavy camera, so it isn't the most convenient option to carry around during long days on the go.
Build quality is great and comparable to the original Canon EOS R6. It's made of plastic and magnesium alloy. The buttons and dials offer good physical feedback and feel sturdy, as does the screen swivel mechanism. It's also weather-sealed for a bit of added peace of mind, with locking hinged doors covering your card slot and battery compartments.
There are a couple of design changes on this model compared to its predecessor. For one, there's now a dedicated photo/video mode toggle, and the On/Off switch has been moved and redesigned. The 'Lock' function is now between the 'On' and 'Off' settings. Canon also redesigned the joystick on the back of the camera; you can see the original R6 controller here and the R6 Mark II here. Finally, the hot shoe has been upgraded to what Canon calls a 'multi-function shoe', which includes a 21-pin electronic interface that's supposed to offer more functionality with certain accessories.
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body
- Sensor cap
- Hot shoe cover
- Shoulder strap
- 1x Canon LP-E6NH battery
- Battery charger
- Instruction manual
The camera has fantastic ergonomics. It feels great in the hand and will be suitable for most hand sizes. All in all, the controls are well-placed, with all key buttons and dials within easy reach of your fingers. The textured grip and thumb rest on the back are both comfortable and sufficiently grippy. The shutter button offers slightly more resistance when half-pressing than the original Canon EOS R6, though the difference is subtle.
The EVF has been upgraded to an increasingly common 3.69 million dot resolution, which is great and a step up from the Canon EOS R6's 2.36 million dots. The image looks nice and sharp through the viewfinder, and the rubber eyecup is comfortable.
The screen is about the same size as its predecessor's, with a high resolution and decent brightness. It's fully articulated, which is good for video work, and it has full touch navigation.
The menu system is excellent and intuitively organized, just like Canon cameras past. The options are extensive but not overwhelming, and there are plenty of customization options to tailor the settings exactly to your liking. Pressing the 'Info' button when available brings up the 'Help' function, which provides detailed explanations of some of the more complicated features and settings.
The Canon R6 Mark II has a fantastic battery life for photos, though the camera doesn't support use while charging. It's CIPA-rated for 580 shots when shooting with the screen, which is excellent for a mirrorless camera. That said, it's only rated for 320 shots when shooting through the EVF. You can bump that up to 760 and 450 shots, respectively, if you use the camera's power-saving settings. Ultimately, these figures can vary wildly with real-world usage, so take them with a grain of salt.
Video battery life is fairly typical at about an hour and a half of continuous 4k video recording at the highest quality settings. Unlike the Canon EOS R6, we didn't experience any overheat interruptions during our testing, so heat management has improved, as well.
The Canon EOS R6 II has a quick max burst rate for sports and action photography. With its electronic shutter, it can fire off bursts of almost 40 fps, and while the mechanical shutter isn't nearly as fast, it's still very quick for most needs. The buffer is also very deep, although the larger files from the higher-resolution sensor mean the buffer fills a lot more quickly when shooting in RAW than the Canon EOS R6 does. If you do manage to reach buffer capacity, it's quite slow to empty, but given the size of the buffer, it won't be a huge issue.
The Canon R6 Mark II has fantastic autofocus. It essentially borrows its autofocus system from the pro-grade powerhouse that is the Canon EOS R3, and it supports face, eye, animal, and vehicle subject detection. There are plenty of different area modes and settings that let you fine-tune how the AF performs. All in all, the AF tracking feature is excellent. It does an amazing job of detecting and keeping moving subjects in focus, even in busier settings or with more erratic movement. If you just want to point your camera at a subject and let the camera do its thing, you're likely to have a high keeper rate.
When using the center point, autofocusing is quick and accurate, especially when using a lens with a solid focusing motor. You're unlikely to miss many shots in scenarios with more predictably moving subjects.
The Canon R6 Mark II includes in-body image stabilization, which is rated for up to 8 stops of stabilization. In conjunction with an optically stabilized lens, it does a great job. You can get clear handheld shots at very slow shutter speeds. That said, stabilization performance will vary depending on many factors, including your lens, focal length, and even how steady your hands are.
Dynamic range is fantastic. It captures a very wide range of shadow and highlight detail and does well even in dimmer light.
With a new higher-res sensor, the Canon R6 Mark II is noticeably better at resolving fine detail than its predecessor and on par with other full-frame 24MP cameras. That said, this is something that you'll mostly only notice when punching in or cropping heavily.
Noise handling is superb. The camera is very well-suited to low-light shooting, as noise is kept to a minimum even with less available light.
The Canon R6 Mark II records oversampled 4k video. With a compatible Atomos external recorder, it can also capture 6k RAW video from the full width of the sensor. If you want to preserve a wider range of detail in your videos, it supports Log recording with C-Log 3.
Unlike the Canon EOS R6, the Mark II now has cropless 4k video recording, even at 60 fps. In that sense, it has a leg up on competitors like the Sony α7 IV, which imposes a Super 35/APS-C crop when shooting in 4k / 60 fps.
Internal recording capability is fantastic. Canon got rid of the 30-minute time limit on the Canon EOS R6, so you now get unlimited recording times. Heat management has also improved, so it's a lot less likely to overheat. There's a better indicator system for overheating, with a 10-level indicator that provides a heat scale to show you exactly how close the camera is to overheating. Beyond that, it can record 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, giving you more leeway to edit and color grade.
Also worth mentioning: if you use an SDHC memory card, as opposed to an SDXC card, the camera will split your recording into multiple files of 4GB each. With SDXC cards, you'll get one long video file.
Autofocus performs incredibly well in 4k video. It's smooth, sticky, and reliable, so you can rest assured your chosen subject will stay in focus, even if they move around the frame. There are also settings to help fine-tune its performance. For instance, you can set it to either stay with the initial target no matter what, or to change subjects if, say, your initial subject leaves the frame.
There's also an 'AF for close-up demos' focus mode that's available when using the camera for livestreaming or as a webcam via USB. Similar to the 'Product Showcase' feature found on Sony vlogging cameras like the Sony ZV-E10, it quickly switches focus to an object held up close in the frame. You can see that in action here.
4k video quality is amazing. The oversampled 4k looks incredible with adequate lighting, with sharply rendered details and color. Low-light video quality is also great, about on par with its predecessor. Noise is inevitable with less light, but generally speaking, you'll get very high-quality videos out of this camera, with plenty of dynamic range.
The sensor has an improved readout speed compared to the Canon EOS R6, so there's a noticeable improvement in rolling shutter. Though there's still some skewing with quick pans and faster camera movements, it's a lot less noticeable overall.
The camera can record at up to 120 fps in 1080p, which is great for slow-motion video, though it can only record at 120 fps without sound.
The autofocus performs just as well in 1080p. The tracking is very quick and very accurate—you're unlikely to lose focus regardless of subject type.
1080p video quality is great overall. In more controlled lighting, videos are relatively sharp and detailed, and there isn't too much noise when shooting in low light.
Rolling shutter effect is much less pronounced in 1080p. There's still some slight distortion when panning the camera very quickly, but it's minimal.
The SD card slots are well-placed on the side of the camera, making it very easy to switch out cards when using a tripod.
You have all your standard inputs and outputs on the left side of the camera. However, unlike the Sony α7 IV, it uses a Micro HDMI port rather than a full-sized HDMI, which can be a bit of a hassle, as you'll likely need an adapter. Still, connectivity options are good, and the rubber flaps feel sturdy.
