Canon EOS R6 Mark II: better defined, faster and above all more expensive

This year, Canon opened up its RF mount in APS-C format with the EOS R7 and R10. A little by surprise, even if the announcement had leaked a few days ago, the manufacturer is now returning to its full-frame cameras by unveiling the new generation of its popular EOS R6. Logically called EOS R6 Mark II, this new device for professionals and passionate amateurs will replace its predecessor, which will soon disappear from the shelves.

However, the first version, only two years old, met with certain and deserved success thanks to its excellent performance and great versatility. When announcing the R6 II, the brand did not hide its joy regarding the very good sales of its case. But then, why renew it now?

Better stabilized 24 Mpx sensor

The answer may be to be found on the side of the sensor, which gains in definition with this version. The R6 II adopts a stabilized (but still not stacked and no backlight) 24MP sensor delivering larger image sizes and more leeway for cropping than the R6 and its 20.1MP sensor. The sensitivity range does not move, however, and still allows you to go from 100 to 102400 ISO. Note that the image processing processor does not change either, the device therefore retaining its DIGIC X.

If fewer pixels give larger photosites and therefore better management of noise in high sensitivity, it is true that the market trend is rather to increase the size of the images, as evidenced by the direct competitor Sony A7 IV, whose sensor definition has increased to 33 Mpx.

In fact, Canon has made small improvements all over the place. The stabilization also progresses to be able to further reduce the speed in low light. The manufacturer claims that the device saves up to 8 IL by combining stabilization of the sensor and the optics.

Increased responsiveness

It is undoubtedly the responsiveness of the case that is changing the most. The R6 II has a burst mode capable of reaching 40 frames per second with AF tracking. This is simply double the first EOS R6, and even 10 more than the EOS R3. The RAW burst allows the pass to capture up to half a second before the trigger (only internally or with Canon’s DPP software).

For its part, the autofocus is more effective in low light (up to -6.5 IL) and allows thanks to the AI ​​to automatically detect more subjects. He gains detection of horse eyes (in addition to those of people, dogs, and cats) as well as identification of planes and trains.

6K and 4K video without limits

As for video, the device can shoot up to 6K 60p ProRes RAW, but only via its HDMI output and Atomos Ninja V+. Internally, it will go up to 4K 60p (oversampled) while breaking the 30 min capture limit. It remains to be seen, however, how long it will last in practice, since Canon does not venture to communicate beyond “40 mins without overheating”. For slow motion in Full HD, the recording rate increases to 180 fps.

Small interesting addition on the video side, the EOS R6 II can automatically adapt the focus in video when changing focal length, and AF tracking stops automatically when the subject leaves the frame in order to avoid pumping phenomena with slight unexpected variations in focal length. Finally, Canon claims to have reduced the effect of rolling shutter thanks to higher read-out speeds.

Some design changes

The overall case design still relies on a weatherproof magnesium alloy chassis, but there are a few notable differences. The on/off wheel of the first version is now used to alternate between photo mode and video mode (which have dedicated menus a bit like the R5C), while switching on and off is done via a switch on the right side of the box.

This also incorporates the device lock button. The mode selection dial gains Auto and Scene modes, while the claw is replaced by the multifunction model inaugurated with the EOS R3.

Nothing changes regarding monitoring: we keep a 1.62 million dot LCD screen and a 3.69 million dot Oled viewfinder with a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. Autonomy has also been improved according to Canon , both in the viewfinder and in the LCD screen.

Better wireless connectivity

Very complete, the connectivity of the Canon EOS R6 II consists of a double SD card port, a microphone input and a headphone output in mini jack, a USB-C, an HDMI port and a remote control socket.

On the wireless side, there is Bluetooth 5 connectivity and the presence of 5 GHz wifi for faster speeds. Note that the Camera Connect application is changing to version 3.0 for the release of the R6 II, with a new interface.

Price and availability

The Canon EOS R6 II will be available at the end of November at a price of 2899 € naked, 200 € more than its predecessor, or as a kit at 3259 € with an RF 24-105 mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens. It is also possible to buy it with an RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens, but the bill then rises to €4199.