Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R5: Hands-On Review and Expert Insights



Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R5: Hands-On Review and Expert Insights

Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the new Canon R6 Mark II and the Canon R5, especially since I’ve been using the Canon R5 and R3 myself. It seems everyone wants to know how these two new models compare, so I decided to dig deeper. I went over to Samy’s Camera in Santa Ana to test them out firsthand and had some great conversations with the professionals there to get their insights as well. With all the information and my own experience, I’m ready to share a detailed breakdown of these two fantastic cameras to help you decide which one fits your needs best.



The Canon R6 Mark II and the Canon R5 are both part of Canon's mirrorless EOS R series, but they cater to slightly different audiences based on their feature sets and price points. Here’s a comparison of their key features and differences:

1. Sensor and Image Quality

  • Canon R6 Mark II:
  • 24.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor.
  • Excellent low-light performance due to the lower megapixel count, leading to better noise control.
  • Suitable for general photography, portraits, and events, where high-speed shooting and good low-light performance are prioritized.
  • Canon R5:
  • 45 MP full-frame CMOS sensor.
  • Higher resolution, which is ideal for detailed work such as landscape, commercial photography, or large print formats.
  • Higher image resolution gives more room for cropping in post-production, but it comes with slightly more noticeable noise in low-light situations compared to the R6 Mark II.

2. Autofocus

  • Both cameras use Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which is fast and accurate.
  • Canon R6 Mark II: Improved AI-based subject detection for humans, animals, and vehicles, offering better tracking, especially in fast-moving scenes.
  • Canon R5: Also has highly advanced autofocus with human, animal, and vehicle detection, but the R6 Mark II’s AF system is slightly more refined.

3. Burst Shooting

  • Canon R6 Mark II:
  • 12 fps with the mechanical shutter.
  • Up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter, making it excellent for action, wildlife, and sports photographers.
  • Canon R5:
  • 12 fps with the mechanical shutter.
  • Up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter.

4. Video Capabilities

  • Canon R6 Mark II:
  • Shoots 4K video up to 60p with full sensor readout (no crop).
  • 6K oversampled 4K video, giving excellent detail and clarity.
  • 1080p at up to 180 fps for slow-motion.
  • Offers longer recording times with fewer overheating issues compared to the original R6, but still slightly less advanced than the R5.
  • Canon R5:
  • 8K video up to 30p (RAW recording option).
  • 4K up to 120p (can record 4K HQ with oversampling from 8K, offering exceptional detail).
  • Higher video resolution makes it a better choice for professional videographers who need the most detailed video.
  • Overheating can still be an issue when recording for extended periods in 8K.

5. Image Stabilization

  • Both the R6 Mark II and R5 have In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which provides up to 8 stops of shake correction, making handheld shooting easier, especially in low light or with telephoto lenses.

6. Build and Handling

  • Canon R6 Mark II:
  • Built with weather sealing and a durable body but slightly more compact and lightweight compared to the R5.
  • Great for those who prioritize portability.
  • Canon R5:
  • More robust and feels slightly more premium in hand due to its larger body.
  • Weather-sealed for professional-grade durability in tough shooting conditions.

7. Price

  • Canon R6 Mark II: More affordable, catering to enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers.
  • Canon R5: More expensive, designed for professionals who need the best of both high-resolution photography and advanced video capabilities.

8. Memory Cards

  • Canon R6 Mark II: Uses dual UHS-II SD card slots, which are fast but not as fast as the CFexpress cards in the R5.
  • Canon R5: Dual card slots with one CFexpress (for super-fast write speeds, especially useful for 8K video) and one UHS-II SD card slot.

Summary:

  • Canon R6 Mark II: Ideal for users who prioritize fast performance, excellent low-light capability, and are focused more on action photography and 4K video.
  • Canon R5: Best suited for professionals who need high resolution for both stills and video, and those who require advanced video features like 8K recording.

Both cameras are excellent, but the choice depends on your priorities: resolution and video power (R5) or speed, low-light performance, and affordability (R6 Mark II).



In conclusion, both the Canon R6 Mark II and the Canon R5 are remarkable in their own right, offering cutting-edge technology that caters to different needs. The R6 Mark II stands out with its speed, excellent low-light performance, and affordability, making it perfect for action photographers or anyone who prioritizes efficiency. On the other hand, the Canon R5 is a powerhouse for those who need high-resolution images and advanced video features, ideal for professional photographers and videographers who require top-tier performance.

After testing both at Samy’s Camera and discussing their features with the experts, I can confidently say that the choice between these two cameras comes down to what you need most in your work. Whether you lean toward speed and versatility with the R6 Mark II or the high-resolution capabilities of the R5, you’re getting a top-quality camera that delivers exceptional results."