Canon EOS R6 Mark II Camera Review

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a full-frame mirrorless camera and the follow-up to 2020’s Canon EOS R6. The Mark II has a few notable upgrades, including a higher-resolution sensor best buy cameras and EVF, along with an updated autofocus system with better tracking and subject-detection algorithms. Canon also addressed some of the minor drawbacks of the original R6 for advanced video work, as there’s no longer a recording time limit, no crop in 4k, 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
8.3 Sport & Wildlife Photography
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. The camera also has an incredibly effective autofocus system with reliable 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.

Pros
Fantastic image quality.
Well-built, weather-sealed body.
Quick burst shooting.
Remarkable autofocus.
Cons
Not especially portable.
Slow buffer empty time.

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 body 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 R6 Mark II is a notable step up from its predecessor, the Canon EOS R6, which is itself a fantastic enthusiast-level hybrid 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 recording capability and 6k RAW video output over HDMI with a compatible external recorder.

Portability
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Portability Picture
Height
3.9″ (10.0 cm)
Width
5.4″ (13.8 cm)
Depth
3.5″ (8.8 cm)
Volume
74.1 in³ (1,214.4 cm³)
Weight
1.51 lbs (0.68 kg)
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 still a heavy camera, so it isn’t the most convenient option to carry around during long days on the go. If you’d prefer a more portable full-frame camera, consider the Canon EOS R8, which uses the same sensor as the R6 II.

8.0
Build Quality
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Build Quality Picture
Build quality is great and comparable to the original Canon EOS R6. It’s made mostly 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 in adverse weather conditions, with locking hinged doors covering your card slot and battery compartments.

Body
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body Picture
Body Type
SLR-Style
Water Resistance
Weather-Sealed
Mirrorless
Yes
Rugged
No
Hot Shoe
Yes
Customizable Button
Yes
Command Dial
3
Tripod Mount
Yes
Lens Mount
RF Mount
Built-In Flash
No
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/8,000 s
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.

In The Box
Canon EOS R6 Mark II In The Box Picture
Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body
Sensor cap
Hot shoe cover
Shoulder strap
1x Canon LP-E6NH battery
Battery charger
Instruction manual
9.5
Ergonomics & Comfort
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Hand Grip Picture
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Large Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
Yes
The camera has fantastic ergonomics. It feels great in the hand and is 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. You can also customize many of the buttons and dials to suit your preferences. 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.

Viewfinder
Canon EOS R6 Mark II EVF Menu Picture
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Advertised Coverage
100%
Advertised Resolution
3.69 million dots
Advertised Magnification
0.76
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.