CAMERA TEST
Canon’s updated full-frame mirrorless model gains a 24MP sensor and improved AI subject detection. Andy Westlake gives his detailed assessment
It’s only a little over two years since Canon introduced its original enthusiast-focused EOS R6, alongside the 45MP EOS R5. While its high-resolution sibling grabbed all the headlines, the more affordable model set about establishing itself as the realistic choice for most photographers. Now the firm has given it a major update, with the EOS R6 Mark II gaining a new 24MP sensor in place of the previous 20MP chip. There’s also an array of feature updates, plus a few small but significant design tweaks.
At £2,779 body only, the EOS R6 Mark II comes to market for a moderate premium over its now-discontinued predecessor, which cost £2,500 at launch. This places it up against some strong competitors that cost rather less, most notably the excellent 33MP Sony Alpha 7 IV (£2,400) and the promising-looking Panasonic Lumix S5 II (£2,000). Canon will no doubt be hoping that its impressive headline specs, including 40fps shooting and a sophisticated subject-recognition AF system, will tempt its existing DSLR users to stay loyal and buy into the R system. But does the EOS R6 Mark II really offer enough to justify its price-tag?
Features
Firstly, let’s consider the new 24.2MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF II sensor. While it has the same resolution as the high-end EOS R3, it doesn’t employ the same stacked architecture for ultra-fast readout. However, Canon claims that it delivers low-light performance to match the EOS R6’s 20MP chip, with a standard sensitivity range that runs all the way up to ISO 102,400 and is extendable to ISO 204,800.
On the subject of autofocus, the EOS R6 Mark II builds on the subject-detection AF system previously seen in the EOS R3, with the camera now capable of recognising aircraft, trains and horses, as well as humans, cars, animals and birds. AF tracking is available in all focus modes, and Canon says autofocus functions in light levels as low as -6.5EV.
This is also the quickestshooting camera in its class, being capable of 12 frames per second in full-resolution raw using its mechanical shutter, and a remarkable 40fps with the electronic shutter. Select Raw Burst mode, and the camera can shoot at 30fps with up to 15 frames buffered before the shutter button is fully depressed, which should allow you to capture fleeting moments when you wouldn’t otherwise have time to react. The buffer is impressively deep
