Canon EOS R6 Mark II Camera: First Look

Written by Gabby Robles
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Published on November 2, 2022
Gabby Robles
Adorama ALC

Two years since its launch of the EOS R6, Canon has returned to the spotlight to premiere the all-new Canon EOS R6 Mark II Camera. There is much to love about the R6 Mark II, including a 24.2 megapixel full-frame sensor, improved auto focus, and exceptional video capabilities. But what else did Canon have up its sleeve for this exciting new launch? Read on to learn more.  

Photo from Canon

Key Features of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II Camera  

  • 24.2 megapixel full-frame sensor 
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization 
  • Enhanced subject detection 
  • -6.5 EV Low light AF 
  • Full-width 4K/60p video oversampled from 6K ProRes RAW  
  • 3.69-million dot OLED screen 
  • 2x UHS-II SD Card slots 
  • Noise-cancelling internal microphone 
  • Firmware updates via Canon Camera Connect app 

What’s New About the Canon EOS R6 Mark II?

Enhanced Subject Detection 

With the Canon R6 Mark II, you can track more subjects than ever before. When photographing people, the camera can find eyes, faces, bodies, and even the back of your subject’s head. Its animal subject detection has also been improved over its predecessor, making it easier than ever to follow cats, dogs, horses, birds, and much more. And, if your usual subject is much faster, the camera has also been programmed to accurately track cars, motorcycles, trains, and airplanes.  

Perfect for Low Light Conditions 

Even when lighting conditions are less than ideal, you can trust the Canon R6 Mark II to capture the moment for you. The camera can lock in as little as -6.5 EV. This is complemented by a maximum ISO of 102,400. Have you ever tried to capture scenery with no lighting other than the moon? The camera is made for the task of nighttime and landscape photographers. Even more so, you can see the scene perfectly through the camera’s 3.69-million dot OLED screen.  

Photo from Canon

Improved Video Performance  

Capture full width 4K/60p video featuring crisp details and color accuracy with the Canon R6 Mark II camera. The footage is also oversampled from 6K ProRes RAW when using an ATOMOS V+ external recorder, ensuring it is the highest quality possible. Plus, intelligent autofocus and a powerful image stabilizer will make it easy to achieve professional-quality video.   

The camera can also capture up to 30 minutes of video footage, perfect for performances or interviews. For even better image quality, you can process your RAW files in the image. Canon cloud with a subscription. The camera also supports UVC for streaming with no extra software required.  

Photo from Canon

Who Should Buy the Canon R6 Mark II? 

For photographers who often work in less-than-ideal conditions, the Canon R6 Mark II Camera can easily keep up with your lifestyle. Landscape and wildlife photographers will appreciate the camera’s ability to perform in lighting as low as -6.5 EV. Meanwhile, action and sports photographers will utilize its RAW burst mode and shooting up to 40fps. For videographers, if you are one who often includes short-form videos in your content, this Canon camera can supply beautiful 4K footage.   

Canon EOS R6 Mark II vs R6: How It Compares 

There are a few key improvements from the Canon R6. First, the Mark II’s 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor offers a 20% increase in resolution compared to its predecessor (at 20 megapixels).  

For the most part, the video capabilities have stayed the same across the models. Both can produce 4K video, oversampled from 6K. Although, the Mark II does offer some features to make the footage a bit clearer, including focus breathing correction, 3/5 second pre-recording function, and CLog3 profile. 

The big-ticket feature that the Mark II has over the R6 is the improved subject tracking. Canon has added subjects such as cars, trains, and airplanes to the tracking capabilities, which were not available in earlier models. Plus, it doubles its electronic shutter speed to 40fps. Overall, this makes Canon’s new camera a great option for those capturing fast-moving objects.  

Check out how Gabriele Galimberti uses the R6 in What’s in My Bag: Documentary Photographer Gabriele Galimberti.

Final Thoughts  

Canon loyalists will certainly find the improved features of the Mark II to be worthy of the purchase. Meanwhile, new customers will likely fall in love with its fast shutter speed, low-light performance, and impressive subject detection. Whether you are a wildlife, sports, or landscape photographer, the Canon R6 Mark II Camera will be able to keep up with whatever you throw at it.  

Gabby Robles is the former Managing Editor of Adorama's 42West blog. She has produced editorial content on topics including photography, videography, gaming, musical instruments, audio, and more.