THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
If you’re looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera in the resolution range of 20 to 25 megapixels, then you’re a bit spoiled for choice right now. The Nikon Z 5 or Z 6, Panasonic Lumix S1, Sony A7 III or A9/A9 II and now the Canon EOS R6. Of course, the Sony A9 models are primarily sports cameras, but that still leaves you with a good selection – meaning the EOS R6 has some stiff competition, even from within its own ranks if you also include the EOS RP as a possible contender (well, it does have affordability on its side).
Arriving alongside the headline-grabbing R5, the R6 has already faced a major challenge – making itself known when all the attention has been on its more glamorous stable mate. That it’s already succeeding is an indication the EOS R6 has its own particular appeal which, ironically, is largely based on all the things that aren’t the R5. In a nutshell, there’s no 8K video or slow-mo 4K, a lower-res sensor, a lower-res EVF and a less rugged construction, although none of these things compromise either capability or functionality. Additionally, the dual memory card slots are both for the SD format, rather than something exotic and expensive. So then throw into the mix a few of the items from the R5 that are desirable no matter what fps continuous shooting, 10-bit HEIF capture (as an alternative to 8-bit JPEGs), the upgraded Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, inbody image stabilisation with up to eight stops of correction, and a higher-capacity battery. Knock at least $2,000 off the R5’s price tag and it’s easy to see why the R6 is quite capable of making its own way in the mirrorless camera world. For many photographers, especially non-professionals, it has more of what they need and want in a much more approachable and affordable package.
Like the R5, the R6 benefits from the new confidence that Canon appears to have found in terms of what it takes to build a competitive full-frame mirrorless camera. The EOS R, in particular, seemed a bit tentative – especially compared to the more assured Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 – but the R6 also oozes lots of confidence and is another very cohesive and
