The Canon R6 II vs R5 is the newest problem for photographers and video enthusiasts trying to choose between these two popular mirrorless cameras from Canon.
We’ve explored the Canon R5 vs Canon R6 which you can read here.
Now let’s dive into the newer Canon R6 Mark II and see how the Canon R6 II vs R5 compares.
It’s worth mentioning at the time of this writing this guide, Canon has yet to announce a predecessor to the Canon R5 the Canon R5 II.
So the Canon R5 or R6 II? – which is the best?
The R6 Mark II has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and 6k video with the ability to capture images at up to 40 fps. Two SD card slots whilst sharing many features of the Canon R5.
If better-detailed images are your thing then yes the R5 with its 45-megapixel sensor is the one to choose. The R5 also can also shoot 8K video but is £1500 more than the R6 II.
Canon R5 vs R6II price: R5 = £4299, R6 II = £2779
Let’s take a closer look at both cameras side by side to see what they offer!
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Overview
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a high-performance mirrorless camera that was released in November 2022 and is the upgrade version of the beloved first generation of the Canon EOS R6. Read our Canon EOS R6 II vs R6 comparison review here.
This camera features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which is slightly larger than the 20.1-megapixel sensor found in the original EOS R6.
The R6 Mark II also has excellent low-light performance, with a normal ISO range of 102400 for stills and 25600 for movies.
In terms of burst shooting, the R6 Mark II can capture images at a rate of up to 40 frames per second (fps) with the electronic shutter, making it a great choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
The camera also has intelligent Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology, which allows for fast and accurate autofocus.
How much will the Canon R6 II cost?
The Canon R6 II price is £2779 for UK stock and is available to order from Campkins Cameras. The original Canon EOS R6 price is £2399.
Key features of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- High image quality featuring a new 24.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400
- RAW burst mode and pre-shooting capture up to approx. 30 fps
- Automatic subject detection of people, animals, and vehicles
- 6K oversampled uncropped 4K movie at up to 60 fps
- In-body Image Stabilizer with up to 8 stops of Shake Correction with Coordinated Control IS
- UVC/UAC compatibility allows use as a web camera and streaming live video in Full HD
For the full Canon R6 II specs click here. For the Canon R6 review click here.
Canon EOS R5 Overview
Now, let’s take a look at the Canon EOS R5.
This camera has a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which is significantly larger than the sensor in the R6 Mark II.
Can shoot 8K video.
The R5 also has excellent low-light performance, with a normal ISO range of 51200 for stills and 25600 for movies.
In terms of burst shooting, the R5 can capture images at a rate of up to 20 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 12 fps with the electronic shutter.
The R5 also has advanced autofocus technology, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and Canon’s new Deep Learning AF technology, which allows for even faster and more accurate autofocus.
How much will the Canon R5 cost?
The Canon R5 price is £4299 for UK stock and is available to order from Campkins Cameras.
Key features of the Canon EOS R5
- 45MP full-frame Dual Pixel CMOS sensor
- 8K video, with an option for Raw or 10-bit 4:2:2 C-log or HDR PQ
- Up to 4K/120p, or oversampled 4K up to 30p
- 100% coverage Dual Pixel II AF system with human and animal detection trained by machine learning
- 12 fps / 20 fps bursts (mech. / elec. shutter)
- 5.76M-dot OLED EVF with 120 fps max refresh rate
- 3.2″ 2.1M-dot fully articulating touchscreen
- 10-bit HDR photos in HEIF format
- 1x CFexpress slot, 1x UHS-II SD slot
- Claimed weather-sealing to EOS 5D Mark IV levels
- 2.4/5Ghz Wi-FI with Bluetooth and FTP connectivity
- CIPA rated to around 320 shots (using EVF)
For the full Canon R5 specs click here.
What are the key difference between Canon R6 II and R5?
There are several key differences between the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R5.
When it comes to the sensor the Canon R6 Mark II has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the R5 has a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.
The R5’s larger sensor allows for higher image quality and more detail, but may also have slightly higher image noise at higher ISOs.
With burst shooting capabilities, the R6 Mark II has a faster burst rate, with the ability to capture images at up to 40 fps, while the R5 has a maximum burst rate of 20 fps.
This means that the R6 Mark II may be a better choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
Both cameras have advanced video capabilities, but the R5 has the ability to record up to 8K video and up to 120 fps in 4K, while the R6 Mark II can record up to 6K videos.
The R6 Mark II has a more traditional design, with a range of physical controls and a 3-inch touchscreen LCD display.
The R5 has a more modern, streamlined design, with a sleek black finish and fewer physical controls. It also has a slightly larger 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD display.
When it comes to the price The R6 Mark II is generally less expensive (about £1500) than the R5, which may be a factor for some users.
A pointer from us that £1500 could buy you a new lens.
Canon R6 II vs R5 in Low Light – Which Has The Better Image Quality & Lowlight Performance
Now, let’s compare the image quality and low-light performance of the two cameras.
Both the R6 Mark II and R5 have excellent image quality, with good detail and dynamic range.
However, the R5 has a larger sensor and more megapixels, which means it has the potential for even higher image quality and more detail.
In terms of low-light performance, both cameras have good ISO ranges and can produce good results in low-light conditions.
However, the R6 Mark II has slightly better low-light performance due to its lower megapixel count.
The R6 Mark II has a normal ISO range of 102400 for stills and 25600 for movies, while the R5 has a normal ISO range of 51200 for stills and 25600 for movies.
This means that the R6 Mark II may be able to capture images with slightly lower image noise at high ISOs compared to the R5.
How Does The Canon R5 and R6 II Perform With Burst Shooting & Autofocus
When it comes to burst shooting and autofocus, the R6 Mark II has a slight advantage due to its faster burst rate and intelligent Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology.
However, the R5’s Deep Learning AF technology is also very fast and accurate, and the camera’s slower burst rate may not be a concern for most photographers.
Which would you buy for speed?
If sports of wildlife photography is more your thing then yes the Canon R6 II is the camera to have.
With a faster burst rate, with the ability to capture images at up to 40 fps, it’s 100% faster than the R5.
That doesn’t mean the Canon R5 isn’t good enough with 20 fps and still good enough for wildlife and sport in most situations.
How does the Canon R5 and R6 compare with autofocus?
Both the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R5 have advanced autofocus systems that perform well in a variety of shooting situations.
The R6 Mark II has Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology, which allows it to focus quickly and accurately on moving subjects.
It also has a large number of autofocus points (up to 100% coverage) and can focus in as low as -6.5 EV, making it suitable for shooting in very low light conditions.
The R5 also has advanced autofocus capabilities, with Dual Pixel CMOS AF and a large number of autofocus points (up to 100% coverage). It can focus in as low as -6 EV, which is similar to the R6 Mark II.
Canon R6 II vs R5, How Do They Compare In Video – Which would you choose?
Both the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R5 have advanced video capabilities and are suitable for professional videography.
However, there are some differences between the two cameras in terms of video capabilities that may influence a potential buyer’s decision.
The R5 has the ability to record up to 8K videos at 30 fps and up to 120 fps in 4K, which is a higher resolution and frame rate than the R6 Mark II, which can record up to 6K videos at 30 fps and up to 60 fps in 4K.
Both cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can help reduce camera shake and improve image quality in handheld shots.
On the other hand, the R6 Mark II has some advanced video features that may be attractive to videographers.
It has Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which allows for smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording.
It also has high-quality audio recording capabilities, with a built-in microphone and the ability to record audio using an external microphone.
Ultimately, the choice between the R6 Mark II and R5 for video will depend on your specific needs and priorities as a videographer.
If you need high-resolution video and in-body image stabilization, the R5 may be the better choice.
However, if you need advanced autofocus and audio recording capabilities, the R6 Mark II may be a better option.
Both cameras are excellent choices for professional videography and can produce high-quality video footage.
What Makes These Cameras Physically & Visually Different
Physically and visually, the R6 Mark II and R5 are similar in size and design. Both cameras have a rugged, weather-resistant build and a large electronic viewfinder. The R6 Mark II has a more traditional camera design, while the R5 has a more modern, streamlined look.
Compare Canon R6 Mark II and R5 by size and weight.
The R6 Mark II has dimensions of 141 x 97 x 88 mm (5.6 x 3.8 x 3.5 in) and weighs approximately 607 grams (1.3 lbs). The R5 has dimensions of 138 x 97 x 88 mm (5.4 x 3.8 x 3.5 in) and weighs approximately 738 grams (1.6 lbs).
Is the Canon R5 and R6 II weather-sealed?
Yes, both the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II are weather-sealed cameras, which means they are designed to be used in challenging weather conditions and can withstand exposure to moisture and dust. Both cameras have a durable design and are built to withstand the elements, making them suitable for use in a variety of outdoor environments.
What about memory storage?
Both the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II have dual memory card slots that support different types of memory cards.
The R5 has one SD card slot and one CFexpress card slot, while the R6 Mark II has two SD card slots.
Any differences in the viewfinders and screen?
The R5 has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 5.76 million dots, which provides a clear and detailed view of the scene.
It also has a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD display with a resolution of 2.1 million dots, which allows for easy framing and reviewing of images.
The screen is fully articulated and can be tilted and swivelled, making it easier to use in a variety of shooting positions.
The R6 Mark II also has a high-resolution EVF with a resolution of 5.76 million dots, providing a clear and detailed view of the scene.
It has a 3-inch touchscreen LCD display with a resolution of 1.62 million dots, which is slightly lower than the R5’s display.
The screen is also fully articulated and can be tilted and swivelled for easy use in a variety of shooting positions.
What about the connections?
The Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II have a range of connections and ports for various purposes, including transferring data, charging the camera, and connecting external devices.
Both cameras have a USB Type-C port for transferring data and charging the camera, as well as a HDMI port for connecting to external monitors or TVs. They also have a 3.5mm microphone port and a 3.5mm headphone port for audio recording and playback.
The R5 and R6 Mark II also have a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability, which allows them to connect to a smartphone or other device for transferring images and controlling the camera remotely.
Canon R6 II vs R5? The Verdict
The Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II are both advanced full-frame mirrorless cameras with excellent image quality and a range of features for still and video photography.
Both cameras are suitable for professional photographers and videographers, and the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and priorities as a photographer.
In terms of image quality, both cameras have high-resolution sensors and produce excellent images, with good detail and dynamic range.
The R5 has a slightly higher resolution sensor than the R6 Mark II, which may be a factor for some users who need high-resolution images.
Both cameras also have good low-light performance, with the R6 Mark II having a slightly higher ISO range for still photography.
In terms of burst shooting and autofocus, both cameras have advanced systems that perform well in a variety of shooting situations.
The R6 Mark II has a slightly faster burst rate and advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology, which may be a factor for some users who need to shoot fast-moving subjects.
For video, the R5 has the ability to record up to 8K video at 30 fps and up to 120 fps in 4K, which is a higher resolution and frame rate than the R6 Mark II.
Both cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can help reduce camera shake and improve image quality in handheld shots.
However, the R6 Mark II has advanced autofocus and audio recording capabilities, which may be attractive to videographers.
In terms of size and weight, both cameras are similar and may be considered compact and lightweight for professional cameras.
But the R5 is slightly larger and heavier due to its larger sensor and additional features.
Both cameras are weather-sealed and have advanced memory card support, with fast write speeds and the ability to use high-capacity memory cards.
So if the price is a factor than the Canon R6 II is enough camera for the average user. But for those seeking more detail, get the Canon R5 is very similar but has more pixels.
And there you have it!
We hope you found this guide useful and if you wish to purchase the Canon R5 or R6 II you can do so using the links below.
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Canon R5 vs R6 II FAQ
What is the difference in image quality between the R6 Mark II and R5?
Both the R5 and R6 II cameras have high-resolution sensors and produce excellent images, but the R5 has a higher resolution sensor with 45 megapixels compared to the R6 Mark II’s 24 megapixels.
Which camera the R6 Mark II and R5 has better low-light performance?
Both cameras have good low-light performance, but the R6 Mark II has a slightly higher ISO range for still photography.
Which camera the R6 Mark II or R5 has better for burst shooting and autofocus?
Both cameras have advanced systems for burst shooting and autofocus, but the R6 Mark II has a faster burst rate and advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology.
Between the R6 Mark II or R5 which camera is better for video?
The R5 has the ability to record up to 8K video at 30 fps and up to 120 fps in 4K, which is higher resolution and frame rate than the R6 Mark II. However, the R6 Mark II has advanced autofocus and audio recording capabilities that may be attractive to videographers.
Is the R5 or R6 Mark II better for outdoor photography?
Both cameras are weather-sealed and suitable for outdoor photography, but the R5 has additional features such as in-body image stabilization and Animal Detection AF that may be beneficial in certain situations.
What is the difference in size and weight between the R5 and R6 Mark II?
Both cameras are similar in size and weight, with the R5 being slightly larger and heavier due to its larger sensor and additional features.
What is the difference in memory card support between the R5 and R6 Mark II?
Both cameras have dual memory card slots and support fast write speeds, but the R5 has one SD card slot and one CFexpress card slot, while the R6 Mark II has two SD card slots. The R5’s CFexpress card slot allows it to take advantage of the high write speeds and large storage capacities of CFexpress cards, while the R6 Mark II’s SD card slots support UHS-II cards.
What is the difference in viewfinders and screens between the R5 and R6 Mark II?
Both cameras have high-resolution electronic viewfinders and fully articulated screens that can be tilted and swivelled. The R5 has a higher resolution display with a resolution of 2.1 million dots, while the R6 Mark II has a lower resolution display with a resolution of 1.62 million dots.
What is the difference in connections and ports between the R5 and R6 Mark II?
Both cameras have a range of connections and ports for transferring data, charging the camera, and connecting external devices. Both cameras have a USB Type-C port, HDMI port, 3.5mm microphone port, and 3.5mm headphone port, as well as built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability.