The Canon EOS R6 is a 20-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiast photographers and videographers. It sits below the R5, much like the EOS 6Ds below the 5D DSLRs, and offers a well-rounded combination of features for both disciplines. It’s also one of the first cameras for enthusiasts to shoot both stills and video, and to take advantage of the capabilities of the latest high dynamic range displays. However, its tendency to reach its temperature limits detracts from its video capabilities.
There are so many cameras aimed at videographers that it’s refreshing that manufacturers haven’t forgotten about photographers. Canon is targeting the new EOS R6 at “photographers who are more focused on stills” but occasionally want to shoot video. The camera has inherited some top features from the EOS 1D X Mark III, starting with its processor. Canon’s latest Digic X image processor works in tandem with a slightly revised 20.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor that the manufacturer says is “similar” to the sensor used in the sports DSLR.
The updated sensor features Canon’s second-generation Dual Pixel autofocus architecture (called Dual Pixel CMOS AF II). This has improved phase difference detection of the autofocus in the R6’s Live View, and also allows for faster readout speed during rapid continuous shooting and when shooting 4K video at high frame rates. In theory, this should even reduce rolling shutter distortion when using the sensor-based electronic shutter.
20.1 megapixels may seem like a step back for a camera that’s supposed to be an all-rounder, but it’s all about the significantly improved speed here. The R6 can shoot continuous bursts at 12 frames per second when using its mechanical shutter, a remarkable feat for a camera aimed at enthusiasts and amateur photographers. If that’s not fast enough for you, simply switch to the electronic shutter and the R6 will match the EOS 1D X Mark III’s top speed of 20 frames per second.
Autofocus is controlled by an incredibly slick dual-pixel CMOS AF-II system that offers a hard-to-believe 1,053 AF zones and 6,072 AF points. But don’t worry too much about the numbers, because all you really need to know is that it works brilliantly. First things first: it’s fast. I’d say it’s lightning fast, but it’s probably faster than that. As fast as it captures the subject, its tracking capabilities are probably just as impressive. Not only can the R6 focus and track people and eyes, but it also works well on animals and vehicles.
Fortunately, I have a suitable test subject in the form of a very lively 15-month-old chocolate Labrador that regularly moves too quickly and unpredictably for most cameras. While the R6 couldn’t capture every frame of his jumps and leaps, it came darn close and gave me a much higher percentage of shots than I had hoped for. It’s even advanced enough that it can track an animal’s eye as it moves that’s really witchcraft.
