Canon has announced a successor to its popular enthusiast-focused full-frame mirrorless camera, with the new Canon EOS R6 II maintaining much the same design as its predecessor, but now using 24MP sensor. It’ll replace the Canon EOS R6 in the firm’s line-up, with the older model now officially discontinued.

Canon EOS R6 II back view

Canon EOS R6 II back view. Image credit: Andy Westlake

Key features of the Canon EOS R6 II include the following:

  • 24.2MP full-frame sensor
  • ISO 100-102,400 (standard)
  • Up to 40fps shooting with electronic shutter
  • 4K 60p video recording
  • 4897-point autofocus
  • AI subject detection AF for people, vehicles, and animals
  • 3.69m-dot OLED with 0.76x magnification
  • 3in, 1.62m-dot fully articulated touchscreen
  • New photo / video mode switch
  • £2,779.99 body only
  • £3,129.99 with RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM
  • £3,999.99 with RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM
Canon EOS R6 II with RF 35mm F1.8 lens, top

Canon EOS R6 II with RF 35mm F1.8 lens, top view. Image credit: Andy Westlake

We were lucky enough to get our hands on the Canon EOS R6 II prior to its official launch, and you can read all about its new features and our first impressions here:

Canon EOS R6 Mark II review

Canon EOS R6 Mark II review. Image credit: Andy Westlake

Read our Canon EOS R6 Mark II hands-on first look review

Press release:

Never compromise your creativity: master stills and motion with the high-speed EOS R6 Mark II

Canon EOS R6 II with RF 35mm F1.8, front view

Canon EOS R6 II with RF 35mm F1.8, front view. Image credit: Andy Westlake

The fastest EOS R System camera yet

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 2nd November 2022 – Canon today announces the EOS R6 Mark II, its fastest advanced full-frame mirrorless camera to date, expanding the pioneering EOS R System – offering 40fps, stunning low-light AF and 6K RAW / 4K UHD movies, all built on the RF Mount. As the newest model in the range for hybrid creators, the EOS R6 Mark II utilises the powerful foundations of the RF Mount and redefines standards set by the EOS R6. For both stills and movie, it raises the bar with its unique blend of class-leading performance, breath-taking speed, stability and professional filmmaking features.

Unrivalled sharpness

Using the same DIGIC X processor technology – which was at the core of the EOS R5, EOS R6 and coveted EOS-1D X Mark III – alongside the camera’s new 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS R6 Mark II supports renowned next generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF II pushing speed and reliability to unmatched levels.

The EOS R6 Mark II can track subjects keeping them sharp as they move through a scene. Using improved deep-learning artificial intelligence, it recognises people, vehicles[i] – which now includes aircraft and trains – and animals which has been updated to recognise horses/ zebras[ii]. The type of subject to be detected can be chosen in the menu, or using the new Auto option depending on the range of scenarios the photographer is shooting in. With advance eye tracking, users can specify which eye (left or right) should be given focus priority, and when the eyes can’t be detected, the EOS R6 Mark II focuses on the face in shot instead. Even if a person turns away for a moment, their head continues to be tracked, and if the head isn’t visible the camera will go on to track the body.

The EOS R6 Mark II boasts the world’s most effective IS performance, with its up to 8-stop[iii] Image Stabilizer. Using the combined IS, optical and in-body – it can shoot long exposures, handheld with extreme clarity and sharpness. Photographers can also capture the ambience, whatever the conditions – focusing shake-free in light levels as low as -6.5EV[iv], and the ability to shoot up to ISO 102,400.

Next generation speed for the EOS R System

Setting new speed records, the EOS R6 Mark II is Canon’s fastest EOS to date[v]. It can shoot continuously at up to 40fps[vi] – with 20fps and 5fps options with electronic shutter – and up to 12fps mechanically, capturing fleeting moments that are barely perceptible to the human eye. Compared to the EOS R6, the new sensor reduces rolling shutter, allowing the camera’s electronic shutter to be used to freeze fast-moving objects.

Additionally, the EOS R6 Mark II keeps pace with photographers’ needs, recording action before shooting starts, with ½ a second pre-shooting in RAW Burst mode – a great advantage when shooting unpredictable subjects, from tennis players to toddlers. The RAW Burst mode shoots continuously at 30fps for up to 191 frames, recording every image in a single CR3 file; all with AF tracking. Individual images can be extracted from this roll using Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software, or in camera, and saved as individual JPEG, HEIF or RAW files.

Meeting demand with evolved video capabilities

Using the full width of the sensor, the EOS R6 Mark II is the only camera in its class[vii] that can shoot 4K 60p UHD, with simultaneous Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing. All 4k footage is created by oversampling the sensor’s 6K output, resulting in superb image quality. For independent filmmakers wanting even higher performance, the EOS R6 Mark II outputs 6K RAW via its HDMI output, which can be recorded on an Atomos Ninja V+ recorder in ProRes RAW. This provides more detail, as well as the ability to adjust parameters such as white balance in post-production.

Creators can activate movie pre-recording mode of 3 or 5 seconds – when on, video is continuously streamed through the camera in standby enabling the capture of action even before you press record. Ideal for unmissable moments, or unpredictable scenes.

The EOS R6 Mark II features an improved circuit design allowing longer recording times, over 40 minutes of oversampled 4K 60p recording or up to 6 hours at 4k 30p[viii], – with the previous 29.59 maximum recording time removed – depending on ambient temperature, memory card space and battery life.

Enabling content creators and filmmakers to meet the increasing demand to produce both stunning still and moving image, the innovative EOS R6 Mark II can output incredible slow-motion footage with AF support using Full HD at up to 179.82fps. During movie shooting, False colour can be used as a guide to exposure adjustment, particularly useful in conditions that typically result in overexposed highlights. With HDR support via PQ, as well as Canon’s popular Canon Log 3, creators can capture breath-taking, true-to-life video and realise greater expressive possibilities – immersing the viewer in the content. When used with supported lenses[ix], the EOS R6 Mark II also uses focus-breathing correction to compensate for the effects of focus breathing, providing a cinematic effect.

Intelligent connection for content delivery

With updated Bluetooth v.5 and Wi-Fi (5GHz), the EOS R6 Mark II can be easily connected to a smartphone and networks allowing high-speed file sharing and FTP/FTPS/SFTP transfer – making it easy to edit and share, even when on the move. The camera can also be remotely controlled using the Camera Connect and EOS Utility apps, tethered to a PC, Mac or smartphone via Wi-Fi or high-speed USB-C. For semi-professional photographers and content creators, content delivery is just as important as image and video capture – the EOS R6 Mark II supports automatic transfer of image files from the device to the image.canon cloud platform to easily share and print images.

The EOS R6 Mark II can be used as a webcam on PC and Mac computers running video-call apps such as Skype, Zoom and Teams, without having to install additional software. This plug-and-play capability is powered by industry-standard USB Video Class (UVC) and USB Audio Class (UAC) drivers that are built into Windows and MacOS operating systems. The camera provides improved image quality compared with standard computer webcams, perfect for making a great impression when on video-calls online.

An extension of the creators’ creativity

Allowing seamless navigation with trusted ergonomics, existing EOS and EOS R System series users will be comfortable handling the EOS R6 Mark II. Featuring a multi-function shoe with a next-generation interface, the EOS R6 Mark II enables a new series of accessories to be used including the newly launched SPEEDLITE EL-5. These accessories can be used without the need for cables, and in some cases batteries.

Its body offers the durability expected from Canon, withstanding adverse weather conditions. The high-resolution 3.69M dot EVF offers a crystal clear view when taking photos or video, as it refreshes at 120fps – alongside this, EOS R6 Mark II has inherited the Optical View Finder view assist feature from the EOS R3, providing a natural-looking display retaining detail in shadows and highlights, with good visibility in dark areas and gradation. The EOS R6 Mark II is also compatible with the same LP-E6 batteries and battery grip as the EOS R6, but with the benefit of battery life being increased by approx. 50% using the LCD screen.

Canon Camera Connect App

Alongside the EOS R6 Mark II, Canon is announcing an update to its Camera Connect App which delivers a fresh new look and feel, as well as enhanced connectivity and a simple user experience. The v.3 update makes the app a central portal, enabling users to easily access other Canon software and services, such as the print app or image.canon cloud service. From the app, Canon users can connect their camera to a smartphone or tablet to act as a remote control, or fine tune images, download or share them while on the move and even download firmware updates for their camera[x].

Also launching today is the RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM, a telephoto prime lens ideal for shooting portraits in low-light and the SPEEDLITE EL-5, a high-performance Speedlite for capturing weddings and events.

Footnotes:

[i] Vehicles include cars, motorbikes, trains and aircraft.

[ii] Animals include dogs, cats, birds and horses.

[iii] Yaw/Pitch direction, based on the CIPA standard, 8.0 stops with RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM at a focal distance of 105mm.

[iv] With an f/1.2 lens, centre AF point, and One-Shot AF, at 23°C / 73°F and ISO 100. This excludes RF lenses with a Defocus Smoothing (DS) coating.

[v] Correct as of 2nd November 2022.

[vi] Continuous shooting speed may be slower depending on subject/shooting conditions or the camera setup or the lens used, etc. Refer to Advanced User Guide for details. For information on lenses that support the maximum continuous shooting speed with servo AF, refer to Supplemental Information of EOS R6 Mark II on the website “cam.start.canon”. Depending on the nature of subject or shooting conditions, rolling shutter image distortion may occur.

[vii] As per Canon research 1st November 2022.

[viii] Battery and memory card allowing.

[ix] Lenses currently supported, after firmware updates, are:

  • RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM
  • RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM
  • RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
  • The RF24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports this feature from the beginning and does not require a firmware update.

[x] This feature is only possible with selected cameras. Please visit the Camera Connect App page for more information.