Canon EOS R6 Body

Canon’s EOS R6 is the full-frame camera everyone wished for instead of the EOS R. While the 20-megapixel sensor lacks resolution compared to rivals, it offers in-body stabilization, Dual Pixel autofocus and 10-bit 4K 60 fps video -- all killer specs for a $2,500 camera. On the downside, overheating issues limit recording and recovery times, meaning it’s not a great choice for folks who need to shoot more than 30 minute takes. Otherwise, it’s a great handling camera that delivers excellent photo and video quality.

The Canon EOS R6 is a great choice for those looking for a highly reliable camera with great AF, and great image quality.

The Canon EOS R6 offers much of the capability of the EOS-1D X III in an enthusiast-level mirrorless body. It's only a 20MP camera but one that can produce great results across a huge range of photographic challenges. The tendency to overheat if used before shooting video undermines its appeal for people shooting video and stills together, but the footage is best-in-class if you can work around this limitation. A superb photographers' camera, even if it's not quite the perfect hybrid model.

The EOS R6 may have been over-shadowed by the headline-grabbing R5, but quietly becomes one of the most compelling cameras in Canon’s range. Compared to the R5, it may lack the 45 Megapixels, 8k video, slow-motion 4k, more detailed viewfinder and slightly tougher build, but it’s more notable how much they have in common. Buy the R6 and you’ll get the same built-in stabilisation, the same rear controls, the same screen articulation and crucially the same autofocus and drive system that allows both cameras to confidently track just about any subject with a high degree of success. And by lacking the high bit-rate video of the R5, the R6 can also make both of its card slots use the more affordable SD format. What’s not to like? The IBIS delivered below the quoted compensation in my tests, the 4k video looked great but over-heated after around 35mins (although it could shoot unlimited 1080p), the battery life could be higher plus you’ll need a decent charge level to achieve the top drive speeds, the electronic shutter is susceptible to more skewing than the R5, and the basic top controls can’t help but look more entry-level than the price suggests. Ultimately the EOS R6 cunningly gives you what’s arguably the best parts of the R5 at a much more affordable price. Don’t get hung-up on the relatively low-sounding resolution as the image quality is more than adequate for all but the most detail-hungry photographers. If you’re an existing Canon owner looking to move into mirrorless or wanting to upgrade from the R or RP, you won’t be disappointed.