The mirrorless Canon R Series continues to grow and improve. Today, that comes in the shape of their first second-generation release—the EOS R6 Mark II. Sporting a new 24MP full-frame sensor, slightly tweaked exterior, and plenty of under-the-hood improvements this is going to be a serious competitor. Along with the camera is an RF 135mm f/1.8, the new ultimate portrait lens for RF mount, and a mid-range Speedlite EL-5 that should pair nicely with any R Series bodies.
These items were just announced. Please check this page as we continue to add more information.
EOS R6 Mark II: The Upgraded All-Rounder
It’s hard to believe that the R6 came out over two years ago. As time continues to fly and the speed with which technology improves never seems to slow we are fortunate to be getting a Mark II of this excellent camera already.
Here are the key features:
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24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
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Full-width oversampled 4K 60p video recording
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External 6K raw video and internal 4K with oversampling from 6K area
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Canon Log 3
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80% faster AF system
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AF with deep learning technology for subject detection, including human, animal, vehicle, horses, trains, and airplanes
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Movie recording that exceeds 30 minutes
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Up to 12 fps shooting with mechanical shutter and 40 fps with electronic shutter
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In-body image stabilization rated to 8 stops
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Multi-function shoe
It may not look dramatically different but it does get some key tweaks. The locking method on top dials should result in fewer accidental adjustments during operation. This camera is going to be a great pick for advanced amateurs.
Stills have gotten a speed boost with burst shooting up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter. Dual Pixel RAW has been unlocked for ultimate flexibility in post. The autofocus is one of the bigger updates with up to 80% faster performance. The deep learning algorithm can now recognize even more subject types. You can now lock on to humans, animals, horses, vehicles, trains, airplanes, and plenty more.
Video gets some nice updates with the ability to record in 4K up to 60p without any crop. Plus, the R6 Mark II can output 6K raw video over HDMI to a compatible recorder, such as the Atomos Ninja V+, to record in ProRes RAW. The multi-function shoe expands functionality for extra accessories, including XLR adapters, microphones, and more.
RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens: Portrait Excellence
We aren’t hurting for a premium portrait optic for R Series cameras (thanks to the 85mm f/1.2 L and it’s DS sibling), but it never hurts to get something nearly as fast and just a tad longer. That’s where the RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM sits. Primed to be the portrait prime for Canon shooters, the fast 135mm lens will create stunning images with a flattering perspective and exceptionally shallow depth of field.
It should go without question that this 135mm is meant to be a premium choice with sharp glass and minimal aberrations—it is an L Series lens after all. Canon has been going for it with its mirrorless systems and we are seeing a built-in Image Stabilizer, a rarity in a lens of this type. It should make handheld use much easier.
The lens's exterior has all the marking of an L-Series optic. There is also a function button available for quick access to your most used tools.
EL-5 Speedlite: A Mid-Range On-Camera Flash
Not exactly the most exciting segment, on-camera flashes serve an important role in many photographers’ bags. Here comes the Speedlite EL-5, a new mid-range option for Canon systems. The relatively compact size, especially compared to the flagship EL-1, should make it a solid everyday pick for slimmer mirrorless cameras. This is also the first flash unit that features the new multi-function shoe found on the EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R7, and EOS R10.
What do you think about Canon's latest releases?
9 Comments
People seem to be over the moon happy with this upgrade, or really not happy at all. Not many in the middle. I shoot weddings and both my R6 bodies have just under 200 000 on their shutters and my R5 which I also use has over 400 000. So for me I need to replace my R6 bodies soon and the fact that I could get an R6 mk2 at the same price I paid for my old R6 mk1 when so many prices have rocketed is enough to make me happy. I would happily get two more MK1 I love them so much. But with the improvements and as a pro making my living from my gear it makes sense to stay current and upgrade to two new mk2 bodies. I will happily take a 4 megapixel bump. I only use the R5 for bridal formals, family session and some macro, because who needs ceremony and reception photos at the R5 resolution anyway. The 24 mega pixel files will import and edit fast, and handle high ISO well. For weddings and portraits I have found the R6 autofocus wonderful and welcome the improvements that have been added for some fast paced kids sessions. Sure 30 Mega pixels would have been nice for some things, but when you shoot 4000 photos a wedding 24 mega pixels has big advantages for workflow. So I'm happy and excited about all I have seen in the release notes. The EL-5 is a very welcome addition for me. I love the EL-1 flashes I have but on camera they weigh a ton. The slight weight savings will be great.
R6 II seems not quite enough. 24 is barely an improvement, and the same as my 6 year old 80D. 28-32Mpixels makes more sense. Also, viewfinder a bit weak. Would like a little more resolution there. Otherwise, I love it. RF135/1.8 seems way high priced, over twice the EF135/2. IS is not that expensive.
Well that’s just great. I just bought an R6 about six weeks ago!! Thanks Canon.
Not sure what canon was thinking with this one. Seems like they just slapped a new sensor in it and called it good. From the reviews I've seen coming out almost all of the issues on the MKI still remain on the MKII.
What are you on about? A new sensor that has 20% more MPixels than the Mk1. An even better AF system (both speed and accuracy). The new digital hot shoe. And a 40 fps electronic shutter!
You mention issues with the R6 Mk1, but then don't even list a single one. Likely story.
Did Canon fix the issue with the hot shoe coming loose due to using a flash mounted in it? That can be an expensive repair since it has to be sent to an authorized dealer, unless you want to gamble and take the camera all apart yourself to try to fix it. And I see Canon claims this iteration has a longer video record time before overheating. Does it have a better heatsink? One thing Canon still hasn't done is to provide an option for the level indicator and histogram to remain displayed while shooting video. This is a huge shortcoming for video shooters and needs to be added to the R5 and R6's.
A few Youtubers (Jared Polin, et al.) have mentioned using R6 MkII preview units and shot them for 2+ hours continuously in the sun with no overheating issues. Seems like the overheating issues have been resolved.
The R6 Mark II uses the new Multi-function shoe, so it does feature a new hot shoe design. It is definitely more secure with newer accessories that use the multi-function interface like the Speedlite EL-5. Overheating has been improved here as well. In Full HD you can record for up to 6 hours and in 4K you can go for at least an hour.
I was contemplating the R6 to help me ease into the mirror less world (I still have a first version of the 6D, which I love), but wasn't sure .. but now with the R6 Mark II it's a no brainer, what an amazing camera for a photo enthusiast and a worthy replacement for my trusted 6D. Thank you Canon for bringing this out now, perfect timing for Santa to bring me one next month (I have been a very good boy). Cheers!