- Canon EOS R6 Mark III vs R6 Mark II vs R5 Mark II: Which Camera Should You Choose?
-
Hello!
We've noticed that you are in .
Visit Canon .
Close
Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming, especially when faced with top tier options like the EOS R6 Mark III, EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R5 Mark II. The EOS R6 Mark III, EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R5 Mark II all share modern Canon strengths like advanced autofocus, excellent colour science and strong stabilisation. However, their differences in resolution, video formats, speed and ergonomics make each camera shine for different priorities.
For photographers and content creators navigating fast paced environments, low light conditions or cinematic storytelling, understanding these nuances is crucial. This guide breaks down the key differences across image quality, shooting speed, video performance and ergonomics so you can match the right tool to your real world needs.
The EOS R6 Mark III balances durability and portability at 699g, making it ideal for creators who need something tough enough for travel but light enough to carry all day. The EOS R6 Mark II is slightly lighter and more pared back, suited to simple, no fuss shooting. The EOS R5 Mark II is the most robust with stronger weather sealing, but also the heaviest.
Best balance: EOS R6 Mark III
Most rugged: EOS R5 Mark II
Most lightweight: EOS R6 Mark II
The EOS R6 Mark III’s 32.5MP sensor delivers a strong mix of detail and low light capability, ideal for hybrid stills and video. The EOS R6 Mark II’s 24.2MP sensor performs best in low light and remains the most forgiving for handheld shooting. The EOS R5 Mark II’s 45MP stacked sensor offers the highest detail, fastest readout and in camera upscaling for commercial workflows.
Low light leader: EOS R6 Mark II
Detail leader: EOS R5 Mark II
Best overall balance: EOS R6 Mark III
Both EOS R6 models reach 40 fps for fast action, supported by reliable subject tracking. The EOS R5 Mark II shoots 30 fps but adds next gen AF with predictive tracking and Eye Control AF, making it the most advanced system for precision work.
Fastest burst: EOS R6 Mark III / EOS R6 Mark II
Smartest AF: EOS R5 Mark II
The EOS R6 Mark III stands out with 7K RAW, 4K 120p and full sensor Open Gate, giving you multi aspect output from a single take. The EOS R6 Mark II offers clean 4K 60p for everyday video. The EOS R5 Mark II reaches 8K RAW and pro codecs for studio, commercial and cinema workflows.
Best hybrid video: EOS R6 Mark III
Everyday creator option: EOS R6 Mark II
Pro video option: EOS R5 Mark II
EOS R6 Mark III and EOS R5 Mark II both use the newer LP-E6P battery and full size HDMI. The EOS R5 Mark II adds timecode for professional sets. The EOS R6 Mark II is more basic with micro HDMI and older battery tech.
Best connectivity: EOS R6 Mark III
Best pro investment: EOS R5 Mark II
Ideal for: travel photographers, hybrid creators, social-first filmmakers, documentary photographers
• 32.5MP Full Frame Sensor
A balanced boost in resolution that gives you more detail for landscapes, travel and content creation without overwhelming storage or workflow.
• 7K Open Gate and 4K 120p
Shoot full sensor 7K for flexible reframing across vertical, widescreen or square formats.
• 40 fps high speed shooting
Ideal for wildlife, action and fast moments that you do not want to miss.
• New LP-E6P battery, CFExpress Type B and full-size HDMI
Better endurance, more storage and dependable connectivity for external screens or recorders.
The EOS R6 Mark III hits the modern hybrid sweet spot: lightweight, fast, detailed and built for travellers who swap between stills and video all day.
Ideal for: enthusiasts, everyday creators, upgraders from DSLR or APS-C
• 24.2MP Full Frame Sensor
Clean low light performance and excellent sharpness for everyday photography.
• 6K oversampled 4K 60p
Strong video quality for social, travel and general creative shooting.
• 40 fps burst shooting
Still one of the fastest cameras in its class.
• Budget friendly
One of the best price-to-performance cameras for creators entering the full frame world.
• Simple, lightweight design
Micro HDMI and dual SD cards keep things familiar and accessible.
The EOS R6 Mark II gives you high-end image quality and speed without the complexity or cost of flagship gear, making it a popular first step into serious content creation.
Ideal for: commercial photographers, wedding shooters, pro videographers, studio and agency teams
• 45MP Stacked Full Frame Sensor
Exceptional detail, fast readout and crisp stills for commercial, editorial and professional campaigns.
• Next-generation autofocus with Eye Control AF
Track subjects with stunning accuracy using your gaze in the EVF.
• 8K 60p RAW and 4K 120p
High-end video formats suited for commercial, agency and cinema workflows.
• Advanced connectivity
CFExpress Type B, full HDMI and timecode support for multi-camera sets.
• High-level build quality
More robust weather sealing and a professional-grade body for demanding environments.
The EOS R5 Mark II is built for creators who cannot compromise on detail, dynamic range or workflow integration.
No matter which camera you choose, you benefit from:
• Canon’s signature colour science for beautiful skin tones and reliable accuracy
• High-performance image stabilisation for smoother handheld video and sharper low light stills
• Intelligent subject tracking across humans, animals and vehicles
• Strong photo-video hybrid design suitable for creators blending both mediums
• Modern RF mount compatibility with Canon’s expanding lens ecosystem
These shared strengths mean you cannot make a wrong choice, only the wrong match for your workflow.
| Feature | EOS R6 Mark III | EOS R6 Mark II | EOS R5 Mark II |
| Sensor | 32.5MP Full-Frame | 24.2 MP Full-Frame | 45 MP Full-Frame |
| Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X | DIGIC X + DIGIC Accelerator |
| Back illuminated stacked sensor | No | No | Yes |
| Continuous shooting speed | 40fps | 40fps | 30fps |
| In-camera upscaling | No | No | Yes |
| Electronic Viewfinder | 0.5 inch 3.69M dots |
0.5 inch 3.69M dots |
0.5 inch 5.76M dots |
| Eye control AF | No | No | Yes |
| Max Video | 7K RAW | 6K | 8K RAW |
| Max Video frame rate | 4K 120 / 2K 180 | 4K 60 / 2K 180 | 4K 120 / 2K 240 |
| Open Gate Recording | Yes | No | No |
| S&F mode | Yes | No | No |
| Canon log 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canon log 2 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Memory cards | 1x CFExpress Type B 1X SD UHS-II |
2 x SD UHS-II | 1x CFExpress Type B 1X SD UHS-II |
| HDMI Port | Type A (full size) | Type D (micro) | Type A (full size) |
| Battery | LPE-6P | LPE-6NH | LP-E6P |
| Weight | 699g | 670g | 746g |
| Price | $$ | $ | $$$ |
All three cameras use full frame sensors with different priorities:
• EOS R6 Mark III gives creators extra detail without overwhelming file sizes or pushing into high-end commercial territory.
• EOS R6 Mark II stays efficient and clean in low light with its 24.2MP design.
• EOS R5 Mark II is the pro option, delivering ultra high resolution, stacked sensor readout and the best performance for action, portrait and commercial work.
Choose based on how much detail you genuinely need. Most creators do not need 45MP unless they print large, crop heavily or work in professional commercial settings.
Each camera has a clear video identity:
• EOS R6 Mark III brings 7K Open Gate, perfect for reframing or delivering content across multiple aspect ratios.
• EOS R6 Mark II handles everyday video beautifully but without advanced modes like Open Gate or 4K 120p.
• EOS R5 Mark II is the full cinema-ready hybrid with 8K RAW and deep professional codec options.
If you create vertical and horizontal deliverables from one take, the EOS R6 Mark III stands out. For commercial video, the EOS R5 Mark II is stronger.
• EOS R6 Mark III includes improved heat control that supports longer sessions across its 7K and 4K formats.
• EOS R6 Mark II manages heat well at 4K, but high frame rate or extended shooting can be limiting.
• EOS R5 Mark II performs far better than its predecessor, though high resolution formats still require heat awareness or optional cooling accessories.
Long interviews, events and documentary shoots favour the EOS R6 Mark III or EOS R5 Mark II.
• EOS R6 Mark III feels balanced, lightweight and travel friendly.
• EOS R6 Mark II is the simplest for beginners or those wanting a familiar, easy-to-drive layout.
• EOS R5 Mark II is more rugged, with better sealing and a pro-level EVF for critical work.
Choose based on your shooting environments and how much weight you are willing to carry.
If you want the best balance of modern hybrid features, 7K video flexibility, strong image quality and speed, choose the EOS R6 Mark III.
If you want the most affordable full frame hybrid performer with clean low light and great stills, choose the EOS R6 Mark II.
If you need professional detail, advanced autofocus, high-end video formats and industry-standard connectivity, choose the EOS R5 Mark II.
Canon’s hybrid lineup makes it easier than ever to match your camera to your creative path. Whether you are shooting your first travel film or building a professional content studio, each model gives you the tools to grow your craft.
Learn the main differences between Mirrorless and DSLR cameras in this article. Find out which camera's best for you!
EF lenses vs RF lenses- We explore the top 5 reasons why Canon’s RF system of lenses offers superior quality compared to EF lenses. How to choose which is best for you.
Professional fantasy photographer Tung Bien talks us through his tips and tricks for out of the box conceptual ideas can opens up endless possibilities when creating fantasy theme photos.