Going back in time and doing a recap, the EOS R6 was announced in July 2020, I had a short hands on session with the EOS R6, followed by a review article that I published in March 2021. Fast forward approximately 2.5 years from July 2020 to November 2022, the new EOS R6 Mark II is here, with big shoes to fill. Having tried, tested and reviewed the EOS R6, it was Born to Rule, making huge waves and impressions in the photography, as well as videography and content creators markets, on both professional and leisure sectors. It’s more than just impressive, the EOS R6 is a powerful workhorse full-frame mirrorless camera and the EOS R6 Mark II is going to change the game further and better. 

“As a rapidly growing segment, content creators are becoming increasingly sophisticated when producing content. To meet the needs of these creators, we are leveraging on our imaging expertise to deliver the EOS R6 Mark II with strong feature sets for both stills photography as well as videography, perfect for a wide range of content creation activities.” Said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. 

Canon EOS R6 Mark II: Game changer for photography and videography

What makes the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, a game changer for photography and videography? First up, let’s start off and explore into the video capabilities of the EOS R6 Mark II.

EOS R6 Mark II: Meeting the Needs of Professional Video Workflows

The EOS R6 II records 6K RAW externally via HDMI, maintaining high quality even with intense post-processing, with Full HD proxy data simultaneously recorded to one of the 2 SD card slows for ease of editing. 

Internally, it is capable of high-quality 4k 60p video oversampled from 6K, and High Frame Rate video up to Full HD 180p, in addition to Canon Log 3 and HDR PQ video. It has improved heat management, therefore unlimited continuous recording of 4K 30p is now possible.

An alternative Quick Control screen that resembles those on Cinema EOS cameras provides an intuitive interface for users using the EOS R6 Mark II alongside the Cinema EOS System.

Video: Seamless Creative Expression

The EOS R6 Mark II is the first Canon EOS camera to support focus breathing correction, which reduces unwanted changes in angle of view during focus transitions. This complements existing features such as AF speed adjustment, providing greater control over focus transitions which is crucial for expression. 

In addition to the existing zebra display, the EOS R6 Mark II is equipped with the false colour function widely used in the Cinema EOS system, making it easier to adjust exposure even in tricky conditions. 

Two other video features making their full-frame EOS camera debut are: 

• Pre-recording for movies: A staple feature on Cinema EOS cameras, this allows users to capture moments that occur up to 5 seconds before the record button is pressed, reducing the need to “record on standby”. 
• Hybrid Auto Mode: This records a video 2-4 seconds before shutter release during still image shooting and automatically compiles them into a digest movie for the day, providing readily available video content to suit a variety of purposes. 

Video: High-quality Livestreams with UVC/UAC Compatibility 

The EOS R6 Mark II supports UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) protocols, enabling high-quality Full HD 30p video and audio to be delivered to a Windows/Mac OS computer in real time, making it ideal for livestreams, remote meetings, and computer-based video recording. Live streamers and content creators can now take full advantage of a full-frame camera and high-quality lenses through plug and play on both Windows and Mac OS. 

Up to 40 fps Burst with AF/AE Tracking: Enhanced Detection and Tracking Capabilities 

In electronic shutter mode, the EOS R6 Mark II can go up to 40fps continuous shooting. This is the first EOS camera to go beyond 30 fps in AF/AE-tracking continuous still shooting capabilities. In mechanical shutter mode, continuous shooting is up to 12 fps with AF/AE tracking.

The EOS R6 Mark II has added horses, trains, and aeroplane to the existing subjects detectable by the deep learning-based algorithm. Users can also specify right or left eye priority for Eye Detection AF in photo or video mode.They also have more flexibility to decide on the subjects to be detected. There is also a new “Auto subject detection” mode, allowing users to automatically detect more than 1 type of subject within the same frame. 

Tracking performance has been improved with the expanded application of deep learning technology to subject tracking. By extracting subject features based on deep learning, the camera can now maintain consistent tracking even with changes in posture, orientation, or ambient brightness. This applies to animals, vehicles, and other subjects of the user’s choice for both stills and videos.

Other noteworthy new features that aid responsiveness include:

• AI Focus AF mode: This automatically detects subject motion and switches between One-Shot AF and Servo AF modes, allowing better response to subjects with changing states of motion. 
• Digital teleconverter: Increases the focal length by 2x or 4x with the touch of a button, allowing quick response to unexpected telephoto shooting moments without the need to change lenses. 

New Developed 24.2MP Image Sensor

The EOS R6 Mark II has a newly developed 24.2-megapixel full-frame image sensor that achieves a higher pixel resolution than the 20.1-megapixel EOS R6 with new sharpness processing that achieves visual resolution surpassing even the 30.4-megapixel EOS 5D Mark IV. The native ISO speed is up to 102,400. 

The EOS R6 Mark II is equipped with In-Body IS and HDR PQ HEIF recording. A new “Moving subject priority” HDR mode has been added, which helps to overcome the difficulty of creating HDR merges of moving subjects by achieving the same effect with just one shot. 

Greater Connectivity: Supports 5GHz Connection, Easier Smartphone Connection 

Faster wireless connections to smart devices are now possible as the EOS R6 Mark II supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless connections. Smartphone connectivity is also expanded, with Camera Connect app functions such as automatic data transfer and shutter release, which are now also possible via a wired USB connection. Data transfer to FTP servers is also supported via wired and wireless methods 

Designed for Durability and Power Efficiency 

The EOS R6 Mark II features dual SD card slots for extra reliability, and a dust- and drip-resistant construction designed to support outdoor shooting. Designed for power efficiency, it can shoot up to 760 shots on a single charge using the LP-E6NH battery. 

RF135mm f/1.8L IS USM: Better Bokeh, Faster Speed and Up to 8 Stops IS

For those who are familiar with the Canon EF lenses lineup, the EF135mm f/2L USM is probably not a Canon L lens that gets your attention as much, versus the holy trinity lenses. Canon photographers who work with prime lenses, the EF135mm f/2L is popular among portraiture photographers and still a highly sought after portraiture lens. 

It’s great to see the legendary 135mm making a comeback in the RF lenses lineup, the RF135mm f/1.8L IS USM, with better bokeh and faster speed. This is currently the only 135mm lens in the market to be equipped with built-in optical image stabilisation with up to 5.5 stops, and up to 8 stops IS when combined with a compatible camera via Coordinated Control IS. 

This RF135mm f/1.8L lens only weighs approximately 935g – lighter than some lenses with similar specifications but without image stabilisation. With a larger f/1.8 aperture, compared to its EF counterpart, this not only provides beautiful bokeh for excellent subject-background separation, but also allows faster shutter speeds in challenging lighting conditions.

Powered and driven by the fast and smooth Nano USM, supporting focus breathing correction, making the RF135mm f/1.8L an ideal choice for video production. There are also 2 new customisable lens function buttons on the lens body providing intuitive control over various AF and/or exposure settings, allowing a swifter response to changing conditions.

Canon’s L lenses branding and quality are well-known in the market, the RF135mm f/1.8L IS USM features professional-grade optical, imaging, and build quality. It has a highly durable body, dust and drip-resistant construction, high vibration shock resistance, and fluorine coating ensuring excellent reliability even under harsh shooting conditions.

Speedlite EL-5: High-performance Professional Speedlite for EOS R series cameras

Some of the recent EOS R cameras are equipped with the new 15-pin Multi-Function Shoe, the new Speedlite EL-5 leverages on this, achieving faster and more stable communication with the camera, which improves overall performance and reliability. This also allows additional functionalities such as wireless control via smartphone.

Built for Speed: Fast Recycling Up to 0.1s; at least 95 continuous flashes at full output

The Speedlite EL-5 is smaller, lighter and more affordable than the Speedlite EL-1, it uses the same high-capacity rechargeable LP-EL lithium-ion battery but with better efficiency. The EL-5 features a recycling time of approximately 0.1s to 1.2s and can emit continuous flashes approximately 95x or more at full output (GN 60).

If you require fine lighting control, microflach as low as 1/1024 can be activated for such situations. 

Enhanced Connectivity: Expanded wireless functions for more creative freedom

Wireless flash functionality has been expanded – in addition to compatibility with wireless control as a transmitter and a receiver. The Speedlite EL-5 also supports wireless remote control of flash settings using a smartphone via the Camera Connect app. It also shares the same dust and drip-resistance quality as the EOS R5 body, ensuring stable performance.

As of November 2022, the Speedlite EL-5 is compatible with the EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R7 and EOS R10 via a firmware update.

Initial Thoughts and Views

Having tested and reviewed the EOS R6 previously, I would be making comparisons with the new EOS R6 Mark II during the media session when I saw it for the first time. Notable improvements for me would be the 40 fps continuous shooting as well as improved tracking performance. The other key highlights for me would be from the video segment, the improvements and the quality of professional video workflow packed inside the EOS R6 Mark II. 

A hybrid camera for photographers and videographers/content creators, a game changer. While an increase from 20.1MP to 24.2MP may not be enough to satisfy every user out there, this is sufficient to get most of the jobs done or even your personal photography requirements. I am interested to see for myself the quality and output from the new 24.2MP sensor.

I hope to share more on them when I get the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R6 Mark II when it is available.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II will be available from Canon authorised dealers at the following recommended retail price, from 18th November 2022.

Pre-Order Promotion!

From 2nd to 16th November 2022, there will be a pre-order promotion, for which customers will be entitled to the following:

• Additional 24-month warranty package (worth up to $360)
• 2 x sensor cleaning services (worth $40) for registered EOS R6 Mark II within 36 months from date of purchase

With the additional warranty on top of the standard 12 months’ warranty, customers will enjoy 36 months of warranty in total.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II will be shipped from 18th November 2022. 

Pricing and availability of the RF135mm f/1.8L IS USM and Speedlite EL-5 will be advised at a later date. 

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

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