Canon R6 Mark II Review: Real-World Impressions from a Candid Photographer

Gear isn’t everything—but the right camera makes life a lot easier. And let’s be honest, getting to grips with a new toy always adds a bit of spark. I’ve been using the Canon R6 Mark II for 10 months now, mostly for candid and street photography, with one eye firmly on preparing for this summer’s landscape and travel adventures.

After putting it through its paces in the rain (yes, the R6 is weather-sealed), bright sunlight, low light, fast-moving action, and even a bit of macro work—I can say this mirrorless camera is a serious workhorse. Here’s my no-nonsense, real-world Canon R6 Mark II review, aimed at photographers who actually get out and shoot.

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It Feels Right in Your Hands

The Canon R6 Mark II is one of the most comfortable cameras I’ve held. The grip is deep and secure, the controls fall naturally under your fingers, and the new photo/video switch is one of those small, genius additions that just works. It’s light enough to carry around all day, but still feels tough and premium—ideal for long street photography sessions or full-day events. Build quality is excellent.

But comfort isn’t enough if the camera can’t keep up in the moment—thankfully, that’s where the autofocus shines.

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Autofocus That Just Gets It

Autofocus is where the R6 Mark II really shines. It’s fast, intelligent, and remarkably accurate. Whether I’m tracking a stranger mid-stride, capturing a fleeting expression, or locking focus in challenging light, this camera delivers.

Eye detection is sticky and reliable—even in video. And since it shares the same autofocus tech as Canon’s flagship R3, you’re getting pro-level performance in a more affordable body.

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Beautiful Image Quality in All Lighting

The 24.2MP sensor strikes the right balance between detail and file size. I’ve shot gloomy alleyways, moody forests, golden hour portraits, and harsh midday sun—everything looks great straight out of camera.

Canon’s colour science continues to impress: rich colours, natural skin tones, and enough dynamic range to push shadows and highlights in post. This camera flatters your shots—especially paired with a good prime lens such as the nifty 50 (50mm prime).

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Blazing Fast Shutter for Candid Moments

With up to 40fps using the electronic shutter, the Canon R6 Mark II gives you a crazy level of speed. For candid photographers, this means never missing a split-second smile, a confetti toss, or that blink-and-you’ll-miss-it reaction.

The speed also makes it ideal for sports, wildlife, and yes—chaotic pets (looking at you Benson).

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Canon R6 Mark II Video Performance

I’m not a dedicated filmmaker, but I have experimented and shot the occasional clip—and the video performance here is excellent. You get 4K 60p oversampled from 6K, with no crop and no overheating issues (a big improvement over the original R6).

Autofocus during video is smooth and accurate, and switching between photo and video modes is seamless. For hybrid shooters or content creators, this camera is a serious contender.

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Battery Life and Dual Card Slots: Built for Long Days

Battery life has been solid so far. During long street sessions, I’ve had plenty of charge left over. I can easily get 600 shots out of a single charge.  Impressive for any mirrorless camera.

Dual SD card slots offer instant backup, and together they make for a setup that’s as reliable as it is capable.

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Lens Compatibility: A Big Win

One of the best things about the Canon mirrorless system is its flexibility. The R6 Mark II supports both RF lenses and adapted EF glass, and I’ve tested both without a hiccup.

With Canon now opening the RF mount to third-party lens makers, your lens choices—and budget options—are only getting better.

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Looking Ahead

Whatever I throw at the R6 Mark II next, I already trust it. It’s reliable, intuitive, and gives me confidence in every situation I’ve tested it in so far.

If you’re getting into wedding photography, event work, wildlife photography, or just capturing family snaps, this camera should be at the top of your list.

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Final Thoughts: This Camera’s a Keeper

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has earned a permanent place in my camera bag. If I miss a shot, it’s on me—not the camera. It does everything well—and a few things exceptionally.

It’s the kind of gear that quietly fades into the background and lets you focus on the moment. More than anything, it’s helped me stay present—on the streets, in nature, or wherever I’m shooting. That’s something no spec sheet can capture.

Whether you’re a street shooter, portrait artist, hybrid content creator, or just looking for the best mirrorless camera—the R6 Mark II is worth your attention.

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Pros and Cons of the Canon R6 Mark II

Pros:

• Incredible autofocus system with reliable eye detection (major selling point)

• 40fps electronic shutter — blazing fast

• Excellent image quality with Canon’s signature colour rendering

• Compact, ergonomic, and comfortable for all-day shooting

• Dual card slots and solid battery life

• Reliable 4K video with no overheating

• Compatible with RF and EF lenses (plus 3rd party options coming)

Cons:

• No top display screen (some pros might miss it). It’s never been an issue for me.

• Rolling shutter still present in electronic shutter at high speeds. Again, I’ve never personally had this cause issues.

• RF lenses can be pricey at the top end (though EF compatibility helps)

• No built-in GPS or advanced logging features for travel shooters

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Want to See It in Action?

I’ll be sharing some of my favourite shots taken with the R6 Mark II in future posts, so stay tuned. Got questions about my setup, lens pairings, or what it’s like to shoot with this camera in real-world conditions? Drop me a message—I’m always happy to chat gear.