Canon has just released the new Canon EOS R6 Mark II, and it looks like a rather impressive camera. Check out these first impressions to see if this new, upgraded model is a genuine step-up and worth your money.
Canon is going full steam ahead with its mirrorless ecosystem. New patents are constantly being released along with all kinds of new lenses. Some of the lenses are at the high end of the budget spectrum, while others are very affordable, like the recently released Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, which comes in at $549. But it's not all just patents and lenses, as new bodies are coming out thick and fast too. The newest to hit the shelves is the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, which has undergone some considerable upgrades since its first iteration. But how do those upgrades stack up?
That brings us to this great video by the good folks at The Camera Store TV, in which they give their first impressions of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. The EOS R6 Mark II sits in a kind of hybrid space between photography and videography, and that's reflected in one of the most interesting changes to this body: they've moved the on/off switch from the standard top left side of the body and put it over to the top right side. In its place, the EOS R6 Mark II now has a dedicated photo/video switch to toggle between. There are a lot of other interesting changes and upgrades that make its price point of $2499 ($200 more than the original Canon EOS R6) very attractive indeed. If you're looking for a strong mirrorless camera that is a very good all-rounder, give this video a look. Let me know your thoughts below.
What are definitely not the price are two things.
1. In Europe and I assume other non North American markets, the pricing of camera gear remains so much more expensive for things with are not even made in North America. It defies logic and the reasoning (there are varying versions and often either hilarious or contradictory) given by the industry just does not wash.
2. As has been commented more and more frequently here in recent times is the doubt that R&D and new technological advances have any great impact on the photographic side of things while those of us who have little or no interest in video are condemned to pay for relatively small advances. Obviously advances in video tech can be passed on to the photographic side of things but the reverse is also logical. I imagine buying a new model of a car with some improvements but attached to a caravan (state-of-the-art obviously) which I can't uncouple because I don't want a caravan. I tell the sales person I just want the car and the reply comes back: "Tough luck."
On the actual improvement side of things, video apart, the sensor improvements look interesting but not a lot else photographically speaking that can warrant the price to change.
The RF 135mm f1.8 .... you have to be kidding. I have an ageing 135mm L f2 that simply rocks with the adapter on the R6. Pure magic, a dream. I assume the RF is fabulous... but to pay that amount to change.... no way.
I have never though about changing systems, but this hell bent joy-ride to video heaven and "f...k the photographers" has me thinking
Yeah I know lots of photographers who have fundamentally changed what they do just for the sake of social media. So many of them are now obsessed with video because that's what Insta and TikTok demands. I have no interest in video, so be damned if I'll change everything I love just to keep up with the likes and follows...
One of the reasons I have left Instagram.. a decision I should have made long ago.
Think about an R6 or R62 with your typical 24-70 and 70-200 RF lens, that's nearly $8k for the middle of road body. The R6 is like a honda accord, gets the job done but nothing real special. The instagram/tiktokers are finding used fuji's and making great content.
I don't get why already updating this camera after only 2.5 years.
Competition. But I believe that the MII versions will have a longer shelf life with firmware updates. These first iterations are new territory for Canon exploring different formulas.
Look at past EOS cameras like the film ones had iterations that set the ground work for the amazing cameras that followed.
Competition, I agree, the rest not as much. This camera won't be revolutionary in any way, that's guaranteed. But if it does come out it will definitely be a proof that manufacturers are in good shape despite the noise some make on forums regarding any collapse of the industry. They all have adjusted many years ago, probably like 8 really. Net "pros" are slow adjusting.
Between Nikon, Sony, and Fuji offering a lot more bang for the buck, and Canon strong-arming third-party lens makers from making AF lenses for the mirrorless bodies, as well as cheapening out and throwing an R mount on EOS lenses and calling them Rs, Canon may be painting themselves into an overpriced corner, and pride may goeth before a fall.
To those saying they will switch if Canon continues advancing video my question is, what system would you go to? Sony? Nikon? They are hell bent in advancing video as well.