Canon 6D Mark II vs. Canon EOS R - An In-Depth Look at Full Frame and Mirrorless Cameras
Canon has been a leader in photography for decades, it has been my go-to since switching from the Nikon. In my time of need, my Cannon 6D MAark II shutter decided to stop working, I had 2 options. Buy another Canon 6D Mark II, a full-frame DSLR camera, or upgrade to the EOS R, a mirrorless camera. The choice was pretty easy but here were my findings.
The most significant difference between full-frame cameras like the 6D Mark II and mirrorless cameras like the EOS R is that full-frame cameras have an image sensor about the same size as 35mm film (36 x 24mm).
Going mirrorless with the Canon EOS R comes with several advantages:
Compactness & Weight: Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and lighter than their DSLR counterparts. This makes the Canon EOS R an excellent option for travel and on-the-go photography.
Live Exposure Preview: You can see the exposure effects directly in the electronic viewfinder or on the LCD screen before capturing the shot.
Silent Shooting: The EOS R offers silent shooting, perfect for situations where you don't want to disturb the subject.
Fast, Accurate Autofocus: The EOS R uses a Dual Pixel CMOS AF that covers 88% of the image frame horizontally and 100% vertically.
High-quality Video: The EOS R allows you to record high-quality 4K video, providing greater creative flexibility.
Remember, while mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS R offer many benefits, the choice between it and a full-frame model such as the Canon 6D Mark II ultimately depends on your specific photography needs and preferences.
As a food photographer, the Canon 6D MARK II has been my faithful companion. During a recent assignment at a bustling restaurant, I had an opportunity to test the Canon EOS R. The compactness of this mirrorless camera immediately struck me. It was noticeably lighter and easier to handle than my usual full-frame Canon 6D Mark II, a critical feature when maneuvering in a confined, fast-paced environment. The silent shooting capability of the EOS R was a game-changer. In the hushed ambiance of the dining area, my shots were unobtrusive, causing no disturbance to the restaurant patrons or staff.
The electronic viewfinder's live exposure preview was invaluable. Being able to adjust my settings and immediately see the effects allowed me to capture the setting's ambiance effectively, without having to take multiple test shots. And the speed and accuracy of the autofocus were nothing short of astonishing. Despite the restaurant's dim lighting and the fast pace of the kitchen, each shot was crisply focused, showcasing the mouth-watering details of the dishes.
Moreover, the ability to record in 4K was a significant advantage. I was able to capture stunning video clips of the chef's meticulous plating process, adding a dynamic element to my photography offering. All in all, the Canon EOS R proved itself to be an incredibly versatile tool in a professional food photography setting—compact, efficient, and capable of outstanding image quality.
However, the Canon EOS R does present a handful of challenges when it comes to food photography:
Battery Life: The EOS R's battery life is shorter compared to the 6D Mark II. This can be problematic, particularly during long photo shoots.
Limited Lens Options: As of now, native RF lenses for EOS R are limited and can be quite costly. Adapting EF lenses is an option, but that adds to the overall weight, undermining the benefit of the camera's compactness.
No In-body Stabilization: Unlike some other mirrorless models, the EOS R does not have in-body image stabilization. This means you'll have to rely on the stabilization of RF lenses or use a tripod to avoid blurry images.
Single Card Slot: The EOS R features only a single SD card slot. For professionals who like to have an immediate backup of their photos, this can be a significant disadvantage.
4K Video Crop: Though the EOS R can shoot 4K video, it comes with a significant crop factor, which can limit your field of view.
It's worth noting that these drawbacks are largely dependent on your style and preferences. What might be a disadvantage for one photographer could be inconsequential to another. It's crucial to consider these points and balance them against the camera's advantages when deciding if the EOS R is the right fit for your needs.
In the end, I went with the EOS R and I'm pretty happy with it. Still playing with all the features and honing in on the photography style it. I am using my tripod, the C-stand, and tethering to my computer more than I did previously but I'm happy with the images it's producing and so are my clients!