With Canon releasing two mirrorless powerhouses in the form of EOS R5 and EOS R6, many might be wondering about the actual differences in key specifications between these two cameras. Although the two cameras share similar-sized bodies, they are quite different ergonomically, as well as functionally. The Canon EOS R5 is aimed at photographers who want to be able to shoot 45 MP high-resolution stills and 8K video, while the EOS R6 is a general-purpose camera with a 20 MP sensor, limited to 4K video shooting. Let’s take a look at both cameras in more detail and compare the two cameras side-by-side.
Canon EOS R5 vs EOS R6 Camera Body Comparison
First, let’s take a look at the ergonomic differences between the EOS R5 and EOS R6. We will start with the view of the front of the camera:
Both cameras look very similar in their front view, with very minor differences. The biggest differences to note here are the remote port flap on the EOS R5, which is not present on the EOS R6, as well as the all-rubber design, vs partly plastic design of the EOS R6.
When looking at the top of the cameras, however, we can see pretty big differences between the two cameras:
While both cameras follow Canon’s traditional top dial with the multi-function button (M-Fn), the Canon EOS R5 has a digital top LCD screen that displays all the relevant information, as well as a button that helps illuminate the information at night. The EOS R6, on the other hand, has a traditional PASM dial in that same location, as well as a plain rear dial. Canon went with the same functional Mode dial on the EOS R5 as on the original Canon EOS R camera instead (in fact, the Canon EOS R and EOS R5 look nearly identical from the top).
The back view of the two cameras is functionally identical:
The only big difference here is the smaller LCD screen of the EOS R6.
Overall, it looks like the biggest difference ergonomically between the EOS R5 and R6 is the top LCD screen, as well as the larger LCD screen of the EOS R5. Let’s move on to the camera internals.
Canon EOS R5 vs EOS R6 Specifications Comparison
Aside from differences in resolution and video specifications, the two cameras have a few other functional differences. For example, the Canon EOS R6 has an inferior electronic viewfinder (EVF), a smaller 3.0″ LCD screen with less resolution, no top LCD screen, inferior WiFi features, and a different memory card configuration. Both cameras offer Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system and can shoot up to 12 FPS using mechanical shutter and up to 20 FPS using an electronic shutter.
Let’s take a look at the specifications of the two in more detail:
| Camera Feature | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R6 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 45.0 MP | 20.1 MP |
| Low-Pass Filter | Yes, High-Resolution OLPF | Yes |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | Yes, 5-axis | Yes, 5-axis |
| Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0mm | 36.0 x 24.0mm |
| Image Size | 8192 x 5464 | 5472 x 3648 |
| Pixel Pitch | 4.40 µm | 6.58 µm |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X | DIGIC X |
| Viewfinder | Electronic / EVF | Electronic / EVF |
| Viewfinder Type / Resolution | OLED / 5.76 Million Dots | OLED / 3.69 Million Dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.76x | 0.76x |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Storage Media | 1x CFexpress / 1x SD UHS II | 2x SD UHS II |
| Continuous Shooting Speed M / E | 12 FPS / 20 FPS | 12 FPS / 20 FPS |
| Buffer Capacity (RAW) | 87 (SD UHS II), 180 (CFexpress) | 240 (SD UHS II) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 384-Zone Metering | 384-Zone Metering |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-51,200 | ISO 100-102,400 |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Focus Points | 1053 | 1053 |
| Low-Light Sensitivity | -6 to 20 EV | -6.5 to 20 EV |
| Internal Video Modes | H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit, H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit | H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit, H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 8K DCI @ up to 30p, 4K DCI @ up to 120p | 4K UHD @ up to 60p, 1080p @ up to 120p |
| 4K Video Type | Full-sensor width (oversampled) | 1.07x Crop |
| HDMI Out / C-LOG | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ Diagonal LCD | 3.0″ Diagonal LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 2,100,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi / Band | 802.11a/ac/b/g/n / 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz | 802.11b/g/n / 2.4 GHz |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | Yes, 4.2 |
| Battery | Canon LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6 | Canon LP-E6NH/LP-E6N/LP-E6 |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 320 shots | 360 shots |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 | Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 |
| Weight (Camera Body Only) | 1.43 lbs. / 650g (body only) | 1.3 lbs. / 598g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 5.45 x 3.84 x 3.46 in. / 138 x 97.5 x 88.0mm | 5.45 x 3.84 x 3.48 in. / 138 x 97.5 x 88.4mm |
| MSRP | $3,899 (check price) | $2,499 (check price) |
As you can see, both cameras are quite similar in most specifications. However, there are some very important differences between these two cameras that you should be aware of. First of all, the Canon EOS R5 is aimed at those who need a high-resolution camera (such as landscape, architecture, and studio photographers). With its 45 MP sensor and a high-resolution low-pass filter, the EOS R5 is going to deliver very high-detailed images when compared to the 20 MP EOS R6. What’s impressive about the EOS R5, is that it is able to do this at a whopping 12 FPS using the mechanical shutter. That’s a lot of data to process for the camera, so you will need to use a fast CFexpress card (which is only an option present on the EOS R5) to be able to shoot for a longer period of time. However, the EOS R6 has much less resolution, so it is able to store more images in its buffer – 240 full-size RAW images vs 180 on the EOS R5. This means that if you are going to be using these cameras for photographing fast-moving action, the EOS R6 is going to be a better choice (the EOS R6 also has a slightly better low-light sensitivity range, making it better for sports and wildlife photography).
Another big selling point for the EOS R5 is in video features – it is capable of shooting 8K DCI video at up to 29.95 FPS, while the EOS R6 is limited to 4K UHD only (no DCI). The EOS R5 uses the full sensor width to oversample video, while the EOS R6 uses a small 1.07× crop to be able to shoot 4K UHD. Both cameras can record up to 4:2:2 internal video with the H.265 codec and output 4:2:2 10-bit video through their HDMI ports, which is very impressive.
The Canon EOS R5 has a few more advantages. It has a larger 3.2″ LCD screen with more resolution than the EOS R6, and it has a higher-resolution OLED EVF with 5.76 million dots. In addition, it utilizes better WiFi and Bluetooth chips, with both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz channels (dual band), as well as Bluetooth 5.0. The EOS R6 is limited to 2.4 Ghz WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2.
As expected, the EOS R5 comes with a big price premium of $3,899. In comparison, the Canon EOS R6 will retail for $2,499.
Which Camera Should You Get?
That really depends on your needs. If you need a camera for everyday needs, as well as for shooting fast action, the Canon EOS R6 is going to be a great choice, thanks to its 20 MP image sensor, 12 FPS shooting speed, and a much lower price. However, if you need a camera for high-resolution work (such as landscapes, architecture, and studio), the Canon EOS R5 is clearly going to be the better choice.
What do you think about these cameras? Are you planning to buy the Canon EOS R5 or the EOS R6? Please let me know in the comments section below!
I’ve finally decided on the R6 as I do lots of night sky/astrophotography and the low light performance looks good. Also aircraft and birds in flight, so the R6 should fit like a glove.
Thanks for such a great comparison!!! A follow question, have you tried the EF lens adapter on either camera? Is one better than the other when using these lens? Many folks are not willing to shell out thousands for the RF lens – especially those who have the EF L lens at this time!
R6 is my choice decision is done after going through information provided
Bought the R 6 in December 2020. Getting used to it. Works well once you learn to navigate the menus and programs the Len’s rings. super sharp images. Blue tooth needs work. Direct plug in or taking out the card works best to transfer Images. Lighter than my Canon D 80. 24-105 lens doesn’t have enough reach for wild life. the 35mm 1.8 lens is super. Also using an older Canon L lens, 70-200mm f4 II with adapter and 2X extender and that is amazing. Canon needs to add more affordable RF lenses. Low light is excellent without a flash. This is a full frame camera with excellent resolution. To use well you should be a good intermediate or professional… Read more »
I would be interested in knowing how a macro lens performs on both cameras (R5 vs R6) before and after cropping. Especially where sharp images of very small things like spider eyes and other tiny parts of insects etc are ones target.
which one is best for small bird photography
Perhaps you’re better off with an APS-C camera and a good telelens for that purpose.
I have the R5 and love it. Super detailed bird photos and the new autofocus is a game changer. I have to delete way fewer shots. Get the 100-500mm lens. Insta @ps_nature_shots for lots of samples. CRAW is the way to go too.
I use the R6 with EF-RF adapter EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM with EF 2x III Extender The R6 has “animal head focus” and picked out a North American Cardinal sitting in a tree behind branches. I was shocked! I was shooting at f/11 and the focus on the birds face was spot on.
I need your advices. I need to buy the R6 or the R5 mostly for use in a rather dark church. Usually we shoot in ISOs 800-2.500.
Also, most of the time non professional people will use this camera so I will set everything in AUTO.
We do lots of cropping.
I know the R5 gives you the ability to crop thanks to the 45MP but if the photos have noise then it makes no sense.
Are the photos of R5 gonna be clear in these ISO?
Is it better to choose the R6 or the 20MP will be too low for cropping?
Thanks.
You ll get 5% better image on a R5 for 1500$ more its worthless
My logic (generally flawed) would have told me that the 45mp would be at least twice as good as the 20mp ? Nick
nope
The MP resolution of the R5 is twice of the R6, which if you look at the image size means that R5 image is 50% wider than the R6. You would notice it, but it’s not as much as it sounds like in practice.
If the OP is handing the camera over to an amateur anyways, I would definitely opt for the cheaper camera and if money was an object, grab a used 5dmkiii or 5dmkiv : )
First and foremost you don’t “need” either of these cameras for for shooting dark churches. There are plenty of inexpensive cameras that can do wonders in low light. Besides, placing either camera on AUTO mode is like buying a corvette and getting it without the stick shift (no offense to my fellow vette owners who have an automatic).
I bought eos r6 I already have an eos r, I had doubts because I am uncertain if you change with eos r5. you have been of great help, thanks
Its really great approach to every perosn joined with Photography and videography
I have a Canon EOS R camera bought 18 months ago. I am an enthusiast rather than a knowledgeable photographer. I like to take photos of wild life and landscape. Is it worth my while trying to exchange my camera for the R5 version. Are there new RF long lenses to go with this camera? I have an EF 200-400mm. Again I would like to know if it is worth trying to upgrade.
upgrade! Keep your EF lenses. they work well with adapter and extender…they do make the camera a bit heavier. I’d like to see canon or other manufacturer add a 24-240 rf in 2.8 or even a 2.8 70-300mm and make it affordable.