Choosing between the Canon R6 and the R7 can be a difficult decision for photographers. Both cameras offer high-end features and capabilities, but there are some key differences to consider. The R6 is a more affordable option with a 20.1 megapixel full-frame sensor and a fast autofocus system. It also has a high burst rate of 8 fps and can shoot 4K 60p video. The R7, on the other hand, has a higher resolution 45-megapixel sensor and a larger, more advanced electronic viewfinder. It also has a slightly slower burst rate of 7 fps, but does offer 5-axis image stabilization.
When it comes down to it, whether you choose the R6 or R7 really depends on what you're looking for. If you're all about that high-res and advanced viewfinder life, then the R7 might be the way to go. But if you're on a budget or you're into fast action photography, then the R6 might be a better fit. Both cameras are top-notch and have professional-level features, it's just a matter of figuring out which one works best for you. Let's check them both out and weigh the pros and cons together!
Canon R6
The Canon R6 is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera that offers a variety of advanced features for photographers. It features a 20.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 100% coverage and 1,053 selectable AF points. It also has a high burst rate of 8 fps and can shoot 4K 60p video. The camera also has built-in 5-axis in-body image stabilization, dual card slots and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity. The camera also has a 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification and 3-inch 1.62 million dot fully articulating touch screen LCD. With its high-end specs and professional-level performance, the Canon R6 is an excellent choice for photographers who want to capture high-quality images and videos.
Canon R6 Specifications
20.1 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 100% coverage and 1,053 selectable AF points
Up to 8 fps continuous shooting in mechanical shutter and 20 fps in electronic shutter
4K 60p and Full HD 120p video recording
Built-in 5-axis in-body image stabilization
Dual card slots (1x CFexpress and 1x SD UHS-II)
3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification
3-inch 1.62 million dot fully articulating touch screen LCD
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity
Same battery as EOS R5, which is rated for 350 shots or 90 minutes of video recording.
ISO range of 100-102400 (expandable to 50-819200)
Dual processors for fast performance and quick autofocus
Dual Pixel RAW for fine adjustments to bokeh and focus shift in post-processing
Eye and face detection AF for improved portrait photography
Compatible with Canon RF lenses and EF lenses with an adapter
Canon R7
The Canon R7 is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera that features a high resolution 45-megapixel sensor and a larger, more advanced electronic viewfinder than its predecessor R6. The camera also has a 5-axis image stabilization, Dual Pixel RAW for fine adjustments to bokeh and focus shift in post-processing, Eye and face detection AF for improved portrait photography. It also has a slightly slower burst rate of 7 fps, but does offer 5-axis image stabilization. The camera is compatible with Canon RF lenses and EF lenses with an adapter, which makes it versatile for different types of photography. It has a durable build and a variety of advanced features that make it an excellent choice for professional photographers.
Canon R7 Specifications
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II - AF that recognises and tracks people, animals and vehicles
Up to 15fps continuous shooting - Plus 30fps bursts with the camera’s electronic shut
32.5 megapixel APS-C sized sensor - The ideal balance of resolution, speed and low-light performance
-5EV low light focusing - Accurate focus in low-light conditions
ISO 32,000 - Standard maximum sensitivity
Full HD up to 120p - For super smooth motion
Collaborative IS - Body and lens stabilisation working together for up to 7 stops3 of protection from camera shake
4K/60p - Video capture
2.36 million dot EVF - With up to 120fps refresh rate
7.5cm 1.62-million dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen - Take a different view of your subject DIGIC X processor - Responsive control and minimal EVF lag
Canon R6 Battery Life vs Canon R7 Battery
Canon R6 and R7 have the same battery life, Both cameras have a battery rated for 350 shots or 90 minutes of video recording based on Canon's standard testing conditions. This means that in ideal conditions, you should expect to take around 350 shots per charge with either camera. However, actual battery life will depend on a number of factors such as the shooting conditions, the settings you use, and how you use the camera.
Using live view, shooting video, using continuous autofocus, high-speed burst mode, using the camera's rear LCD screen, using high ISO, and shooting in cold temperatures can all have an impact on battery life and drain the battery faster.
In summary, both Canon R6 and R7 have the same battery life, which is around 350 shots per charge, but it's always a good idea to have at least one extra battery with you, especially if you're going to be doing a lot of continuous shooting or using the camera's advanced features.
R7 vs R6 | Resolution
To me, perhaps the most significant difference between the Canon R6 and R7 is the resolution of the sensor. The R6 has a 20.1-megapixel sensor, while the R7 has a 45-megapixel sensor. This means that the R7 is capable of capturing more detailed and higher-resolution images than the R6.
The Canon R7's high resolution of 45-megapixels is a great feature for photographers who want to capture fine details and produce large, high-quality prints. As a Professional Sports Photographer, this can't be overstated enough. Oftentimes, my sports photos are being blown up into posters, billboards, etc. The high resolution sensor allows for a greater level of flexibility when cropping and enlarging images, making it easier to achieve the desired composition. The high resolution also helps in low light situations, allowing for cleaner and less noisy images. Additionally, the high resolution also allows for a greater dynamic range, resulting in more detailed and accurate images. With 45-megapixel sensor, R7 can produce images that are incredibly sharp and detailed with a level of clarity that is not possible with lower resolution sensors. The high resolution sensor also allows for better image quality in low light situations, resulting in cleaner and less noisy images. In short, the high resolution of the R7 is an excellent feature for photographers who demand the highest level of image quality and detail.
Canon Viewfinder | Canon R6 vs R7
The Canon R7's viewfinder is larger and more advanced compared to the R6. The R7's viewfinder is a 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification, which provides a larger and clearer view of the scene than the R6's viewfinder. The larger viewfinder makes it easier to see the entire scene and helps with composition and manual focusing. The OLED technology used in the R7's viewfinder also provides a high contrast, bright and accurate display, which makes it easy to see details in darker areas of the image, this is particularly beneficial for low-light situations.
Additionally, the R7's viewfinder also has a higher refresh rate, which means that the image in the viewfinder will be updated faster and more smoothly, this is helpful when tracking fast-moving subjects, it makes it easier to follow a subject and maintain focus. The R7's viewfinder also has a higher resolution, which means that the image in the viewfinder is more detailed and accurate. This is particularly beneficial for manual focusing as it allows you to see the image more clearly and accurately, resulting in sharper and more precise focus. Overall, the R7's viewfinder is a significant upgrade over the R6's viewfinder, and it provides a more immersive and professional experience for the photographer.
Canon R7 vs R6 | Burst Rate
The Canon R7 has a shooting speed of up to 30 frames per second (fps) with the electronic shutter and up to 15 fps with the mechanical shutter. The Canon R6, with a 20 fps shooting capability with the electronic shutter and 12 fps mechanical, is still great, but obviously not as good as the R7. Why would one need a 30 fps shutter speed? I'm glad you asked...
A camera with a 30 fps (frames per second) shutter allows you to capture 30 still images in one second. This can be beneficial in certain situations where you want to capture fast-moving subjects or actions. Some of the benefits include:
Action photography: With a high fps rate, you can freeze fast-moving action, such as sports or wildlife photography, and capture sharp and clear images.
Video recording: A 30 fps shutter can also be used to record smooth and high-quality video footage.
Low light situations: A high fps rate also allows you to capture images in low light situations without using a flash or a tripod, which can be useful for candid or street photography.
High-speed sequences: High fps rate also makes it possible to take a sequence of images in a short period of time and then choose the best one from the set.
It's worth noting that the higher the fps rate, the more memory and processing power is required, and the more you will have to compromise on resolution or image quality.
Autofocus in the Canon R6 vs Canon R7
The Canon R6 camera is equipped with a Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus system. This system uses two photodiodes per pixel in the image sensor, which allows for fast and accurate focusing. The camera can focus on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds, and can track a moving subject with ease. The autofocus system also features a large number of focus points, which allows the user to select specific areas of the frame to focus on. Additionally, the R6's autofocus system can also be used in low light conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting situations. Overall, the Canon R6's autofocus system is a highly advanced and reliable feature that allows for quick and accurate focusing, making it a great choice for photographers of all skill levels.
One key difference in the autofocus between the R6 and the R7:
R6: 6,072 points (1-point AF mode), or 1,053 points (Tracking)
R7: 5,915 points (1-point AF mode), or 651 points (Tracking)
Canon R6 Lenses vs Canon R7 Lenses
In another blog, I've already shared my thoughts on the best lenses for canon cameras, and keep in mind, this is coming from someone who shoots mostly sports photography.
The Canon R6 and the Canon R7 cameras are both compatible with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses. EF lenses are full-frame lenses that are designed for use with full-frame cameras, while EF-S lenses are designed for use with APS-C format cameras like the R6.
Both lens types offer a wide range of focal lengths, apertures, and features, from wide-angle to telephoto and from standard to specialized lenses such as macro, tilt-shift and fisheye.
Additionally, the R6 and R7 are also compatible with third-party lenses that are made to the EF lens mount standard, such as those from Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. However, when using third-party lenses, the autofocus and image stabilization features may not work as well as they would with a Canon lens.
Canon R7 Firmware | Canon R6 Firmware
The Canon R6 and R7 cameras are equipped with firmware that controls the camera's internal functions. I won't get too technical here, but the firmware is responsible for controlling things like autofocus, image stabilization, and other features of the camera. Canon regularly releases firmware updates for their cameras, which can add new features, fix bugs, and improve the overall performance of the camera. It is important to keep the camera's firmware up to date to ensure that it is functioning properly and taking advantage of the latest features and improvements. Updating the firmware can be done through the camera's built-in menu system or with a computer using the Canon EOS Utility software. The firmware updates can be downloaded from Canon's official website. Overall, the firmware is an important aspect of the R6 and R7 cameras, and regular updates can help to ensure that the camera is functioning at its best.
Canon R7 Video Specs | Canon R6 Video Specs
Both cameras shoot 4K UHD video recording at up to 60fps
Both have Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology for smooth and accurate autofocus while recording
Both have Real-time Eye AF and 10-bit 4:2:2 for advanced video recording options and color grading flexibility.
The R7 has a longer recording time than the R6 (30 minutes vs 1-2 hours).
Canon R6 Video Specs - Digging Deeper
The Canon EOS R6 camera is a powerful video recording tool that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. The camera is capable of recording 4K UHD video at up to 60 frames per second, as well as Full HD video at up to 120 frames per second. The camera also has a built-in microphone and a 3.5mm microphone jack for connecting external microphones, which allows for high-quality audio recording during video capture. Additionally, the R6 offers a variety of video recording modes, including manual control, which allows for full control over the camera's settings. It also has the ability to shoot with Canon Log, which is a gamma curve that gives greater dynamic range and flexibility when color grading in post-production.
The R6 also includes advanced video features such as Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology which allows for smooth, accurate and fast autofocus while recording video. The camera also supports Real-time Eye AF, which automatically detects and tracks the eyes of subjects, even when recording video. It also has the ability to shoot in 10-bit 4:2:2, which is a high-quality color depth and it allows more color information to be captured and provides more flexibility when color grading.
Canon R6 Sensor
The Canon EOS R6 camera is equipped with a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. This sensor is designed to capture a large amount of light and detail, resulting in high-resolution images with rich colors and low noise. The sensor also allows for a wide range of ISO settings, from 100 to 102,400, with the ability to expand to 204,800, which allows for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions. The sensor also has a high signal-to-noise ratio, which helps to reduce noise and improve image quality.
The sensor is paired with Canon's DIGIC X image processor, which allows for fast image processing and high-speed continuous shooting. The sensor also features a low-pass filter to reduce moiré and false colors, which ensures that images are sharp and accurate. The sensor also has a fast readout speed which helps to reduce rolling shutter when recording video. The sensor also allows for Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which is a fast and accurate autofocus system that allows for smooth and precise focusing while recording video or taking stills.
In summary, the Canon EOS R6's sensor offers high resolution, wide range of ISO settings, low noise, and fast readout speed. It paired with DIGIC X image processor and low-pass filter for even better image quality and performance. Additionally, the sensor allows for advanced autofocus system.
Canon R7 Sensor
R7 Sensor Type - Approx. 22.3 × 14.8 mm (APS-C) CMOS
R7 Effective Pixels - 32.5MP
Total Pixels in the R7 - 34.4MP
Canon R7's Aspect Ratio - 3:2
Low-Pass Filter - Built-in/Fixed
Sensor Cleaning - EOS integrated cleaning system
Color Filter Type - Primary Colour
Sensor Shift-IS - Yes, up to 8-stops advantage depending on the lens used.
7-stops with the RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM
Canon R6 Autofocus Tracking vs Canon R7 Autofocus Tracking
Canon R6 AF Tracking
The Canon EOS R6 camera is equipped with advanced autofocus tracking technology, which allows for precise and accurate tracking of moving subjects. The camera uses a large number of focus points and sophisticated algorithms to track subjects as they move through the frame. This allows for fast and accurate focusing, even when capturing fast-moving action. The camera also has Real-time Eye AF, which automatically detects and tracks the eyes of subjects, which is particularly useful for portrait and wildlife photography. Additionally, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides smooth, fast and accurate autofocus when shooting video. Overall, the EOS R6's autofocus tracking technology is a powerful feature that allows photographers to capture fast-moving action with ease, ensuring that they never miss a shot.
Canon R7 AF Tracking
The R7's tracking is able to be set for not only Humans (Eyes/Face/Head/Body), but Animals (Dogs, Cats and Birds) or Vehicles (Racing cars or Motorcycles).
Canon R7 AF Lock
According to Canon, AF is locked when shutter button is pressed halfway or AF ON is pressed in One Shot AF mode.
Canon R6 LCD Monitor vs Canon R7 LCD Monitor
To some, the monitor means everything, to some, nothing. I land somewhere in between, but for your benefit, let me lay out some facts about these camera's monitors.
Canon R7 LCD Monitor
The Canon EOS R6 camera features a 3-inch Vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor with a resolution of 1.62 million dots
The monitor is able to tilt up and down which allows for easy viewing from various angles
The monitor has a wide viewing angle and high brightness for easy viewing in various lighting conditions
The monitor has touch-sensitive controls, allowing for easy navigation of menus and settings
The monitor also has a built-in live view finder which allows for easy composition of shots and preview of settings.
Canon R7 LCD Monitor
The Canon R7 includes a 7.5 cm (2.95") TFT colour LCD monitor, Approx. 1.62 million dots with a viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees vertical and horizontal. It includes an anti-smudge coating and seven different levels of brightness settings. Display options include:
(1) Basic Camera settings
(2) Advance Camera settings
(3) Camera settings plus histogram and dual level display
(4) No info
(5) Quick Control Screen
(6) Display off
Canon R7 Battery Grip
If a battery grip on your camera is important to you, than the R7 is not for you. Why? Because Canon doesn't make one for it. That doesn't mean they won't in the future, but as of now (2023) it does not exist.
Canon R6 Battery Grip - Does it exist?
Yes, there is a battery grip available for the Canon EOS R6 camera. The grip is known as the BG-R10 Battery Grip and it is designed to hold two LP-E6/LP-E6N batteries, which effectively doubles the battery life of the camera. The grip also allows for more comfortable and secure handling of the camera, especially when shooting in portrait orientation, and it also provides additional controls, such as a second set of buttons and dials, making it easier to adjust settings while shooting. Additionally, it provides a better balance when using heavy lenses. The battery grip is manufactured by Canon, it is easy to install and it's compatible with the EOS R6. Now let's hope the R7 gets the same treatment.
R7 vs R6 Canon Camera Showdown - The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between the R6 and R7 will depend on the photographer's specific needs and preferences. If a high resolution and advanced viewfinder are important, then the R7 may be the better choice. However, if budget is a concern or if fast action photography is a priority, then the R6 may be the better option. Both cameras are excellent choices and offer professional-level performance and features. It's important to weigh out the pros and cons of each camera and decide which one best suits your needs. Let's check them both out together.
My final (flippant) take - buy whichever one you want. Both are great. The differences are negligible, and the comparable "cons" are tolerable. It's easy to get lost deep, deep in the weeds of specs and megapixels , but at the end of the day, we're talking about two great cameras, made by a great camera company. Either Canon camera will be perfectly suitable for an amature photographer.