Canon EOS M6 Mark 2 Review | The Best Camera I've Ever Owned

[@josephineaji]

Wow wow wow am really impressed with your loyalty to the brand dating as far back as 1991. That’s a lot. I just bought my first camera ever and it is Canon M6 Mark 2, and I love it. Am happy with this review from a veteran in the business. Keep being you sir, will really love for you to share more insight into camera usages and lessons you have learned over these years. More blessings sir.

[@PhilUKNet]

Many thanks for your kind words and congratulations on your new camera. Good choice!

[@Linteria]

1981* Welcome to the M6ii club! Happy to have you.😄

[@robtweed1955]

Yes, I agree. The M6 Mkii is an excellent APSC camera, and my choice when traveling. I use it with EF and EF-S lenses: I haven’t bothered getting any M-specific ones. I also use it as my preferred camera for wildlife photography: the extra “reach” provided by the APSC crop factor combined with the high resolution works great, and my EF 100-400Lii lens works beautifully on the M6 Mkii. It’s also a cool camera for attaching vintage lenses: another of my hobbies

[@PhilUKNet]

I use a few EF/EF-S lenses, but the EF-M lenses have excellent IQ and are very small and light. One of the advantages of EF lenses is being able to use a speed booster. I also have a few vintage Canon FD lenses, but don't tend to use these too often. Thanks for your comment!

[@Prabhu_njd]

I totally agree with you phil. The m6 mark ii was the camera that made me fall in love with photography and now i've added a canon r5 with the rf 28-70 f2, rf 15-35 f2.8 and the 70-200 f2.8 lenses.. but i still use the m6 mark ii for travel and street photography.

[@PhilUKNet]

When I first moved to EOS M I used a similar approach. I'd use the EOS M for travelling because it was so small, but I still had a DSLR and would use that for more serious photography. However, the M6 Mk2 is far better (and faster) than any DSLR I've owned so now I use it for everything. If my finances improve in the future I may go down the R path, but with things as they stand at the moment it's just not possible. The R bodies and RF lenses look great, but at the moment they are beyond my budget. You're very fortunate to have such great equipment! Thanks for your comment!

[@LegoAnimations6370]

I replaced Canon EOS M with EOS M6 Mark ii 1.5 years ago and this camera hasn't failed me since. It works for so many different situations. I mainly use Tamron 18-400 mm f/3.5 -6.3 lens with EF-EOS M adapter. The camera itself has proved to be an excellent choice for shooting landscape, portrait, city photography and also very great for my stop motion career. I have nothing bad to say about this camera. Worth every penny.

[@PhilUKNet]

It's great, isn't it? Thanks for your comment! As you say, it's good for everything. I have the original EOS M and although I loved the small size and light weight, it was too slow for a lot of things. The EOS M6 was a HUGE improvement and I've been quite surprised at how much better the EOS M6 Mk2 is compared to the EOS M6. Photographing birds in flight was impossible with the EOS M, but it's a reality with the EOS M6 Mk2. Unfortunately, with the way that Canon are developing the EOS R line and the complete absence of any further EOS M or EF-M development, it would appear that EOS M is now dead. I find this very sad.

[@susheeltm]

The Canon EOS M6 Mkii is a very under rated camera. I own that and I find it a great light weight compact camera for travel, street and landscape photography. I have taken some really nice landscapes with this camera and it's M series lenses. I have tried my hand at bird photography too with it (with the Canon 100-400 version 2), and the results were quite good. My regular gear for birds & wildlife are the canon R5 & R6; but then those are far more expensive too.

[@PhilUKNet]

I think so too. I've always liked the M series, even though the earlier models were far from perfect. When I got the M6 Mk2 I was surprised how much of an improvement it was over the M6. I've really enjoyed using it. I'm envious of your 100-400 Mk2 😐 I have the 400mm f/5.6L and I'm really looking forward to using it with the M6 Mk2 for some birding. I live fairly close to a well known wetlands area in Southern Thailand that is great for birds, but due to family commitments I don't have many opportunities to get there. Thank you for your comment!

[@macdandy1972]

I also have the Canon M6 M2 and I use it mostly for Macrophotography. For that type of work the camera is FANTASTIC --- very light, very sharp, and super easy to use. To light up my small subject(s), I pair it with two Godox MF12 flashes. I highly recommend you give those lights a look. They are well worth the price.

[@PhilUKNet]

Hi Andrew, thanks for your comment. I think I mentioned in the video that I'd bought, and had problems with, a Yongnuo ring flash recently. I am very wary about buying off-brand equipment as whenever I deviate from Canon I get problems! I have a good macro lens and want to do more macro work, but using focus stacking and the Mk 2's focus bracketing feature. Flash can't be used with focus bracketing, so it would be natural light. I think it's a great camera too, as do many Mk 2 owners. I'm getting concerned that there haven't been any new M cameras or EF-M lenses for a while. I hope Canon isn't going to end the line. I hear rumors that they will release an R body with APS-C sensor, but it is the form factor of the EOS M that I love and that wouldn't be the same.

[@macdandy1972]

@@PhilUKNet Unfortunately I think it is a very good bet that Canon is dropping the EF-M line. I feel badly about that --- since it is doubtful we will ever see another good lens made for the system --- but I am going to hold on to this camera and my lenses. However, for other portrait work I use a SONY A7iv. That is just a better camera all around. Yet for anything MACRO, I still reach for the Canon. Love it.

[@ChristopherYardin]

Great review and happy that you have shared some of your experiences that will help me on my next upgrade.

[@PhilUKNet]

Thank you 🙂

[@slyreader]

Back in the film days, I shot with a Canon Elan IIe. Fabulous camera, but time marches on. A good friend recommended the Canon 90D. Within a week of buying the 90D, Canon put the 80D on sale for a ridiculously low price, so I bought one of those as well. From day one, I had nothing but problems out of the 90D, so I sold it. The 80D performs flawlessly. However, it's a really quite heavy camera to be lugging about all day, so a few months ago I bought a Sony ZV-1 and once again Canon had a sale within a week on their G7X Mark iii, so I bought that for a backup camera. I don't like the Sony, the menu harder to get through to get where you want and it just doesn't feel as good carrying it. The G7X, on the other hand, fits my hand perfectly! So, I'm selling the Sony and thinking of buying the M6 Mark ii. I don't consider myself a Canon fangirl, like you said Canon just makes a really good product. Thanks for making this video, I liked how you explained everything. You just earned yourself another subscriber. Keep 'em coming!

[@PhilUKNet]

Thank you! I started with a 10D and moved to a 40D. When it was time to upgrade again I had gotten tired of lugging around DSLR bodies and EF lenses, so moved to EOS M, EOS M6 and then EOS M6 Mk2. I generally use EF-M lenses, but still use my EF and EF-S lenses when EF-M lenses aren't suitable. I'm really surprised about the 90D. Unlike the GoPro I bought, Canon usually produces flawless products.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I have become a FV mode shooter. Having control and making the camera pick the ISO is just so easy !!!

[@PhilUKNet]

Getting the EOS M6 Mk2 was my first encounter with Fv. I ignored it as first because of a tendency to stick with what is familiar. However, once I started to play around, it just made so much sense to have control of the exposure triangle all in one place. I still use the other modes for certain situations, but really all I need is Fv and Program. I'm not sure why this wasn't introduced years ago!

[@theurbanodyssey]

Probably still the best camera for street and light travel. The new canons all seem too big to me and they don't seem to have brought major improvements. I think I will keep this camera for many more years

[@PhilUKNet]

I'm still very happy with mine! Although not announced formally, it does appear as if EOS M is finished. That is very sad. Canon appears to be consolidating everything into one line with the introduction of APS-C 'R' bodies. As you say though, the R bodies and RF lenses are a lot bigger and heavier. It was the small size and light weight of EOS M that attracted me in the first place. Like you, I'm planning to use mine for many years to come too!

[@Linteria]

@@PhilUKNet me three! I tried the R system a few months ago with the RP, and it just wasn't small (or charming) enough. I sent it back and will continue to expand my M line with more lenses! I love this camera so much, going on 3 years with it. It really has everything you need and then some.

[@PhilUKNet]

@Linteria Ten years for me now. The form factor of the original M was great, but it was very slow. The M6 Mk2 I got last year is fast and has all the features I want while still being small and light. With the 22mm f/2 and 32mm f/1.4, Canon also proved that EF-M lenses could be fast. It's a great system, and I'm so disappointed that Canon has abandoned it, although I can understand putting all their resources into just one line. I expect that sooner or later I will buy an R camera.

[@Real.Estate.Motivate]

Really enjoyed this video Phil. I use the M6 Mark II mostly for video and it's amazing camera for the price.

[@PhilUKNet]

Thanks Lee! I was out again on Sunday shooting football and fast moving R/C model helicopters. I'm amazed at the speed, responsiveness and AF accuracy. The shots I took would have been impossible with the EOS M and very difficult with the M6, but the Mk 2 makes it easy. I had no idea that the M6 Mk 2 was this much better than the original M6. It has renewed my love of still photography and I haven't done a lot of video so far. What I have noticed with video compared to the original M6 is that the Enhanced Image Stabilisation is really nice and that the audio sounds better with an external microphone. I've only found a couple of things I don't like. I realized that the auto level indicator wasn't working. I did a search and apparently it doesn't work with eye focus turned on, which isn't great. Also there seems to be no way of locking the touch screen. After setting the camera up I must have inadvertently brushed the touch screen and changed some settings. I'd like to be able to lock everything to prevent this. But apart from these minor issues it has been a blast to use. Thanks for your comment!

[@aman4everchanged......129]

Glad you like camera. Im a newbie but I have gotten some very nice shots. I have the nifty 50 with adapter, 22 pancake and the kit 15-45

[@PhilUKNet]

I'm really pleased with it! Those first two lenses you mentioned are nice and fast and the EF-M 22mm is tiny. Another lens that works well with the adapter is the EF 40mm f/2.8 pancake. I got the EF-M 15-45mm in a kit with my M6, but I don't tend to use it. I prefer the original EF-M 18-55mm kit lens and I also like the EF-M 11-22mm. I think my next one will be the 32mm f/1.4 when finances allow!

[@Jarnvargfenrirsson]

I also love this tiny monster, it is a wonderful camera, a plasure to use with an atonishing image quality, the size is just pefect, it feels good in hand, easy to carry around, i use with the original EF-M line up and most of them are fantastic lenses as de 32mm or the 11-22mm, the EF a d EF-M works as native with the adapter, great Autofocus; using old legacy lenses is easy and fun, the touch screen works great, a solid, compact canera, perhaps i miss a in body stabilization to use with old lenses without it, but it is not a issue at all

[@PhilUKNet]

I love it for the same reasons! I started with an EOS M, which was a great size and weight, but it was slow. The M6 was a huge improvement and the M6 Mk2 was another big leap. Unfortunately, it looks as if Canon will now just develop the R line and there will be nothing new with EOS M. I wasn't sure whether they might keep EOS M alive for APS-C, but the announcements of the R7 and R10 effectively killed off EOS M. I think it's very sad, but Canon know what they are doing.

[@AlphaCentauri24]

Thank you for this review.

[@PhilUKNet]

Pleasure! Thanks for the comment.

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I have an EOS-M for travel and M6II as my main camera. I have to use raw therapee ART to edit my CR3 photos.

[@PhilUKNet]

I just use the M6 Mk2 now. My nine year-old son has taken an interest in photography, which I'm pleased about, and I let him use the M occasionally under supervision! I also have an M6 Mk1 for backup, but it has a small problem. When I shot with SLRs, I shot RAW and used the Adobe DNG converter to convert the Canon RAW files to DNG. I think this is a lossless process, and it allowed me to process the files in an old version of Photoshop. After moving to M, I went back to shooting JPG at the highest quality, and it's fine for the type of photography I do. I keep meaning to experiment with RAW again, but I have little time, and I'm quite happy with the JPGs. Thanks for your comment!

[@jetblakink]

Been shooting my M50 since 2018, mainly for street photography and it is a boss. However I think it's time to upgrade and get something with a bit more controls and custom modes. I'm thinking of going M5 or M6mk2, as I love the size of the M system. The M5 will do exactly what I want it to, so, I'll probably go that way, but I keep watching M6mk2 videos, as I think it might be better in the long run, even though the price will be double. I have a load of big Canon DSLRs, and a few SLRs too, but the M system is the one I use every single day.

[@PhilUKNet]

The M5 is quite old now and is basically the same as the M6 Mk1 with a built-in viewfinder. I had an M6 Mk1 for several years, but I was amazed how much better the M6 Mk2 was. I'd definitely recommend the M6 Mk2 over the M5. If you want a viewfinder you can buy one separately that goes on the hotshoe. I gave up DSLRs when I moved to M in 2013. I love the system and feel disappointed that Canon is dropping it in favor of R.

[@jetblakink]

@@PhilUKNet I hear you regarding the M system. Canon have failed us M users terribly. I also hear you regarding the M6mk2. I find them still a bit too pricey even on the used market, and so I'll probably go with the M5 for now. I'll only use it for street photography, where I'm shooing manual focus lenses, and so all that extra tech won't be needed. In a few years time, I'll then be able to upgrade to an M6mk2 when the prices drop to a reasonable level. I have no real intention of going R mount at this point.

[@PhilUKNet]

Our views on the M seem very aligned. For street photography, the small size and light weight make it an ideal system. The price of the M6 Mk2 was also a problem for me, and I couldn't find any good deals at first. I saw used ones for just less than two/thirds the price, but buying used carries some risk. Finally, I found a body only deal, which I took because I didn't need the 15-45mm kit lens. It also depends where you live. The UK is expensive, and prices are the same in pounds as they are in US dollars. I'm in Thailand and saw a good deal in Malaysia, but shipping was a problem. Good luck!

[@MrYolacski]

M6 Mark 2 simply the best

[@PhilUKNet]

The more I use it, the more I agree! I watched a very depressing video the other day about Canon introducing an R mount APS-C camera and cancelling the EOS M range. The R bodies and RF lenses aren't small, which is what I love about M and EF-M. The original EOS M, which I started with, was very slow but the system has evolved into exactly what I wanted with the M6 Mk 2. I will be very sad if it is allowed to die.

[@abitofaviation]

Thank you, very good insights!

[@PhilUKNet]

Thank you, appreciate your comment! I'm still enjoying the camera very much and recently I've been taking photos of my son playing football. I'm getting shots that would have been impossible with the original M and even the EOS M6 Mk1 would have struggled. It's fast action, but the M6 Mk2 keeps up with regard to frame rate and AF speed. It's not the fastest camera available, but for its small size and light weight it does a great job! I just feel so sad that Canon appear to have ended the EOS M line 😔

[@zhangwilliam4090]

Great camera! I wish I could buy it early. I bought Nikon Zfc which is also a good camera. If I knew this M6, I would buy it instead of Zfc.

[@PhilUKNet]

It really is a great camera! I'm sure the other brands are good too, but I've had over 40 years of hassle free photography with Canon so I just stick with Canon.

[@robertorusso3192]

Hi Phil, i need to ask a question about this camera, i have a Large format camera (4x5 inch format ) and i am planning to use this camera as a digital back and reccordding multiple picture that i will stitch in photoshop. The question is: do this camera shoot also without lens in manual? thank you for the answer in advance and thank you very much for this video, i found we made a very similar road about Canon ( i started with my first Canon AE program, then F1 new, than d450 d500 d760 and finally 5DMk4, never i found a better company than canon on my road...)

[@PhilUKNet]

There's a custom function to release shutter without lens. I first came across this using FD lenses with an adapter. These lenses have no electronics so the camera thinks there is no lens and this custom function has to be used.

[@KenCoCreates]

I use the sigma 18-35 1.8 and tamron 18-400 it is such a great camera. Underrated but soon to be outdated 😢

[@PhilUKNet]

I've always just stuck to Canon lenses. It certainly looks as if Canon have abandoned the EOS M line, which is sad. The EOS R cameras look great, but I love the small size and light weight of EOS M.

[@Alexander-bj6vj]

Greetings! Great and informative video. I have a question and I would be grateful if you helped me. I am an aspiring filmmaker that would like to buy a new camera. I am thinking of a smartphone or a dedicated camera. What camera do you recommend for me to buy? Should I buy a used one maybe? My budget is less than a thousand dollars. I want my films to me cinematic looking so keep that in mind. If you would help me i would be very grateful! Thank You!

[@PhilUKNet]

Hello Alexander, and thanks for your comment. I don't think I can help you. In order to make a recommendation, I need to know about lots of different options. However, I don't know much about the market. I was talking to a friend yesterday who is a graphic artist and enjoys photography. He was looking at cameras, but ended up with an iPhone Pro Max. He said that the quality is excellent and the big advantage is that he always has the phone on him, whereas he wouldn't always carry a camera. With a camera, you will have lots more lens options and a bigger sensor. For video I tend to use a GoPro because of the image stabilization, which is a lot better than my Canon camera. However, the GoPro has problems that my camera doesn't. It's a difficult decision because there is so much choice now. It's really dependent on what type of films you will be making and personal preferences.

[@chrishuang8763]

The whole EOS-M system is very under rated. Some say it will die soon as Canon does not seem to pay much attention to it but I would disagree. I have both the M100 snd M6 Mk2 amd enjoying it. Recently, I have been using them with my TTArtisan manual lenses and would be getting a Voightlander APO 35mm f/2.0 lens soon to use it on the M6 Mk2 with an adaptor.

[@PhilUKNet]

I love it too. Even when I first moved across in 2013 to the original EOS M, which was very slow, I loved the form factor and good quality lenses. As it gradually evolved into the EOS M6 Mk2, which is blazingly fast and accurate, I love it even more! Despite the rumours and lack of new products recently, I don't believe that Canon has ever officially said it will be discontinued and I sincerely hope not. I still think there is a lot of life left in the system and that many people like the small and light form factor. Every lens has been very good optically and the 22mm f/2 and 32mm f/1.4 have shown that fast EF-M lenses can be made. Plus it can be used with old manual focus film lenses that focus to infinity and also the whole range of EF and EF-S lenses. I've seen the Artisan lenses for sale, as well as other brands with an EOS M mount, but so far I have just stuck with the Canon lenses. I have a K&N adapter for my Canon FD lenses.

[@chrishuang8763]

You should try some very affordable TTArtisan lenses for the EOS-M mount. I have got all 4 of them. The 17mm, 23mm, 35mm and the 50mm. The 35 is the sharpest followed by the 17mm. Shooting with a manual lens actually very easy. One just need to use focus peaking for those subjects/objects nearer than 15 ft. Beyond that all you need is set it to infinity.

[@PhilUKNet]

@@chrishuang8763 I'm not looking for any new lenses at the moment, but I'll bear your comment in mind!

[@neeteshpathak2455]

Sir I just bought this camera 📸, my question is-- which lense is best for self branding purpose. I want to take my own pics

[@PhilUKNet]

The native EF-M lenses are very good. Some are a bit slow, but the camera has good high ISO performance and speed isn't important for non-action shots. It really depends on what focal length you need. For flexibility the EF-M 18-150mm offers a wide focal range. I use EF-M lenses most of the time unless I don't have something suitable for a particular type of photography. For example if I'm shooting birds I will use an EF 400mm f/5.6L or for macro I will use an EF 100 f/2.8L IS - with an adapter of course. If you can be more specific about what you want to shoot, I may be able to help you more.

[@neeteshpathak2455]

@@PhilUKNet let me try about specific use: I want to run fb add, for same i will record sells marketing video and want to take some pics for instgram ( of my own ) ( and sometimes family pics ;) Also I want to record KZbin videos ( general indor office shoot , stock market educational video ) Just for 1st look to impress viewers I want to take sharp pics and good clarity. This is my 1st camera , i have zero knowledge , i may add 1 more lense. Another question-- Also just for random pics is it good to buy 55-200 lense i am getting as second hand from a person at half cost. Is that too worth buying... And I thank you ,you replied back ❤️

[@PhilUKNet]

@@neeteshpathak2455 I was using the EF-M 55-200mm yesterday to take photos of my son playing football. It's a bit slow, but the light was good and the results were sharp. It will be a good buy at half price. Did your camera come with a lens? If so, I assume the EF-M 15-45mm kit lens. If you want to buy one more lens, I would suggest the EF-M 22mm if you want a faster lens for doing indoor video or the EF-M 11-22mm if you want a wider angle lens. All of these lenses are sharp and have good clarity.

[@PhatsoJuggalo806]

Like Phil says The EF-M 18-150mm; ive been using the older EFS 18-135mm its half the price and only needs a $35 adaptor that lets you use other EF and EFS lenses

[@PhilUKNet]

@@PhatsoJuggalo806 Good point. With an adapter you can use a huge range of EF and EF-S lenses. There are no optical elements in the adapter, so even a cheap one won't affect the image quality.

[@hussamkassab131]

Which ef lens with adapter is equivalent to a ef-m lens for portrait photography???

[@hussamkassab131]

I want to buy m6ii camera but I can't afford to buy ef-m lenses right now

[@PhilUKNet]

For portrait photography, 85mm on a full frame sensor is regarded as a good focal length. This camera has a 1.6x crop sensor, so around 50mm would be roughly the same. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a well regarded lens and not too expensive if your budget is limited.