Canon EOS R6 Mk II Tutorial, Pro Tips, Secrets & User's Guide by Ken Rockwell

[@MNLanger]

Just picked up an R6 MII today. It's on the way and the first place I went after placing my order was to your channel. You written guide will be invaluable. Thank you very much for all your hard work.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I hope you used an authorized source listed at www.kenrockwell.com/links.htm#stores once you get it, see my users guide at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm . Thanks!

[@JurajHatina]

I have transitioned now from Nikon to Canon after nearly 15 years and basically with this new cameras I feel totally comfortable and at home.

[@obrys5494]

because the Nikon ui developers don't use cameras at all

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly!!! Thanks!

[@obrys5494]

@@badongtagalog5737 no, canon has a much better UI and menu (menu =/= UI).

[@bollytalent2012]

After 10 years with Nikon, I JUST made the switch to Canon!

[@PitlordWeedsmurph]

Hey Ken, I want to thank you for everything! I’m about to turn 31 soon and I’ve been following you since I first got into photography when I was a kid. You’re the guy who gave me my foundations in the craft and I’m the person my friends look up to. If I get interested in an old camera or lens I know that I can always read your thoughts about it from two decades ago. No matter if I’m using Windows XP in the 2000’s or the latest and greatest Pro Mac today, your website is always in my browser’s favorites for quick access. Thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Have you donated a cent? Lip service is pointless

[@jhwalter968]

Just got an R6 Mk II yesterday after deciding that a mirrorless camera was what I needed to digitize thousands of old family slides. I experimented with a Canon M50 M2 but I found that it wasn't ideal for the job. Your videos have helped a lot over the years in finding my next camera for general use. For working on a copy stand, tethered to a laptop I think this R6 will be outstanding (plus its a lot lighter than my 1Dx's) so I'm looking forward to working my way through your tutorial and learning a new tool. Thanks for all you do.

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANKS!! I'd think most cameras work well on a stand; I love my R6 II because it's so fast and easy to reset it for fast-changing conditions. Copy stands are usually set-and-forget. Thanks!

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

I really don't need an upgrade, my RP does all I need - but this would be the camera I'd get if I do upgrade. Thanks for your great work over the years Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed. This camera has al the buttons missing on the RP so its faster to set up for each shot, assuming you shoot very different things. Thanks!

[@ElodinClassic]

I replaced my RP with the R6 Mkii because I recieved the R6mkii as a gift. Now my RP is almost treated like a toy. This makes my Canon RP feel insanely slow and toy-like. That being said, I never would have upgraded so hard if this wasnt a gift.

[@jamesmgreen15]

Your expert instructions are a breath of fresh air. The images you share are a delight on the eye, and the skill involved is a marvel. I consider your website an essential resource. Thank you as always, Sir............I am originally from London, England. I get told I go fast too sometimes - usually from friends in your south.🙂

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@Kevon420]

If this camera had the sensor, EVF, and AF-On button of the R3 it would be true perfection - virtually every other feature from the R3 and R5 does little to nothing for me. There are people who say they want a full size HDMI port on it (which to be fair the competitors often provide) I guess some mid-size businesses can use these cameras' video features for clients. Regardless this R6II is incredible: with just the 14-35/4 L, 50/1.2 L, and 70-200/2.8 L I can do almost anything I can dream of everywhere I go on every job! Of course a few others like the 100-500mm when I need that sweet 420mm money shot once in a blue moon. Excellent video, I always appreciate your content Ken; no-nonsense, quick and fun. Whether I'm doing big pro work or just a little snapshooter your reviews tell me everything I need about the gear you cover! Thank you!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I love the R6 II more than anything. Sure you might want to replace some things, but it’s still better than the R3 etc for most uses. All over all, for people who know what matters and how to shoot, the R6 II is the best camera ever made.

[@michaeljaworecki9194]

I just ordered mine, can't wait to put it through its paces. Thanks Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hope you love it!!

[@ellenh7498]

Thanks Ken for a great presentation. I'm from NYC and I was happy to finally not be bored with a video because you kept going!!!!! I probably talk faster than you LOL

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hope so! Thanks!

[@Sadieazuki]

Ken - love your video as well as your web site - your web site is the best out there for those getting back into photography by far!

[@KenRockwellTV]

You are too kind. Thanks!

[@jackreich3174]

Hey Ken, You are a lifesaver... Just picked up the MKII yesterday... Thank you ...

[@KenRockwellTV]

You're welcome! How do you like it?

[@marshacooper8356]

Many thanks for this video. I have had my R6ii since the camera was released and I'll be honest, I've not got on with the focusing system. I have watched numerous videos but this one is by far the best for the most basic settings! I just need to get out and practice now!

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@greg1martin]

Loved this video. Thanks so much. I am not from NY, but your speed of presentation was perfect. Again, thanks.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@adude394]

Thanks as always, Ken! Got my R6 II today, and using the EF > RF adapter to put my 24-105 on it just for learning. Your tutorial is far more helpful than trying to look through the manual. No doubt, this camera is a few steps more sophisticated than my 7D II and even my 1DX III, but it's going to be great fun to learn how to use it best!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Be sure to read my complete written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm thanks!!!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I don’t know that I’d call your adapted lens “just for learning;” the lens will work great with no compromises other than being bigger than a native RF lens.

[@adude394]

@@KenRockwellTV Kind of an unrelated question, Ken, but have you posted anything discussing the pros and cons/ins and outs of using electronic vs. mechanical shutter? I'd love to learn more about that.

[@KenRockwellTV]

No, but it's simple. Silent is nice and it often goes to higher speeds, however usually it won't work with flash (as is the case with the R6 II) and can lead to image tilts if you pan fast, rarely a problem with the R6 II. I do have a complete users practical tutorial for the R6 II at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm THANKS, Dude!@@adude394

[@adude394]

@@KenRockwellTV Great, thanks so much for the quick reply! 👍👍👍

[@yellowbearworks2535]

Thank you for all the contris Ken, your opinion mattered when I finally bought an R6 MII yesterday.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hope you love it!!!!!

[@rachellovespony]

I’m going to order R6 Mark II… Option 1: R6 Mark II with RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Option 2: R6 Mark II with RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM I take photos of architecture/ portraits/ people/ landscape when traveling, maybe once per year. I’m not familiar with the lens. May I have your thoughts?

[@KenRockwellTV]

YES!!! Hope you love it.

[@davidclement5927]

Hi Ken, Having just purchased a Canon EOS R6 MKII, I really found your video very useful and informative. I have seen your user guide online and its great. I have now set up custom shooting modes C1, C2 and C3, along the lines you have suggested. Just one question, it took me a long time to set all three shooting modes up, so is there a way I can back them up, in case I lose them for some reason. Thanks Dave

[@KenRockwellTV]

Oddly the R6 II can’t save your settings to a card. You’ll just have to write them down on paper or make phone photos of the setup screens. I never bother.

[@davidclement5927]

Thanks for your prompt reply Ken. It's probably me being paranoid wanting to backup everything. It just seems strange for Canon not to provide this facility. I though there may be a back door somewhere I couldn't find. Thanks again.

[@Twobarpsi]

I really like this camera. Everything from the file sizes, AF capabilities, and price. I think the R5 Mk2 will be to much camera for my needs. This R6 Mk2 would be my choice, over the current R5.

[@KenRockwellTV]

There is no R5 Mk II, so you can't shoot with it. The R6 II is a masterpiece. Thanks!

[@NYCArthur]

That was great. Thanks, Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@Henqi]

Great stuff! Thanks Ken 🤝

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@eric.p.merlin3537]

Jumping to Ken’s review of the camera 📷

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! Full review is at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm

[@lynsmith1096]

Good tutorial Ken. Just subscribed.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@WINDSHEAR-STUDIO]

Love your videos. You explain as I would. Though I have a R7 most of this applies as they are similar enough. Thanks Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Here’s my R7 guide: www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm#usage

[@sjcproductionsandmedia]

When you tap the screen to focus it automatically goes to One Shot according to the canon manual

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@williamjeffries6811]

On your advice I just bought one. Thanks - I love it! Just one problem I can't seem to solve. Often when i go to shoot, the AF focus point has moved to where my nose touches the screen or to where my thumb inadvertently touches the screen. This happens regardless of autofocus mode. I end up taking shots with the focus point moved to the lower left corner of the shot. How do I disable the autofocus touch control so the camera can find the focus point on its own? Thanks for all your valuable work!

[@KenRockwellTV]

See my full users guide at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm, and specifically www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm#af under Using the Touch Screen to select AF areas. You can turn it off entirely, or more importantly, select which part of the LCD responds or not. Thanks!

[@Wildmountainsafaris]

Hi Ken - any chance you’ll review the zoom you have with the OM1 ? Or any other Zuiko lenses ? And your long overdue Contax 645 review ! Cheers

[@KenRockwellTV]

Ah, coming coming coming. Thanks!

[@tetraultdavid1911]

Fantastic as usual.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you !

[@VladSvoka]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@NECPER]

Thanks for sharing. Does the R6markII have in camera HDR output?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes!!! See my full written review for details www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm#hdr

[@nixland]

For photographing marathon running, how can I select the eye or face of certain runner when there are several runner that have same focus distance around that runner ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

See my written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm, and specifically at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm#af where I explain how to use the touch screen as a big touch pad while you use the finder to slide around and select AF areas directly.

[@corbinpearce7686]

I've had the R6II for about a year now, and my sole gripe with it isn't even necessarily its fault. It's still not supported by Lightroom for tethering. Adobe claims they rely on drivers from the manufacturer to add software support. This means that either Canon has been sitting on drivers (which should be nearly identical to the R6), or Adobe has the driver they need, and just haven't added the support yet. In either case, it should't have taken a year+ to add tethering support. For studio photographers, whether that be portraits, products, etc... this is a big feature to be missing. Any chance you can make some noise and get the ball rolling?

[@KenRockwellTV]

We’ll see. Sorry about that.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

What do you think about the new Nikon Z6 MK3?

[@KenRockwellTV]

See my review of it at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii.htm I much prefer the R6 Mk II. Thanks! See also www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm

[@madjid4332]

Hi Ken, I found a second hand Nikon D850 only body with 8000 shots for $1000. Is it a good Price?

[@KenRockwellTV]

See the link to them at eBay in my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d850.htm. Then select SOLD ITEMS in Filters, and you’ll see exactly what people have paid for them recently. Thanks!

[@ruknak]

does your review on R6 mark2 is similar for R8 as well?

[@KenRockwellTV]

R8 is the R6 II sensor & electronics in a smaller body with a smaller body and fewer controls. Full reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r8.htm

[@oliveringram3056]

.75 works best for me, thanks for the tip.

[@KenRockwellTV]

He heh, more secrets of KZbin. Glad I could help.

[@vermontmike9800]

With the small body size and compact prime lenses Canon now offers, it’s hard for me to justify buying anymore M43 gear.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly, and the companies that make m43 don’t have the color rendition I prefer. My OM gear is bigger and heavier than my APS-C Canon gear; Canon is newer and better. Thanks!

[@RR-zq3mk]

Bummer to hear your guy Gus for camera repair is kinda retiring and has doubled all repair/service prices starting literally last month. Any other guys who would be capable of servicing/repairing an old Nikon rangefinder ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I only use Gus.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Not that I know of. The other guy who did one of mine, Pete Smith, passed a few years ago.

[@TrollMeister_]

Why don’t you ever review Panasonic / LUMIX L mount cameras ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Not enough time. I'm just me; one expert with in-depth wisdom rather than a team of kids who can give casual opinions on everything. I've only got the time to focus on (haha) leading brands like Canon, Sony and Nikon. Thanks!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Ah is AI Focus back then, thought that vanished. Interesting on the R7 I can use info to jump through menus quickly, I’m watching this on very fast but was that the Q button on this camera, Canon love to make things the same, but different lol. Like why not let us customise everything like the R3 can?

[@mvp_kryptonite]

I’d really like if the custom recall enable had an extra setting to remember the settings for 12, 24 or n hours. That way if things get changed a lot whilst in use, it goes back to my base setting. This is because I switch between custom modes a lot

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Also the save settings only on the R5/R3 (as of 2023), just put it on all cameras and use a colour for a menu item that needs setting (say if I restore R7 to R3, the R3 would have lots more to configure)

[@KenRockwellTV]

AI FOCUS randomly appears on some models but not others. Been that way probably for a decade or two.

[@KenRockwellTV]

We can customize, that’s in the video and of course my written version at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm#customcontrols thanks!

[@shaneburgess5590]

Can’t seem to get use to the focus with this camera

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hmm, it just works for me. See the AF section of my users guide www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/eos-r6-ii-users-guide.htm#af Thanks!

[@TheDimshadow007]

thanks

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@GregoryDai]

first ！

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@Dslicckest1]

Man, this makes me want to switch from Nikon.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I upgraded to Canon back in 2012, and it’s the smartest thing I’ve done. Nikon was hot in the 1960s-2000ish, and as of 2012, Nikons never caught up. Thanks !

[@williamgollatz1911]

.75x speed for normal talking. .5x for an explanation from a drunk man.

[@KenRockwellTV]

However you like it. Thanks!!!!

[@eric.p.merlin3537]

In my case .. Ken Rockwell at normal speed x1 🐇 Too many reviewers at x1.25 or x1.50 speed 🐢

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Ken’s very consistent to poop out Uber-saturated images from all models of all brand 😂

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly. An artist always forces his tools to comply with his vision. Thanks!