Canon R5 vs R6: Can the 20 megapixel R6 compete for wildlife, birds, and milky way photography?

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journalofwildl...
Join me as I share my experiences as a nature photographer with owning both the Canon EOS R5 and R6. I've had the R5 for over a year, and the R6 for several months, and it's time for a showdown of these two in shooting birds, deer, whales, foxes, and even the milky way. I have lots of examples of the same shots with the same settings, and I discuss many of the more intangible attributes that you can't get from a spec sheet.
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Website Simondentremont.com

[@redpillnibbler4423]

To offer another perspective on 20 megapixels,people sometimes forget that not that long ago photographers were raving about 8 megapixels and what great large prints they made.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Also for perspective, how big does a 4k have to get to look bad? Those are only 8mp.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

@@mikafoxx2717 Depends largely on screen size and viewing distance.

[@Rubinobill]

I’ve watched so many of these versus videos and IMO this should be the required video to watch before making the purchase. I bought the R6 in 2021 because the R5 was impossible to find at the time so I still watch these from time to time to keep myself grounded that for my needs I don’t need to upgrade. Thanks for making this man.

[@johnkorth8599]

After following your channel for a while, the one thing I’ve noticed is that the quality of your videos have drastically improved, both audibly and visually. The content has stayed the same, always useful tips and tricks

[@simon_dentremont]

Working on it!

[@frankanderson5012]

Probably the best and most balanced comparisons of these two cameras I've seen. I do own the R6 and it is more than enough for my type of wildlife photography. I'm particularly impressed by its low light ability where I can shoot at 25600 ISO. What a lot of photographers, especially KZbinrs forget is how important the cost factor is. I could have got an R5 but instead for the money I saved, got a battery grip, additional battery and a used RF24-105 f4 lens. I liked that you mentioned the addtional cost factors of getting the R5. One thing that nobody mentions is that you can use Topaz Gigapixel A1 to help with crops. No it won't make the R6 the equivalent of an R5 but it gets close. Today you could by an R6 and get an R7 for the cost of an R5. The R7 will give you much of what the R5 will give you. At the end of the day you get what you can afford and what best suites you. If money is no issue, you may as well get the R5 but if, like for many, money is tight, the R6 is more than able.

[@simon_dentremont]

Agree! Thanks for sharing your feedback.,

[@krejn]

Excellent video, I've just recently purchased the R5 and am definitely glad I chose it over the R6. Brilliant features, built like a tank, has a nice heft to it and the extra megapixels and top screen come in absolutely clutch. I came from the 80D and as someone who always wanted a 5dmkiv, the R5 is absolutely legendary, especially with the amount of updates they've given it, I don't expect to upgrade until 2030 at least

[@Adesh_Singh44]

A year later and this video is still doing a great service to us enthusiasts. I have used the R6 mk 1 for the past year and have been quite pleased, although the R5 mk 2 may (if rumors are to believed) may be quite a leap forward. I am currently pairing my R6 with an EF 300mm F2.8 and absolutely love the combination.

[@marktaylor9579]

Simon, what a great openminded review. I have an R6 and have never used an R5. I can honestly say that I haven't missed any of the R5's extra features (I don't do video) and extra costs. When deciding which of the 2 to purchase I decided that price difference was better spent on a week long photography workshop on the Isle of Skye, an experience I'll never forget. I've been very impressed with the R6 (upgraded from an EOS80D) as I have all of the benefits of the frame rate, low light performance, and the awsome autofocus system that it comes with. I can afford an R5, but I can't justify it based simply on more megapixels and video capabilities, there would need to be much more to get me to change.

[@simon_dentremont]

Sounds like you made the right choice!

[@estone9960]

It's amazing how life is so much better when you surround yourself with people who bring value by way of knowledge, interest, and compassion. This is the recipe for a better society and to end racism. Your video inspired me to say that. Thanks and I'll be getting an R6 very soon.

[@KyleEllefson]

Simon- I love the fact that you comment on every post here... just wanted to say thanks for that. I learn a lot just reading comments

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome

[@havarsigurjonsson4128]

Excellent review. I have had the R6 for 12 months and not missed anything from the R5. The R6 and the RF100-500 is the perfect combination for my photography. Still I have sometimes wondered if I should have gone for the R5 instead. Your video convinced me that I made the right choice.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thank you so much. I have the Canon R6 and buying an R5 seems too much of a stretch in cost for me. I also bought the R7 that did not exist when I bought the R6 for reach advantage.

[@davidstevens8245]

Love your excellent, easy to understand technical explanations. I'm glad you popped up on my KZbin

[@alanbudge]

Brilliant video and exactly the comparison I needed. Still using the 5D but now convinced the R6 is the way forward for me. It will also leave a considerable amount I can spend on lenses. Thank you Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@martincregg]

So wonderful to watch this. The review answered a lot of my questions in November 2024… I’m thinking of buying used. I’ve been a subscriber for a while and have got used to your smile in more recent videos. 😀.

[@simon_dentremont]

I try to make them better with each video!

[@robertlawrence7958]

I bought an R6 originally because I could see that mirrorless is killing DSLRs and that my 5d and 6d bodies would rapidly lose their value. Having bought one I was absolutely delighted with it. I actually like the body layout on the R6 as I find it slightly reminiscent of old analogue cameras with dials and buttons rather than mode screens. I shoot wildlife and sport and find 20 mp to be absolutely fine for my style of work. A big consideration for me for not getting the R5 was not wanting to upgrade my computer yet again to cope with the big files. I don't shoot video so the higher video specs didn't interest me. I think many photographers these days would rather have more mp's in order to crop in rather than honing their skills to get closer to their subject. Yes, there will always be times when getting closer is impossible but on those occasions I simply put the camera down and just enjoy the moment. I have been so pleased with the R6 that I have bought a second body and although the EF lenses work perfectly when adapted I hope to gradually replace them with RF lenses as soon as finances allow. An excellent balanced review Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing Robert. Great feedback from your experience which I’m sure will help others.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Plus, the more of the sensor you use, the better the lowlight performance.

[@magnethierry9945]

Your videos ,explanations and how you show the setting on camera and real example are really a pleasure to watch and so instructive .thanks for sharing to people .whatever you explain and teach is a great help but cannot replace yoru own talent and probably long experience in doing what you do ..really happy to find you on YT

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@londonandtheworld]

This is the best video on this topic I've watched so far and I've watched so many! I couldn't make a decision on which camera to choose but after watching this video it has become clear to me which camera is the best match to my needs, thank you Simon!

[@bbpettipas6679]

Simon, great meeting you again last week. Thanks for the heads up about this video. It answered all my questions. Well done!

[@simon_dentremont]

Any time!

[@bunkermagnus]

This was the best comparison I’ve seen so far between these 2 cameras. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaminthompson5814]

What a great job explaining all of this. Really appreciate the work and great content. I had no problem in becoming a new subscriber and look forward to not only watching your new videos but all the older videos as well.

[@simon_dentremont]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@kevaljoshi7594]

Great video just what i was looking for just got refurbished R6 for $1299 US can’t wait to take into the field . I love your videos straight to the point.

[@albertnebe8795]

The sharpness of the 500 f4 with the 2times extender applied is outstanding. Great comparison btw 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks. With electronic shutter it’s a great combo.

[@andrewyoder88]

FINALLY someone with the comparison I've always wanted! Wildlife after sunset. Thank you!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michael_177]

I've been shooting with film cameras for a while now, and your videos are really helping me decide what type of digital cameras I can get without breaking the bank on 40+megapixel cameras! I think I've still got some research to do before I spend any money on digital, but you're seriously helping clear away some of the fog and misinformation

[@WernerBirdNature]

Hi Simon. I've shot 70k images with the R6 and 100-400Lii, and it was a huge upgrade from my old 70D of course. But (even with the extenders) I felt I was not getting enough reach as I was cropping a lot for tiny birds (and I don't have your cute foxes nearby). And the EF extenders did hurt IQ. This lens was giving me much pleasure on APS-C, but really felt too short on FF. I had been considering adding the R7 but without wanting to film myself, hiking with 2 camera's seemed more like a handicap than an advantage for me. So I ended up selling this combo and bought end of August the R5 and 100-500 with which I'm already beyond 40k images. While I do agree with your arguments in favor of the R6, the new combo is a lot better in stilling my hunger for details. To my surprise, I got now a 512 Gb CFxB card for the same price as a 256 Gb v30 SD card (9 times slower) a year earlier. So suddenly the much faster CFxB cards are becoming much better value for money than SD cards. During a day in a bird hide shooting mostly electronic, I was able to get 12800 images with the R5, on only 2 batteries.

[@ScottBaker1]

Excellent video. I'm a Nikon user but always interested in other brands and what they bring to the table. Very well done.

[@simon_dentremont]

It's nice to see what others are doing,

[@TheRealSimeon]

Your photos are just incredible!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@davearchbell9921]

Excellent comparison. I wish I could afford the R5. I'm a Nikon shooter and just bought a Z6ii. Your liking/acceptance of the lower mega pixels is reassuring.

[@simon_dentremont]

A sharp lens is a great addition to a nice full frame body like that.

[@davearchbell9921]

@@simon_dentremont I'm waiting for the 200 to 600 to be released. I have the Sigma 60 to 600 now.

[@DonGerico]

Dave, the Z6ii looks like a beautiful camera. I’m leaning towards it over the R6. I think the images that come out the z6 are beautiful and it’s weather sealed! The r6 has the sealing of my canon 6D which is to say absolutely no weather sealing. When factoring cost, for me that’s an important thing Nikon have worked in and is essential.

[@adude394]

Great stuff here, Simon! Though I've been happily in the DSLR camp for some time, I find myself getting closer and closer to picking up an R6 Mk II. (Under no circumstances do I see me getting rid of my 7D2 or 1DX3. Ever!) I've done some hunting around, and it seems that it's quite possible to use the 1.4x III extender on an R-series, along with the EF-RF adapter. In my case, that would be the Canon 100-400 II > 1.4x III > EF-RF adapter > R6.2 camera. (Based on your excellent extender video, I don't think I'm quite ready to use that on a DSLR, but it may be a very good pairing with the mirrorless.) Like quite a few of the other posters, I don't shoot video at all, but OTOH, it seems that any good camera today is going to feature video, so that's just something to take into consideration as well. If you shoot video, great. If not, well, it's there if you need it or want to learn about doing it. Regardless, while I could certainly afford the R5, I think the 6.2 would be a very nice addition to my kit.

[@רוניפינקל]

I use Canon eos r6 for more than a year,it does his job very well exactly as I want. I also tried taking a video with r6 it's very good.i guess that for Africa safari, I need to have a second body and more lenses. Thanks for the explanation.

[@OldGirlPhotography]

Concur with the comments below - very well balanced review, addressing all the questions most relevant to either making a purchase choice or use of each camera. Thanks, Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1958zed]

Great comparison. Thank you. I'm still using my 5D Mk II for my landscape and travel photography, and have been mulling over the option to upgrade to a mirrorless camera. I certainly don't need the high frames per second (Mt. Whitney isn't going anywhere anytime soon), but the better dynamic range and increased ISO on either the R5 or R6 is appealing, as is the number of focus points available compared to my whopping 9. I would stick with my EF lenses and just buy the adapter to make them work. Something to consider, that's for sure.

[@kennetht66]

Great video l have the r6 . One thing I will say is the glass is important as the megapixels.

[@simon_dentremont]

That’s for sure!

[@kamiltupatowicz5161]

Stunning pictures, I'm in awe, as always. Thank you so much for this video, Simon. I already got my Omen, waiting for R5 now ;). All the best!

[@simon_dentremont]

Good choices!

[@cerealkiller4248]

Until early this year I had the original 7D. I’d been waiting for a 7D3 or a mirrorless version of my 7D since about 2015. I wanted to stay with a crop camera for the crop reach, and kept telling myself Canon was bound to release one soon, but as the years slipped by I started to doubt it. So, this year I bought the R6, the R5 was never on my radar, I never shoot video and didn’t want to deal with 45mp files at 30fps, but I would rather Canon had made it 30mp like the 5D4. But, it was what it was so I took the plunge. What swung it for me was the R6 had the same sensor as the 1DX3, and coupled with the animal AF I thought it must be a winning combination. So, in practise, for me, this is what I found. The main worry I had was the crop ‘reach’. I’ve honestly not missed it, HONESTLY. That was my biggest worry and I’ve found it to be unfounded. I have a Canon 100-400Mk1, a Sigma 300/2.8 and a Canon 500/4IS, they all do a great job even the 300. The IBIS, which was never on my radar, has allowed me to take my 500/4 out on a Black Rapid sling and leave my tripod/monopod at home and shoot hand held, something I struggled with before, the flexibility of this is a game changer. Now I shoot at Auto ISO, whereas my walk around settings on my 7D was ISO 800 because of the noise. My PP skills are basic, I didn’t want to spend too long at a PC ‘working’ my images, I have 3 children under 10 so ‘my time’ is severely limited. I know the cameras tech is 10 apart ( one reason I didn’t get the 7D2 ) and now it really shows too. It’s a fantastic sensor. The eye AF is crazy, it’s so good ( but can get confused in certain circumstances) my flight shots have now become so much better. I’m still learning how to use it, because as I said I have young children who ALWAYS want to go with daddy, I don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to it, plus I use FUJI, a X-Pro1 in the car in between jobs as I drive around and an X-T1 as my carry around on family outings because it’s so light and has such clean images. I’ve zero buyers remorse, I just need more time to understand it, because make no mistake, the set up is a lot more confusing than my other cameras. But Simon’s video on setting the AF up taught me a lot recently, so this time of the year I start to feed the birds and can hopefully put that knowledge to good use. EDIT I forgot to add, 20mp was enough on the flagship 1DX3, the R3 is 24mp ( I think that’s right ) so both Canon highest ranked bodies have by todays standards a lower mp count, I’ve never heard of anyone complain the 1DX IQ being poor, and the R3 has a solid following from Canon pros with deeper pockets than me 😂😅😊, it’s a very well regarded body.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing!

[@branonpsu]

Thanks so much for your comments. I have the same concerns since I have only shot with a Nikon D3500 and Canon T8i (850D). I don't have anyone to photograph with that owns a Canon so I search the net for info. I have saved up over the years and bought a a new 70-200F4Lii, used 100 f2.8Lii and 100-400 f4.5-5.6 mii, and some afs-c lenses but don't want to spend on a 500mm+ lens (even though I know I'd love it) so I was on the fence about jumping to full frame. It sounds like I should take the plunge. I love macro photography and it seems that the R6mii has focus stacking in camera which I have never tried manually :) Feel free to share any more info that may help, but thanks so much for your comment.

[@darrenleigh201]

Great comparison with plenty of information to chew on. Thanks for sharing!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guyjackson4143]

Simon, thank you for the most in depth reviews of both cameras. All though I am a die hard Canon dslr user with crop sensors (t3i, 70D, slr3, 90D) I still enjoy hearing other people's thoughts on the new cameras.I started doing photography about 40 years ago with Canon 35mm film cameras with add on auto drives that maxed out at three frames per second, if it had fresh batteries in. The most shots available were 36 before having to change rolls of film. If you didn't get the shot you got to wait and maybe try next time. I guess maybe that's why the super high frame rates and extreme iso really doesn't appeal to me. I do use mostly third party (Sigma) lenses, 150-600c, 120-300 2,8 and the 500 f4 sport. Again thank you for a true side by side comparison.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing Guy!

[@BrandNameBullets]

The new R7 and R10 just came out a couple weeks ago, they are the mirrorless APS-C bodies in the same line. I just swapped from a 70D to an R7 (literally yesterday) and my initial impression is that it's a fantastic upgrade for people who don't want to write off their whole crop-sensor lens collection. That said, the jury is still out on the 18-150mm f3.5 kit lens. It's fine, but I need to get out on some proper adventures before I can really say whether I think it's worth it.

[@jonathanscherer8567]

It's really surprising to me. I'm looking at the samples from the R6 in the video, taken at higher ISO's, and these are not that far off what I've seen with the OM-1. Considering the pixel density, though similar pixel count, it's surprising how well the OM-1 sensor does. With a good lens, it resolves a lot of detail. I know it's not going to be quite as good as the R6 in a lot of situations, but having a BSI stacked sensor with cross-pixel AF it's still a fairly impressive sensor. The R5 is another level of course.

[@janyemans]

As usual, more than an excellent video. Perfect subject as many of us are saving our dollars for a mirrorless. Thank you so much.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@jenshjmann3547]

Thanks for your excellent videos! In this comparison however I find it a little unfair for the small censor to be enlarged beyond 100% every time. In that way it will allways look a little soft. The right way must be to enlarge the 20 Mp to 100% and the 45 Mp to same motiv size. Then look after a difference. Actually I think it would be more interesting to compare the dynamic range, the color balance and the noise in the dark areas of both cameras at high iso.

[@KenToney]

Great video. I started with Nikon (been shouting seriously since 1970) and tried the Canon (bought the 5D mark 4 but disliked the menu. When I switched to Sony about 5 years ag it was a little “different” to say the least in menu but now I’m totally happy with the A1! Tell Gavin to watch Mark Smiths video on setting up A1 and pick up a 200-600, you can hook him on nature! 😂😂

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing! I’m working on him!

[@KenToney]

@@simon_dentremont kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoWldqGEfLdjgbs

[@neilcole3406]

Great info,as lm looking at the R6 markll at the moment!

[@rogermaioli]

I find myself wanting more megapixels for getting close-ups of very small birds. But in my case the problem is compounded by the fact that I currently shoot on an APS-C model (Sony a6600). Upgrading my system would mean moving full-frame, and then I'll lose the crop factor and get even farther away from the bird, unless I spend the money on a very high-megapixel camera like the A7R IV (and the forthcoming V) or the A1. That's my plan at this point, but I worry that the pixel density will be roughly the same and improvements due to better sensor technology will be marginal to the eye. Another alternative will be to wait and see what Sony's new teleconverters will offer that the current models don't. Adding a better teleconverter to my 200-600 mm might be the way to go.

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes you need sharp glass to give up the crop-sensors. The 200-600 sounds like a great lens.

[@tonynicolaci3244]

The Canon R7 might be something you might want to consider. I have the R6 and R7.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Some great comparison info haven't heard before like in the video settings, etc. that one would need to know before making a purchase. Subbed.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@helloianzakharov]

I have em both, and have to notice one more thing. In single AF-point is smaller in R5, it’s more handy for small birds.

[@simon_dentremont]

it’s interesting you say that. I noticed that once or twice but wasn’t confident enough it was « a thing » so didn’t mention it.

[@helloianzakharov]

@@simon_dentremont it’s easy to find. When set single AF-point and put cameras head to head you can clearly see R5 AF square is smaller. Another thing to notice. This year I use cameras in a very hot climate zone (outdoor temperature often is over 34°C). So R5 heats much faster, and even give lens Err 60. R6 works fine in the same conditions.

[@tekguyphoto]

Good to know.

[@billrhea]

I am a wedding photographer and I shoot both. When I edit I can never tell which camera shot the photos

[@ChrisRavage]

Man it surprised me seeing how good that 1080p looked at the side of that 4K R5 footage.

[@simon_dentremont]

it’s quite decent.

[@johnvanderploeg]

Great video! One thing I have noticed when comparing images in Lightroom is that sometimes, for whatever reason, one of the photos won’t load fully. I think this may have happened with one of the deer photos you were showing. In my experience, high res cameras produce a finer noise grain as well as sharper more detailed noise. Couple that with the larger image dimensions and it’s easy to come to the conclusion that low res cameras produce less noise. However, in my opinion once low vs high res images have been resized to the same dimensions, high res images look superior every time.

[@simon_dentremont]

my view is in the same ballpark. thanks for sharing.

[@nickbristol3457]

Great review Simon on these two cameras. I'm still a Mk4 shooter but thinking about a switch finally so quite helpful. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome. I used the Mark IV for 4 years before the R5. It was a great camera, but the R5 was a great upgrade in every way.

[@nickbristol3457]

@@simon_dentremont Good to know! I have been using mine for around 5 years now and ready for a change. I do mostly landscape photography and over the years have done lots of large prints. For that reason I'll probably go with the R5. Thank you Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

@@nickbristol3457 Welcome!

[@wendydoggett4373]

Great video, I learn a lot from all of your videos. I have the r6, really like it and and certainly have a lot to learn. Not into video yet, maybe over the winter. I enjoy equine photography so consider this wildlife. 😊. Should my shutter mode be set on mechanical rather than elec. 1st-curtain? Also like shooting birds, deer etc. Thanks for any advice.

[@simon_dentremont]

First curtain is fine most of the time, but I prefer mechanical as I like knowing the shutter is going and 12 fps is just right

[@wendydoggett4373]

Thank you!

[@hywel3143]

Hi, Simon. Thanks for another excellent review. Would you recommend a used R6 for landscape, travel and occasional wildlife photography writing in January 2025 please? It's quite confusing trying to weight up the relative merits of the original R, R6 and RP as used purchases. The R8 is hugely attractive and I could afford it used, but I'm a little concerned about the lack of weather sealing in both the R8 and RP (coping with wet and cold Snowdonia weather is often a challenge!).

[@deanpratley125]

I just bought the R7 30Mp 15fps Its got the eye detection of the R3 and R6 sure its a crop body, but oh wow, what a camera. If you can, get your hands on one of these babies! Thanks Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Very nice! I’ll have to try one some day.

[@MichaelBartosh]

I traded in my R7 for the R6 because I shoot a lot of low light photos. There was always too much noise at the higher ISO levels. Otherwise, I would have kept it for compatibility with all my EF lenses.

[@Sadieazuki]

another excellent video by Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@fototripper]

Love the fox footage. If you want more squirrel footage just come visit the library in the church, there's a whole crew.

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

😂😂😂

[@linyu6980]

Hello Gavin, We also have a lot of squirrels and some foxes in Montreal, for the foxes it is the city of Montreal that made them immigrate to our large park, because there are too many squirrels.... where is your squirrel library? I do not find !!! Sorry for my english Gavin!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

If I ever make a squirrel video, I know exactly where to go.

[@linyu6980]

@@simon_dentremont 🤔🤣😁

[@Joebnx1]

Thanks again Simon. I have the R and an R6 and was thinking of selling the R to upgrade to the R5 but once again I pause bc I don’t shoot video and the extra storage and processing on my 2017 iMac might be problematic. Instead I may upgrade to a Studio Mac. Btw, I’m just a few hours west into NB so if you want some squirrel shots, daily I have multiple greys, reds and occasional blacks on my deck and in the trees behind me. You are welcome anytime!

[@ioannistziamalis]

Great Video! I wish that my Nikon Z6ii had an AF system as good as the one in the R6. I am still hoping for a Firmware update that could improve things a bit.

[@simon_dentremont]

That would be cool! I have many friends with same who need better autofocus. the Z9 has proven they can do it. Like you say, hopefully they can fix in firmware. At a minimum, the Z6III should have it.

[@Roguey]

would you say a R6II would be a big upgrade over an R10 for wildlife (as both cameras are 24mp). thank-you for the great video!

[@daviddeane]

Great overview. I have the R6, I love it. Can't afford the R5, but I'm saving and dreaming of the R5 mk ii for next Christmas :)

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome.

[@Fifthimagez]

Excellent video very helpful thanks for sharing

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rlgenge]

My first reaction on the sample images was a preference for the R6. Best to put the savings toward glass.

[@simon_dentremont]

Good glass is indeed key.

[@rreichar1]

Very nice video! I have had the R6 for 18 months or so. I was worried that I was leaving something on the table so I rented an R5 for a week. All shots were with the RF 100-500mm which is the sharpest zoom that I’ve ever used. I could not really tell much difference on most of the photos. The R5 that I rented froze up several times during the week which was frustrating. I know this has since been addressed with firmware but I did actually miss a few shots because of it. When trying gear or researching gear I try (I don’t always succeed) to ask the question “Will I get more shots with this piece of gear than what am am currently using?” For the R5 my answer would be “ A few more here and there.” At the time I had the rental R5s were difficult to come by so I saved the money and continued to use the R6. I am an amateur so I definitely don’t need to impress anyone with my gear.

[@simon_dentremont]

The R6 is a great camera and will do the job for a great many people. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheHamsterMaster]

Great video Simon! So between the R5 and R6, which one in your opinion would be better strictly for landscape photography?

[@simon_dentremont]

The R5 is best if you pixel peep or print super large, but isn’t needed…the R6 is fine for 90pct of people.

[@zetacrucis681]

Sensor performances seemed to have plateaued in the past 10 years or so. In low light the old 6D seems to be able to keep up with the R6 from the shots I've seen. The R5 has more dynamic range at low ISO but nothing groundbreaking. The Nikon D600 from a decade ago can more than match it there. It's a great time to get into photography proper with high-performance digital cameras more affordable than ever for those of us happy to buy used.

[@mikafoxx2717]

The 6D and etc are about 4000 iso for lowlight, R6 mk2 would be about 5500iso for the same grain/ dynamic range at same print size. Base iso dynamic range is pretty big however at 9 stops vs 11

[@LegacyIIonorangecab]

Always great videos! Thank you , should i move from 1dx to an R5? Mainly doing sports like mountain bike, motocross and concerts (indoors) Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes, absolutely. A big move up in iso performance, autofocus, cropability, and features. The body might not be as rugged, but it’s well weather-sealed and solid. You can keep using your Ef lenses, adapted.

[@susanganphotography]

Thanks Simon. Useful information and really easy to understand. Have you compared the Canon EF 100-400 to the Canon RF 100-500?

[@simon_dentremont]

I haven’t actually. Since I have the 100-400 II I won’t be getting the RF 100-500, but if I didn’t own it, I expected I would get it.

[@susanganphotography]

@@simon_dentremont In your opinion which is the better combo? R5 with 100-500 OR R6 MK II with 100-500 + 1.4 extender? Are you better off trying to get the animal closer in camera by using an extender or just doing a tighter crop in post?

[@robvelthove9432]

I have the r6mkii and am doubting the same; get the ef100-400 with an adapter or spend the extra money and buy the rf 100-500..

[@prestonmoore9070]

I enjoy your videos. Can you make a video on shooting milkyway?

[@simon_dentremont]

Have one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nquTl5aNbNeWpsk

[@robertgilbert484]

That was a wonderful intro to a great review.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you kindly!

[@robertgilbert484]

@@simon_dentremont Hopefully the Lord of Hardcastle Towers will watch this video too. BTW, I was watching your videos before Garth showed up!

[@simon_dentremont]

@@robertgilbert484 He has!

[@MichaelBartosh]

Great video and a very fair comparison of the two cameras! I have one question... I am not familiar with the lenses you used for the comparison. Were those EF or RF lenses? If EF, weren't the photos cropped to 1.6 in the camera body automatically? Thanks again!

[@simon_dentremont]

They were EF, so theres no crop unless used on a crop sensor body.

[@tarjeijensen7237]

I started with the EOS 30D @8mpx. I have never viewed 20 mpx as "little". It think that if you have an outline of the R5 and R6 sensors (using the resolution) centered in the same point, the difference is not that big. There is a difference, but perhaps not as big as people expect.

[@simon_dentremont]

for most applications, I think you’re right.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another awesome video like always 👍🤗

[@simon_dentremont]

So nice of you Miguel!

[@tarjei99]

The 20 mpx sensor was fabolously large when I got ny 7D2. This didn't change when I got my R6.

[@simon_dentremont]

I took lots of pics with my 7DII before I went full frame.

[@ME2K23]

Hi Simon, A little after seeing this video, I got myself an EOS R5. I would like to know the settings you're using just to make sure I did set mine the best way (Maybe do a video about the R5 best settings for wildlife?) Tips on saving the battery power would also be nice... I did all I could for reducing the time the displays is on and every setting I could find to reduce enegy consumption but it still fall very far from what my DSLR can achieve, even with an older, lower capacity Canon battery.... To the point of wanting to revert back to it sometimes...

[@simon_dentremont]

Jan Wegener on KZbin has a great video on settings for wildlife. Aslo, the best battery saver is turning on airplane mode.

[@raymondowilson8537]

Great video! You mention a newer sensor is generally better. I love wildlife photography however I can't afford an R5 MK II. Would it be possible to compare an R5 to a 5D MK IV for wildlife? Thanks!

[@viacheslavslavutsky7818]

Hey Simon! After watching your video, I found it very professional, very versatile with many different aspects regarding the most diverse aspects of using photos and videos. I am very grateful to you and I believe that you simply have no equal in the world with the best reviews on the topic of photography! I have only one question: what can you say about the Canon EOS R 3 camera. It seemed to me that the characteristics of this camera suit me very well.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks! I think the R3 is a great camera. I won’t be getting one myself though as the R5 does all I need and I like the extra megapixels for small birds, and small form-factor. If the R5 didn’t exist, I’d probably have bought one.

[@viacheslavslavutsky7818]

​@@simon_dentremont Спасибо за ответ, Саймон. Ты как всегда лаконичен и очень точен в своих ответах. Я сегодня еще раз проанализировал камеру R5 и подумал, что по сути камера R3 по техническим параметрам совсем не превосходит R5 и не стоит того, чтобы переплачивать такие деньги. Пожалуй, в своем выборе я останавлюсь на камере R5. Большое тебе спасибо!

[@kristintoo]

Great video, as always. I have been shooting with an R6 for almost 3 years and get great results. What is your opinion of the Mk ll version? Is it worth upgrading? Also, do you shoot hand held or with a tripod or monopod? Thanks

[@simon_dentremont]

I shoot mostly handheld, but use a tripod for video work. I own the R6, and don’t see a need to upgrade to the version II, which is a fine camera, and maybe worth going to if coming from a crop sensor body.

[@bartvandamme7068]

Great video! It shows a good comparison between the two cameras. Do you think the r6's 20mp would be sufficient for quality 27 x 19 inch prints?

[@simon_dentremont]

I think so, most of the time. As long as you’re not looking at them from 3 inches away.

[@Photogal]

I own the R6. I would love to see a video of your AF setting screens from your AF tabs (for wildlife and bird photography). I have dual bbf with the af button for spot (however many), and the * for eye tracking. Also the screens you set for customized bbf buttons if possible. Everybody says how wonderful the eye tracking AF is, but I’m wondering if I have it set wrong somehow because I’m struggling.

[@simon_dentremont]

Try this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnTWmnhsn9d6a6M

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

I saved this video in order to counteract my often occurring urge to upgrade to the R5 😅 great video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad I could help!

[@josephnaranjo8286]

Hey, love your videos, very entertaining and enjoyable. Would you mind try the r3 doing wildlife photography and video?

[@simon_dentremont]

Maybe one day!

[@Randyfhutchison]

Stumbled onto you channel and I’m impressed. A question for you. I’m a long time Canon user and bought a EOS R coming for the Canon Markiii. I’d like to get into more wildlife photography and was wondering about the resolution difference in your opinion between the new Canon R 6ii and my EOS R I realize it hasn’t come out yet. I live in a Resort town and sold 26 20”x30” local landscape prints to my doctors office and they came out great. I just wouldn’t want to take a step back in IQ. Anyway keep it up. Thanks.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks! The resolution drop won’t be big. The newer R cameras have a weaker antialiasing filter and punch above their weight MP wise. The R6 II will give you a big jump in frame rate, autofocus speed, and you get a stabilized sensor. A worthy upgrade.

[@Randyfhutchison]

Thanks a bunch!

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

For my shooting, it has to be the R5. I often shoot small, shy subjects (tiny birds) and even with 800mm or 1120mm, I often can't get close enough to get as many mp's of the subject as Id prefer. So I end up cropping often. I get a LOT of shots that I end up with "just enough" mp's. Same shots with the R6 would be "not quite enough". Also, I do landscapes, which I might want to print large... in which case, 45mp's is not even as many mp's as I'd prefer.... but a simple 2 x 2 stitch will give me 120mp's. Now we are talking ;)

[@simon_dentremont]

I’m in a simiLar boat.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

@@simon_dentremont and you know it's funny, I think when people hear I'm shooting at 800mm or with or 1120mm with the 1.4 TC, they assume I'm shooting stuff at a great distance, but in reality, it's often just that I'm shooting Warbler and Finch sized birds maybe only from 30 or 40 ft....

[@alansach8437]

For years professional wildlife photographers, and advanced amateurs alike, were shooting Canon 1d and 1dx series cameras. Many still are. There are tens of thousands of amazing images taken with the 16 and 20 megapixel sensors of these cameras. No one complained. Indeed, the sensor in the R6 is essentially the same sensor found in the 1dx ii. Of course if you are printing poster sized prints, more resolution is nice. Most of us aren't. The two most important things in a wildlife and sports camera (IMO) are speed and high ISO performance. Despite our best efforts, wildlife doesn't always get the memo about coming out in ideal light. Due to the general public's obsession with megapixels, Canon may have been bullied into increasing the count in the R6 ii. In fact, that's the one major thing that the R6 ii "improved" that couldn't have been accomplished with firmware. I've seen comparisons and high ISO performance took a hit for it. Too bad. A similar thing happened with the 6d and 6d ii. I'll be hanging on to the R6 just as I did the 6d.

[@cherylxreimer1019]

Hi Simon, thanks for the comprehensive and honest review of both of these cameras. I currently own a Canon 90D and added the Canon R5 about 9 months ago I do appreciate the crop sensor for birding because of the 1.6 crop factor, as it enables me to to "get closer" which is helpful because I mostly use 100-400 mm ( version ii) for my wildlife photos.I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts on the Canon R7 for wildlife photography.Thanks again for the wonderful content. I look forward to each of your videos.

[@guyjackson4143]

If your interested in the R7, look at the review by Duade Paton on his yt channel . He covers it very thoroughly.

[@cherylxreimer1019]

@@guyjackson4143 Thanks Guy--- I do follow Duade. I was hoping to get a second opinion before taking the plunge. :)

[@simon_dentremont]

I think the R7 will be a great wildlife camera, but I wouldn't get one if I already have the R5. The R5 cropped in to 1.6 times will give you plenty of megapixels (maybe not as many as R7 but lots still), but also better ISO performance, slightly better autofocus (or so it seems from reviews), better video features, and a blurrier background to your pics.

[@cherylxreimer1019]

@@simon_dentremont Thank you so much for your valuable insight-- I appreciate it and enjoy your content immensely. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next! :)

[@simon_dentremont]

@@cherylxreimer1019 Thanks Cheryl!

[@mchristensen2365]

Great comparison! I have been looking at the R7, mainly because of the autofocus software in the camera. I shoot a lot of sports, but also enjoy landscape and wildlife. Have you had a chance to test out and R7? I’d welcome your feedback if you have, or even if you have not. Thank you so much for your videos. I’ve learned a great deal from watching them.

[@simon_dentremont]

I haven’t but it sounds like a great camera

[@mchristensen2365]

@@simon_dentremont Thank you for the reply. I’ll likely get an R5 or the 6 for my wife. Makes it a little easier to spend money on cameras when she enjoys photography as well.

[@Danalmog-dq8sy]

Your photos are awesome!

[@dannyvayner]

Thanks a lot for your videos. I mostly do birds photography and now use Fuji x-t2. Planned to upgrade it to new x-t5 but found out autofocus on it is not great at all, so returned it. Now looking at Canon R5 and almost ready to go for it, just wonder if I should wait a bit to see what R5 Mark ii will bring. Do you think worth waiting?

[@simon_dentremont]

The R5 is amazing as-is. I’m not sure what they can improve.

[@SofieRichterWildlife]

Kann you make a Video nearly exactly like this video, but between R6 and R6 Mii? I want to see the difference.

[@7thdayman]

@Simon d'Entremont Also think your very objective and informative best Camera Review I have ever seen. Thanks

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@Danalmog-dq8sy]

great video, Simon! I have a question you recommended on the canon 90d for wildlife photography?

[@mrfuzztone]

It seems you are satisfied using the Sigma 20mm F1.4 on the R5 and R6 using the EF adapter. Any issues with that lens or all good? Still a good lens in 2023 on Canon R? You get nice photos.

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes, works great. A bit of coma in the corners at 1.4 for Milky Way shots but shooting at 1.6 or 1.8 cleans it up. Eye detect works great…I shoot my recent KZbin vids in my office using it.

[@mrfuzztone]

@@simon_dentremont does the F1.4 work for after sunset photos besides shooting at the stars?

[@simon_dentremont]

@@mrfuzztone Sure. Any situation that needs lots of light because its dim

[@tonyedwin2836]

So in a setup like yours, which of the lenses would you mount to your R5 and the R6? Im guessing the 500 F4 with the R6 as the narrow field of vision will give a tighter ‘crop’ already? And the R5 and 100 400 for the opposite reason?

[@frednorman1]

Excellent video, as usual

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks again!

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

I have an R6 with RF 24-105 f4 L and 50 1.2. Love it. Came from 10 years using a 5D Mark III. The R6 is the 1DXMk III in a semi-consumer grade mirrorless. Same sensor and processor. Lovely. 20 mp is no prob as I shoot only stills and print my images for display at no larger than A1. At that size, there is no viewable diff with a 45mp image. Since I don’t shoot video and am not a birder who crops the crap out of my images, the higher mp of the R5 is not useful. In fact, it’s a deficit, since the file size is obnoxiously large and I have to use an expensive CF Express card, that’s dumbed down in write speed anyway to the SD card, since I shoot redundant. The only thing I miss is the tank-like build of the 5DIII. So maybe I’ll consider trading up to an R3 and not look at another camera until 2035.

[@Maksp]

The colors of r5 are more pleasant than on r6. Now it is very interesting to compare r5 and r6 mark ii

[@zelfjizef454]

Sorry if it's been said in the video but are you comparing RAW files or JPEGs ? Because it might very well be that the differences between the two camera can be explained by more / less sharpening and more / less denoising applied by the cameras when converting to JPEG. Such a comparison is ok but then you could have gone all out and edited the pictures with the best software you have, to show what the end result might look like with both camera. Those are the two kind of possible meaningful comparisons IMHO : RAW files both or final edited results both. What do you think ?

[@simon_dentremont]

When comparing two cameras from the same generation and same manufacturer, any differences between comparing raws vs comparing jpegs would be minor.

[@DrPankajMalukar]

Hello Simon, thanks for the detailed comparison of both the cameras. looking at your video, I think R5 is better for me. I have read about over heating with video mode. is it true? can you say something about it? I am staying in India where average temperature between 35-45c. before looking to your video, I was thinking to purchase Canon 5D mark IV. can you please advice / your opinion, for which should I go R5 or 5D ? is Canon 5D mark IV has good autofocus compare to R5? waiting for your reply . thank you so much. your opinion will make a lot of difference.

[@simon_dentremont]

The R5 focus is better than the 5D IV. It’s a great camera. As for overheating, Mine has never done it. The recent firmware updates made that less on an issue. Buy 45 c will be an issue for many electronics. My iphone overheated once being n the sun at 28c.

[@mikejohnston9113]

Hi Simon, I got here because Gavin recommended your channel. Great review. Could you do a comparison of the two cameras for landscape photography? Thanks for the review

[@simon_dentremont]

Great suggestion, but I’m no pro at Landscapes. maybe in the future.

[@murikami1917]

If you were to pick a go to lens for R6 under $2000US for wildlife what would you go for? Thanks Simon for a very informative video btw! 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

The new 200-800 rf is the one I think.

[@murikami1917]

Thank you so much for a reply! Didn’t really expect one 😊.

[@Kral-tm5pl]

What kind of machine is the r6ii? How much sharpness and quality is lost when cropping?

[@Twobarpsi]

The R6 really performs great at high ISO, less noise!

[@simon_dentremont]

It’s great.

[@epsonc882009]

I would say for bird photography R5 has advantage to crop more

[@simon_dentremont]

agree!