Even though the Canon EOS R5 (Amazon, B&H) takes all the attention for 8K RAW, the Canon EOS R6 (Amazon, B&H) has some really important features that distinguish it from the rest.
The most important news is:
The EOS R6 features the same base image sensor and image processor as the EOS-1DX Mark III, enabling a native ISO range of 100-102, 400.
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One caveat, though: The Canon 1D X Mark III shoots 5.5K RAW and is in the EF mount.
It’s natural for a serious video shooter and filmmaker to be interested in this camera. Let’s go over some important quirks and features of the Canon R6 for cinematography and video.
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4K 60p
What’s the bottom line? Here are you questions answered in a nutshell:
- It is full frame 4K, no crop.
- You get only 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- You can shoot in Canon Log (the same as the Canon 1DX Mark III) but no RAW.
- Log can be shot internally in 10-bit 4:2:2
- You can also pick HDR PQ in 10-bit 4:2:2 for HDR
- Maximum frame rate in 4K is 119.88 fps. You also get 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p, 23.976p and 25p.
- Format is H.265 (ALL-I and IPB), in an MP4 wrapper.
- I suggest you pick Canon Log. I’ve had great success with it with the Canon 1DX Mark III. The images are beautiful and grade very well in Resolve.
What are the data rates for 4K?
Here are the data rates with Canon Log or HDR PQ:
| Resolution | Codec | Data rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4K 23.976p to 29.97p | H.265 IPB | 170 Mbps |
| 4k 50p and 59.94p | H.265 IPB | 340 Mbps |
| 1080p 119.88p | H.265 ALL-I | 180 Mbps |
Just to put some perspective, this equates to:
- 48 minutes on a 64 GB card up to 30p
- 24 minutes on a 64 GB card for 60p
- Sadly, 120p is not possible in Canon Log. That’s a shame!
Here are the data rates without Canon Log or HDR PQ:
| Resolution | Codec | Data rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4K 23.976p to 29.97p | H.264 IPB | 230 Mbps |
| 4k 50p and 59.94p | H.264 IPB | 120 Mbps |
| 1080p 119.88p | H.264 IPB | 120 Mbps |
What is the crop factor in 4K?
There is a crop factor of 1.06 (94%). This is negligible and can be considered full frame.
There is an APS-C crop mode for EF-S or Super35mm cinema lenses.
Is there an optical low pass filter (OLPF or anti-aliasing) filter in the Canon EOS R6?
Yes.
What about 1080p or HD?
The maximum frame rate for HD is 120p.
What is the recording time limit for 4K ?
You can record up to approximately 29 minutes 59 seconds.
For 4K 60fps and higher, the camera can record up to approximately 25 minutes. This is a restriction due to camera overheating.
What media card do you need?
The Canon EOS R6 (Amazon, B&H) has dual UHS-II SD slots.
Note: Eye-Fi cards and Multimedia cards (MMC) are not supported.
Canon recommends UHS-II Class 60 SD cards for 4K 10-bit 4:2:2.
What is the ISO range for 4K?
The ISO range for video has not been published yet.
In the Canon 1D X Mark III, the ISO is limited between 400-25,600. I’m expecting the same. It will be a great low light performer.
The base ISO for Canon Log will be ISO 400.
Is there IBIS (image stabilization) in the Canon EOS R6?
Yes! The Canon EOS R6 (Amazon, B&H) features IBIS so you can use lenses that have IS and also lenses that don’t!
The EOS R6 camera features Canon’s new 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilizer). This will not only help enhance the ability to hand-hold still images at slower shutter speeds but it will also help to reduce camera shake when recording movies. Additionally, the EOS R6 camera’s In-Body Image Stabilizer will work in combination with Lens-based Optical Image Stabilizers found in many Canon RF and EF lenses.
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What video exposure tools are available in camera?
Just the in-camera meter (Exposure Level Meter) and Histogram (Luma and RGB). You also get an electronic level.
The Canon EOS R6 also has Zebras. You get two Zebra settings. You get the entire range from 5 to 100%.
Can you upload and use LUTs in the camera?
No. But you can use LUTs in software.
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What is the best format for external video recording?
The best video format that can be exported is 10-bit 4:2:2 4K 60 fps.
The Canon EOS R6 uses a Type D (Micro) HDMI port. You can see the video on the LCD at the same time.
An HDMI cable protector is included with your purchase.
What format should I choose for the best video quality on the Canon EOS R6?
I suggest 4K Canon Log, IPB (H.265), 10-bit 4:2:2.
What about HDR?
You can shoot HDR with the Canon EOS R6 (Amazon, B&H). Here are the official specs:
- Format: ITU-R BT.2100 (PQ) (Note: no HLG)
- 10-bit 4:2:2
- H.265, MP4 wrapper
You can shoot HDR PQ or Canon Log, not both.
Can you record simultaneously to the other SD card?
Yes, you can record 4K on both SD cards at the same time.
How good is the autofocus for video?
You get face, head and eye tracking when Face+Tracking AF detection is set.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is available in all 4K modes. However, I don’t think the entire 100% area of the sensor is available for video. On the website Canon specifically states 100% AF coverage is only in stills mode. Here’s how it compares:
- Stills: Max. 1053 zones (39 x 27)
- Movies: Max. 819 zones (39 x21)
So that’s a 20% reduction. I will need to test it in the field to know how it impacts work. The good news is this entire area is available for face and eye tracking.
As far as low light is concerned, here are the official numbers from Canon (with an f/1.2 lens at ISO 100):
- 4K/1080p: EV -5 to 20
- Stills: EV -6.5 to 20
What is quite clear is the Canon R6 probably has more dynamic range than the Canon R5. And is better in low light by a long shot. The R5 is a stop lower in this scale.
What else is new for lenses?
You get Movie lens aberration correction for diffraction (when you stop down the lens). This improves sharpness but it remains to be seen how it will impact video quality. You can’t fine tune it, just enable or disable.
What are the audio specs?
The audio is recorded as Linear PCM in H.265 IPB. In IPB H.264 it’s AAC.
The R5 has a 3.5mm headphone and a 3.5mm microphone jack. It remains to be seen how good the preamps are.
Here’s a curious note from Canon:
Sound is not recored for approx. the last two frames when the compression method for movie recording quality is IPB or IPB-Light (audio:AAC) or [C.Fn 4-2 Audio compression] is set to [Enable]. Moreover, the video and sound may be slightly out of sync when movies are played back in Windows.
Any word on battery life for video?
Not at the moment. Canon recommends the LP-E6NH battery though you can use LP-E6NH, LP-E6N, or LP-E6.
Notes from Canon:
With the AC Adapter AC-E6N + DC Coupler DR-E6, AC power is possible.
With the USB Power Adapter PD-E1, in-camera charging of LP-E6NH is possible. The USB Power Adapter PD-E1 is not compatible with powering the camera.
You get one charger and one LP-E6NH battery with the EOS R6.
How good is the back LCD for video?
The 3.2″ back LCD can be flipped and tilted, so is great for video work. The brightness can be controlled, though it remains to be seen how well it does in bright exteriors.
There is no anti-reflective coating applied to the LCD.
What is the startup time of the Canon EOS R6?
Approximately 0.4 seconds.
Is the Canon EOS R6 weather sealed?
Yes. According to Canon:
The EOS R6 camera is designed for use in a variety of weather conditions. Sealing materials are used in critical areas like the buttons, terminal covers, the battery compartment and the card slot cover. Precise design and construction help to minimize accidental penetration of dust and moisture in the rest of the camera body.
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That’s it. The Canon EOS R6 (Amazon, B&H) is shaping up to be one hell of a camera for low budget shooters – primarily:
- Wedding filmmakers,
- Journalists,
- Event filmmakers, and
- Documentary filmmakers
What do you think?
