CameraReview

Canon EOS R5 C vs Canon EOS R6 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Canon EOS R5 C
Canon
Canon EOS R5 C
Mirrorless · 45 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
87
SCORE
$2,999
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Canon EOS R6
Canon
Canon EOS R6
Mirrorless · 20.1 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
80
SCORE
$1,349
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General
Brand CanonCanon
Model EOS R5 CEOS R6
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20222020
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
19/01/202227/08/2020
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 142 x 101 x 111 mm138 x 98 x 88 mm
Camera weight 770 g680 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
45 MP05020.1 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
8192 x 54645472 x 3648
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 3623.9 x 35.9
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
20 fps04520 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon RFCanon RF
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic XDigic X
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
5120030032800001024003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
100302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10240030032800002048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
1053030010530300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 576000009900000369000009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
8K4K
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
8192 x 43203840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps120 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, XF-AVC, MOVMP4
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type TFT LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3.2"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2100000115000150000016200001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress BSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NHLP-E6NH
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
320 shots1505000360 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS R5 C outperforms the Canon EOS R6 with a score of 87/100 compared to the R6’s 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, with the R5 C being announced in January 2022 and the R6 in August 2020. They share similar dimensions, with the R5 C measuring 142 x 101 x 111mm and weighing 770g, while the R6 is slightly smaller and lighter at 138 x 98 x 88mm and 680g.

The R5 C’s higher score highlights its superior performance and features. However, the R6 has its advantages, such as a lower launch price of $2499 compared to the R5 C’s $4499, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Despite the price difference, the R5 C’s advanced specifications and performance justify its higher score and make it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The R6, on the other hand, offers a solid option for those seeking a more affordable yet capable mirrorless camera.

Canon EOS R5 C vs EOS R6 Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS R5 C outperforms the Canon EOS R6 in optics with a score of 88/100 compared to the R6’s 79/100. Both cameras share several optical features, including a 20 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Digic X processor, full-frame sensor size, Canon RF lens mount, and built-in image stabilisation.

The R5 C’s superiority in optics is mainly due to its higher megapixel count of 45 compared to the R6’s 20.1 megapixels. This difference allows the R5 C to capture images with greater detail and resolution, making it more suitable for professional photographers and those who require high-quality images for print or large-scale display. Additionally, the R5 C has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 97, indicating that its sensor performs better in terms of dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance.

On the other hand, the R6, with its lower megapixel count, might be better suited for photographers who prioritize faster processing and file transfer times, as well as those who do not need extremely high-resolution images. Its lower score does not necessarily mean it is a poor-performing camera, but rather it is more suited for different purposes.

In comparing these two cameras, the Canon EOS R5 C clearly holds an advantage in terms of optics, making it the better choice for photographers who require high-resolution images and top-notch sensor performance. The Canon EOS R6, while not as impressive in terms of optics, still offers a solid performance and may be more suitable for those who value speed and efficiency over maximum resolution.

Canon EOS R5 C vs EOS R6 Video Performance

The Canon EOS R5 C outperforms the Canon EOS R6 in video capabilities with a video score of 100/100, compared to the R6’s score of 91/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, including a maximum video frame rate of 120fps and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the R5 C demonstrates superior performance in key areas.

The most significant advantage of the R5 C is its maximum video resolution of 8K (8192 x 4320), which is substantially higher than the R6’s 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. This means the R5 C can capture more detailed and visually stunning videos, making it an excellent choice for professional videographers and filmmakers.

On the other hand, the R6 does not offer any significant advantages over the R5 C in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same maximum frame rate and time-lapse functionality, but the R6’s lower resolution limits its potential for capturing high-quality video content.

Considering these points, the Canon EOS R5 C emerges as the superior camera for video capabilities due to its exceptional 8K resolution, which sets it apart from the R6. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS R6 remains a reliable option for those who do not require the highest video resolution, but still want a capable camera with good video performance. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on the user’s specific needs and priorities in terms of video quality and resolution.

Canon EOS R5 C vs EOS R6 Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS R5 C emerges as the winner in the features category, scoring 87/100, while the Canon EOS R6 follows closely with a score of 85/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including touchscreen functionality, flip screens, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, neither camera offers GPS capabilities.

The R5 C boasts a larger screen size, measuring 3.2 inches, compared to the R6’s 3-inch screen. This difference allows for better image viewing and menu navigation. Additionally, the R5 C’s screen resolution is higher at 2,100,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed image display than the R6’s 1,620,000-dot screen.

Despite trailing in overall feature score, the Canon EOS R6 still offers some advantages. With its slightly smaller screen and lower resolution, the R6 may consume less power, potentially extending battery life during use. Additionally, the R6 is likely more affordable than the R5 C, making it a more budget-friendly option for photographers who may not require the extra screen size and resolution.

In comparing the feature sets of these two cameras, the Canon EOS R5 C holds a slight edge over the R6, with its larger screen and higher resolution contributing to a superior viewing experience. However, the R6 remains a solid option for those seeking a more budget-conscious alternative without sacrificing essential features. Both cameras provide a strong foundation for photographers to capture stunning images and videos, with their shared specifications ensuring seamless connectivity and user-friendly operation.

Canon EOS R5 C vs EOS R6 Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS R5 C and Canon EOS R6 both score 68/100 in storage and battery, indicating no clear winner in this category. Both cameras have two memory card slots and are compatible with UHS-II SD cards. Additionally, they both use the LP-E6NH battery type and offer USB charging.

However, the R5 C accepts CFexpress B cards, providing faster read and write speeds compared to the SD cards used by the R6. This advantage benefits photographers and videographers who require quick data transfer for their work.

In contrast, the R6 has a slightly longer battery life at 360 shots compared to the R5 C’s 320 shots. This difference may be beneficial for photographers who need more battery life during extended shooting sessions.

Considering these factors, the Canon EOS R5 C offers better storage capabilities with its CFexpress B card compatibility, while the Canon EOS R6 has a slight advantage in battery life. Both cameras are strong contenders in their respective areas, and the choice between them should depend on the specific needs and priorities of the user.

Canon EOS R5 C vs EOS R6 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS R5 C vs EOS R6 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS R5 C or the Canon EOS R6: