Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a9 Comparison
Canon EOS R6
Sony a9
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS R6 | a9 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2017 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 27, 2020 | April 19, 2017 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS R6 and Sony a9 both scored 80/100, making them equally competitive in our evaluation. As mirrorless cameras, they share several specifications, such as launch prices of $2499 for the Canon and $4500 for the Sony, and similar camera weights (Canon: 680g, Sony: 673g).
The Canon EOS R6 has an advantage with its more recent release year (2020) and larger camera size (138 x 98 x 88mm). This may provide improved features and a more ergonomic design. On the other hand, the Sony a9, released in 2017, is more compact (127 x 96 x 63mm), making it easier to carry and handle.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS R6 offers a more updated option with a comfortable design, while the Sony a9 provides a lighter, more portable camera. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user’s preferences and priorities.
Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a9 Overview and Optics
The Sony a9 comes out on top in the optics comparison, scoring 81/100, while the Canon EOS R6 scores 79/100. Both cameras have several common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, 20 fps shooting speed, and in-body image stabilization. Additionally, they both utilize their respective company’s lens mounts – the Canon RF for the EOS R6 and the Sony FE for the a9.
The Sony a9 surpasses the Canon EOS R6 with its higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the R6’s 20.1 megapixels. This difference allows the a9 to capture more detailed images, making it a better choice for photographers who prioritize image resolution. Furthermore, the a9’s sensor has a higher DXOMARK score of 92, indicating better overall sensor performance compared to the R6’s score of 90.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS R6 features a more advanced Digic X processor, which can contribute to faster image processing and improved performance in certain shooting situations. This advantage, however, does not outweigh the benefits offered by the Sony a9’s superior optics.
In the optics comparison, the Sony a9 emerges as the winner, boasting a higher megapixel count and a better-performing sensor. Although the Canon EOS R6 has a more advanced processor, it falls short in terms of image resolution and sensor performance. Therefore, photographers seeking the best optics should opt for the Sony a9, while those who prioritize processing power may still find value in the Canon EOS R6.
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Optics
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.1 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5472 x 3648 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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. | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 20 fps | 20 fps | |
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 RF | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic X | Bionz 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. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 102,400 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 204800 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 1,053 | 693 | |
In-body Stabilization 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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690,000 dots | 3,686,400 dots |
Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a9 Video Performance
The Canon EOS R6 outperforms the Sony a9 in video capabilities with a significant difference in scores, as the Canon EOS R6 scores 91/100 and the Sony a9 scores 56/100. Both cameras share common specs, including a maximum video resolution of 4K and maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the Canon EOS R6 excels in specific areas, making it the superior choice for video functionality.
One notable advantage of the Canon EOS R6 is its maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is four times higher than the Sony a9’s 30fps. This feature allows the Canon EOS R6 to capture smoother, more detailed slow-motion footage, providing more flexibility and creative options for videographers.
Additionally, the Canon EOS R6 offers built-in time-lapse functionality, whereas the Sony a9 lacks this feature. Time-lapse functionality enables the creation of dynamic, visually striking videos that showcase the passage of time, enhancing the storytelling capabilities of the camera.
On the other hand, the Sony a9 does not surpass the Canon EOS R6 in any specific video-related aspects. Both cameras share the same maximum video resolution and dimensions, but the Sony a9 falls short in frame rate and time-lapse functionality.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS R6 is the clear winner in video capabilities due to its higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a9, while still offering 4K resolution, does not provide the same level of versatility and creative options as the Canon EOS R6. Therefore, videographers seeking a camera with superior video performance should opt for the Canon EOS R6.
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Video
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 3840 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse 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. | MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a9 Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS R6 outperforms the Sony a9 in features with a score of 85/100, compared to the Sony a9’s 83/100. Both cameras share several common specs, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, they both offer WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Canon EOS R6 surpasses the Sony a9 in screen resolution, providing 1,620,000 dots, whereas the Sony a9 has 1,440,000 dots. This difference in resolution results in a sharper and clearer display on the Canon EOS R6, making it easier to review and edit images directly on the camera.
While the Sony a9 has a slightly lower feature score, it still excels in certain aspects. The a9 offers a faster continuous shooting rate at 20 frames per second (fps), compared to the R6’s 12 fps. This advantage allows the Sony a9 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively, making it an ideal choice for sports and wildlife photographers.
Each camera has its strengths and weaknesses, with the Canon EOS R6 taking the lead in overall features due to its superior screen resolution. However, the Sony a9’s faster continuous shooting rate should not be overlooked, especially for photographers who require speed in their work. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
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Features
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 | LCD | LCD | |
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" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 1,440,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a9 Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS R6 wins in storage and battery, scoring 68/100, while the Sony a9 scores 65/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-II compatibility.
The EOS R6 surpasses the a9 in terms of USB charging, offering this feature for added convenience. However, the a9 outperforms the EOS R6 in battery life, providing 650 shots compared to the R6’s 360 shots. The a9 utilizes the NP-FZ100 battery, while the R6 uses the LP-E6NH battery.
Considering these factors, the Canon EOS R6 is better for users who value USB charging, while the Sony a9 is more suitable for those seeking longer battery life.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6NH | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 360 shots | 650 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24.2 bits | 24.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.3 EVs | 13.3 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3394 | 3517 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a9 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS R6 or the Sony a9:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a9
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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