Why buy the R6 Mark II in 2024? (A Filmmaker's Perspective)
Introduction and Overview
Welcome to the blog! Here, we dive into filmmaking topics, cinematography techniques, gear reviews, and behind-the-scenes content from shoots. In this post, I want to talk about the Canon R6 Mark II, which I've owned for the past two years (and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon). Despite the market being flooded with amazing cameras, the R6 Mark II still stands out for me, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight its features and explain why I haven’t found the perfect upgrade just yet.
Why I Chose the Canon R6 Mark II
When I was looking for a camera in this price range, I had a few key requirements. First, I really needed uncropped 4K 60p video. I often shoot outdoors and wanted to use 60p for B-roll without dealing with crop factors, keeping my field of view consistent across 24, 30, and 60fps. Another major factor was oversampling. The R6 Mark II has a 6K sensor, so all video is downsampled from 6K to 4K. This means that the camera essentially squeezes more information into a 4K file, leading to better image quality.
The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and lens system were huge selling points for me. I’m not a fan of using gimbals, so being able to shoot smooth handheld footage, especially at shorter focal lengths, was a game-changer. Whether I’m on the go or shooting quickly, the ability to produce gimbal-quality footage without all the setup and extra gear is invaluable.
Another essential feature for me was weather sealing. Living in the Pacific Northwest, where I often shoot outside in varying weather conditions, it was crucial to find a camera that could withstand the elements. The Canon R6 Mark II offers some of the best weather sealing in its class, so I don’t have to worry about my gear getting damaged by rain or moisture.
Lastly, the RF mount was an important consideration. Canon’s RF mount system, which was introduced less than five years ago, ensures the camera will age well. Unlike older mounts, such as the L-mount, the RF mount is future-proof and provides access to high-quality lenses that will retain their value over time.
Videography Features
Another reason I stuck with the R6 Mark II is its video-centric features. I love having the ability to use false color when necessary and the option to set up custom zebras. While the zebras have a 5% range (which can be a bit imprecise), they are still a great tool for achieving accurate exposure, especially when working with people and skin tones. These video tools really elevate the shooting experience, and for the work I do, they’re indispensable.
Drawbacks of the Canon R6 Mark II
Of course, no camera is perfect, and there are some areas where the R6 Mark II falls short. The primary drawback for me is its dynamic range. While it can shoot in Canon Log 3 (C-Log 3), it doesn’t have the option for C-Log 2, which is available on cameras with a wider dynamic range. The R6 Mark II’s sensor can only capture so much information, so shooting in low-light or high dynamic range scenarios can result in a noisy image. In darker settings or situations with harsh shadows, I often find myself dropping the ISO to avoid excessive noise, which limits the camera’s overall performance in these scenarios.
Looking for an Upgrade: Potential Options
After about a year with the R6 Mark II, I started considering upgrades. I’m still looking for a camera that delivers higher-quality images and can address some of the limitations of the R6 Mark II. I considered three main options for staying within the Canon ecosystem: the R5C, the C70, and the upcoming Canon C400.
1. Canon R5C
The R5C offers a combination of photo and video features with its dual-mode system (R5 photo capabilities and EOS Cinema video mode). It provides all the advanced cinema features I would want, such as waveforms, false color, and histograms. However, I decided against the R5C for two main reasons: I don’t need 8K video, and the battery life is reportedly poor due to the cooling fan system required to prevent overheating. While the R5C would certainly give me more options, I felt that 8K was overkill for my needs, and I didn’t want to deal with the extra file storage required.
2. Canon C70
The C70 is another camera I considered. It has phenomenal dynamic range and an incredible sensor with dual gain output, allowing for great detail in both shadows and highlights. The C70 also boasts features like customizable buttons and internal ND filters, which would make my work a lot easier. However, the big drawback for me is that the C70 uses a Super 35mm sensor, which means I’d have to buy new lenses to get the same field of view I currently have with my full-frame setup. Switching to a Super 35 sensor would also impact the depth of field, making it harder to achieve the shallow focus I love. The cost of adapting my current lens setup to the C70 is another hurdle I’d rather not deal with.
3. Canon C400
Ultimately, I think the Canon C400 might be the perfect fit for my needs. While it's currently out of my price range, I’m willing to wait and save up for it. The C400 has incredible dynamic range and low-light performance, including triple base ISO, which allows for clean footage even in dimly lit environments. It also offers all the advanced cinema features I’m looking for, including internal 6K RAW recording and all the tools necessary for high-quality filmmaking. While the size and less compact nature of the C400 might be a bit of a challenge, the image quality it promises would make it worth the investment in the long run.
Conclusion and Next Steps
After considering all of my options, I’ve decided that the R5C, while an impressive camera, doesn’t meet my needs. The C70 is a fantastic option, but it would require a complete kit overhaul, and I’m not ready for that kind of shift just yet. Instead, I’ll save up for the Canon C400, which seems like the ideal upgrade for my style of filmmaking.
Thank you so much for supporting the blog and reading this far. I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve had experience with any of these cameras or are also on the hunt for an upgrade. Make sure to stay tuned for more content on filmmaking techniques, gear reviews, and everything related to cinematography. See you in the next one!