Canon R6 Mark II vs. Mark III (Rumored): Should You Buy Now or Wait?
- Jcrews
- Jun 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 29
Hey friends! If you’re anything like me, the world of cameras can feel like a wild rollercoaster sometimes — so many models, features, rumors, and price points flying around, it’s enough to make your head spin. Especially when you’re eyeing something as popular as Canon’s EOS R6 Mark II and hearing those juicy whispers about the R6 Mark III potentially dropping soon.
I’ve been shooting seriously for years now, dabbling in everything from weddings and wildlife to video content, and trust me — I get the dilemma. Do you jump on a killer camera that’s already out and proven? Or do you wait patiently (or not so patiently) for the next big thing to hit the shelves? Let’s unpack this together in a detailed, no-nonsense way. I’ll share what I love about the R6 Mark II, what the rumors hint for the Mark III, and help you figure out what’s best for your photography or videography journey.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II: Why It’s Still a Superstar in 2025
Let’s kick off by looking at the camera we already know and love: the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. Released at the tail end of 2022, this camera took everything good about the original R6 and polished it up — fixing little things, boosting performance, and making it an absolute beast for hybrid shooters who want both photos and video to shine.
At the heart of the R6 Mark II is its 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Now, I know what some of you are thinking — "Isn’t 24MP kind of ‘meh’ compared to the 45MP monsters out there?" Well, here’s the thing. This resolution is a sweet spot for most professionals and enthusiasts. It strikes a perfect balance between sharp, detailed images and manageable file sizes that won’t slow down your computer or your workflow. Plus, the sensor’s impressive low-light performance means you can push those ISO settings higher without losing all the details to noise. I’ve shot weddings and night portraits with this camera, and the clean images under challenging light conditions genuinely surprised me.
Now, let’s talk autofocus because this is where Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology really shines. It’s not just fast — it’s smart. The camera can detect and track eyes, faces, and bodies with uncanny precision. But it doesn’t stop there. It can also follow animals like dogs, cats, birds, and even horses, plus vehicles ranging from racing cars to airplanes. I remember one afternoon shooting a friend’s energetic dog at the park. The autofocus locked on so well I barely had to worry about the pup darting around; it just kept track. This is a massive deal for anyone shooting unpredictable subjects.
Speed-wise, the R6 Mark II is a literal speed demon. Shooting 40 frames per second (fps) with the electronic shutter is insane — that’s like firing off a rapid-fire burst to catch every fraction of a second in fast action. The mechanical shutter still holds a solid 12 fps, which is great for most sports or wildlife shoots. And the camera’s pre-capture buffer means it’s snapping photos before you even fully press the shutter, so those super split-second moments aren’t missed.
Clean, punchy, and blog-ready. Want it exported as a PNG for direct upload? I can whip that up in your monochrome theme
Burst Rate | RAW Buffer | |
Canon R6 Mark II | 40 fps | ~240 files |
Sony A7 IV | 10 fps | ~100 files |
Nikon Z6 II | 14 fps | ~124 files |
Canon R6 | 20 fps | ~110 files |
Canon R8 | 40 fps | ~56 files |
Clean, punchy, and blog-ready. Want it exported as a PNG for direct upload? I can whip that up in your monochrome theme.
For video lovers, this camera brought significant upgrades over its predecessor. It shoots uncropped 4K video at 60p, oversampled from 6K, which means your footage is sharp and detailed. It also offers internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with Canon Log 3 (C-Log 3), allowing for better color grading in post-production. Plus, the 6-hour recording limit is a game-changer for event shooters or long interviews. For those who want the best of the best, it can output 6K ProRes RAW externally through HDMI, making it a versatile tool for high-end video work.
And if you love handheld shooting (like me), the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is phenomenal — up to 8 stops of shake reduction when paired with an optically stabilized RF lens. That means sharper photos at slower shutter speeds and buttery-smooth video without a gimbal.
On top of all that, ergonomics are spot on. The grip is deep and comfortable, controls are well laid out, and the fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen makes composing from awkward angles or shooting vlogs easy. Plus, the bright 3.69 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder feels like looking through a real window — crisp, clear, and lag-free.
Finally, the R6 Mark II has dropped in price quite a bit since launch, making it an excellent value for the features it offers. For many of us, this camera checks almost every box.
Check the Canon EOS R6 Mark II on Amazon — https://amzn.to/44maTlV
The Rumored Canon EOS R6 Mark III: What Might Be Coming Next?
Okay, now for the juicy part — the Canon EOS R6 Mark III. No official announcements yet (as of June 2025), but the rumor mill is buzzing. From what I’ve gathered, the Mark III could be a serious upgrade, especially in areas that matter most to advanced shooters and pros.
The big star of the show might be the new sensor — a 24-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, similar to what we see in Canon’s flagship R3. What makes a stacked sensor so special? It’s all about speed. Stacked sensors can read data much faster than traditional ones, which can translate to drastically reduced rolling shutter. If you shoot a lot of video or fast-moving subjects with the electronic shutter, this is huge. Rolling shutter causes that weird “jelly-like” distortion when things move quickly or you pan fast — a stacked sensor slashes this effect, making your footage and photos look much cleaner.
There’s also talk that Canon might bump the resolution slightly to around 30 to 32 megapixels. This would give more cropping flexibility and could appeal to photographers used to higher-resolution cameras like Sony’s a7 IV. But a sensor with higher resolution and stacking might drive the price up and possibly encroach on Canon’s higher-tier R5 models. It’s a tricky balance Canon has to manage.
Rumors also suggest the R6 Mark III will include Canon’s new “DIGIC Accelerator” alongside the DIGIC X processor. This should speed up overall performance, improve noise reduction, and enable more advanced in-camera processing — imagine better JPEGs, faster autofocus, and smoother video recording, all thanks to smarter brains inside the camera.
Speaking of autofocus, the R6 Mark III could take it to the next level, possibly inheriting tech from the high-end EOS R5 Mark II or even the flagship R1. Expect even smarter subject tracking that can lock onto unpredictable, erratic movement better than ever — a lifesaver for wildlife or sports shooters. The autofocus speed and reacquisition times may improve, meaning the camera can regain focus quicker when things get chaotic. There might even be new subject categories, like more types of animals or vehicles.
For video, the rumors are especially exciting. The R6 Mark III could finally bring internal Cinema RAW Light recording — think of it as professional-grade RAW video compression, allowing filmmakers incredible control over color grading and exposure, while keeping file sizes manageable. It may also shoot 4K at 120fps or even 6K oversampled 4K for stunning slow-motion and ultra-sharp footage. Improved heat management means longer recording sessions without annoying shutdowns — huge if you’re shooting long events or narrative films.
One smaller but highly welcomed rumored improvement is a full-sized HDMI port. For anyone using external monitors or recorders, this means more reliable connections with less risk of cables popping out — a small detail that makes a big difference in professional workflows.
The R6 Mark III’s ergonomics might get a refresh too. There’s talk of a new “flippy” multi-angle LCD screen, combining the best of vari-angle and tilt mechanisms, perfect for vloggers and photographers who shoot from tricky angles. The electronic viewfinder might also see a boost in resolution or brightness, making it easier to see in bright outdoor conditions.
Battery-wise, it’s expected to stick with the popular LP-E6NH batteries, or possibly introduce a slightly improved version, so you won’t have to upgrade all your accessories.
Dual card slots will probably stay, with one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II slot, giving you both speed and flexibility for backups or overflow.
The Price Question: What Will It Cost?
Here’s the kicker: the R6 Mark III will almost certainly be pricier than the R6 Mark II was at launch. Rumors put the Mark III somewhere under £2500, which is still reasonable given the upgrades, but definitely a step up. The R6 Mark II, by contrast, has already dropped closer to £1700 or even less during sales, making it a stellar value if you want pro features on a budget.
Who Should Buy the Canon EOS R6 Mark II Right Now?
If you have a pressing need for a capable camera today — maybe you have weddings, trips, projects lined up — I would absolutely recommend grabbing the R6 Mark II. It’s mature, reliable, and performs exceptionally well in almost any shooting situation. From weddings and portraits to wildlife and travel videos, this camera handles it all without breaking a sweat.
If you’re budget-conscious but want a professional-grade hybrid shooter with fantastic autofocus, low-light chops, and speedy burst shooting, this camera is your friend.
If you’re upgrading from an older DSLR or entry-level mirrorless, the difference you’ll feel in autofocus speed, image quality, and handling will be jaw-dropping. I remember switching from my older crop-sensor DSLR to the R6 Mark II — the autofocus was like night and day.
Who Should Wait for the Canon EOS R6 Mark III?
If you’re a serious videographer who craves the best internal codecs, higher frame rates, and raw video recording without an external recorder, waiting could be worth it. Those improvements in video will really elevate your workflow and image quality.
If you shoot a lot of fast action — sports, birds, wildlife — the stacked sensor’s faster readout and reduced rolling shutter will make a noticeable difference.
If having the very latest tech, improved autofocus, and possibly a better screen are deal breakers for you, and your budget can stretch, holding out for the Mark III makes sense.
Are You Waiting For The Canon R6 Mark3
Yes
No
Still Can't Decide
Check out Amazon now!!
Product | Description | Link |
Canon R6 Mark II | High-speed full-frame mirrorless with 40 fps burst and top-tier autofocus. | |
Canon R5 Mark II | Pro-grade full-frame mirrorless with stunning 45MP resolution, blistering speed, and cinema-ready 8K video. | |
Canon R8 + Extra Battry | Lightweight full-frame mirrorless with pro-level image quality, fast autofocus, and unbeatable value. | |
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External Harddrive | Need to back - up your photos on the GO? check this out | |
Sandisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC CARD | Pair your camera with a fast UHS-II SD card for maximum burst speed |
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