Canon R5 vs R6 - Real World Comparison - Is 20MP enough? 

If you're wondering why the video is so shaky TK and I both had 9 coffees each to get us out of bed on this day - that weather was TRASHBAG. HAHAHAHA ENJOY.

I have an R6, coming from a 5DIII. Love it. I do only still photography, mostly travel and portraits. I also print images for display. 24x36-ish is about the max. A 45 mp R5 would give me no benefit for the substantial price increase. I sunk the difference into the sublime RF 50 1.2 lens. I think the preoccupation with looking at images only on a screen and zooming in to 200 percent to see detail differences is an obsession bordering upon neurosis. Did you ever go to a gallery and view large prints taken with a 1DX Mk III and say that the images sucked? No. Well, the R6 uses the same sensor, with the benefit of better low light performance and better lenses. For my type of shooting, qualities like low light performance, the color science of the sensor and micro contrast are much more relevant than mp. Before getting the R6, I briefly tried out the 5D Mk IV. As compared to the rich images of my 5D III, the Mk IV images had washed out colors that were a departure from the gorgeous Canon colors I was used to. The extra mp were worthless to me. The R6 is a more advanced 1DX. And I’m not a Nat Geo photographer worried about it standing up to soaking rain and being banged around. This will be my camera for at least a decade. Just like I’ll keep my iPhone 13 Pro and not upgrade until at least the iPhone 20. Cheers.

Thanks for having me broooo!!! I won’t be swapping out my R5 anytime soon but really no big standout differences for a shoot like this one 🤙🏼

Yewww go team! Thanks for allowing me to apart of this 💕💕

I was totally prepared to pick up an R5, but have since decided that the R6 should suit me just fine. For portraits, I can't imagine needing more, and for wildlife(where I do often need to crop) the price difference will help fund a longer lens, making cropping less necessary.

I went with the r6 because of the dynamic range. Im a wedding photographer and the higher megapixel cameras don’t do as well in low light situations. Coming from the mark iv i was slightly worried about downgrading my megapixel count but after exclusively using the r6 on multiple projects (even a billboard and on the side of a bus) the r6 megapixel count definitely holds its on. And the price tag for the camera and the new cf cards also played a major role in my decision. Great practical video guys.

Where the R5 will shine is when you make a large print. That being said I have made detailed prints with 20 mp sensors up to 24x36 inch prints. If you plan on making bigger prints than that you should go with the R5. If social media is your game and R6 is more than enough.

Yeah, I love my R6. My only gripe are the missing custom videos modes and the missing av-/tv-modes for video, but other than that, I really feel happy and confident with my R6. The color shift of the R6 is also really easy to correct in post.

The main big difference I can see with the two cameras (aside from the ones you’ve discussed) is that if someone is a hybrid photo and video shooter (like me) you cannot map custom settings to the quick record button on the R6, it’s set to auto settings so not great if you want to have more control. You have to go between photo and video mode on the actual dial. For a lot of people this wouldn’t be too tricky, but I shoot weddings so time is key. On the R5 you can have more control on the quick record button. Just thought I would mention this as not many people are talking about it. I still love my r6 though!

well done - the differences are hard (if not impossible) to discern, even on this calibrated monitor BUT I'd have to give the nod to the R6 (I own one!) - the R6 is the best bang for the buck - if you are thinking about the R6, get it

When I had my 40d I never saw it’s 10.1mp as not being enough, now we have double that. This has been done to death, it doesn’t matter. I guess if you are lazy and just snap away and feel that cropping will give you what you need then maybe, otherwise take the shot you need at the right focal distance and be happy.

Honestly even 12mp is enough! I've seen a comparison video of the a7siii which shoots 12mp vs a 24 and 42 mp camera and a lot of the time people can't tell the difference, specially on social media! Great comparison in this video man! I feel we all get lost in the specs lately rather than how we take our shots to make the photos and videos look banger haha loved the shots! Keep it up!

Excellent job gents- I’m going mirrorless soon and you sold me on the R6. Thank you

I picked up the R5 last august when it first came out. I recently sold my 5D and got an R6. I've been surpised how good the R6 is but I can tell a difference between the two. When I do night photos I do use my R6 and it does very well! Haven't one camera with 45MP and one with 20 really comes in handy.

i personally prefer more resolution because in my experience of elaborating pics on a long run i saw Photoshop does on all parameters better the more pixel you have. Even if you need 0,4MB pics for the internet.

great to have a real world test like this, those standard tech-spec RU-vid camera comparisons don't mean shit really, you need to see how raw files differ in similar conditions and how the overall experience is with the camera. so much depends on how you shoot

Thanks for the content really good hands on experience. However the testing method is a bit flawed. First Canon sensors are no Iso invariant unlike modern Sony sensors. The shadow recovery test is not direct reflect of dynamic range. Actually in lab condition, R5 has a slight edge to R6 in photographic dynamic range. Second, the green magenta tint issue is vague unless side by side under controlled lighting otherwise a passing truck or tree branch or cloud movement could make all the color shift difference between two photos. Thirdly, when comparing noise/blotchy area, it has to be in focus. Out of focus transition is more of a lens character than sensor, +3ev exposure will only enlarge the character differences. Where in focus area with lots of fine details like human hair can offer a lot more information in sensor response. In my opinion, R6 is for most people, R5 is for people who need extra large prints or often require heavy cropping to get longer reach like widelife or birding. R6 sensor has worse rolling shutter performance than R5 which is pretty bizarre, usually should be the other way around, as S1R vs S1, A7R3 vs A7III, Z7 vs Z6.

If you have R6 and want to shoot like R5 than ajuns the sharpness in post and voila! Saved a bunch a money!

Great comparison I watched this video on a rather large tv and you couldn't see the difference between the cameras. I'll be looking in to an r6 in the near future.

Bonjour vous filmez avec quoi la vidéo ? Quel objectif et appareil ? Svp

Very nice presentation, I really enjoyed the video. The outcome was kinda to be expected if you perform the comparison the way you did it though. 45mp vs 20mp is usually perceived around 1.5 or 1.6 times more detailed (you need twice as many pixels horizontally and vertically, so four times the number of pixels in total, with the lense scaling up so far in resolutionin order to get a result which appears about twice as detailed). It's always tough to see comparison through compressed low resolution youtube videos which only tell part of the story but when you showed the two fotos side by side in 1:1 mode you could clearly see the amount of difference I was expecting, no big surprise in any way there. Obviously, if you export both to 12mp (I am not sure how much downsampling Photoshop does there and how much of the detail is retained, depends on the downsampling algorithm used and I don't use that in Photoshop) the difference becomes way smaller, but then you look at them side by side without punshing in 1:1 on your 4k screen which has even lower resolution (a good 8mp on your 4k screen) while we on youtube see an even lower detailed version with heavy youtube compression. On a global level like this general rendering always has the big impact, small imperfections of a lense (unless you put it into challening situations like heavy backlit etc) mostly look very similar. So basically same story as always, difference is very small for low res compressed output to social media and the likes, but if you really look at the full resolution on your screen, print, punsh in, crop or something like that the difference is exactly what it should be. It's kinda like in the real world, if you stand a few metres away from a person you simply can not tell the small imperfections on that person's skin, just step closer and you can. Same principle applies here: If you look at it after low res export, on low res screen for overal impression (4k and therefore 8mp is low if you take into account an originally 45mp resolution), via compression or from a distance it doesn't matter too much. You can also use a very sharp lense, crop away a good portion of that 20mp R6 sensor and as long as you keep at least your 8mp for 4k viewing it will look pretty similar on your 4k screen (shot some animals who were too far away like that). But once you go in the difference is there, so it all depends on the output medium you will use the resulting foto for. Thanks for sharing, pleasant real world comparisons are always compelling to look at.

Heyo... Northborders sent me ahahaha... love your channel!

Had the R6 for a few months now and loving it. Even the 7.8 mp photos when using my 17-50/2.8 ef-s lens, are enough mp for most situations, but only use that lens as a back-up or if the photos are just for social media. Curious on why you export 12 mp files? Is this for your clients or your portfolio or something else? Love your vids btw.

The R6 is amazing in low light.

Thanks for the video. Helps against the GAS! The images from both are amazing, nicely photographed!

I am a Canon 5D4+35 1.4II user. I would like to ask you some questions, such as indoors, maybe black clothes are in the shadows, and the exposure of people is normal, but the photos processed with Canon DPP still have color noise. Are R5 and R6 Improved, the color noise in the dark part. Of course this will happen when Canon DPP software is processing. But if you use LR to process photos, you will lose Canon’s original colors.

A very good practical comparison that I really appreciated. As for why the overall visual quality of the R6 is almost indistinguishable from that of the R5 may have more to do with the surface area of their respective pixel units which determines the amount of light being captured by each pixel. You see, while the R5 has 45 megapixels, the surface area of each of its pixel units is 4.40 µm square which is about 2/3 the size of the surface area of each pixel unit in the R6, which is 6.56 µm square. When you calculate this out, you'll find that the pixel surface area of the R6 is equal to a sensor with 30.45 megapixels having a pixel surface area of 4.40 µm squared. Additionally, the larger pixel sites in the R6 capture more light that likely creates greater saturation that also produces a somewhat smoother appearance of the captured image. I hope this helps explain the reason there's such a very highly similar result between these 2 cameras. By the way, here's a link to the specs of each camera: R6: www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/mirrorless/eos-r6/ R5: www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/mirrorless/eos-r5

R5 has a much more 3 dimensional look. It's noticeably different to me and has some WOW factor. The r6 is the same old same old. Sucks because i think I want to buy the r6 for the smaller files/work flow... but ugh... it wont excite me like that 3d r5 look

This video was right on time Mitch, I am toying with the idea of getting an r5. I probably don't need it, the R6 serves me well. But it's definitely in the back of my brain....

Thanks a lot for this video i was still using the 6dMKii and I want to upgrade so I was trying to find out if it’s was good to go with the R or the R6

According to you which one is the best best awesome one..?

For me the R5 would be fun to play with, specially the 8K video stuff, but I'd have a hard time justifying needing more than 20mp. For mega croppers I'm sure it's worth but if you're not doing that I think 20mp is plenty. Even the A7SIII never bothered me but that's getting close to causing issues for some I'd imagine. Now if Canon would just release more native RF glass.

U answered my question between both cameras. R5 it is! Ty

Nice work boys! Love it!

Thank you for a great review and helping us see real world applications. Truly I expected the R5 to blow the R6 away and pleased to see that I could go with the R6 since I prefer the dial over the mode selector. Moreover, I think the R6 will be a great compliment for my R7 thus literally doubling my lens inventory via the ff/cf sensor applications. I believe it’s safe to says that my R7 is a comparable replacement to my former 90D while the R6 a replacement to my 5D2 or 5D3?

Id be curious to see these pictures side by side printed.

So easy now with eye tracking focus. No skill needed. I'm surprised how sharp photos are when holding camera at arms length ! I don't like the black line (brick wall edge) going into her head (Very Distracting) I tried the R5 briefly & did not like the EV, do they take some getting use too ? Did not seem as sharp as Optical Viewfinder.

I am a wedding photographer and shoot both cameras. I actually like the R6 better. It’s just so much better in low light. Watching the ISO is the only way I can tell when I edit. The R6 wins in the race for high ISO

This makes me want the R6 so much more

First: i like your pics and model a lot, but with the comparison it would have been interested what monitor and graphics unit with operating system you have used. Because there is a underlaying software which independently calculates both files on a different way. I think the problem is one compares with a given hard- and software which has a massiv impact about the appearance but not really the original pic files. Wanted just say Fotografers eye and impression is by far first, technics second.

Good little video man. I've been thinking of getting the R6 from the R recently, not just photography reasons but also 4K filming w/ NO CROP! and I swear I subbed to you agessssss ago as all your vids are great man! But clearly I didn't so have a new subscriber hahaha

Good jobs guys and Tien!!! Looks fun hahahh but I just don’t trust on uncontrolled lighting to do this kind of test lol

I actually liked the look of having fewer megapixels as I consistently prefered the R6!

Both with some banger shots! Great comparison Mitch

Nice one boys!!! Keep them coming!

lol was that Ian holding the flowersssss

What is the viewfinder for?

Awesome comparison Mitch. I had the R6 but switched to the R5. Loving the extra resolution but what sold me was the custom mode and video spec. Since I do majority video than photos. Loving the option to use clog3 and 4k120, but still have an option with 1080p. You’re right though, besides the button the AF and how it shoots feels identical. Body a slight difference but not too much. Keep it up mate 🙌🤙

Did I hear that you used a Tamron 35mm in this shoot? They only have one 35mm if I'm not mistaken. In EF i mean. Is it this one? TAMRON SP 35/1,8 DI VC USD and also do u Co spider it better then sigmas 35/1.4 beacuse that's a crazy sharp lense. Never used Tamron so can't say anything. Just curios beacuse gonna pick up a R6 soon and mostly use 85mm and 35mm so thinking on going on two tamrons.

Love it. If the R5 and R6 are so similar, what would be your next upgrade??

I Have a question i am just starting out photography and i want to know when to shoot lower than the model and when higher if you understand (btw i love your vids keep going)

Thank you bro I think R6 when use to with flash he can give you so clean photos sharp like R5

Hey Mitch, I briefly heard you which lens you said you were using for the shoot. Can you restate that part, thanks

Do the Tamron lenses still work adapted after the recent embargo? I have a ton for my Blackmagic so naturally Im leaning towards the r6m2 for photos as I just sold my fuji. I also wanted an r5 but realized 99% of my photos go on instagram😂

I’m going to be upgrading my cameras mainly portrait photography/ beauty / and video. I’m so torn between these two cameras 🤓😭

Very nice Mitch! It would be intresting to see the settings on the screen with each photo but nice work!

Plz share the r6 picture style info settings because i used canon r6 wedding photography but picture quality is so bad... Plz explained the settings 🙏🙏🙏

Hey Mitch...Just a quick question since youre using a 35mm Tamron. Im using the same lens on my R and I occasionally experience an lens error. So I remove the lens, clean it and use it again, then it will do fine. Is there something wrong with the lens and do you have any clue why does it happen ?

Do you reckon the R6 will be a good camera for equine photography as well as automobile photography both very fast motion, I’ve been looking for a good camera that can handle such fast paced things but been having trouble 😅

Awesome Vid Mitch .. I have never owned more than 20Mp .. but like you say once you put it down to digital no one really can tell ..

Hi Mitchell thanks for the great video. May I ask you which of these cameras will you suggest to buy Canon 5D Mark 4 vs Canon R6 vs Canon R5. I'm a Makeup Artist, I need a camera to make a great Makeup videos and Colorful Photos bef/after, Also for online store I'd like to take a high quality photo of Product packaging. 5D Mark 4 has 30 Mp, R6 20 mega pixels, R5 45 Mp. I don't know the difference of Mega Pixels, is it really matter for my needs? Thank you in advance🙏

Thank you for this comparison! such a great video!!!

But this video was filmed by which camera ? 🔥

which camera are you shooting the video with ( the live/youtube video ) ?

It’s all about dem prints brah

Nice I watched the video in 240p 😂

There is just simply not enough details in any human/animal portraits to tell a difference on megapixels, even blow up huge.

Another beautiful one ❤️🙏🏿

Great work boys!

Currently still shootin on a sl1 that i bought couple years ago 18mp isnt bad i just need to upgrade to better lenses

What camera was used to film this comparison ?

Be interesting to do the test not between the R6 & R5 but between the R5 and the 5DS / 5DSr. At 100iso I doubt the results would be much different.

What camera was used to make this video?

Imma gonna switch r6 to r5 since I only have one camera and I love to some street photos which need more pixels. What lens were you guy using in this vid btw?

I am currently using the 6D MK2, thinking about getting the R6 but I'm not sure about the 20MP. Little bit worried about that. I dont know why Canon just couldnt give the R6 like at least 26MP like the 6D MK2 has.

If only the R6 would save photo and video settings - I'd buy one and actually move from Nikon. Such a shame canon have crippled it like this - means it isnt ideal enough for fast moy hybrid work. All the images looked really nice - canon shines for portrait work. 👍

Yeah! 20MP is enough 🔥

To what size could you print images from the R6?

I think you spent too much time judging contrast which was mainly due to how close or far away from the window and the reflector she was. Better to use large prints to compare to the Fans..Thanks.

I want the freedom of cropping in. The r6 is like a budget camera for a premium price you can get much better deals.

Bro 5d mark iv and and EOS R and r6 which one is best for wedding photography and long term use

Mitch were you using Zone AF cuz thats what it looked like

if u take photos within 5 feet good go beyond 10 feet llook the photos for any camera 5 feet distance will get sharp images

Thinking R 6 - over doing sharpness doesn't do skin any favours

Hello Mitch I have bought Eos r and rf 50mm 1.8 suggested by you .... it's great camera and setup is great so far as portrait works... only problem which makes me extremely nervous is if I step into weddings and my card fails and I have taken many photo's then what would i do then... as eos r has only one slot... it is making me sad and nervous..

When it comes to print. can i do 18/1 advertising with the. R6?

I think 20Mp is enough unless you want to print on large posters ..... And a joy to watch this in 4K ......

I love photography my dream a camera.

Do you have a video on how to travel? Or your experience? Would love to know!

But wath about the print?

Yes, 20MP is plenty for web applications and prints up to about 24x36. I've printed 24x36 from my 22MP 5DM3 and it looked fine. But since prints as big as 48x72 are available to us I want to know if those extra MP make a difference in prints that large.

Mitch is great

Before i even watch the video i can tell you that no, the difference doesn't matter in practical, basic use.

I shoot with 13mpx 😭😭

yes it's enough.

High pixel camera gives you higher pixel density for the same output picture size. Between R5 and R6, if money is not the issue, I will go for the A1.

I def think 20megapixels is enough hahah

👌

12MP is more than enough.

Dunno why this was recommended but Nikon Z series are waay better than these, lol