Canon shooters have an exciting but complex decision trying to choose between the advanced R3 or more affordable R6. Both full-frame mirrorless cameras offer compelling advantages for enthusiasts and pros.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare the Canon R3 versus R6 across critical factors like image quality, performance, ergonomics and video capabilities. Read on for a detailed breakdown to help select the right model for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Canon R3 | Canon R6 |
| Sensor Resolution | 30MP | 20MP |
| Continuous Shooting | 30fps mechanical | 12fps mechanical |
| Video Resolution | Up to 6K RAW | Up to 4K 60p |
| Autofocus | Innovative eye control AF | Dual Pixel AF II |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis IBIS, 8 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 8 stops |
| Body Size/Weight | Larger and heavier | Compact and lightweight |
| Weather Sealing | Extremely robust | Very good |
| Price | $6000 | $2500 |
Canon R3 Overview
First, let’s recap what the higher-end R3 brings to the table:
- 30MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor
- Revolutionary eye control AF
- 30 fps mechanical shutter with AF/AE
- 6K RAW video internal
- 5-axis in-body stabilization up to 8 stops
- Robust weather sealing
- Dual card slots (1x CFexpress, 1x UHS-II SD)
As Canon’s new flagship, the R3 leaps ahead of previous models with cutting-edge speed, video, and stability features specially geared for sports and action. It’s designed to excel at fast-paced capture.
Canon R6 Overview
Now let’s look at the still-powerful R6:
- 20MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 12 fps mechanical shutter
- 4K 60p video with 10-bit internal
- 5-axis in-body stabilization up to 8 stops
- Dual UHS-II SD card slots
- Weather resistance
- Compact, lightweight body
The R6 retains many core capabilities of advanced Canon models at a cheaper price. It’s ideal for enthusiasts and pros on a budget seeking a versatile all-around camera.
Also Read: Comparison Between Nikon D3500 And D3300
Key Differences Between Canon R3 Vs. R6
1. Image Quality Comparison
One of the most important aspects is comparing the R3 and R6 for pure image quality:
Resolution
- The R3 provides higher resolution files with its 30MP sensor compared to 20MP on the R6. This allows more cropping flexibility.
- However, the R6 20MP sensor punches above its weight. Clean ISO up to 102,400 also helps compensate for fewer megapixels.
Dynamic Range
- For retaining detail in highlights and shadows, the R3 and R6 have similar dynamic range performance. Both use advanced sensors that excel in this area.
Low Light Performance
- With a native ISO up to 102,400, the R6 can capture incredibly clean images even in near darkness.
- The R3 high ISO tops out at 102,400 as well delivering similar night image quality. The added resolution balances out the smaller pixels.
Autofocus
- The R3’s eye control AF gives it a unique advantage for tricky focus especially when composing shots with long lenses.
- But both models share Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel AF systems with advanced subject tracking. Performance is stellar in both.
For image quality – the R3 certainly holds some advantages like resolution and innovative eye AF. But the R6 remains surprisingly competitive, holding its own for noise and dynamic range.
2. Performance and Speed
The R3 and R6 diverge more significantly when it comes to performance benchmarks:
Continuous Shooting Rate
- With a blistering 30 fps mechanical shutter, the R3 blows past the R6’s 12 fps capabilities for capturing fast sequence shots.
Buffer Depth
- Similarly, the R3 can sustain longer bursts of continuous shooting. The stacked sensor design provides a buffer over 3x deeper than the R6.
Autofocus Calculations
- Powerful processors allow the R3 to compute AF/AE at up to 60 times per second. It focuses instantly even on erratic subjects.
- The R6 still has excellent AF at up to 120 AF calculations per second. But the R3 edges out for AF tenacity.
Shooting Delay
- From shutter button press to capture, the R3 experiences almost zero viewfinder blackout or lag. It can react instantaneously.
- The R6 exhibits slight delays in the tenths of seconds range. Skilled photographers can still time shots perfectly, but the R3 has a responsiveness edge.
For performance benchmarks,** the R3 dominates** as you’d expect from Canon’s blazing fast flagship. The R6 just can’t keep up with the cutting-edge stacked sensor.
Also Read: Comparison Between Sony FDR-AX53 And FDR-AX700
3. Ergonomics and Handling
Ergonomically, the R3 and R6 share some Canon DNA but diverge in a few key ways:
Size and Weight
- Weighing just 680g, the R6 is significantly lighter and more compact than the R3 at 1015g.
- The smaller R6 appeals to users who prioritize portability and unobtrusive street shooting.
Weather Sealing
- Both models feature extensive weather resistance. The chunky R3 body provides more physical durability though especially when paired with a weather-sealed lens.
In-Body Stabilization
- With up to 8 stops of stabilization, the R3 and R6 are equally equipped to reduce shake for handheld shots or video.
Controls and Grip
- The R3 uses a familiar Canon body with enhanced vertical shooting grip and raised rear thumbrest.
- But the R6 still offers a very comfortable handhold experience despite its smaller form. Customizable controls abound on both.
For handling,** the R6 gets the edge for lighter weight and a compact form while the R3 excels for a locked-in feel when shooting fast action long stretches.
4. Video Capabilities
As mirrorless cameras, both the R3 and R6 offer powerful video features, but again the R3 pushes boundaries:
Max Resolution
- With 6K RAW video up to 60p, the R3 breaks new ground for Canon mirrorless. This much resolution provides extreme flexibility in post-production.
- The R6 tops out at 4K 60p. Impressive specs for the price, but limited for high-end video work.
Codecs
- The R3 includes bleeding-edge codecs like Apple ProRes RAW to handle 6K footage smoothly.
- The R6 uses more standard codecs like H.264 and H.265. 4K footage still looks excellent despite lighter compression.
Stabilization
- For steadiness during handheld video, both deliver up to 8 stops correction thanks to coordinated In-Body IS and digital stabilization.
Autofocus
- Dual Pixel AF provides smooth, fast autofocus for both cameras when shooting video. But the R3 exceeds at eye and subject tracking even in low light.
For videography – the R3 dominates as Canon’s most advanced mirrorless camera ever for 6K RAW workflows. But the R6 remains a highly capable 4K video machine at its price.
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5. Battery Life
With mirrorless technology, battery life is a factor to consider:
- The R3 uses a high-capacity 2850 mAh battery delivering approx. 760 shots per charge. Enough for a full day of active shooting.
- The R6 battery is smaller at 2250 mAh for approx. 510 shots per charge. You’ll likely want to pack a spare.
Battery life advantage goes to the R3 for capturing significantly more photos or video on a single charge.
6. Price Comparison
With higher performance comes a steeper price tag:
- Launched at $6000, the R3 commands a premium price as Canon’s no-compromise flagship.
- The R6 debuted at $2500 making it attainable for enthusiasts and budget-conscious pros.
The R6 offers tremendous value by including much of the R3’s capabilities at less than half the cost. But pros who need the pinnacle will find the R3 well worth the investment.
Also Read: Comparison Among Nikon D3500, D5600 And D7500.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions when comparing the Canon R3 versus R6:
The R3 has superior performance, speed, video capabilities, and resolution than the R6. However, the R6 delivers surprisingly competitive image quality in a smaller package for much less cost. For most users besides professionals who require the highest performance, the R6 represents a better value.
Yes, with its robust build, cutting-edge autofocus, 6K RAW video and 30fps continuous shooting, the R3 stands as Canon’s flagship professional mirrorless camera. It excels for fields like sports, wildlife, events, and videography that demand the pinnacle of capabilities.
The R3 provides excellent 30MP resolution and innovative eye autofocus for tack-sharp images. However, the R6’s 20MP sensor actually keeps up very well for noise, dynamic range, and focusing performance despite fewer megapixels. Both deliver professional-grade image quality.
The R3 shines for pro photographers and videographers who need high-speed capture like sports and wildlife. It also excels at 6K RAW video for bleeding-edge videography. If you require the ultimate in speed and video workflows, the R3 represents the pinnacle of Canon mirrorless technology today.
Determine if you truly need 30fps bursts or 6K video – if not, the R6 offers tremendous capabilities for both photography and 4K video at literally half the price. Either model provides world-class image quality in a Canon mirrorless package.
Final Thought
Choosing between these two mirrorless heavyweights comes down to user needs and budget:
- The R3 shines for pros who demand the ultimate in speed and video. It pushes limits in ways no Canon mirrorless has before whether you shoot sports, wildlife, or cinema footage.
- The R6 hits a sweet spot delivering impressive performance for everything from portraits to action at a reasonable price. Ideal for advanced amateurs and most pro applications.
While the R3 outclasses the R6 in some areas, the R6 remains surprisingly competitive in image quality and focusing. Unless you truly require 30fps bursts or 6K video, the R6 will more than satisfy many photographers at a lower price point.