Canon R6 vs R7 (2023): Comparing Highly Rated Canon Mirrorless Cameras

The Canon R6 and Canon R7 are two of the most popular mirrorless cameras to hit the market in recent times. Both of these are packed with features aimed at beginner and veteran photographers and videographers alike, but there are several key differences that set them apart. 

On that note, we take a look at the Canon R6 and R7 to hopefully help you determine which one is the right camera for you, whether you’re after the best image quality, the fastest autofocus or the most versatile video capabilities.

Canon R6 vs R7 Comparison Chart

Model	Canon R6	Canon R7
Price	Check Price at Canon.com	Check Price at Canon.com
Sensor	20.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor	32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor
ISO Range	Normal: 100 – 102400 Extended: 50 – 204800	Normal: 100 – 32000 Extended: 100 – 51200
Battery (in Power-Saving Mode)	LCD: 510 shots EVF: 380 shots	LCD: 770 shots EVF: 500 shots
Dimensions	5.43 x 3.84 x 3.48	5.2 x 3.54 x 3.62 inches
Weight	1.50 lbs (including batteries)	1.35 lbs (including batteries)

Build and Size

There are minimal differences between the Canon R6 and R7 in overall size and weight.

When choosing a camera, size and weight are key factors to consider. The Canon R7 measures 5.2 x 3.54 x 3.62 inches and weighs 1.35 lbs, including batteries. Meanwhile, the Canon R6 measures 5.43 x 3.84 x 3.48 inches and weighs 1.50 lbs, including batteries as well. While the R7 is approximately 0.23 inches narrower and 0.31 inches shorter than the Canon R6, it is also 0.15 inches thicker.

Although the R7 is 0.15 lbs lighter than the R6, this difference may not be significant for most users. Also, the weight of the camera’s body isn’t the only thing that’s important to consider, as you also need to factor in the lenses you’ll be using. Given that the R7 has an APS-C sensor while the R6 has a full-frame sensor, lenses for the former will typically be lighter and smaller for the same focal length and aperture compared to those for the latter.

Both cameras also have weather sealing to make them resistant to water and dust. Moreover, their LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3 inches as well and feature fully articulating screens that allow you to adjust the angle for easier shooting at waist or overhead levels, as well as for taking selfies and videos.

Main Specifications

Between the two, the biggest distinction is that the Canon R6 uses a full-frame sensor, while the R7 uses an APS-C sensor.

The main difference between the Canon R6 and Canon R7 lies in their image sensors. As mentioned earlier, the R6 boasts a full-frame sensor (35mm format), which is larger than the APS-C sensor found in the R7. However, it has a lower resolution of 20.1MP compared to the R7’s 32.5MP.

While the R6’s number of pixels may not be as impressive, it does have a better dynamic range. In other words, the full-frame sensor produces less noise when brightening underexposed areas in RAW files.

Additionally, the R6 has a wider ISO range, with a normal range of 100 – 102400 and an extended range of 50 – 204800, as opposed to the R7’s 100 – 32000 and 100 – 51200 ranges, respectively. Thanks to its larger sensor and lower pixels, it’s capable of producing photos with less noise at higher ISO levels.

Now both cameras can shoot with a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s. The R6’s electronic shutter speed is at the same rate, but the R7 can go 1 stop faster to 1/16000s. For continuous shooting, the R6 can go at 12 fps with the mechanical shutter or 20 fps with the electronic shutter, whereas the R7 can shoot at 15 fps (mechanical) or 30 fps (electronic).

Camera Features

Both the Canon R6 and R7 can take videos in 4K at 60 fps.

The Canon R6 and Canon R7 come equipped with the advanced Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system. In tandem with a deep learning algorithm, it’s capable of recognizing almost any kind of subject, including humans and animals and even vehicles.

Both cameras have the ability to record in 4K at 60 fps. However, it’s worth noting that the R6 has a slight crop when shooting in 4K, regardless of whether it’s at 30 fps or 60 fps. On the other hand, the R7 and its APS-C sensor has the ability to take footage without any cropping, but it sacrifices overall quality since it’ll be using line skipping that way. Of course, there’s always the option to go with a crop instead so that quality won’t be compromised, but in this case, it’ll be at 1.8x.

Lenses and Battery Life

When it comes to lenses, the R6 has 33 native lenses that cover its full-frame sensor, while the R7 has 35 available lenses. Both cameras have sensor-based image stabilization systems, with the R7 rated for 7 stops and the R6 rated for 8 stops.

As for battery life, the R6 is rated for up to 510 shots using the LCD screen and 380 shots using the EVF in power-saving mode, while the R7 outperforms it with 770 shots or 500 shots in the same respective modes.

Verdict

There’s no clear winner between the Canon R6 and R7, as each one has their own unique strong points.

Canon R6

Canon R7

Both the Canon R6 and Canon R7 are excellent choices for photographers, but they are far from being the same camera. After all, the R6 features a 20.1MP full-frame sensor, providing a better dynamic range and wider ISO range. However, the R7 has an APS-C sensor with a higher resolution of 32.5MP.

Still, choosing between the R6 and R7 ultimately comes down to personal preferences and the type of photography you do. At any rate, both cameras are excellent options and deliver great results.

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