Is the Canon R6 a bird photographer's camera ? (1 Viewer)

[Taxboy]

I thought I'd post this to compliment the R5 thread as I'm interested if anyone has gone for the R6 or has everyone bitten the bullet and paid the extra for the R5

 

[Frank Anderson]

I got the R6 last year. Haven't had the chance to use it as much as I'd like to due to the current situation, but yes, this is most certainly a bird (and wildlife) camera.

From my experience so far, it tracks birds in flight with little problem even when crossing a 'busy' background, something no camera I've used before could do. Now with eye tracking I can concentrate on framing my subject and not worry about the focusing. Then there's great low light capability, fast frame rate and lovely image quality.

A couple of examples. Nothing great, but with neither did I have to think about focusing - just let the camera get on with it.

 

[Taxboy]

I got the R6 last year. Haven't had the chance to use it as much as I'd like to due to the current situation, but yes, this is most certainly a bird (and wildlife) camera.

From my experience so far, it tracks birds in flight with little problem even when crossing a 'busy' background, something no camera I've used before could do. Now with eye tracking I can concentrate on framing my subject and not worry about the focusing. Then there's great low light capability, fast frame rate and lovely image quality.

A couple of examples. Nothing great, but with neither did I have to think about focusing - just let the camera get on with it.

Thanks for sharing those Frank. I was beginning to wonder if everyone had gone for the R5 and I do understand the higher MP gives more scope for cropping; although the R6 allows for those on a lesser budget

 

[Frank Anderson]

Honestly, I think which one comes down to your own needs though I think a lot of people are 'seduced' by megapixels. Even for me it was a bit of a psychological barrier but I rarely heavily crop and the few times I need to, I would highly recommend getting Gigapixel A1 – for all tense and purpose you can turn this 20 megapixel into a 40 megapixel camera.

Not many people talk about the advantages of this camera over the R5 – better battery performance, smaller file sizes for storage and editing, better low light performance (amazing), yet with the same autofocus system and frame rate. Then there’s the money you’re saving could be put towards a new lens such as the new RF800mm or the one of the 150-600mm lenses which would give the extra reach.

 

[Gronk08]

Not sure how true in a real life setting but have heard that the R6 maybe better for cropping than the R5.
Tim

 

[Farnboro John]

I'm still planning to hang on and see what the "R7" turns out to be, though a friend of mine is already getting great results with his new R6 and legacy EF lenses.

John

 

[Frank Anderson]

I think if the R7 turns out to be true and is a mirrorless crop camera, it would be a huge seller, especially if it has the same focusing system as the R6 and R5.

Regarding the cropping ability of the R5 over the R6, there may be some truth in that Tim. You're going to need good glass using the R5 to help resolve that 45 MB sensor. Some people are complaining of 'soft' images due to their lenses not being up to the high megapixel count. Any lens defects will be enhanced with high cropping.

 

[Pauhana]

Bird photography with the R6 revisited: Canon EOS R Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.

www.dpreview.com

interesting review

 

[Frank Anderson]

Thought it might be nice to continue to show a 'bit of love' for the R6. I spent some time photographing the local Kittiwake population on the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle. Dispite the very busy city background, the focusing latched on the birds. Compared with previous years attempts and different cameras, there was no comparison. Well over 90% of images were in focus, despite using a teleconverter for most.

 

[graham catley]

Had mine for 3 months: getting more impressed the more I use it: the AF system is to my mind the real asset but IQ is excellent and the ability to see what exposure you are getting through the EVF and change it on the hoof saves so many shots. these are all with the R6 canon 400DO2 and apart from Albert with the 1.4x

 

[Frank Anderson]

Had mine for 3 months: getting more impressed the more I use it: the AF system is to my mind the real asset but IQ is excellent and the ability to see what exposure you are getting through the EVF and change it on the hoof saves so many shots. these are all with the R6 canon 400DO2 and apart from Albert with the 1.4x

Those images look great. The impression you get from online is that the 400DO, even the mk 2, is a little soft especially with a converter but those are very sharp. What’s the focussing speed like?

 

[stevo]

 

[stevo]

Both the above images taken with the R6 +canon 500mm f4 is mk1 & the 1.4 extender.'

 

[Farnboro John]

Both the above images taken with the R6 +canon 500mm f4 is mk1 & the 1.4 extender.'

Well, I'm still hanging out for the "R7" but if push comes to shove that Common Sand convinces me I can carry on with my 500 f4 Mk1 and either the R6 or putative R7!

John

 

[peter991]

awesome photos quality

 

[graham catley]

Those images look great. The impression you get from online is that the 400DO, even the mk 2, is a little soft especially with a converter but those are very sharp. What’s the focussing speed like?

seems fast enough to me - hard to quantify in words

 

[rpg51]

I've been window shopping for a camera. I'm leaning toward Canon mirrorless. I am coming back to good level amateur photography after a long long hiatis, (I've never owned a digital or autofocus SLR camera - I come from film 35 mm). I do not have a bottomless pit of cash but i have a good budget. I choke at the cost of the R5 when I add in all the other associated costs for an ultra high megapixel camera, which are substantial, and when I realize I will need to acquire at least 3 lenses. The reality is I will have to make some compromises somewhere and I'm of the opinion that the place to compromise is the body, not the lenses. I think I should be able to make 20 mp work for my amateur purposes. If I do any video at all it will not be serious stuff, likely just little clips of grandchidren and pets and the like. So, I'm leaning toward the R6 and three very good lenses acquired over a year or two. Are there others of the same mind?

 

[jcwu88]

I have R6 for eight months and am very satisfied with its fast AF and animal eye focusing.
Also I found the RF800 f/11 lens is very nice: sharp and light weight. Even coupled with 2x extender, the photo still looks good to me.

R6 + RF800 (F/11)




R6 + RF800 + RF 2x extender (F/22)

 

[Pauhana]

thanks to all for posting thoughts on R6. Rented one for a week and was certainly impressed with new focus system and low light performance. Frank you blog is well done and the pics are awesome. Based on my budget this is probably the way for me to go unless they announce a new aps-c. But not holding my breath on that one. Will be a couple a months before I pull the trigger as getting a new knee next and want to be mobile before getting a new camera

 

[Aladdin]

Dear members and bird watchers!

I have Canon 5D Mark III and IV

I have been looking in to buy the Canon R. But I read a review that it became very hot.

And I have 4 lenses that I had paid around 10 000 US Dollars for. But they say I can use these lenses on the R camera.

Anyone having experience using old lenses on the new system? I bought a x2 extender and I have never used it as the focus goes crazy and I have never managed to get any good pictures using the extender. So I am very hesitant to use a lens converter.

Is there anyone here with experience of using the old EF lenses with the new R system?

Kind regards and happy birding
Aladdin