Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: In-Depth Comparison (2023)

Published On

By Vansh Malhotra

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Looking for Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6?

This Post will compare both the cameras and I will share my verdict on What camera to choose.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Overview

Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5D Mark IV Front
  • Sensor: 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • Processor: DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
  • Screen: 3.2-Inch Fixed Touchscreen
  • Weight: 1.76 lb / 800 g
  • Battery: 850 Shots

4.7 Out of 5

Canon 1DX Mark II

Canon EOS-1DX Mark II - Front - Product Image
  • Sensor: 20MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • Processor: DIGIC X Image Processor
  • Screen: 3-0-Inch Tilt Touchscreen
  • Weight: 1.5 lb / 680 g
  • Battery: 510 Shots

4.7 Out of 5

Canon 5D Mark IV Quick Summary

The Canon 5D Mark IV was released in 2016. At the time, it was hated because it didn’t allow to take 4K videos properly.

However, as time passed, photographers fell in love with the Camera.

And the reasons I fell in love with this Camera are-

A Full-Frame Sensor, Excellent Noise Reduction Ability, Excellent Low Light Performance, and Touch-Enabled Menu Navigation.

I can talk non-stop about the Abilities of the Touchscreen of this Camera.

Despite its cons, I think this Camera is a great Beginner-Friendly DSLR Camera.

It feels great in the hands, and its Ergonomics are Superb.

Canon 5D Mark IV Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Accurate AutoFocus
  • Wide Dynamic Range
  • Dual SD Card Slots
  • Great For Still Photography
  • Noise Free Low Light Photos
  • Good Battery Life

Cons

  • Cropped 4K Video
  • Fixed Screen

Canon EOS R6 Quick Summary

The Canon EOS R6 is a Modern and Versatile Mirrorless Camera from Canon. Some of the features that you will like in this Camera are:-

A Full-Frame Sensor, Uncropped 4K Recording at 60 FPS, Articulating Screen, and Ergonomically Minimal Design.

It has Some Minor Cons that we will discuss, but overall it is a Superb Camera for Professionals.

And being a Mirrorless Camera, it is Smaller and Lighter in Size and Weight than any DSLR Camera. I would recommend this to Vloggers.

Canon EOS R6 Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Compact Size
  • Light Weight
  • Fast AutoFocus
  • Fast Image Stabilization
  • Wide Dynamic Range
  • 4K Video at 60 FPS
  • Great Ergonomics
  • Sharp Image Quality

Cons

  • Low Battery Life
  • Heating Issues
Check Our Canon Camera Hub.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Product Images

You can check out the Product Images of Both Cameras Below.

Canon 5D Mark IV Product Images

You can check out the Canon 5D Mark IV Product Images of Below.

Canon EOS R6 Product Images

You can check out the Canon EOS R6 Product Images of Below.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Sample Images

You can check out the Sample Images of Both Cameras Below.

Canon 5D Mark IV Sample Images

You can check out the Canon 5D Mark IV Sample Images of Below.

woman Sample Image by Canon 5d Mark IV
See Original
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
160.0mm · ƒ/9.0 · 1/125s · ISO 400 ↯
office Sample Image by Canon 5d Mark IV
See Original
35mm
35.0mm · ƒ/1.4 · 1/500s · ISO 500
woman & cat Sample Image by Canon 5d Mark IV
See Original
85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art 016
85.0mm · ƒ/2.2 · 1/500s · ISO 160
chef Sample Image by Canon 5d Mark IV
See Original
EF50mm f/1.2L USM
50.0mm · ƒ/2.2 · 1/250s · ISO 125

Canon EOS R6 Sample Images

You can check out the Canon EOS R6 Sample Images of Below.

Sunset View By Canon EOS R6
See Original
TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011
150.0mm · ƒ/6.3 · 1/200s · ISO 100
Common Starling By Canon EOS R6
See Original
RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
500.0mm · ƒ/7.1 · 0s · ISO 5000
peacock by Canon EOS R6
See Original
RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM
105.0mm · ƒ/7.1 · 1/320s · ISO 4000
tree by Canon EOS R6
See Original
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
70.0mm · ƒ/4.0 · 1/250s · ISO 3200

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Photo Quality

Here, I will tell you about the Photo Qualities of Each of the Cameras Based on Their Sensor, Exposure, etc.

By the end of this Section, you will get a Clear Idea of which Camera is a Better Photography Camera.

Sensor

First, let me tell you about the Canon 5D Mark IV. It has a Full-Frame CMOS Sensor of 31.7-Megapixel Resolution.

Let me tell you that a Full-Frame Sensor has its Benefits and Downsides. The Benefits of a Full-Frame Sensor are Better in Low-Light Performance, More Dynamic ISO Range, Rich Color Depth, etc.

The Downside of a Large Sensor is that it has to be Paired with a Larger Camera Body and Expensive Lenses.

On the Other hand, Canon EOS R6 has a Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, but its Resolution is only 21.4 Megapixels.

Despite having a Low-Resolution Sensor compared to Canon 5D Mark IV, this Camera benefits from Technological Advances.

Some of these Advantages are On-Sensor Stabilization and Video Autofocus.

To sum up, Canon 5D Mark IV has a Better Resolution Sensor than Canon EOS R6.

But Sensor-wise, I would recommend you choose Canon R6 because of its Technological Features.

Check Out the Best Camera For Nature Photography.

Processor

Both of these Cameras are Years Apart in their Release. We will See Technological Advances in Processors.

First, Canon 5D Mark IV is Powered by DIGIC 6+ Image Processor. Even though this processor is old but I feel that it is not Irrelevant in 2023.

And I Love this Camera because of its Autofocus Speed and Accuracy. Also, its Noise Reduction is Excellent.

It gives you a Buffer of 21 Raw Frames in Continuous Shooting.

Now I would not recommend this to Professional Wildlife or Sports Photographers.

On the other hand, Canon EOS R6 is Powered by a Newer Generation DIGIC X Image Processor.

This also has a Faster Autofocus Speed and Better Accuracy. But, it is the Buffer Rate that beats 5D Mark IV.

It has an Outstanding Buffer of 240 Raw Frames in Continuous Mode. That is a Camera Every Professional should be carrying.

But, that is not all, my friend.

This processor offers 5-Axis Stabilization, and it gives you the Power to Record in 4K at 60 FPS. So, undoubtedly Canon EOS R6 has a Better Processor than 5D Mark IV.

AutoFocus

Since I have talked about the processor, let me tell you more about their Ability to make a Camera Better for you.

First, let me tell you the autofocus abilities of both cameras.

5D Mark IV offers you 61 Autofocus with Excellent Speed and Accuracy. The Face Detection also works accurately.

Even though it does not cover 100% of the Frame, it will be Rare that I won’t be happy with it.

In contrast, Canon EOS R6 has about 6000 Focus Points. 

Believe me, Its Phase-Detection while Recording Video is Excellent. It can Trace the Objects Efficiently. And its Eye and Face Detection will never fail to amaze you.

In conclusion, Canon EOS R6 has Better Autofocus Technology than 5D Mark IV.

Image Stabilization

Sadly, Canon 5D Mark IV Does not have Image Stabilization. That makes it difficult for Vloggers to Record a Decent Video While Dynamic Shooting.

I was also annoyed by the fact that it Lacked Image Stabilization. Although you can Compensate for it via Lenses. 

While Canon EOS R6 Offers In-Body Stabilization.

It uses a Gyrosensor that Sends Signals to the DIGIC X Processor of Canon EOS R6.

This compensates for most of the Vibrations and Shakes.

So clearly, Canon EOS R6 Has In-Body Stabilization, and Canon 5D Mark IV does not have Image Stabilization.

Check Out the Best Camera For Car Photography.

Shooting Speed

Canon 5D Mark IV offers 7 FPS Shooting to capture 21 Raw Frames and Unlimited JPEG frames.

On the other hand, Canon EOS R6 Can shoot up to 12 FPS for up to 1000 Frames in JPEG and 240 Frames in RAW while using Mechanical Shutter. 

While using Electronic Shutter, you can shoot up to 20 FPS for up to 1000 Frames in JPEG and 240 Frames in RAW.

Check Out the Best Camera For Real Estate Photography.

Exposure

First, the Canon 5D Mark IV Offers an ISO Range of 100 to 32000 that can be expanded up to ISO 50 to 102,400.

Along with that, 5D Mark IV offers a metering range of 0 to 20 EV. This vastly helps to produce excellent quality low light photos with less graining.

On the other hand, Canon EOS R6 Offers an ISO Range of 100 to 102,400 that can be extended up to 100 to 204.

And it offers a metering range of -3 to 20 EV.

Overall, the Canon R6 offers a More Dynamic Range while maintaining photo quality than Canon 5D Mark IV.

Check Out the Best Camera For Night Photography.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Video Quality

This Section will discuss the Video Recording Abilities of Both Cameras.

4K Video

Canon 5D Mark IV can Record 4K Videos with a 1.4X Crop. The output is a little discouraging to me.  

Overall, You might prefer the 5D Mark IV in Photography over the Videography. 

On the other hand, with Canon EOS R6, You can Record 4K Movies without Any Crop Factor.

It does not stop me from Recording 4K Videos at 60 FPS. But, what makes it more powerful is its Autofocus Ability in the Video.

It made it Super Easy for Me to Track a Subject in 4K.

I vote for Canon EOS R6 as a better 4K recording camera than 5D Mark IV.

Check Out the Best Camera For Instagram.

Full HD Video

You can record 4K Video at up to 60 FPS with Canon 5D Mark IV. 

But, I have realized that this Camera is more of a Photography Camera.

It serves a particular niche. But, the Video Quality was second in my Experience.

On the other hand, Canon EOS R6 can record Full HD Videos at 120 FPS.

And the In-Camera Stabilization of the Canon EOS R6 helped me take Even Smoother Videos.

I would prefer Canon EOS R6 to be a Better Camera with more Features to Record Full HD Videos.

Check out the Best Camera For Music Videos.

Vlogging

Vlogging has Developed from just a hobby to a side hustle nowadays.

And if it is being perceived as a profession of some degree, I think you need a proper video camera.

As a result, I don’t think Canon 5D Mark is a proper vlogging camera. And another reason I think it does not fit in this niche as it lacks features.

You can’t take Full HD Slow-Motion Videos, you can’t take Long Videos, No Stabilization, etc.

It is a little bit heavier in weight as well. 

On the other hand, Canon EOS R6, a Mirrorless Camera, is smaller and lighter than 5D Mark IV. It only Weighs around 600 Grams. 

You get features such as a Tilting Touch Screen, 4K Video Ability, Slow Motion in Full HD, Longer Battery Life, In-Body Stabilization, etc.

Overall, Canon EOS R6 is a better Vlogging Camera than the 5D Mark IV. 

Audio Quality

The Audio Quality of a Camera is the main thing when you want to record a video. And I felt that both Cameras have a Decent Audio Quality Mic.

Though There is a Factor that 5D Mark IV has a Mono-Type Mic and Canon R6 has a Stereo-Type Mic.

From my experience, both the Camera give out decent audio quality.

There is one Tiny Edge to Canon R6. A Newer Processor allows for more Noise Reduction in Audio than 5D Mark IV.

Check out the Best Camera For Podcasting.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Features

So far, I have told you about the photo and video abilities. Now I will tell you about the features of both the cameras.

Screen/Display

I was excited to use the Touchscreen Display of the Canon 5D Mark IV. It features a 3.2-inch, Touch-Enabled Screen. It was amazing to go through the Menu System of a Camera Via Touch.

The screen has a 1,620,000 Dots Resolution. And it looks Pretty Sharp as well.

And I was even more excited when Canon EOS R6 was announced with a screen you could Tilt at any angle. 

You get a 3-inch Free-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD screen with R6. Also, the Resolution of the screen is 1,620,000 Dot. 

Thus, I would pick a Better Tilting Screen for the Canon R6 than the 5D Mark IV Fixed Screen.

Weight

Canon 5D Mark IV is built on Magnesium Alloy Body and weighs around 800 grams. Being a DSLR camera is quite heavy and being heavy has its own cons and pros.

The Pros are that your Camera balances heavy lenses in a better way. The Cons are that your Camera is Difficult to Travel with and creates pain in hand. 

Where Canon EOS R6 is a Mirrorless Camera. It is Lighter in Weight and Compact in Size.

In terms of weight, I would personally prefer the Canon R6. 

Ergonomics/Comfort

I used to think that Larger Cameras have Better Ergonomics. But in this comparison, I was proved wrong by Canon R6.

First, Let me tell you about the Ergonomics of the 5D Mark IV. The Buttons are Nicely Placed, including Two Buttons to Assign Custom Use. It makes Navigation Easy.

On the other hand, Canon EOS R6 comes from the Same Canon Family. And because of its Technological Advancements, the Ergonomics of Canon EOS R6 is Minimal.

The Ability to Change Focus Area by Joystick Blew my Mind. There is not much that you get from the Touch Screen Menu System. Both Cameras have the Deep Grip to hold them at Any Angle Possible.

And Both Cameras Feel Confident in your Hands.

Overall, I think that both cameras have Excellent Ergonomics. 

I have been watching Canon for a long time now. Despite its Lack of Technology, its User Interface Canon Was second to one.

The Menu System is Built Very Thoughtfully. It was Easier for me to Find Almost Every Setting in Less Than 5 Touches. That is an excellent design.

A nicely categorized menu system helped me memorize the menu item location.

Both the cameras share the same philosophy, and therefore, both the cameras are easy to use.

Viewfinder

Canon 5D Mark IV uses an Optical Viewfinder, and Canon EOS R6 uses a Digital Viewfinder.

Even though having an Optical Viewfinder has no Drawbacks, I prefer a Digital Viewfinder in a Camera.

It is easier for me to see it on a Screen and have more info about the Shot. And I think that Digital Viewfinders can Match the Speed of Optical Viewfinders. Canon R6 should be the Preferred Camera for a Better Viewfinder.

Check Out the Best Camera For Car Photography.

Battery Life

I have used the Canon 5D Mark IV for testing. I did extreme photo and video tests. The battery life of the Canon 5D Mark IV goes out after about 3 hours of charge. You get about 800 Shots from the battery.

You will have to use Multiple Batteries for Long Events.

But Canon EOS R6 Performs only 510 Shots in One Full Charge. That was disappointing for me.

The Batteries of Canon EOS R6 are a Bit More Expensive than that of Canon 5D Mark IV.

For Battery Life, I would prefer 5D Mark IV over R6.

Connectivity

This is the perk of Cameras I like the most after their photo and video ability.

Both the cameras offer WiFi, While Canon EOS R6 additionally offers Bluetooth Connectivity.

I can Easily Share Photos from my Camera to my Phone via the Canon Connect Application.

This allows you to Transfer, Edit, and Share Quickly on my Social Media. All was going well until I realized that Canon EOS R6 does not support GPS.

Canon 5D Mark has an In-Built GPS. I think the Canon 5D Mark IV is a Better Connectivity camera than Canon EOS R6.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Specs Comparison

Imaging Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Lens MountCanon EFCanon RF
Sensor Resolution30.4 Megapixel (6720 x 4480)20.1 Megapixel (5472 x 3648)
Sensor Type36 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS36 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Image StabilizationNoneSensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Mirror Lock-UpYesNot Applicable
Built-In ND FilterNoneNone
Capture TypeStills & VideoStills & Video

Exposure Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Shutter TypeElectronic Shutter, Mechanical Focal Plane ShutterElectronic Shutter, Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter SpeedElectronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Mechanical Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Electronic Shutter
1/8000 to 0.5 Seconds
Bulb/Time ModeBulb ModeBulb Mode
ISO SensitivityPhoto
100 to 32,000 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 102,400)
Video
100 to 32,000 in Auto Mode
100 to 102,400 in Auto Mode (Extended: 100 to 204,800)
Video
100 to 25,600 (Extended: 100 to 204,800)
Metering MethodEvaluative, Partial, SpotCenter-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Partial, Spot
Exposure ModesAperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Shutter PriorityAperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation-5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Metering Range0 to 20 EV-3 to 20 EV
Continuous ShootingUp to 7 fps at 30 MP for up to 21 Frames (Raw) / Unlimited Frames (JPEG)Mechanical Shutter
Up to 12 fps at 20 MP for up to 1000 Frames (JPEG) / 240 Frames (Raw)
Electronic Shutter
Up to 20 fps at 20 MP for up to 1000 Frames (JPEG) / 240 Frames (Raw)
Interval RecordingYesYes
Self-Timer2/10-Second Delay2/10-Second Delay

Still Image Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Image Sizes3:2 Raw
5040 x 3360
4:3 Raw
4480 x 3360
16:9 Raw
5040 x 2836
1:1 Raw
3360 x 3360
3:2 JPEG
6720 x 4480
4:3 JPEG
5952 x 4480
16:9 JPEG
6720 x 3776
1:1 JPEG
4480 x 4480
3:2 Raw
5472 x 3648
3:2 JPEG
5472 x 3648
4:3 JPEG
4864 x 3648
16:9 JPEG
5472 x 3072
1:1 JPEG
3648 x 3648
Aspect Ratio1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:93:2
Image File FormatJPEG, RawJPEG, Raw, HEIF
Bit Depth14-Bit14-Bit

Video Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Recording ModesM-JPEG 4:2:2 8-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 30 FPS
MOV
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 FPS
MP4
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 FPS
H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60 FPS
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 120 FPS
H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60 FPS
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 120 FPS
Recording LimitUp to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for DCI 4K (4096 x 2160)Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Video SystemNTSC/PALNTSC/PAL
Built-In Microphone TypeMonoStereo
Audio RecordingMP4: AAC Audio
MOV: LPCM Audio
AAC Audio
LPCM Audio

Interface Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Media/Memory Card SlotSlot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Slot 2: CompactFlash (UDMA 7)
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Video I/O1 x Mini-HDMI Output1 x Mini-HDMI Output
Audio I/O1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/ONone1 x USB Type-C Input/Output
Other I/O1 x Canon N3 Control Input
1 x USB Micro-B (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Output
1 x PC Sync Socket Input
1 x USB Type-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
1 x Canon E3 (2.5 mm Sub-Mini) Input
WirelessWi-FiWi-Fi, Bluetooth
GPSGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSSNone

Monitor Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Size3.2″3.0″
Resolution1,620,000 Dot1,620,000 Dot
Display TypeFixed Touchscreen LCDFree-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Secondary DisplayTop: Status DisplayNot Applicable

Viewfinder Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
TypeOptical (Pentaprism)Built-In Electronic (OLED)
SizeNot Specified0.5″
ResolutionNot Applicable3,690,000 Dot
Eye Point21 mm23 mm
Coverage100%100%
MagnificationApprox. 0.71xApprox. 0.76x
Diopter Adjustment-3 to +1-4 to +2

Focus Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Focus TypeAuto and Manual FocusAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeContinuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AFContinuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus PointsPhase Detection: 61 (41 Cross-Type)Phase Detection: 1053
Autofocus Sensitivity-3 to +18 EV-6.5 to +20 EV

Flash Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Built-In FlashNoNo
Maximum Sync Speed1/200 Second1/250 Second
Flash Compensation-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash SystemeTTLeTTL
External Flash ConnectionHot Shoe, PC TerminalHot Shoe

Environmental Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Operating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Operating Humidity0 to 85%0 to 85%

General Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon EOS R6
Battery Type1 x LP-E6N Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1865 mAh1 x LP-E6NH Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Tripod Mounting ThreadNot Specified1 x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom)
Accessory Mount1 x Hot Shoe Mount1 x Hot Shoe Mount
Material of ConstructionMagnesium AlloyMagnesium Alloy, Polycarbonate
Dimensions (W x H x D)5.9 x 4.6 x 3″ / 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm5.43 x 3.84 x 3.48″ / 138 x 97.5 x 88.4 mm
Weight1.76 lb / 800 g (Body Only)1.5 lb / 680 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon R6: Conclusion

I have covered factors affecting a Camera’s Photo and Videography quality by now. And the result so far is that Canon EOS R6 is a Better Camera than 5D Mark IV.

Whereas Canon EOS R6 is more of an upgraded camera for professionals.

Canon R6 beats Canon 5D Mark IV with a Better Processor, More Dynamic Range, 4K at 60 FPS Ability, Tilt-Screen, etc. If you want a versatile camera and you are okay with no GPS, go for Canon EOS R6.

Summing up, Canon 5D Mark IV is a Great Camera for Photography, and Canon EOS R6 is a Great Camera for Videography. 

g, Read Our Camera Buying Guide and Photography Gear Buying Guides. Also, Check out our other Camera Comparisons Posts Below.

About Author

SEO Entrepreneur

Leave a Comment