Canon EOS M6 Mark II Review (in Progress)

Snap Verdict

We have still to test the Canon EOS M6 Mark II fully, but after shooting with it in the gloomy confines of a go-karting track, I’m very impressed by what it can do. The AF system copes incredibly well with low light and it’s fast enough to use with speeding subjects. It also has the same 32.5Mp APS-C format sensor and Digic 8 processing engine as the Canon EOS 90D announced at the same time, and the image quality does not disappoint.
Although Canon has opted to use the Mark II badge rather than opt for EOS M7, the M6 Mark II makes some significant steps up from the EOS M6.

You can buy the Canon EOS M6 Mark II at retailers such as Adorama, B&H Photo Video, Park Cameras and Wex Photo Video.

Features

The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is an APS-C format mirrorless camera. It uses the EF-M mount, which is different from the mount used by Canon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Like the Canon EOS 90D announced at the same time, the EOS M6 II has a new 32.5Mp Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor and Canon’s Digic 8 processing engine. This enables a fantastic maximum continuous shooting rate of 14fps (frames per second). That rate can be maintained for up to 54 Jpegs or 23 raw files or 35 CRaw files.

Fast frame rates are usually used in conjunction with fast shutter speeds and the M6 II can shoot at 30-1/4,000sec with the mechanical shutter or up to 1/16,000sec with the electronic shutter.

Like in the Canon EOS 90D, that sensor and processor combination enables a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600 with an expansion setting of ISO 51,200 for stills. In movie mode the expanded range is ISO 100-25,600.

As the EOS M6 II is a mirrorless camera, it relies on the imaging sensor to supply the information for the autofocus system. Canon has used its Dual Pixel CMOS design for the sensor, which means that the pixels are each made up of two photodiodes. Both of these are read individually for the phase-detection autofocusing. However, they are read together to generate the image signal.

This technology enables the AF point to be set across 88% of the horizontal area of the sensor and 100% of the vertical area. Phase detection focusing is also usually faster than contrast detection.

Video

Even at launch, the original Canon EOS M6 seemed a bit out of step on the video front as it topped-out at Full-HD resolution. Thankfully, Canon has now seen the light in this respect and the EOS M6 Mark II is 4K-enabled. It can shoot MP4 (AVC/H.264) 4K (3840 x 2160) video at 29.97, 25fps. It’s also possible to shoot 4K Time-lapse videos at 29.97, 25fps.

In addition, Full-HD (1920 x 1080) video can be shot at 119.88, 100, 59.94, 50, 29.97 or 25fps. That gives plenty of scope for slow-motion video creation.

Further good news is that there’s no additional crop factor applied to the video so even 4K footage has the same angle of view as stills.

The maximum video length is 29min 59sec while the maximum file size is 4GB.

Screen

Canon has stuck with the same 3-inch ClearView II Touchscreen LCD with 1,040,000 dots as is on the original M6. This can be tilted 180 degrees up and 45 degrees down. There are higher-resolution screens around, but a 1,040,000-dot unit is fairly standard at this level.

There’s no viewfinder built-in, but the M6 II is compatible with Canon’s EVF-DFC2. This has a 0.39-inch type display with 2.36-million dots.

Build and Handling

The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is one of the smaller mirrorless cameras around. In fact, it’s so small it could probably hide amongst some compact cameras. It may not suit all photographers, especially those with large hands, but if you’re looking for a camera for travel or to slip in a small bag, it’s one to consider.

It’s also shaped like a mini SLR and has a well-shaped grip on its front along with a good thumb rest on its rear. A smooth but grippy coating helps keep the camera safe in your hand.

The control layout is very similar to the EOS M6’s, but the EOS M6 II makes a few changes. The most obvious of these is the removal of the exposure compensation dial. This is useful for making quick adjustments on the M6. However, like the EOS M5, the M6 Mark II has a dial with a function button at its centre on the top-plate. This provides a quick means of adjusting several key settings, including exposure compensation.

Viewfinder

I find it far easier to follow a moving subject when I’m using a viewfinder rather than a screen on the back of the camera. So I’m pleased that the EOS M6 II is compatible with the EVF-DC2 electronic viewfinder. In fact, in the UK, it’s bundled with the lens kit. That means you can have the best of both worlds, a super-small camera or one with a viewfinder.

The EVF-DC2 provides a good view of the subject with plenty of detail visible.

Sadly, Canon hasn’t managed to squeeze a joystick on to the back of the M6 II. That’s a shame as it would be a really easy way to move the AF point around while looking in the viewfinder. However, the Touch & Drag AF mode allows you to shift the point around using your thumb or finger on the screen while the camera is held to your eye. That works well, but there are times when a joystick is preferable.

Touch Control

In the dark conditions of the go-karting track, the M6 II’s touch control was a major bonus. It meant that rather than fumbling about for the right control, I just needed to tap the Quick or main menu buttons to be able to see and adjust any parameter.

Despite the small size of the M6 II, there’s also a reasonable number of buttons and dials available for making setting adjustments if you prefer that method.

Performance

I was able to shoot with a full-production sample of the Canon EOS M6 Mark II before its launch and although I want to shoot with it a lot more before I pass final judgement, it’s left a really good impression.

Canon chose a go-kart track for the press launch and as it had no natural light, it was a very challenging environment for any camera. I was sceptical that the M6 II’s autofocus (AF) system would be able to cope. But it did. In fact, it didn’t just cope, it did a great job.

The light was so poor that I had to shoot at ISO 6400, 12,800 or 25,600 to be able to use shutter speeds fast enough to freeze the moving go-karts in the brighter parts of the track where a few continuous lights had been set-up. However, the camera was able to focus on the karts in some of the darkest areas and the tracking system kept them sharp as they sped along.

If I selected a specific focus point, the camera usually got it sharp and in most cases, the focus acquisition was fast enough to get the kart-sharp. In Face detection and Tracking mode, the camera is able to use any of its AF points for focusing. As it detects the subject, the active points turn green and the subject is rendered sharp. In most instances, it targets the nearest point of contrast for focusing, which was usually the bonnet of the go-kart.

The vast majority of the images I shot with the EOS 6 II were at the upper sensitivity settings. I’d aim to avoid using ISO 25,600 if I could, but ISO 12,800 produces respectable results. However, if possible, I’d try to use ISO 6,400 or lower as this results in impressively good results.

Noise is controlled very well at ISO 6,400 and there’s a good level of detail visible.

Sample Images

Early Verdict

While Canon’s M-series cameras have always had good sensors and been able to deliver high-quality images, the AF systems in the first few were hopelessly slow. Thankfully Canon has made great strides in this area and the EOS M6 Mark II has a very impressive AF system.

Canon has also done a nice job with the EOS M6 Mark II’s build and handling. I’m sure there are some that will find it too fiddly, but I think it’s a great size and the grip feels very nice in your hand.

It’s clear that Canon has turned a corner with the EOS M cameras, but it needs to take the lens line-up more seriously. There needs to be a greater range of lenses with some high-end fast glass.