No, the Canon 6D Mark II is not a mirrorless camera. It’s a DSLR that was first released in July 2017 and was the cheapest Canon full-frame camera at that time.
It has a 26MP full-frame sensor than can deliver outstanding results in low light. This camera is an excellent option for hobbyists and professionals who are looking for an affordable full-frame DSLR.
I still have this camera, and it’s as good as when I bought it. It’s a great camera that has a lot of features, including a 26MP sensor.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II can capture gorgeous photos in low-light conditions and has an outstanding high ISO performance. Plus, its advanced features allow you to take great shots regardless of how much experience you have with photography.
It may not be as advanced and as light as a mirrorless camera like my Canon EOS R, but it’s still a great camera that serves as an excellent starter DSLR for beginners and professionals alike.
Pair it with a Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II lens and you’ll have a camera that’s capable of taking some truly breathtaking photos.
Canon 6D Mark II release date
The Canon 6D Mark II was announced in June 2017 and released in July of the same year. It was the successor to the highly popular Canon EOS 6D.
Canon 6D Mark II Specs
Here are the key specs of the Canon 6D Mark II:
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Canon EF Mount
- Up to 45 AF points
- 1/4000 to 30 sec., bulb shutter speed
- Native ISO 100-40000, Expandable to 50-102400
- 3.0″ fully articulating touch screen TFT LCD
- 98% viewfinder coverage
- Weather sealed body
- SD card slot
- Wifi, NFC, and Bluetooth
This camera is a worthy upgrade from the original 6D, which is also not a mirrorless camera. The 6D Mark II has a faster processor and better autofocus system.
It also has a newer LCD screen that is fully articulating and touch-enabled. Also, the 6D Mark II is much easier to use than its older brother.
Canon 6D Mark II autofocus points
It has a 45-point all cross-type AF system. The Canon 6D Mark II also takes advantage of the newer Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-Detection, which allows the camera to focus on subjects in an instant and provides better tracking capabilities.
From my experience, the added autofocus performance of the EOS 6D Mark II compared to its older brother, EOS6D is very noticeable.
I’ve taken many photos with both cameras and noticed that the 6D II focuses faster, especially in low light situations.
One more thing that I like about this camera is the Touch AF feature. I’ve used this feature on the 6D Mark II and it works really well.
It allows me to tap anywhere on the screen to focus when using the LCD to compose instead of the viewfinder.
It’s especially useful for shooting videos and landscapes when I just want to focus on the subject or the scene with my naked eyes instead of looking through the viewfinder.
Introducing the Canon EOS RP – The mirrorless 6D Mark II
Yes, it is true. The RP is the 6D Mark II in mirrorless form. They practically share the same sensor. The RP is also smaller than the 6D Mark II because it does not have a mirror or pentaprism. It’s about 20% lighter in weight as well.
Like the 6D Mark II, the RP is also an affordable entry-level full-frame camera that can be used for professional purposes. Both cameras have articulating touch screens, which you can use to acquire focus.
I have both of these cameras and I like the RP more mainly because of its size and advanced features. Also, the EOS RP is more portable than the 6D Mark II, so I can bring it anywhere with me.
Since they have the same 26.2 Dual Pixel CMOS full-frame sensor, these cameras also share the same image quality performance. They are both good in low light environments.
However, the EOS RP has a more advanced autofocus system than the 6D Mark II, which makes it far easier to use and compose shots.
If you’re looking for a mirrorless camera for everyday use, I can highly recommend getting the Canon RP. It’s a fantastic little camera and still one of the most affordable full-frame today.
Is the Canon 6D Mark II a full-frame or a crop sensor camera?
This great camera features a 26 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor and it is designed for all types of photography.
The combination of the new sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF system allows you to take advantage of the high resolution and low noise, as well as the advanced features that only a full-frame sensor can provide.
This is a great camera for every type of photographer, whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits.
Is Canon 6D Mark II a professional camera?
The Canon 6D Mark II is an “entry-level” full-frame DSLR camera. It’s an affordable beginner camera, but it’s also not as advanced and expensive as some professional-level cameras available from Canon such as the 5D Mark IV or EOS R5.
While this may sound confusing and contradictory, it basically just means that if you’re brand new to photography or don’t want to spend a lot of money on your first camera, the Canon 6D Mark II is a great choice.
The Canon 6D Mark II has a mixture of simplicity and advanced features.
This camera is a great option for someone who wants to get into professional photography. I will not shoot sports with this camera, but when it comes to weddings, studios, and product photography, the Canon 6D Mark II is a highly-capable camera.
What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?
DSLRs have a mirror that reflects light from the lens to the viewfinder. The mirror flips up out of the way when taking photos—but it has to be flipped back down before you can shoot again.
This makes DSLR cameras larger and heavier than mirrorless.
On the contrary, mirrorless cameras don’t have a mirror and they use the camera’s sensor itself to display the image on the electronic viewfinder or screen. This makes them slimmer and lighter than DSLRs.
DSLR cameras have a lot of components as well as opposed to mirrorless cameras as well. The viewfinders on mirrorless cameras are generally slower to operate since they rely on electronics.
They are also blacked out when the camera is turned off and you can’t see anything through the viewfinder when you’re looking through it.
However, there are some cameras that have a hybrid viewfinder which can use either an electronic or an optical one.
The Fujifilm X100 and X-Pro series have this technology, which is why they are one of the leaders of the mirrorless world.
Final thoughts
The Canon 6D Mark II is an excellent camera for anyone who wants to get into photography without spending too much money. It’s a DSLR and not as compact as a mirrorless camera but it’s still lightweight and easy to carry around.
I love using mine, and I can recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a versatile DSLR that can last you a long time.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.