The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a digital camera that by no means bought its due – and that is a damned disgrace. As a result of that is precisely the form of digital camera physique that is sorely lacking from its present mirrorless lineup – and I believe it will do monster enterprise if Canon remade it.
So what was the Canon EOS M6 Mark II and why was it so nice? It was the final hurrah of the EOS M system – Canon’s first line of mirrorless cameras, that includes solely APS-C sensors and compellingly small our bodies and lenses.
The M collection discovered best success with the EOS M50 (precursor to at this time’s EOS R50), a proto-content creation digital camera for freshmen. However the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, launched in 2019, noticed the corporate stuff as a lot muscle as potential into this pocket-sized powerhouse – and it was completely good.
For starters, it had the identical 32.5MP sensor that presently options within the Canon EOS R7. And in contrast to most M collection cameras (and most of Canon’s APS-C cameras, interval), it had twin publicity dials – making it a real possibility for critical handbook shooters.
For context, that was extra decision than the full-frame 5D Mark IV had on the time. However whereas the Canon EOS M6 Mark II was a powerful performer, able to 4K 60p video and 14fps bursts (30fps, with a crop), it is the shape issue that actually made it stand out – and Canon is lacking a big trick by not revisiting it.
The M6 Mark II felt improbable within the hand, with an nearly excellent heft and stability, and an immaculately sculpted shoulder and grip. It was a bit like a Sony A6600, simply extra snug – and, crucially, with out an digital viewfinder (EVF).
Simply as crucially, nevertheless, Canon provided an non-obligatory exterior EVF.
And that, proper there, is the trick Canon is lacking. As a result of each different photo-oriented EOS R digital camera has an EVF, with the massive viewfinder bump making the our bodies a lot bulkier. Some people simply need a smooth, small digital camera just like the Sony A6700 or the Nikon Z30 – and the Canon EOS M6 Mark II template makes that potential.
Since sunsetting the EOS M line, Canon has been terrified about launching a mirrorless physique with out an EVF. In seven years, the one such digital camera has been the Canon EOS R50 V – and that is solely as a result of it is a video digital camera, not a stills one.
However not all people needs a viewfinder – and loads of folks do need an A6XXX-shaped digital camera. Canon can serve each these audiences by bringing again a kind issue that it deserted for a lot too lengthy – in addition to inject contemporary pleasure into its lookalike EOS R lineup.
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II did not fail as a result of it was no good, it failed as a result of the M system was a lame duck proposition. However this was a flagship degree digital camera, technologically much like the mighty EOS 90D – however with the good celebration trick that you would take away the EVF when you needed a smaller footprint, maximizing its utility.
I had an absolute blast capturing with the Canon EOS M6 Mark II. I might slap on one of many pint-sized EF-M lenses and shoot off the again display for on a regular basis snapping. However after I needed to get critical, I may snap the viewfinder onto the shoe, mount a meaty EF lens, and make the most of that 32.5MP horsepower.
It is an expertise that Canon hasn’t matched since – and perhaps it by no means will once more. However for my cash, that was probably the most pure enjoyable I’ve had with a Canon digital camera in years. If that kind issue made a comeback, I would be first in line.
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