Image Quality

Great image quality, in less-than-great conditions

At the centre of the EOS R6 you’ll find technologies shared with our flagship EOS-1D X Mark III camera. A 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor work together to deliver excellent image quality, and the sensor’s large-size pixels provide an ideal balance of resolution, low-light performance and dynamic range that will make your photography sing. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife or travel, the EOS R6 delivers images that are noticeably better.

Levels of digital noise are kept low right through the camera’s normal ISO range, up to a maximum ISO 102,400 sensitivity (expandable to ISO 204,800), helping you capture amazing images even when light levels are poor. A wide dynamic range helps keep detail in the very brightest and darkest parts of a scene when shooting in high-contrast conditions.

Capturing skin tones with the EOS R6 in low light conditions

Skin tones are captured in exquisite detail and subtle colour, even in low light conditions.

© Wanda Martin / Canon Ambassador

girl striking a graceful ballet pose in a dimly lit room

The Canon EOS R6 captures incredible details of both highlight and shadow areas thanks to the high dynamic range of the sensor.

© Javler Cortes / Canon Ambassador

Powerful image stabilisation for new ways of shooting

The Canon EOS R6 features a five-axis In Body Image Stabilizer (Abbreviation: IBIS) that provides protection from camera shake when shooting with any lens mounted on the camera. The sensor provides roll, X-Y and pitch-yaw correction, so all EF and RF lenses benefit from this new 5-axis correction for film-makers and photographers alike. However, when a compatible IS-equipped RF1 lens is fitted, the camera and lens stabilisation systems combine, compensating for pitch-yaw movement together and creating an intelligent image stabilisation system that delivers new levels of image performance.

The RF mount features a wide diameter, allowing the sensor inside the EOS R6 to move further within the image circle produced by the lens. As a result, certain lenses without optical IS can take advantage of the up-to 8 stop system.

When using RF lenses with Image Stabilizer1, the in-body Image Stabilizer communicates in real-time using high-speed mount communication to collaborate and effectively correct camera shake including breathing, walking or simply holding the camera. Correcting for low frequency and high frequency movement in this way gives new levels of stability, and can produce up to an incredible 8-stop advantage2.

Capturing ballet dance moves with the Canon EOS R6's powerful Image Stabilizer

This is four second exposure was shot handheld, demonstrating the remarkable in-body Image Stabilizer, collaborating with the RF 15-35mm f2.8L IS USM and its in-lens stabilisation.

© Wanda Martin / Canon Ambassador

Next generation image files

Alongside JPEG and CR3 RAW files it’s now possible to capture next-generation High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) files using the Canon EOS R6. HEIF files offer better quality than JPEG files, but with roughly the same file size and fewer artefacts. This future-proof format allows 10-bit colour for more dynamic range and the capture of HDR PQ images.

The compatibility of HEIF files is growing all the time. They can be edited using well-known imaging applications on your PC/Mac in just the same way that JPEG files can. HEIF files can also be processed in-camera to produce standard JPEG files that are then saved to SD card.

aerial view taken with the EOS R6

Image processing that gives you an advantage

The EOS R6’s DIGIC X image processor plays a crucial role in delivering the camera’s impressive speed and image quality, allowing photographers to apply sophisticated image processing in camera as they shoot or afterwards.

Focus on what matters most

With its advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus, the EOS R6 identifies and tracks moving subjects like no mirrorless camera before.

"I was really impressed with the camera's performance in low light - the colour rendition was amazing. Colour is important to me."

Clarity adjustment

A Clarity option has been added to the camera’s Picture Styles menu and to its in-camera RAW processing facility. This adjusts micro contrast in photos and video, enhancing (or softening) texture and edge sharpness. Clarity can be adjusted by ±4 steps and is particularly effective at enhancing details in landscapes and enhancing or reducing distinctive facial features, like wrinkles, in portraits.

Digital Lens Optimizer

In-camera Digital Lens Optimizer (DLO) technology helps lenses perform at their very best by reducing the effect of natural optical phenomena, such as fringing, light fall off and even the slight softening effect of the EOS R6’s optical low-pass filter. The results are spectacularly good and can be applied either in camera (as you shoot or afterwards) or in post-production using Digital Photo Professional software. Two levels of DLO are available: standard and high.

Couple in pensive mood as captured with the EOS R6

Expanded dynamic range

Improved Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) and Highlight Tone Priority+ technologies allow photographers capture JPEG and HEIF files with expanded dynamic range. This is great for preserving detail in bright highlights and dark shadows in images straight out of the camera. When shooting portraits, faces can be brightened easily in-camera after a picture has been taken for great results.

Related Articles

Explore these articles to doscover how the Canon EOS R6 excels in so many areas.

  • AUTOFOCUS

    Focus on what matters most

    With its advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus, the EOS R6 identifies and tracks moving subjects like no mirrorless camera before.

  • VIDEO HYBRID

    One Camera for Stills and video

    Alongside superb quality stills, the EOS R6 produces exceptional video.

  • SPEED

    EOS R6 - Silent, continuous shooting

    Use the EOS R6 to shoot continuously and silently up to an astonishing 20 frames per second.

  • HANDLING AND CONNECTIVITY

    Designed by Canon, For You

    The EOS R6's design will feel reassuringly familiar from the first moment.

    1. Excluding RF 800MM F11 IS STM / RF 600MM F11 IS STM
    2. 8-stops based on the CIPA standard with RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM at a focal length of 105mm