Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Canon EOS RP: An Expert’s Hands-On Comparison for Photographers

When Canon launched the 6D Mark II in mid-2017, it was a solid proposition for DSLR enthusiasts craving full-frame capabilities without diving into the pro-heavy price waters. Skip ahead almost two years, and Canon shook things up with the EOS RP - a lightweight, mirrorless full-frame camera aiming squarely at emerging pros and hobbyists looking for portability and updated tech. So how do these two stack up today? Can the RP’s mirrorless allure topple the DSLR stalwart 6D Mark II? Having tested thousands of cameras, and both of these models extensively in the field, I’m here to break down their strengths, weaknesses, and nuanced differences that could tip your buying decision one way or the other.

Let’s start from the ground up, gearheads - literally.

Size Matters: Handling and Ergonomics in the Real World

One of the first things you notice when picking up the Canon 6D Mark II side-by-side with the EOS RP is the sheer difference in size and heft.

With dimensions of about 144x111x75mm and a solid 765g weight - including battery - the 6D Mark II has that reassuring heft DSLR aficionados love. It feels robust in hand, with a deep, sculpted grip that invites long shooting sessions with minimal fatigue. The all-metal chassis, combined with weather sealing, gives it a confident, professional vibe - carrying the legacy of being a serious DSLR.

Now, the EOS RP is a breath of fresh air at just 485g and a far more compact footprint (133x85x70mm). It’s mirrorless, so it loses the optical pentaprism hump and the thicker mirror box, resulting in a noticeably smaller and lighter body. Perfect if you’re trekking through markets, waiting for that split-second street moment, or flying light for travel. But - let me be frank - it’s not quite as ergonomic as the 6D MII. The grip is shallower, and the button layout feels a bit cramped. So if your hands are on the larger side or you value a firm hold for telephoto wildlife shoots, the DSLR wins the ergonomics battle hands down.

Looking at the top panel layouts reinforces this: the 6D Mark II sports a more traditional DSLR control spread with dedicated dials that seasoned pros will appreciate, while the RP embraces minimalist mirrorless styling. This also means fewer direct controls on the RP and more reliance on the touchscreen and menu navigation, which can slow you down when time is of the essence.

Bottom line: If comfort and quick tactile access are your priorities, the 6D Mark II still holds that DSLR charm. But if you prize compactness and don’t mind a slight learning curve - or smaller hands - the RP earns major points here.

Sensor and Image Quality: Are They Twins or Distant Cousins?

Both cameras boast Canon’s revered full-frame 26-megapixel CMOS sensors, measuring 35.9x24mm and sporting Canon’s signature color science. Objectively, these sensors deliver similar image resolutions (6240x4160 pixels) and a respectable dynamic range around 11.9 stops according to DxOMark testing.

But beyond specs, what’s the tangible difference in day-to-day shooting? Speaking from extensive image testing under varied lighting, color reproduction in both is impressively natural with skin tones that Canon fans will love. The 6D Mark II’s sensor has a slight edge in color depth at 24.4 bits compared to the RP’s 24.0 bits, but this difference is subtle - unlikely to sway non-critical clients or enthusiast work.

Low-light performance is where the RP flexes some muscles: with similar maximum ISO levels up to 40,000 native and boosted to 102,400, the RP’s Digic 8 processor aids in slightly cleaner images at high ISO, yielding an approximate 4% increase in low-light ISO score according to DxOMark (2977 vs 2862 for the 6D MII). In real terms, this translates to marginally less noise when shooting dimly lit interiors or nighttime cityscapes - a boon for any night or event shooter.

Both models feature an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter, which helps reduce moiré patterns but also softens the absolute resolution slightly - worth noting if you chase ultra-critical landscape or product photography where detail is king.

So, on pure image quality, these are very close siblings, with the RP taking a slight modern advantage in noise control but not radically reinventing image fidelity. Skin tones, color rendition, and dynamic range remain solid in both camps.

Viewing Experience: Optical vs Electronic - The Eternal Debate

Ah, the viewfinder! A crossroads of DSLR tradition versus mirrorless innovation.

The 6D Mark II employs a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder, covering 98% of the frame with a magnification of 0.71x. There is something inherently satisfying about looking through glass and seeing your subject in real-time without any lag or digital artifacts. That said, the coverage less than 100% means your final image edges may include some surprises - cropping or framing adjustments will be needed post-capture.

The RP’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) feels like stepping into the future, with 2,360k-dot resolution, full 100% coverage, and 0.7x magnification. The EVF provides a live exposure preview, white balance simulation, and focus peaking to assist manual focusing. For newer shooters or those leveraging manual lenses, this is a lifesaver. Its detail and refresh rate are excellent enough to feel natural, although in super-fast action scenarios, the slight lag can be noticed - but it’s minimal for most users.

The articulated, fully touchscreen 3-inch LCD panel shared by both cameras, with identical 1040k-dot resolution, complements the viewfinders. However, the RP’s touchscreen interface tends to be faster and more responsive, benefiting from its modern Digic 8 engine.

This electronic vs optical tradeoff boils down to preference. DSLRs offer an ever-reliable, lag-free optical finder, great for bright daylight and traditionalists. Mirrorless with EVFs excels with more information overlays - promoting confidence but requires some adaptation if you’re new to the technology.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Subjects in the Wild (and Beyond)

This is where the two diverge considerably.

The 6D Mark II features a respectable 45 point all cross-type autofocus system, giving solid performance for portraits, landscapes, and even some wildlife. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF ensures smooth live view and video focusing. Shooting speed clocks in at 6.5 frames per second (fps), which strikes a good balance for casual sports or action photography, but it is modest compared to top-tier bodies.

Enter the EOS RP’s autofocus: an astounding 4,779 AF points using Canon’s Dual Pixel phase-detection system spread almost edge-to-edge of the sensor - precisely what angles the camera towards the rising mirrorless market’s need for speedy, accurate tracking. While the continuous shooting rate is limited to 5 fps - slower than the 6D MII - the RP excels at live view and video autofocus, with subject tracking that rivals more expensive mirrorless models.

In practical field tests, I found the 6D Mark II’s AF rock-solid in typical portrait and landscape use but occasionally lagging behind the RP when tracking unpredictable wildlife or fast-moving street subjects. The RP’s superior AF coverage means fewer focus hunting moments, particularly in live view or video mode.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, which is a bit of a disappointment for wildlife photographers craving specialized subject tracking - but keep in mind their original release dates before that tech became more widespread.

In summary, for action and wildlife, the RP provides a very modern AF system with better tracking capabilities, especially hand-in-hand with compatible RF or adapted EF lenses. The 6D MII remains reliable for portraits, landscapes, and moderate-speed subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventure?

Both cameras feature environmental sealing that offers resistance to dust and moisture under typical shooting conditions, though neither is fully waterproof or shockproof.

The 6D MII’s robust build quality, with its heavier frame and weather sealing, makes it a preferred workhorse for professionals working outdoors in varying climates. Its shutter rated for 100,000 cycles underscores this rugged reliability.

The RP, by contrast, while weather sealed, is built more lightweight, and its plastic-heavy shell feels less indestructible. It’s better suited for careful travel photography or street use where agility and weight trump absolute toughness.

For landscape shooters and outdoor enthusiasts who need a camera to shrug off rain, dust, or cold, the 6D Mark II slightly edges the RP in durability.

Lens Ecosystem: EF vs RF, The Mount Debate

The 6D Mark II uses Canon's venerable EF mount, which boasts an astonishing array of over 250 native lenses ranging from budget-friendly primes to pro-level supertelephotos. This is a major advantage for photographers invested in Canon glass or needing specialized optics like tilt-shifts, macro, or super-tele lenses.

The RP introduces the RF mount, Canon’s new lens interface with a wider diameter and shorter flange distance, designed for faster optics and improved optical designs. However, as of early 2024, the native RF lineup has about 17 lenses, including some stunning primes and zooms but lags far behind in variety and availability.

Fortunately, Canon’s EF-to-RF adapters are excellent and support autofocus perfectly - meaning the RP can use the same vast EF lenses the 6D MII enjoys, though adding a slight size and weight bump.

If lens versatility and native options matter deeply, the 6D MII’s mature EF ecosystem offers the upper hand for now. However, for early adopters keen on Canon’s RF glass future, the RP is a gateway.

Video Capabilities: From Family Videos to Professional Clips

When it comes to video, the Canon RP truly outshines the 6D Mark II. The RP shoots crisp 4K UHD at 24fps (albeit with a modest crop), and its advanced Digic 8 processor allows better video encoding and cleaner noise management. It also supports headphone ports for live audio monitoring - a critical feature for professional videographers.

The 6D Mark II tops out at Full HD 1080p at 60fps, longer max recording times, and lacks 4K, putting it behind in era-typical specs. It does sport a mic input but lacks the headphone jack, limiting more serious audio control.

Both cameras employ Dual Pixel CMOS AF in video, ensuring smooth continuous autofocus during recording, but the RP’s faster processing and 4K recording provide the modern video enthusiast with more creative options.

Lightweight and compact design of the RP also makes it a better pick for vloggers and travelers focusing on hybrid stills/video shoots.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Here the DSLR triumphs in a big way.

The 6D Mark II delivers an impressive 1,200 shots per charge (CIPA rating), which means you can shoot a full day or more on a single battery - crucial for events, weddings, and wildlife sessions where changing batteries mid-shoot is a pain.

The RP’s mirrorless design, with constant power draw on the EVF and sensor, gives a comparatively short 250 shots per charge - enough for casual travel, portraits, or landscape days but less reliable for extended assignments unless you carry multiple spares.

Storage-wise, both support single SD card slots, but the RP supports UHS-II cards, enabling faster write speeds beneficial for 4K video and bursts, whereas the 6D MII sticks to UHS-I.

Wireless and Connectivity: Sharing and Tethering Made Easy

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and image transfer through Canon’s Camera Connect app.

The 6D Mark II adds GPS for location tagging - nice if you’re geo-aware and prefer auto-mapping your shoots. The RP lacks GPS but makes up with a USB port that supports live tethering and power delivery, helpful for studio shoots or long timelapses.

Both offer HDMI out, microphone inputs; only the RP has the headphone jack.

Putting It All Together: How Do They Score?

Combining these specifications and real-world shooting tests, the DXOMark overall scores rank both cameras equally at 85 - reflecting their shared sensor lineage and appeal to stills photographers who prioritize image quality over cutting-edge video or burst speed.

But those headline scores obscure where each shines in detailed scenarios:

• Portrait: The 6D Mark II’s optical viewfinder and color depth give slightly better confidence for skin tones and bokeh control with EF prime classics. The RP’s superior autofocus points aid very targeted eye detection via touch.
• Landscape: Both excel with full-frame resolution and dynamic range, though the 6D MII’s tougher weather sealing earns a slight edge on rugged terrain.
• Wildlife & Sports: The RP’s AF system and lens-edge coverage push it ahead for fast action - though the DSLR’s faster FPS (though marginally) and better grip favor those wielding large telephotos.
• Street: The RP’s compactness and silent mirrorless operation make it the easy street winner.
• Macro: Both perform similarly when paired with macro lenses, but the 6D II’s superior battery life aids longer handheld sessions.
• Night/Astro: The RP edges out with its slightly better high-ISO performance and 4K video timelapse options.
• Video: RP takes a decisive win with modern formats, 4K support, and better audio connectivity.
• Travel: RP’s lightweight body and advanced features are ideal for minimalist travelers.
• Professional Work: The 6D Mark II’s reliability, larger lens ecosystem, and superior battery life keep it in business-use favor.

Sample Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

Enough with numbers - here is a quick look at sample images captured in varied conditions using both bodies paired with comparable lenses.

Canon 6D MII front Canon 6D MII screen back Canon RP front Canon RP screen back

High-resolution files show exquisite detail in daylight with pleasing color rendition on both. The 6D Mark II’s color remains effortlessly natural for skin tones, while the RP’s superior high ISO control shines in night shots. Note the wider AF coverage on the RP translates to better locked focus in challenging conditions.

Who Should Choose Which?

Given all the above, here’s my tailored advice:

• Choose the Canon EOS 6D Mark II if you:

  • Crave a traditional DSLR experience with a solid grip and optical viewfinder.
  • Need long battery life and rugged build for professional or serious outdoor work.
  • Own or plan to invest extensively in Canon EF lenses.
  • Primarily shoot stills - portraits, landscapes, or events - with moderate video needs.
  • Desire tactile dials and controls over touchscreen navigation.

• Choose the Canon EOS RP if you:

  • Desire the smallest and lightest full-frame camera for travel or street photography.
  • Want a cutting-edge autofocus system with near-edge-to-edge focus points.
  • Prioritize 4K video and more modern connectivity options.
  • Are an early adopter intrigued by Canon’s RF lens ecosystem.
  • Don’t mind shorter battery life but appreciate touchscreen ease and EVF previews.

Final Thoughts: DSLR and Mirrorless Coexistence in Canon’s Full-Frame Lineup

The Canon 6D Mark II and EOS RP illustrate the overlapping paths Canon has taken: the DSLR holds strong for those valuing feel, durability, and lens heritage, while the RP pushes full-frame mirrorless into mainstream affordability and portability.

From my hands-on tests across genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, event, and video - the RP’s autofocus and size trump the DSLR when rapid focus and weight matter most. Conversely, the 6D MII’s ergonomics, battery stamina, and lens support keep it as a trustworthy workhorse.

They are both excellent cameras in their rights, reinforcing that photographic needs and shooting style will dictate which tool best serves your creative vision. In other words, the “best” camera is the one you enjoy using and have confidence will perform under your specific demands.

If you need more advice tailored to your pocket or shoot style, just ask - after all, I’ve been elbow-deep in viewfinders and sensors for over a decade, and I’m happy to help steer you right.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera be your best one yet!