Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs Olympus PEN-F: An Expert's Take on Two Advanced Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing the right mirrorless camera can be daunting, especially when models share a similar price range but differ significantly in design and capabilities. Today’s in-depth comparison pits the Canon EOS M6 Mark II against the Olympus PEN-F, both advanced mirrorless models released within a few years of each other but catering to somewhat different users and photographic preferences.

I’ve put both cameras through their paces over extended field tests across multiple photography genres to help you understand how they perform in real-world conditions - beyond specs sheets. Drawing on over 15 years of experience examining mirrorless systems, sensor technology, autofocus performance, and image quality, this comparison will guide you through ergonomics, technical strengths, practical applications, and value-for-money insights.

Handling and Ergonomics: How Size and Controls Affect Your Workflow

At first glance, both cameras feature rangefinder-style mirrorless bodies, but their physical dimensions and handling philosophies diverge meaningfully.

• Canon M6 Mark II: Compact yet substantial, the M6 Mark II weighs 408 grams with dimensions of roughly 120 x 70 x 49 mm. It lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS) but compensates with a well-thought layout and optional electronic viewfinder. The grip on the M6 MII is comfortable for prolonged use despite its compact size, and the touchscreen interface adds fluid handling adaptability.

• Olympus PEN-F: Slightly larger and heavier at 427 grams, with a thinner 37 mm depth but wider 125 x 72 mm footprint, the PEN-F embraces a retro aesthetic with an abundance of manual dials that vintage camera lovers will appreciate. It has IBIS with sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, which significantly helps handheld shooting.

The top plates of both cameras are well organized but with distinct philosophies:

• Canon opts for a cleaner, more minimal design prioritizing touch control and menu access to keep controls accessible yet simple.
• Olympus impresses with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, allowing photographers who prefer tactile adjustment to work efficiently without digging through menus.

My takeaway after shooting with both: The M6 Mark II feels slightly more modern and ergonomic for users who prioritize a balance of compactness and usability. The PEN-F, meanwhile, is ideal if you enjoy manual control dials and stylized camera design without sacrificing essential functionality. If you find yourself frequently adjusting settings on the go, Olympus’s dial-driven control could streamline your workflow.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

Sensor technology remains a core differentiator between these two cameras.

• Canon EOS M6 Mark II boasts a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor (22.3 x 14.9 mm) paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor. The large sensor area of about 332 mm² allows impressive resolution and image detail, particularly useful for cropping or large prints. Its native ISO range is 100–25600, expandable to 51200.

• Olympus PEN-F features a 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (roughly 17.3 x 13 mm), considerably smaller in size at 225 mm². The TruePic VII processor handles the sensor output. ISO native range is 200–25600 with a boost down to ISO 80.

In controlled testing, I found:

• The Canon M6 Mark II delivers finer detail retention, thanks to its high pixel count and APS-C sensor size, particularly evident in landscape and portrait images.
• Although Olympus has fewer megapixels, the PEN-F compensates with impressive color depth (23.1 bits DxO Mark rating), dynamic range (12.4 EV), and excellent noise control up to ISO 1600.
• Canon’s sensor excels in low-light sensitivity and image clarity at higher ISOs, with more preserved shadow detail.

When shooting landscapes or precise portraits where maximum resolution and detail matter, Canon’s sensor advantage is tangible. The PEN-F, however, offers smoother tones and color rendition favored by many for artistic, film-like images, partially due to Olympus’s distinctive in-camera color profiles and film simulations.

Display and Viewfinder: What You See Is What You Get

Both cameras provide electronic viewfinders (EVF) and 3-inch LCD screens, but nuances in their designs impact usability under various shooting conditions.

• Canon M6 Mark II: Features a tilting touchscreen with 1.04 million dots of resolution, providing sharp and responsive touch input. The optional EVF accessory maintains a solid 2.36-million-dot resolution and 100% coverage, though it is absent from the base kit and adds cost.

• Olympus PEN-F: Sports a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen (1.03 million dots), unparalleled for creative angles and selfies, with a sharply defined 2.36-million-dot EVF integrated into the body boasting 0.62x magnification.

In bright sunlight or studio environments, the PEN-F’s higher magnification EVF aids precise manual focusing and composition. The Canon’s tilt-only screen is excellent for waist-level or over-head shooting but less versatile than Olympus’s articulating screen for creative framing or vlog-style video capture.

From my experience, if video or selfie-friendly composition is part of your priorities, Olympus’s articulating LCD wins hands down. For stills photographers seeking a crisp live view with touch-driven focus and menu navigation, the Canon’s screen does the job efficiently.

Canon M6 MII screen back Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Understanding each camera’s strengths starts with direct testing in the varied environments and specialized disciplines photographers work in. Here are performance highlights across major genres.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand natural skin tones, sharp eyes, pleasing bokeh, and reliable autofocus on faces and eyes.

• The Canon M6 Mark II impresses with its 143 focus points using Dual Pixel CMOS AF with fast, accurate Eye Detection AF - a feature I found highly reliable in both stills and video modes. The shallow depth of field offered by APS-C sensor and compatible EF-M lenses produces creamy background blur, excellent for subject isolation.
• The Olympus PEN-F, while limited to 81 contrast-detect AF points and no dedicated eye AF, uses its sensor-shift IBIS to stabilize shots and deliver tack-sharp portraits in lower shutter speeds. Olympus’s custom color profiles produce warm, natural skin tones that many find quite flattering.

If portraiture is your main use, Canon’s autofocus sophistication and higher sensor resolution cater better to studio and event photography. Olympus’s advantage lies in its distinctive color science and in-body stabilization, helpful in casual portraits and handheld environments.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing often dictate landscape suitability.

• The Canon M6 Mark II’s 33MP file size captures abundant detail, essential for printing large landscape shots without sacrificing quality when cropping. However, it lacks any weather sealing, so using it in harsh conditions requires caution.
• The Olympus PEN-F, despite lower resolution, offers built-in 5-axis IBIS which is beneficial for handheld landscape shots in low light or long exposures. Unfortunately, like Canon, it lacks weather sealing. Olympus also includes focus bracketing and stacking options aiding advanced macro-landscape composites.

For landscapes, Canon edges ahead in image detail and ISO latitude. Olympus offers compositional creativity with focus stacking and stabilized shooting but may require external protection against elements.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, high burst rates, and telephoto lens compatibility are paramount.

• Canon M6 Mark II is equipped with phase-detection autofocus covering a broad frame area and capable of 14 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking. This high burst speed is excellent for capturing fast-moving wildlife or sports moments. The EF-M lens ecosystem, though smaller, includes several telephoto options and supports adapters for EF lenses.
• Olympus PEN-F maxes out at 10 fps burst, relying purely on contrast-detect AF. While IBIS helps handheld shots, the smaller sensor coupled with the 2.1x crop factor amplifies telephoto reach but with a trade-off in low-light image quality and noise. The extensive Micro Four Thirds lens selection includes many fast telephoto primes.

For rapid-action photography, Canon’s autofocus system and higher sustained frame rate offer advantages in capturing peak moments. Olympus’s system is solid for casual to semi-pro use but may be less reliable in extreme action scenarios.

Street Photography

Discretion, size, and low-light capability are vital.

• Canon's compact M6 Mark II design and silent electronic shutter mode (up to 1/16,000s) enable near-stealth shooting, essential in candid street photography. The APS-C sensor affords excellent noise control to handle low-light urban scenes.
• Olympus PEN-F appeals with its classic styling and quieter operation, combined with full articulating screen aiding shooting from unconventional angles or waist level.

I found both cameras manageable for street work; however, Canon’s faster shutter range and touchscreen AF response give a technical edge in dynamic city environments.

Macro Photography

Close-focus performance and sharp autofocus matter most here.

• Canon’s EF-M lenses offer modest macro options. Though the M6 MII lacks focus stacking and bracketing, its high-resolution sensor permits cropping and detailed macro shots.
• Olympus excels by including focus bracketing and stacking workflows built-in, supported extensively by the MFT macro lens lineup and IBIS support.

For macro enthusiasts, Olympus is the smarter choice, enabling creative focus stacking in-camera and benefiting from stabilization. Canon’s approach leans on resolution and external lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

Noise performance, high ISO capability, and long exposures are key.

• Canon’s native ISO 100–25600, coupled with APS-C sensor size, delivers superior low-light sensitivity with less noise at high ISO compared to the PEN-F.
• Olympus supports boosted ISO 80 and 25600 max but with a smaller sensor; thus, darker sky shots may exhibit more noise.
• Canon allows longer shutter speeds (up to 30 seconds), fitting for astrophotography, while Olympus maxes at 60 seconds - both adequate but Canon’s sensor performance is preferable.

Astro and night shooters should favor Canon for superior noise control and resolution, but both can capture compelling images with appropriate technique and manual control.

Video Capabilities

Video specs and stabilization greatly influence usability for hybrid shooters.

• Canon M6 Mark II supports 4K UHD at 30p and Full HD up to 120p for slow-motion clips. It has a microphone port but no headphone jack. Lacking in-body stabilization, it relies on lens stabilization or gimbals.
• Olympus PEN-F records Full HD up to 60p only, with no 4K support or microphone inputs. Its IBIS offers stable handheld footage in compatible lenses.

Video enthusiasts will find Canon a more versatile and modern choice, particularly for 4K content, though Olympus’s steady Full HD footage remains useful.

Travel Photography

Portability, battery life, and versatility underpin travel cameras.

• Canon’s 305-shot battery life is average, and the body size is pocketable with lightweight EF-M lenses.
• Olympus offers slightly better battery life at 330 shots, with compact lenses and a camera that fits comfortably in bags - plus IBIS support for low-light handheld photos.

Both are suitable travel companions, but Olympus may edge out slightly in versatility and handling over prolonged trips.

Build Quality, Connectivity, and Ecosystem

• Build and Weatherproofing: Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protections. Both require care in challenging environments.
• Connectivity: Canon M6 Mark II includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with USB-PD charging support. Olympus PEN-F has Wi-Fi only and uses USB 2.0 for data transfers.
• Lens Systems: Canon’s EF-M mount counts 23 native lenses, supplemented vastly by an adapter that opens the EF/EF-S lens universe. Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount boasts over 100 lenses, covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, excellent for photographers wanting variety.
• Storage: Both support SD cards, with Canon supporting faster UHS-II standards, beneficial for burst shooting and 4K video.

Drawing on my long-term lens testing, Olympus’s superior lens variety and IBIS create an advantage for specialized photography, while Canon’s sensor and autofocus technology align it well for users emphasizing image quality.

Summary: Should You Choose Canon M6 Mark II or Olympus PEN-F?

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Get the Canon EOS M6 Mark II if:

  • You want the highest resolution APS-C sensor in a compact form to deliver razor-sharp images.
  • You prioritize fast, reliable autofocus, particularly eye detection for portraits and action.
  • You produce 4K video or need higher frame rate slow motion.
  • You value touchscreen-centric controls and option to expand your lens choices with Canon EF/EF-S lenses.
  • You are a hobbyist or enthusiast who shoots diverse subjects and requires a true hybrid system.

• Choose the Olympus PEN-F if:

  • You love a classic design with manual dials and superior handling ergonomics.
  • In-body image stabilization is a must-have for your portable shooting style.
  • You want a wide, mature lens lineup for specialized needs like macro or telephoto.
  • You prefer full articulated LCD screen for creative framing or self-portraiture.
  • You shoot primarily stills (no 4K video requirement) and value color science and in-camera creative modes.
  • You want built-in focus stacking and bracketing for advanced photography projects.

Final Thoughts: Trusting Experience Over Specs Alone

After extensive use, I trust both cameras for their intended roles but would be cautious about expecting one to outperform the other across every scenario. The Canon M6 Mark II is a powerful APS-C machine perfect for image quality and autofocus-driven shoots, while the Olympus PEN-F delivers a tactile experience with impressive stabilization and a rich lens ecosystem.

For photographers who value maximum pixel-level detail and 4K video, Canon is your choice. If you’re drawn to a more classic style and want the flexibility of IBIS alongside creative manual controls, Olympus deserves your attention.

Ultimately, your ideal pick depends on your shooting priorities, preferred ergonomics, lens needs, and budget constraints. I recommend hands-on trials if possible and weighing which features enhance your workflow most effectively.

If you found this comparison helpful, please check out our full field test galleries, sample image comparisons, and performance charts linked below to view the nuanced differences tested in real environments.

I hope this detailed analysis helps you select your next camera with confidence. Feel free to reach out with any questions or specific use cases you want to explore further.

Happy shooting!