Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs Sony NEX-5R: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing between two interchangeable-lens cameras from different eras is always interesting, especially when both share a similar mirrorless rangefinder-style body but cater to distinctly different types of users. The Canon EOS M6 Mark II, announced in late 2019, stands as a modern APS-C mirrorless aimed at enthusiast photographers craving speed and resolution. Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-5R, launched back in 2012, carved its own niche as an entry-level compact mirrorless camera, blending portability with image quality for hobbyists dipping their toes into interchangeable lenses.

Having extensively tested both cameras under varied conditions, I’ll take you through everything from sensor tech and autofocus performance to ergonomics and video features. My goal? To help you find which of these two cameras will serve your photography best in 2024 and beyond. I’ll be frank about their strengths and limitations and illustrate practical differences you won’t get from spec sheets alone.

Eyeing the Cameras: Design and Handling in Real Hands

Let’s start by looking at how these cameras feel in your hands and on the move - crucial when you’re out shooting portraits or landscapes all day.

The Canon M6 Mark II feels noticeably larger and heavier at 408 grams versus the lean 276 grams of the Sony NEX-5R. Canon’s body measures 120x70x49mm, offering a deeper grip and more substantial hand support. Sony’s smaller profile (111x59x39mm) is exceptionally easy to slide into a jacket pocket or small bag - a definite advantage for street and travel photographers prioritizing portability.

Despite Canon’s slightly bulkier silhouette, ergonomic design is robust. The M6 II’s well-contoured grip, responsive shutter button placement, and tactile dials all contribute to a comfortable experience, even over extended shoots. Sony’s NEX-5R, while compact, can feel a bit cramped, though its lighter weight is beneficial for quick point-and-shoot moments.

Control layout is worth a closer look because that’s where intuitive operation really shines or falters.

The Canon employs a classic Canon-style configuration with dual dials (for aperture and shutter speed), a dedicated mode dial, and easy access buttons for ISO and exposure compensation. In practice, this means you can change settings on the fly without digging into menus - a big plus for professionals and enthusiasts who like to shoot manually.

Sony’s NEX-5R goes more minimalist, featuring fewer external controls and relying more on its touchscreen for adjustments. While the tilting touchscreen is handy, this approach introduces a slight lag in quick tempo shooting or sports scenarios. Also, the absence of a dedicated exposure compensation dial and fewer physical buttons could feel limiting if you prefer a hands-on approach.

Sensor Showdown: Resolution, Size, and Image Quality

Image quality ultimately hinges on the sensor, so let’s dig into the technical underpinnings here.

Both cameras use APS-C sensors, but the Canon M6 Mark II boasts a 32.5-megapixel CMOS sensor, compared to the Sony’s 16.1MP sensor. Sensor dimensions differ slightly - Canon’s 22.3x14.9 mm vs Sony’s 23.4x15.6 mm - with Sony benefitting from a fractionally larger sensor area, by about 10 percent, yet delivering half the resolution.

High resolution on the Canon means you can expect sharp images with exquisite detail reproduction, valuable for landscape photographers who enjoy cropping or large prints. During my side-by-side tests, Canon’s images retained incredible detail even at 100% magnification, while Sony’s 16MP sensor produced respectable but visibly softer results when zoomed in.

In low light, the Sony NEX-5R surprisingly holds its own thanks to its slightly larger photodiodes. DXO Mark scores (with Canon untested) suggest Sony’s images have better noise control above ISO 3200, although the Canon’s backside-illuminated design and DIGIC 8 processor help close the gap.

The Canon’s 14-bit RAW files offer more flexibility during post-processing, especially for tweaking shadows and highlights. The Sony’s 12-bit RAW files are still workable but have less latitude for heavy edits.

On skin tones, Canon’s color science generally nudges ahead; flesh renders with warmth and natural transitions that many portrait shooters prefer, while Sony’s colors trend cooler and sometimes require warming in post.

The Autofocus Battle: Speed, Accuracy, and Eye Detection

Autofocus performance is a vital practical metric, especially in fast-moving genres like wildlife or sports.

Canon’s M6 Mark II features 143 autofocus points with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, benefiting phase-detection autofocus embedded across most of the sensor. This translates to lightning-fast focusing, excellent subject tracking, and seamless eye detection - yes, Canon nails eye AF on humans, a lifesaver for portrait sessions.

Sony’s NEX-5R comes with 99 focus points using a hybrid AF system combining contrast detection and phase detection. It’s still quick for its age but lags behind in complex or fast-action situations. The lack of dedicated eye AF support means manual focusing or face detection falls short compared to Canon’s advanced system.

For continuous AF tracking during burst shooting, Canon’s 14fps continuous mode impresses, maintaining crisp focus on moving subjects better than the NEX-5R’s 10fps, which is sluggish by modern standards.

While Sony’s AF system does well for casual shooting, I encountered more frequent hunting in dim or tricky lighting compared to Canon, which rarely hesitated.

Viewing and Framing: Screen and Viewfinder Details

Both cameras include tilting rear LCDs for live view framing, but the experience differs.

Canon’s 3-inch screen boasts 1.04 million dots, a noticeably crisper display than Sony’s 920k-dot panel. My hands-on tests find the Canon screen more accurate in color reproduction and better for reviewing images on location.

Touch responsiveness is similar on both, with Canon’s touchscreen proving a bit more intuitive and responsive when setting focus points or navigating menus.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), but Canon offers an optional accessory EVF with 2.36 million dots. Sony NEX-5R lacks an EVF option altogether, which makes outdoor POV framing challenging in bright sunlight.

Lens Ecosystem and Mounts: Flexibility and System Growth

The lens mount is a critical consideration based on your investment and future-proofing.

Canon uses the EF-M mount with around 23 native lenses available - ranging from fast primes to versatile zooms. While the lineup is currently limited compared to Sony’s, Canon supports EF and EF-S lenses via adapters, expanding options significantly.

Sony’s E-mount is vastly more mature, with over 120 lenses and third-party optics from Zeiss, Sigma, and others. This deep ecosystem benefits users who want specialty glass like super-telephoto lenses for wildlife or macro lenses beyond the basics.

That said, adapters can also bridge Canon mounts to other brands, but native lens availability usually leads to better autofocus and image stabilization performance.

If your photography plan depends heavily on specialized lenses, Sony commands an advantage here.

Battery Life and Storage: Facts for Longer Shoots

Both cameras rely on proprietary battery packs: Canon’s LP-E17 versus Sony’s NPFW50.

Though Sony claims a slightly higher CIPA rating of 330 shots versus Canon’s 305, in my field tests the Canon typically outlasted Sony under similar usage patterns. The Canon’s USB-PD compatibility also allows in-camera charging via power banks, a welcome convenience for travelers.

Both use a single storage slot accommodating SD cards, though the Canon supports faster UHS-II cards, aiding quicker buffer clearing during burst shoots. Sony supports SD and Memory Stick formats, a bit archaic now.

For professional workflows, faster card interfaces and reliable battery endurance tip the scales toward the Canon.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Suitability for Harsh Conditions

Neither camera offers official weather sealing or ruggedization. Both cameras have plastic and metal chassis blends, but Canon’s chassis feels slightly more robust and better constructed. For photographers planning to shoot in demanding environments, I suggest adding generous weather protection for either option.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Perform Beyond Stills?

Video remains a critical feature for many, so here’s where these two show their differences.

The Canon M6 Mark II records UHD 4K video up to 30fps with 8-bit 4:2:0 420 internally, plus Full HD up to 120fps for slow-motion creative options. It supports a microphone input (though no headphone jack), delivers clean HDMI output, and features digital stabilisation during video capture.

Sony NEX-5R offers Full HD 1080p at a maximum of 60fps, encoded in AVCHD format, with no microphone or headphone jack. No 4K recording here, naturally given its vintage. Slow-motion is not native.

If video quality matters to you (the Canon is also better for hybrid shooters), the M6 Mark II’s modern codec, higher resolution, and frame rates are clear advantages.

Specialized Photography: How Do They Stack Up in Different Genres?

Let's zone in on specific photography types with combined testing experience.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s high resolution sensor, effective eye detection AF, smooth color rendition, and better control dials make it the clear winner for portrait work. Its bokeh quality on fast prime lenses is superior, reflecting pleasing background separation.

Sony suffers from lower resolution and lack of eye AF, which causes focus misses in quick shutter scenarios. Color needs some warming in post.

Landscape Photography

More megapixels mean the Canon M6 Mark II produces images with more detail and greater cropping freedom, a boon for landscape shooters.

The larger sensor area of the Sony helps with dynamic range slightly, but Canon’s newer DIGIC 8 processor brings improved shadow recovery and highlight roll-off, creating files that hold up well in HDR processing.

Lack of weather sealing on both demands care outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s 14fps burst with superior AF tracking, combined with EF lens ecosystem including pro telephotos, gives it an edge. Sony’s smaller lens selection and slower focus make longer lens wildlife photography more frustrating.

Sports Photography

Low-light AF accuracy and frame rate favor Canon again. Sony’s 10fps isn't bad for older cameras but falls short for fast sports photography.

Street Photography

Sony’s smaller size and very light weight do have a charm for street shooters wishing to remain unobtrusive. However, Canon’s slightly larger frame is still manageable and won’t slow you down dramatically.

Canon’s faster autofocus and better low-light control make it preferable for night street scenes.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers in-body stabilization, so lens stabilization becomes critical. Canon’s broader lens compatibility, including STM and USM lenses with stabilization, is a practical advantage.

The M6 II’s focus precision and live-view magnification assist manual macro focusing better than the Sony.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s higher resolution sensor and better noise control past ISO 1600 support detailed astrophotography, especially with exposure bracketing.

Sony’s sensor noise is noticeable beyond ISO 800, less amenable for clean night skies.

Travel Photography

With a keen eye for portability, the Sony NEX-5R shines for minimalist travel setups. However, the Canon M6 Mark II balances slightly larger size with vastly superior image quality and battery innovations, making it my pick for serious travel photographers who prioritize versatility.

Professional Work

For professionals, reliability, file format bit depth, and workflow integration count. Canon supports robust RAW files and wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Sony’s older USB 2.0 interface and lack of modern wireless standards make file transfer slower.

Canon's extensive lens and accessory compatibility further favor professional endeavors.

Canon M6 MII screen back Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Workflow Enhancements

Canon M6 Mark II includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a significant convenience for quick sharing or tethered shooting.

Sony NEX-5R touts built-in Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth, and its connectivity interfaces are slower given USB 2.0 instead of USB 3.0 or USB-C on Canon.

Price and Value: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

At a street price around $849, the Canon M6 Mark II is positioned towards serious enthusiasts. Its advanced sensor, fast AF, and 4K video justify the premium.

Sony’s older NEX-5R, roughly $750 secondhand, offers a lower cost entry point with fewer features, but compromises on speed, resolution, and video.

For photographers seeking a capable daily mirrorless with longevity, the M6 Mark II represents better long-term value.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Here’s my quick take based on hands-on use and technical testing:

• Choose the Canon EOS M6 Mark II if: You want a modern mirrorless camera with fast and accurate autofocus, high resolution for cropping and printing, 4K video, and a versatile lens ecosystem. It’s suitable for enthusiasts and professionals shooting portraits, sports, wildlife, and landscapes who are willing to carry a slightly larger camera for superior performance.

• Choose the Sony NEX-5R if: Your priority is ultra-portability and budget over cutting-edge performance, or if you’re a casual hobbyist who wants a compact mirrorless with solid image quality for travel and street photography. However, do factor in that lens choices and video capabilities are limited compared to modern cameras.

Ultimately, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II sets a higher bar in almost every category except weight and size. If you value future-proof specs and intend to shoot in diverse conditions or genres, it’s a worthwhile investment. Sony’s NEX-5R reminds me that sometimes simplicity and portability suffice, but at the cost of flexibility and advancement.

Dear Canon, please consider reviving the EF-M mount ecosystem more aggressively - for now, the M6 Mark II remains among the best APS-C mirrorless cameras in its tier.

I hope this side-by-side breakdown helps clarify the significant differences between these two cameras drawn from years of practical shooting and testing. The right choice depends on where you prioritize speed, image quality, portability, and budget. Feel free to drop me a line if you want specific lens recommendations or tips on maximizing either system.

Happy shooting!